Abstract: A pressure chamber has a chamber wall. The chamber wall includes a sensor integrated within the chamber wall, wherein the sensor integrated in the chamber wall comprises defects. A method of determining an effect of pressure on a material is further described. The method includes applying pressure to a material within a pressure chamber and to a pressure chamber wall of the pressure chamber, where the pressure chamber wall has defects. A signal from the defects is sensed while the material and the pressure chamber wall are under pressure. A property of the material is determined based on the sensed signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a press base assembly, a strengthening ring for use with press bases and related methods. In one embodiment, a press base assembly includes a press base having a body that includes a piston cavity at one end. The body, at a second end opposite that of the piston cavity, may exhibit a desired geometry. A strengthening ring may be shaped, sized and configured to substantially mate with the geometry of the second end of the body and be placed thereover. For example, the geometry of the second end may be substantially circular exhibiting a particular diameter and circumference. The strengthening ring may have substantially circular internal surface sized and configured such that the strengthening ring is positioned on the second end of the body in a manner that results in an interference fit between the two components.

Abstract: A pressing arrangement (100) is disclosed. The pressing arrangement (100) comprises a pressure vessel (2) comprising a pressure cylinder (1), a top end closure (3) and a bottom end closure (9), a furnace chamber (18) for heating a pressure medium, a plurality of guiding passages (10, 11, 13), a load compartment (19) configured for holding at least one article to be treated, and at least one flow generator (30, 32) for circulating pressure medium within the pressure vessel. The pressing arrangement further comprises a heat exchanging element (170) arranged in the top end closure or in the bottom end closure. The heat exchanging element comprises at least one passage for allowing a flow of pressure medium through the heat exchanging element, and at least one circuit for allowing a circulation of cooling medium within the at least one circuit for a cooling of the pressure medium.

Abstract: A hot-press device includes: a heating furnace; a pair of punches which includes an upper punch and a lower punch provided in the heating furnace and vertically facing each other; a lower press ram which is connected to a lower surface of the lower punch; an upper press ram which is connected to an upper surface of the upper punch; and a pressing device which is connected to any one or both of the lower press ram and the upper press ram and presses the punch so that the pair of punches are close to each other, in which the lower press ram and/or the upper press ram includes a plurality of individual press rams which are disposed at intervals, each individual press ram having one end coupled to the pair of punches.

Abstract: A compression molding machine including a base part; a first mold chase fixed in a position spaced apart from the base part; a second mold chase disposed between the base part and the first mold chase, the second mold chase movable along a movement axis extending perpendicularly between the base part and the first mold chase; and a compression actuation arrangement for moving the second mold chase. The compression actuation arrangement including at least two independent actuating units, each having a first inverted wedge member, a second wedge member, and a drive mechanism. An inclined surface of the first inverted wedge member and an inclined surface of the second wedge member is slidably engaged to each other to convert a motion of the second wedge member along the transmission axis to a motion of the first inverted wedge member along the actuation axis for moving the second mold chase.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component for use in a high pressure press includes successively depositing a volume of one or more materials using a deposition device to build a three dimensional body of the component having a selected material property varied along at least one direction of the component for use in the high pressure press.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a component made from a fiber composite material from a semi-finished fibrous product by means of a multi-part molding and infiltration tool with tool parts, the molding functional surfaces thereof forming, when the tool is closed, a cavity that defines the component. The device is characterized in that the tool (1) has a sealing frame (2, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22) which is designed as a hollow body and in which the semi-finished fibrous product (3) can be arranged, and the tool parts (4) are configured and can be associated with the sealing frame (2, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22) such that, when the tool (1) is closed, the tool parts (4) are connected tightly to the sealing frame (2, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22).

Abstract: Assemblies as disclosed herein for making superhard products by HPHT process comprise a first can portion for accommodating a mixture of materials therein and a second can mated with the first can portion. A leak-tight seal is provided between the first can portion and second can portion in a manner that accommodates the manufacture of relatively longer superhard products without having to change other elements or members used for HPHT processing to thereby provide improved manufacturing flexibility and cost efficiency.

Abstract: A container assembly for use in a high-pressure press having a central pressure cell and a method of sealing a central pressure cell. The container assembly includes a container that receives a sample to be pressed, and a gasket distinct from the container, the gasket meeting the container at an interface. The container and the gasket are dimensioned to locate the interface within the central pressure cell.

Abstract: Provided is a combined cold isostatic press and general press capable of simultaneously performing cold isostatic pressing using pressure of fluid and general pressing using mechanically applied pressure. The combined cold isostatic press and general press includes a main frame having a center penetration region, a pressure vessel supported by the penetration region of the main frame, the pressure vessel performing cold isostatic pressing using fluid injected therein, a top lid installed to be vertically slidable from or to an upper end of the pressure vessel by the fluid filled in the pressure vessel so as to function as piston, the top lid being configured to open or close the upper end of the pressure vessel, a lower lid configured to open or close a lower end of the pressure vessel and a press unit located between the top lid and the main frame to perform pressing using pressure applied by the top lid as the top lid slides from the pressure vessel.

Abstract: High-pressure high-temperature presses are commonly employed to create superhard materials used in such fields as road milling, mining and trenching, to breakup tough materials such as asphalt, concrete and rock. Many such presses comprise a plurality of piston assemblies that may act in concert to pressurize a cell. Such a cell may comprise a body with at least three canisters disposed therein, each comprising an axis passing through a center of the body. Such a configuration may allow for maximum planes of symmetry within the cell.

Abstract: High-pressure high-temperature presses are commonly employed to create superhard materials used in such fields as road milling, mining and trenching, to breakup tough materials such as asphalt, concrete and rock. Many such presses comprise a plurality of piston assemblies that may act in concert to pressurize a cell. Such a cell may comprise a body with a plurality of canisters disposed therein and at least one unique heater element adjacent each of the canisters. Heat may be generated within such a press by forming an electrical circuit with the unique heater element and anvils surrounding the cell.

Abstract: A container assembly for use in a high-pressure press having a central pressure cell and a method of sealing a central pressure cell. The container assembly includes a container that receives a sample to be pressed, and a gasket distinct from the container, the gasket meeting the container at an interface. The container and the gasket are dimensioned to locate the interface within the central pressure cell.

Abstract: An endplate for a hot isostatic pressing canister comprises a central region, and a main region extending radially from the central region and terminating in a corner about a periphery of the endplate. The thickness of the endplate increases along the main region, from the central region to the corner, defining a taper angle. The corner includes an inner surface comprising a radiused portion by which the main region smoothly transitions into the lip. A hot isostatic pressing canister including at least one of the endplates also is disclosed, along with a method of hot isostatic pressing a metallurgical powder using the hot isostatic canister.

Abstract: The invention relates, in particular, to a ceramic-powder and/or metal-powder press tool, comprising at least one base body (21), a plurality of at least two punches (22-25) which, in a press position, are arranged to be insertable from one side into a die cavity (3) of a die (2) filled with ceramic and/or metal powder (P), a plurality of at least two punch carriers (26-29) each for the attachment of one of the punches, wherein at least part of the die carriers (28; 29) is couplable to at least two adjustment drives (39-42) and wherein the punch carriers are arranged to be adjustable relative to each other and relative to the base body, and positive-stop devices (48°, 49, 50) arranged to divert at least part of a pressing force (Fp) from the punches via the base body in a press end position, wherein at least one of the punch carriers is coupled to or mounted on at least two coupling rods (30-33) and each of the coupling rods is couplable to or mountable on its own such adjustment drive.

Abstract: A press assembly for pressurizing a body, comprising a frame and a cartridge for applying load to the body, in which the frame comprises a bore for accommodating the cartridge. The press assembly further comprises an axial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge axially within the bore and a radial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge radially within the bore. The press assembly is configured such that the cartridge can be rotated in the bore between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The radial and axial securement mechanisms are cooperatively configured with respect to each other so when the cartridge is in the locked condition, both the radial and axial securement mechanisms are engaged and when the cartridge is in the unlocked condition the radial and axial securement mechanisms are both disengaged and there is a clearance gap between the cartridge and the bore permitting the cartridge to be axially displaceable within the bore.

Abstract: A press assembly for pressurising a body, comprising a frame and a cartridge for applying load to the body, in which the frame comprises a bore for accommodating the cartridge. The press assembly further comprises an axial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge axially within the bore and a radial securement mechanism for securing the cartridge radially within the bore. The press assembly is configured such that the cartridge can be rotated in the bore between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. The radial and axial securement mechanisms are cooperatively configured with respect to each other so when the cartridge is in the locked condition, both the radial and axial securement mechanisms are engaged and when the cartridge is in the unlocked condition the radial and axial securement mechanisms are both disengaged and there is a clearance gap between the cartridge and the bore permitting the cartridge to be axially displaceable within the bore.

Abstract: An adjustment assembly comprising a platform (110) moveably coupled to a base (120), and an adjustment mechanism comprising a deflection member (132, 134) for adjusting the position of the platform (110) laterally relative to the base (120); the adjustment assembly being configured so that the platform (110) can be urged to move laterally in a direction along a first axis responsive to the deflection member (132, 134) being urged to move in a direction along a second axis, the second axis being substantially not parallel to the first direction.

Abstract: A structure for presses, a resistant structure of which includes at least a resistant element which, in turn, includes an annular element or arch, internally of which are predisposed two facing surfaces, between which at least a power organ is insertable, which power organ is suitable for compressing an object or material to be pressed between two bodies. Full-thickness cuts are symmetrically arranged at ends of the facing surfaces, each cut, starting from the end of the relative facing surface, develops over an arc of a polycentric curve which exhibits at least a first tract, the most external surface of which connects with the lateral surface of the vertical portion of the annular element or arch, and at least a second tract which is connected to the first tract and extends over a portion of not less than a quarter of an arc of circumference.

Abstract: Various embodiments of high pressure presses and related methods of manufacturing and operating such presses are described. In one embodiment, a cubic press is described having press bases with spacers disposed between adjacent press bases. Sets of two or more tie bars are also disposed between adjacent press bases. The tie bars are placed in a state of compression while the spacers are placed in a state of compression. During operation, the press bases may become displaced relative to one another such that additional tension is experience by the tie bars while the amount of compression experienced by the spacer is reduced. The tie bars exhibit a relatively small cross-sectional area as compared to the cross-sectional area of the spacer.

Abstract: A press, an automated loading system for a press and related methods are provided including a loading system having a first assembly configured to carry a reaction cell to an anvil of a press base and a second assembly configured to assist in positioning and orientating the reaction cell on the anvil. In one embodiment, the first assembly may include a trolley displaceable along a guide member to carry the reaction cell to the anvil. The first and second assemblies may each include guide members that are displaceable relative to the anvil that are configured to position the reaction cell at a desired location and orientation on the anvil. In one embodiment, each of the guide members include arms that engage distinct sides of a cubic reaction cell. A clearing mechanism may also be incorporated to clear the surface of the anvil during operation of the system.

Abstract: A high pressure press assembly along with related methods and components for the press assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a press assembly includes a first press base having one or more tie bar receiving holes extending therethrough. A second press base may also include one or more tie bar receiving holes extending therethrough. A tie bar extends between the first press base and the second press base. A tensioning assembly is operatively coupled to the tie bar to place the tie bar in tension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an HPHT method for synthesizing single crystal diamond, wherein a single crystal diamond seed having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5 is utilized. Single crystal diamond seeds having an aspect ratio of at least 1.5 and synthetic single crystal diamond which may be obtained by the method recited are also described. The growth surface is substantially aligned along a <100> or <110> direction in the plane of the growth surface.

Abstract: A thermal insulation layer for an HPHT cell, the thermal insulation layer including CsCl, CsBr, CsI, or a combination thereof, and the thermal insulation layer being electrically insulating; the thermal insulation layer including a thermal insulation sleeve and/or a thermal insulation button for an HPHT cell; a pressure transfer medium for an HPHT cell, the pressure transfer medium including CsBr, CsI or a combination thereof; and a pressure transfer medium for an HPHT cell, the pressure transfer medium including CsCl and additive, with the proviso that the additive does not include ZrO2 are disclosed. HPHT press systems that include a thermal insulation layer or a pressure transfer medium according to embodiments of the present disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved container and method for forming billets using hot isostatic pressing is provided. The method and container allows for adjusting the volume of the container so as to obtain a billet of the desired shape based on selected powder charge for the container. In addition, the corner of the container can be adjusted to allow for elimination of edge effects and further shape control in the resulting billet.

Abstract: An improved method and container for forming billets using hot isostatic pressing is provided. The improved method and container have features that control the deformations of the container during the high temperatures and pressures experienced in such processing so as to provide a billet having a predetermined shape such as, for example, substantially parallel, convex, and/or concave sides. Conservations of the powder used for the billet and more efficient use of the container upon the resulting billet can be achieved.

Abstract: A molding machine for production of gas hydrate pellets under a high pressure in gas hydrate forming conditions, which is inexpensive through minimizing of the use of expensive mechanical seal. The molding machine comprises two forming rolls each fitted to a rotary shaft whose both ends are supported by bearings; a drive unit for rotating the forming rolls; a screw transfer unit for supplying powder to the forming rolls; and a high-pressure vessel, wherein the bearings, the rotary shaft and the forming rolls are all disposed in the high-pressure vessel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high-pressure, high-temperature press comprises a front end comprising a back-up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston, the anvil comprising a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end that forms part of a pressurized chamber within the frame, the back-up comprising a proximal end comprising a first diameter proximate an interface with a distal end of the piston, and a distal end comprising a second diameter proximate an interface with the proximal end of the anvil, the back-up comprising one or more circumferential reliefs disposed on the first diameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high-pressure, high-temperature press comprises a front end comprising a back-up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston, the anvil comprising a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end that forms part of a pressurized chamber within the frame, the back-up comprising a proximal end comprising a first diameter proximate an interface with a distal end of the piston, and a distal end comprising a second diameter proximate an interface with the proximal end of the anvil, the back-up comprising one or more circumferential reliefs disposed on the first diameter.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening. In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening, a powder mixture is disposed within the opening, a substrate disposed within the opening adjacent and above the powder mixture, a formable sealant barrier is disposed within the opening above the substrate, a meltable sealant is disposed within the opening above the formable sealant barrier, and a cap covers the opening.

Abstract: A process for converting carbonaceous material into diamond utilizing the compressive force derived from an abruptly collapsing magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outer frame for cubic hinge press and the cubic hinge press with this outer frame, said outer frame encloses an accommodation space; The supporting planes used for supporting and fixing the back cover plates of hinge sleeve cylinder are set around the inner walls of the outer frame and on the inner walls of upper and lower surfaces of outer frame; A window for the assembly, disassembly and maintenance of press is correspondingly set between two adjacent supporting planes on the outer frame. According to different needs, the outer frame may be designed as square frame, butterfly frame, basket type frame or spherical frame. The hinge press formed by connecting six hinge sleeve piston components through reinforcing plate or through hinge ears and pins is installed in the accommodation space enclosed by the outer frame, thus forming a cubic hinge press.

Abstract: A pressure source material is loaded into a space having constraint device 1, which is formed partly by optically transparent material 1a, 1b, and is disrupted under volume constraint. Light energy is externally supplied to the pressure source material constrained in the space through the optically transparent material by employing the device to apply light energy. The disruption of atomic bonds in the pressure source material is induced by heating the pressure source material above the boiling point thereof through the supplied energy. Exceptionally high pressures are generated in the space by the use of expansive forces arising from the disruption of atomic bonds. Such a configuration can implement ultrahigh pressure abilities that has not been achieved, so far.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-anvil machine, more specifically, a multi-anvil cubic machine that generates substantially hydrostatic pressures and high temperatures inside an industrial reaction chamber. In said chamber materials such as diamonds, cubic boron nitride and similar materials. These conditions are attained in a stable and efficient manner. The generation of force is produced by hemispherical pistons having a short travel path and housed in semi-spherical chambers. The number of mobile components has been reduced in order to simplify and facilitate the assembly during each working cycle.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening. A powder mixture is disposed within the opening. A substrate is disposed within the opening adjacent the powder mixture. Paint is coated on a surface within the opening and opposite the powder mixture with respect to the substrate. A meltable sealant is disposed within the opening and opposite the substrate with respect to the surface and a cap is covering the opening. In another embodiment of the present invention, an assembly for HPHT processing comprises a can with an opening, a powder mixture is disposed within the opening, a substrate disposed within the opening adjacent and above the powder mixture, a formable sealant barrier is disposed within the opening above the substrate, a meltable sealant is disposed within the opening above the formable sealant barrier, and a cap covers the opening.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an outer frame for cubic hinge press and the cubic hinge press with this outer frame, said outer frame encloses an accommodation space; The supporting planes used for supporting and fixing the back cover plates of hinge sleeve cylinder are set around the inner walls of the outer frame and on the inner walls of upper and lower surfaces of outer frame; A window for the assembly, disassembly and maintenance of press is correspondingly set between two adjacent supporting planes on the outer frame. According to different needs, the outer frame may be designed as square frame, butterfly frame, basket type frame or spherical frame. The hinge press formed by connecting six hinge sleeve piston components through reinforcing plate or through hinge ears and pins is installed in the accommodation space enclosed by the outer frame, thus forming a cubic hinge press.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a cartridge assembly is adapted for connection to a frame of a high pressure, high temperature press having a front end with a back up intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The back up has an anterior end proximate the anvil and posterior end proximate the piston. The cartridge assembly has a hydraulic system adapted to apply axial pressure to the back-up through the piston to axially move the front end with respect to a cartridge body. The assembly also has a centralizing assembly with a rod rigidly attached to the cartridge body at a first end and a second end adapted to slide within a peripheral bore formed in the front end.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-pressure generation apparatus, which comprises a pair of columnar-shaped anvils disposed in opposed relation to one another to define a pressure-generating space therebetween. The anvils are adapted to be applied with a load therebetween to generate a high pressure in the pressure-generating space. Each of the anvils has a top portion formed in an approximately circular truncated cone shape, and the top portion has a central region formed with a depression having a side surface which extends obliquely outward. The high-pressure generation apparatus also includes a cylindrical capsule disposed in a central area of the pressure-generating space, and a laminated member formed by alternately laminating a doughnut-shaped metallic thin plate and a doughnut-shaped insulating member along the outer periphery of the capsule. The improved shape of the depression makes it possible to significantly reduce damages of the components.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to a frame of a high temperature, high pressure press, having an anvil at a front end of a cylindrical body of the cartridge and a hydraulic chamber within the body adapted to apply axial pressure to the anvil. A radial compression element is disposed around an outer diameter of the body and is adapted to limit radial expansion of the body proximate the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a high-temperature, high-pressure press apparatus has a cartridge assembly adapted for connection to a unitary frame. An anvil is attached at a front end of a cylindrical body of the cartridge and a hydraulic chamber within the body is adapted to apply axial pressure to the anvil. A threaded end of the anvil is adapted for mating with a threaded inside diameter of a borehole disposed within a wall of the frame. A radial compression element disposed around an outer diameter of the body is adapted to limit radial expansion of the body proximate the hydraulic chamber. At least one mechanism is attached to the radial compression element; the at least one mechanism being adapted to preload the threaded connection between the cartridge assembly and the frame.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to a frame of a high temperature, high pressure press, having an anvil at a front end of a cylindrical body of the cartridge and a hydraulic chamber within the body adapted to apply axial pressure to the anvil. A radial compression element is disposed around an outer diameter of the body and is adapted to limit radial expansion of the body proximate the hydraulic chamber.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: A cartridge assembly for connection to the frame of a high pressure, high temperature press, comprising a front end. The front end may comprise a back up with a conical portion intermediate and coaxial with an anvil and a piston. The anvil may comprise a proximal end in contact with the back-up and a distal end being adapted to form part of a pressurized chamber within the frame. The back-up may comprise a truncated cylinder comprising a first and second interface that are joined by a peripheral cylindrical wall. The cylindrical wall may also comprise a portion extending normally from the periphery of the first interface to a net concave portion of the cylindrical wall. The net concave portion may extend from the normal portion of the cylindrical wall to the periphery of the second interface which abuts the anvil.

Abstract: High pressure synthesis of various crystals such as diamond, cBN and the like can be carried out using reaction assemblies suitable for use in methods such as temperature gradient methods. The reaction assembly can be oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity during application of high pressure. Orienting the reaction assembly in this manner can avoid detrimental effects of gravity on the molten catalyst, e.g., convection, hence increasing available volumes for growing high quality crystals. Multiple reaction assemblies can be oriented in series or parallel, each reaction assembly having one or more growth cells suitable for growth of high quality crystals. Additionally, various high pressure apparatuses can be used. A split die design allows for particularly effective results and control of temperature and growth conditions for individual crystals.