A MELTER ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A CRYSTAL FORMING APPARATUS WITH MOLTEN SOURCE MATERIAL

摘要

A melter assembly supplies a charge of molten source material to a crystal forming apparatus for use in forming crystalline bodies. The melter assembly comprises a housing and a crucible located in the housing. A heater is disposed relative to the crucible for melting solid source material received in the crucible. The crucible has a nozzle to control the flow of molten source material such that a directed flow of molten source material can be supplied to the crystal forming apparatus at a selected flow rate. A method of charging a crystal forming apparatus with molten source material and a method of servicing multiple crystal forming apparatus with a single melter assembly are also provided.