Abstract: An isostatic press and the process of using same is disclosed and claimed. The isostatic press includes a yoke; a bottom cover affixed to the yoke; a top cover affixed to the yoke; and, a body moveable between a first position and a second position. A process for isostatically pressing a workpiece in the isostatic press is also disclosed and claimed. The process includes the steps of: placing the workpiece on the bottom cover; moving the body from the first position to the second position; pressurizing the chamber; depressurizing the chamber; removing the workpiece; and, moving the chamber from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a plurality of cylindrical slugs linked together by a cable. The slugs are separated by spacers and the cable is crimped at each end thereof to keep the slugs and spacers from coming off the cable. The cable-slugs-spacers assembly is inserted through a guide tube and into an annulus locking the cover of the pressure vessel to the housing of the vessel. A relief mechanism is provided in the cover to ensure that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly is fully inserted in the annulus thus preventing accidental extrication of the cover when the vessel is pressurized. A proximity sensor is positioned in the housing of the vessel and senses the pressure of the first slug inserted into the annulus thus insuring that the cable-slugs-spacers assembly has been fully inserted in the annulus. A coupling is provided on one end of the cable-slugs-spacers assembly to positively lock the assembly in place ensuring that the cover will not be extricated from the pressure vessel under pressure.