Abstract: A briquette press apparatus for compacting powdered materials having a programmable control monitoring the forces of the press. During compression, the programmable control measures the compression force being asserted against the powdered material and regulates the press so that the compression force equals a programmed reference value. During decompression, the programmable control monitors the pressure release rate of the press and regulates the press so that the measured pressure release rate matches a programmed reference rate.

Abstract: A sample cup for use in holding a sample for spectrochemical analysis consists of a main cell member which is cup-shaped and has a closed top surface. Located on the top surface is a venting means which includes a beam-like section of a given thickness extending along the top surface near the center. The beam is surrounded by a thinner area integrally fabricated with the top surface. Extending upwardly from the surface of the beam is a post which when pushed downwardly crosses the cantilever beam to rupture the thin area thus creating a venting path for pressure equalization. The cantilever beam automatically returns due to spring action to its original position thus preventing excessive material from escaping from the hollow confines of the sample cup.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample cup for retaining a specimen to be subjected to spectrochemical analysis. The sample cup comprises a cell section which is a cup-shaped member having a closed bottom and an opened top, the opened top being defined by a cell neck having a tapered outer wall. The tapered outer wall of the cell neck is adapted to receive an annular collar having an integrally molded thin plastic film for covering the opened top, thereby sealing the specimen prior to the spectrochemical analysis.