Appeal No. 1997-3388 Page 3
Application No. 08/060,767
1. In combination with a float-zone apparatus for
processing a silicon element, the apparatus
having an RF induction coil heater and an element
holder and a seed holder aligned vertically above
and below the RF induction coil heater, the element
holder being adapted to hold one end of a silicon
element and the seed holder being adapted to hold a
seed crystal of silicon, means for positioning the
element holder relative to the RF induction coil
heater to bring the free end of the silicon element
into proximity with the RF induction coil heater to
melt the free end of the silicon element forming a
molten zone, and means for positioning the seed
holder relative to the RF induction coil heater so that the
seed crystal contacts and fuses with the molten
zone, and means for varying the relative position of
the RF induction coil heater to the silicon element
such that the molten zone is moved along the length of the
silicon element, the improvement comprising: a
cylindrical susceptor positionable around the
free
end of the silicon element.
The prior art references of record relied upon by the
examiner in rejecting the appealed claims are:
Ayel 3,935,059 Jan. 27,
1976
Great Britain (G.B. ‘827) 1,081,827 Sep. 06,
1967
(Published Great Britain Patent Application)
Claims 1-6 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being
unpatentable over G.B. ‘827 in view of Ayel.
OPINION
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