Methods for weighing a pulled object having a changing weight

Abstract

Methods are disclosed for pulling an object while measuring the weight of the object. The object is pulled upward using a cable extending over a first cylinder. The cable further extends over a second cylinder. The cable travels along a cable path between an uppermost portion of each of the outer circumferential portions of the first cylinder and the second cylinder. The first cylinder is restrained from movement parallel to the cable path with an arm having a first end and a second end. The first end is coupled to the first cylinder and the second end is coupled to either the second cylinder or a frame. The weight of the object is measured with a force measurement device. In some embodiments, the position of the cable with respect to the frame may be adjusted by a dampening system or a bushing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 61 / 165,285; 61 / 165,291; 61 / 165,294, all filed Mar. 31, 2009; Application No. 61 / 234,472, filed Aug. 17, 2009; and Application No. 61 / 262,666, filed Nov. 19, 2009.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The field of the disclosure relates generally to methods for measuring the weight of an object suspended from a cable and, more specifically, to methods for measuring the weight of an object having a changing weight.BACKGROUND[0003]This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Still another aspect is a method for pulling an object upward. The method comprises pulling the object upward using a cable, the cable extending over a first cylinder, the first cylinder having an outer circumferential surface, wherein pulling the object upward includes raising the first cylinder while restraining the cable from movement with respect to the first cylinder. The cable further extends over a second cylinder, the second cylinder having an outer circumferential surface which the cable extends a

Problems solved by technology

While the density and growth velocity of the ingot are readily determinable to a high degree of accuracy, the rate of change of weight of the ingot is not measurable with a high enough degree of accuracy by previous systems to ensure a correct determination of the ingot diameter.

The inherent inaccuracies of previous force measurement systems described above thus render them ill-suited for determining the diameter of a growing silicon ingot based on the weight of the ingot.

Known systems therefore utilize more costly and less accurate systems for determining the diameter of the growing silicon ingot.

Moreover, orbital and / or pendular motion of the cable can affect the amount of force exerted on the load cell by the cable and thus affect the force measurement.

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