Abstract: An improved assembly for HPHT processing having a can with an opening and a mixture disposed within the opening. A sealant barrier is positioned atop the mixture. First and second lids are positioned atop the mixture.

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 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: A diamond sintered body conventionally used in a cutting tool or the like includes an iron group metal element as a sintering aid, and therefore has a problem in heat resistance. A diamond sintered body not including the iron group metal, on the other hand, does not have sufficient mechanical strength to be used as a tool material, and also does not have conductivity, which makes electrical discharge machining impossible, and thus processing thereof is difficult. A diamond polycrystalline body having high heat resistance and mechanical strength and having conductivity enabling electrical discharge machining is obtained by using only an amorphous or fine graphite-type carbon material as a starting material, adding boron thereto and concurrently performing conversion into diamond and sintering in an ultra-high pressure and temperature condition.

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.

Abstract: The present invention includes a hydraulic cartridge and unitary frame connection for a high pressure high temperature press apparatus. The invention includes a hydraulic cartridge and a unitary frame threaded together. The hydraulic cartridge includes a cylindrical base and a truncated hollow conical section with external threads having a taper between about 2.650 and 5.650 inches per foot. The unitary frame defines an inner reaction chamber and has an outer surface. An opening in the unitary frame has internal threads extending axially substantially between the outer surface and the inner reaction chamber. The internal threads are adapted to mate with the hydraulic cartridge and the hydraulic cartridge is attached to the unitary frame along the length of the threads.

Abstract: A structure for presses includes: a resistant structure having at least one resistance element having a flat annular element internally of which and in diametrically opposite positions two facing surfaces are arranged, between which facing surfaces at least one tool can be inserted, for exerting a pressing action and compressing between two bodies, the two facing surfaces receiving equal and opposite reactions to the pressing action. Cuts at ends of the facing surfaces involve a total thickness of the facing surface. Each cut includes a first tract parallel to a pressing direction and a second circular part; the circular second part constituting a snug seating for discs. Interpositioning elements are provided for being interpositioned between ends of the facing surfaces so that two resultants, parallel to the pressing direction, of action exerted on each facing surface are located externally to centers of corresponding circular second parts.

Abstract: An improved high pressure apparatus can include a plurality of complementary die segments. The die segments can have inner surfaces which are shaped to form a die chamber upon assembly of the die segments. A pair of anvils can be oriented such that an anvil is at each end of the die chamber. To prevent the die segments from being forced apart during movement of the anvils, force members can be connected to the die segments. The force members can apply discrete forces to the die segments sufficient to retain the die segments in substantially fixed positions relative to each other during application of force by the pair of anvils. Using such a high pressure apparatus can achieve pressures as high as 10 GPa with improved useful die life and larger reaction volumes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for eliminating pathogenic organisms from raw food products, such as raw shellfish, whereby the molluscan shellfish is exposed to hydrostatic pressure of relatively high value, for example between 20,000 p.s.i. to 50,000 p.s.i. for 1-15 minutes. The process is conducted at ambient temperatures, leaving the raw shellfish substantially unaffected, in its desired raw state, such that the pathogenic organisms are destroyed, while sensory characteristics of the raw shellfish remain high. The same process can be used for shucking oysters without any mechanical force. A high pressure processor for elimination of bacteria in raw food products is disclosed.

Abstract: A belt/die, pre-tensioned loaded windings, or other high-pressure apparatus has a series of annular rings for confining material being subjected to high-pressure treatment. The series of annular rings has an inner annular ring having an inner upper edge, an outer upper edge, an inner lower edge, and an outer lower edge. The inner lower edge is chamfered at an angle of greater than about 60° from the vertical in order to create a transition slope that mitigates tensile stresses.

Abstract: A reduced mass unitary frame having a cubic, spherical, prismatic, or ellipsoidal shape, a plurality of intersecting threaded boreholes that describe an spherical internal reaction chamber, and a plurality of unitary cartridges with internal fluid intensification for an ultra-high pressure, high-temperature, fluid driven press apparatus capable of reaching pressures in excess of 35 kilobars and temperatures above 1000 degrees centigrade, useful in the production of such high-pressure products as diamond, polycrystalline diamond, cubic boron nitride, and like superhard materials.

Abstract: A powder feed system for delivering a quantity of particulate material to a die cavity of a powder press is provided. The powder press has a table-like platen surface which is flush with and surrounds a die in which the die cavity sits, an upper punch appending from an upper ram and a lower punch. The powder feed delivery system includes a receptacle for receiving and delivering particulate material to the cavity. The receptacle has an ingress through which particulate material is received under pressure and an egress for registering with the interior of the cavity and through which particulate material is delivered under pressure from a feed conduit to the cavity. The feed conduit is attached at a first end to the receptacle ingress. At least one pressure generator is attached to a top end of a pressure vessel attached at a second end to the feed conduit.

Abstract: A multi anvil device is provided for creating substantially hydrostatic pressure conditions on a cubic sample vessel having a. volume of up to approximately one cubic centimeter. The device comprises a plurality of pressure members disposed within a tubular locking ring. The pressing members collectively define a right cylinder form having a hollow cuboidal center, and the members are formed to cooperatively reduce the volume of the hollow center under compression of the device. Two generally disc-shaped end plates are disposed at the ends of the device to receive and transmit forces from an external source to the pressing members. The pressing members and the locking ring are unconstrained and reactive to misalignment of forces applied to the device and misalignment of the components within the device. A zirconia cubic sample vessel having chamfered edges is also provided for encompassing the sample during operation of the device.

Abstract: A powder feed system for delivering a quantity of particulate material to a die cavity of a powder press is provided. The powder press has a table-like platen surface which is flush with and surrounds a die in which the die cavity sits, an upper punch appending from an upper ram and a lower punch. The powder feed delivery system includes a receptacle for receiving and delivering particulate material to the cavity. The receptacle has an ingress through which particulate material is received under pressure and an egress for registering with the interior of the cavity and through which particulate material is delivered under pressure from a feed conduit to the cavity. The feed conduit is attached at a first end to the receptacle ingress. At least one pressure generator is attached to a top end of a pressure vessel attached at a second end to the feed conduit.

Abstract: A method for consolidating powdered material to near net shape and full density is provided. The method includes the steps of: mixing a particulate material with an organic or inorganic binder to form a mold material; shaping the mold material into a mold having a shape and including an external surface and an interior cavity and being of sufficient solidity to maintain its shape yet being compressible under pressure; filling the interior cavity with a powdered material to be consolidated; heating the mold with the powdered material therein to form a heated filled mold; applying pressure to the external surface of the mold sufficient to compress the mold material and transfer a pressurizing force to the powdered material within the mold cavity so as to consolidate the powder and form an article; and removing the article from the mold. In an alternative method, the mold material is made of a particulate material which is held in the shape of the mold by a vacuum.

Abstract: High pressure presses for making diamonds and other hard, crystalline materials. The high pressure presses may contain varying numbers of moveable press members: e.g., a tetrahedral press will have four press members while a cubic press will have six press members. The high pressure presses are equipped with at least one hydraulic ram to provide forward and reverse thrusting force. The movable press members are positioned to move along a rectilinear path and converge at a common point. The ram thrusting force is distributed to every press member and the movable press members are guided to move in a simultaneous and synchronous manner by interconnected guide plates and slidable guide rods which comprise a guide system. The guide system allows for the elimination of one or more hydraulic rams such that the total number of hydraulic rams normally connected to each of the moveable press members will be less than the number of press members.

Abstract: A diamond anvil cell assembly of relatively small diameter, so it may be used in commonly available cryostats, which cell assembly is capable of applying pressures in excess of 100 kbar. The pressure applying device of the diamond anvil cell assembly includes multiple bellows which are stacked apparently in series (i.e., end-to-end) but mechanically in parallel so that the force from each bellows adds without increasing the diameter of the assembly, thus multiplying the force of a single bellows ram by a factor of two or even four without increasing the diameter of the ram.

Abstract: A high-pressure press is provided with a high-pressure chamber and an end member located at one end of the high-pressure chamber which serves as a packing holder. The end member is provided with a support surface which, under maximum pressure condition in the high-pressure chamber, faces an opposite end surface on the low-pressure cylinder which serves as a stationary part of the press. In this way, forces acting in a direction from the high-pressure chamber are transmitted to the stationary part when the support surface on the end member is brought into contact with the supporting end surface on the low-pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A diamond anvil of the type comprising (a) a pair of diamonds having a facing, plane parallel bearing surfaces and (b) a device for applying a force to the diamonds tending to press the bearing surfaces together. Both diamonds have a peripheral surface, extending outward from the bearing surface, which is tangent to the bearing surface at the interface thereto and which tapers away from the bearing surface with a continuous curved surface.

Abstract: High-pressure high-temperature device for conversion the graphite to diamonds (DCGD) includes a container having a high pressure chamber, an inlet for introducing a fuel, an oxidizer and an electrolyte respectively into container, a generator of instantaneous electro-impulses, electrodes secured to the container and connected with the generator of instantaneous electro-impulses to produce the power electro-discharge between electrodes. DCGD includes a source of a direct electro-current and a pair of positive and negative electrodes positioned within an electrolyte for heating the graphite in the high pressure chamber. The high-pressure chamber includes a cylinder-piston unit submerged within an electrolyte. The piston of cylinder-piston unit is explosively driven toward the high-pressure chamber by the combined action of electro-discharge in the electrolyte a combustion of fuel inside of container. DCGD may be adapted for compaction other materials, for extruding, forging and the like.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is directed to a method for achieving high pressure wherein a sample is placed between a pair of diamond anvils and the anvils compressed. The improvement comprises forming the anvils from one or more of isotopically-pure .sup.12 C or .sup.13 C diamond. Isotopically-pure .sup.13 C diamond is preferred as it has the highest atomic or bond density parameter of any known material and, therefore, should have the highest hardness also Isotopically-enriched diamond .sup.13 C diamond should find utility as an anvil with higher .sup.13 C contents increasing the hardness of the anvil product. By utilizing isotopically pure diamond anvils, less breakage at current pressures should be realized concomitant with the ability to achieve yet higher pressures.

Abstract: A high pressure/high temperature piston-cylinder-type apparatus has an electrically insulating diamond or cubic boron nitride coating disposed between one or both movable pistons and the surrounding core to electrically isolate the piston or pistons from the surrounding core. The electrically insulating coating is applied to the exterior surface of one or both of the pistons or, alternately, to the inner surface of the core. Electrically insulated, right circular cylindrical pistons are used at both ends of the apparatus resulting in the ability to uniformly compress reaction charges at high temperatures with a much higher length-to-diameter ratio. A ring of electrical insulating material is alternately mounted at the reaction charge end of each piston, with the remaining exterior surface of each piston coated with a thin, elastically insulating layer.

Abstract: A pressure molding machine for molding various types of stepped articles having, a nest of ram adapters receiving thereon pressure rams and a common base support having cylindrical walls positioned coaxially. The end faces of the walls are at the same level for receiving thereon base ends of the ram adapters, and a nest of movable frames each operated by a pressure cylinder. The movable frames move along guide channels provided in the cylindrical walls of the common base support for operating the ram adapters. Total length and total weight of the machine can be minimized, a die-set is easy for manufacturing, mounting and exchanging, and costs for the equipment can also be minimized.

Abstract: An end cap apparatus for high pressure, high temperature reaction vessels having a reaction chamber containing a reaction charge includes a single member disposed in registry with the reaction charge in the reaction chamber which is formed of at least two or more materials, at least one of which is electrically conductive, and at least one of which is non-conductive to both heat and electricity. In a preferred embodiment, the member is formed of a mixture of graphite and an alkali halide salt. In certain applications, an outer, non-conductive ceramic member surrounds and supports the inner member.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of high density, monolithic ceramic maters. A mixed powder, such as Titanium-Boron is first subjected to uniaxial pressure to form a green compact. The compact is positioned in a vented mold between two steel plates and subjected to Self-Propagation High Temperature Synthesis to form a molten ceramic, and then to an explosively generated shockwave by an explosive charge positioned on the upper steel plate so as to compress the molten ceramic between the two plates to form high purity ceramic of more than 90% theoretical density.

Abstract: An electric pulsed power vacuum press assembly for fast pulse heating of electrically conductive materials at high pressures is disclosed. The fast pulse capability is provided for by a current path (49) that is characterized by extremely low inductance and resistance. The low inductance of the press structure is achieved through the use of parallel plate (52), (56) and coaxial (64), (98) transmission line elements in the circuit. The use of a vacuum environment (46) reduces contamination of the material being processed. The press is useful for achieving fine scale adiabatic heating in dielectric/conductor mixtures (11) such as graphite and diamond, allowing for extreme heating of the conductive phase with minimal heat transfer to the dielectric phase during the heating pulse. Fine scale adiabatic heating enables phase changes and consolidation to be achieved in a composite with minimum energy input and minimum heating of the press structure.

Abstract: A press tooling transfer system which includes a track system having a turntable for directing a carriage, with the tool set, between several stations and a press. There is overhead service and power supply connected with the carriages for reaching to all station positions of the carriage, and there is no requirement for any power drive or the like below the level of the tracks supporting the carriages. Also, the system is in duplicative form with respect to its carriages, tracks, presses, and overhead supply, but the system can utilize a common or single knock-out station for the duplicative portions of the system, as mentioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating super-high pressure to produce diamonds, carbide material, and the like, in which fluid pressure generating means for generating fluid pressure introduced into pressure chambers to move a plurality of moving bodies pressing an article to be pressed by a pressing force applied from outside of a casing is provided integral with the casing to simplify the equipment for producing hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for hot uniaxial pressing of heat resistant metal canisters containing synthetic rock components.A hydraulic press is provided in a furnace and has a fixed top press frame with refractory top pad and fixed base. The furnace comprises an electrical induction coil with a cylindrical metal sleeve functioning as a susceptor sleeve. The press is also provided with an upwardly acting hydraulic ram with ram head and refractory top pad.A platen is provided on a ram having a mounting shaft. The ram is actuable to laterally displace the platen so that columns extending on opposed sides of the press and having respective recesses are arranged to engage with complementary portions of the platen.The susceptor sleeve can be removed by swinging the platen around to extend below the region of the susceptor, but not into engagement with the column recesses, raising the platen and then releasing a clamping mechanism which normally grips the susceptor.

Abstract: A double or multiple bevel culet geometry is used on a diamond anvil in a high pressure cell apparatus to provide increased sample pressure and stability for a given force applied to the diamond tables. Double or multiple bevel culet geometries can also be used for sapphire or other hard crystal anvils. Pressures up to and above 5 Megabars can be reached.

Abstract: An ultra-high pressure solid pressing machine of the type having a pair of upper and lower platens mounted in a press frame and movable relatively toward and away from each other, a mold unit interposed between the upper and lower platens and including at least a cylindrical cavity for receiving raw material therein, upper and lower conical surfaces formed around the upper and lower ends of the cylindrical cavity, and upper and lower anvils fitted respectively in the upper and lower conical surfaces through a gasket to compress the raw material in the cylindrical cavity under an ultra-high pressure, characterized in that the pressing machine includes a plurality of mold units stacked one on another between the upper and lower platens through insulators with axes of cylindrical cavities of the respective mold units being in vertical alignment with each other and a current supply control separately connected to the mold units.

Abstract: A mold for press-molding glass elements comprising a base member made of a super hard alloy or a cermet; at least one intermediate layer made of a nitride, a carbide, an oxide or a metal, provided on the base member; and a noble metal layer provided on the intermediate layer for forming a mold surface. An active metal contained in the base member is prevented from diffusing to the mold surface by the presence of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly "pressure quenching" or reducing the pressure on samples from very high pressures at rates substantially in excess of 10.sup.6 up to 10.sup.10 bars, or atmospheres, per second, or more, while avoiding damage to the high pressure system. The high pressure system is comparable to that employed to make artificial diamonds, and includes optional arrangements for heating, cooling, and applying electric and magnetic fields to the pressure quenched sample. Special arrangements are provided for circulating cooling fluid in the vicinity of the metastable material to rapidly cool it, immediately prior to decompression.

Abstract: A high temperature high pressure apparatus which comprises: an annular die having a straight cylindrical bore and a substantially conical face in adjacency outwards with each end thereof, a pair of tapered punches which are in opposed and axial alignment with the die so that a conical face of each punch is substantially in parallel with that of the die, a pair of inner gaskets, each of which is made of fired refractory and is arranged in direct abutment on the conical face of the punch and the bore of the die, a pair of outer gaskets, which are made of material of intermediate hardness level and is arranged in adjacency outside the inner gasket, and a pair of stopper rings of readily deformable but highly tough material and arranged in adjacency outwards to the outer gaskets.

Abstract: An isentropic compressive wave generator and method of making same. The w generator comprises a disk or flat "pillow" member having component materials of different shock impedances formed in a configuration resulting in a smooth shock impedance gradient over the thickness thereof for interpositioning between an impactor member and a target specimen for producing a shock wave of a smooth predictable rise time. The method of making the pillow member comprises the reduction of the component materials to a powder form and forming the pillow member by sedimentation and compressive techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diamond synthesis process.A stack of graphite and alloy pellets of at least one metal of group VIII or VII of the periodic system with an element having the same crystallographic structure as the diamond are placed in an enclosure. The pressure and temperature are raised so that the alloy starts to liquefy. Part of the element remains in the state of solid particles used in the nucleation by epitaxy of the diamond crystals. The carbon migrates through the liquid alloy from the pellets to the solid particles.

Abstract: A press to be used in the synthesis of diamonds, the press has a cavity which receives a movable press member, with both the cavity and press having co-operating inclined surfaces which co-operate to define enclosed cavities to receive a base material from which diamonds are manufactured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for compensating uneven gravity filling with powder material of a die cavity formed on the top of a punch reciprocable in a bore in a die plate, the punch having an end face normally parallel to the surface of the die plate. The punch is mounted on an adjustable support member split into portions having each an end face disposed parallel to the end face of the other portion. The two portions have a common surface of junction disposed in a plane at an angle to the parallel end faces. The two portions are rotated together to orient the surface of junction in the direction of inclination of the punch, and the two portions are independently rotated the same amount in opposite directions as a function of the desired angle of inclination of the punch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reaction vessel adapted to withstand pressures and temperatures of the magnitude associated with the manufacture of diamond products and boron nitride (BN) and similar hard materials. The reaction vessel has an outer chamber or shell formed from steel and an inner reaction chamber. Known vessels of this type must be provided with a thick layer of insulating material between the reaction chamber and the outer steel shell to protect the outer shell from the heat of the diamond-forming process carried on in the reaction chamber. The quantity of insulating material required within the vessel for adequate protection of the outer shell is relatively large as compared to the area of the outer shell. Accordingly, the amount of available space remaining within the vessel for the diamond-forming reaction is limited, thus limiting the size of the diamonds formed.

Abstract: An improved ultrahigh pressure apparatus which comprises; a pair of opposed frustoconical punches, an annular die which has a central bore therethrough formed straight-cylindrical at least partially at an inner portion and which is placed between and in alignment with said punches, a rigid hollow cylinder which is placed in a circumferential contact with the straight cylindrical bore face of the die, and a pair of gaskets of a readily deformable material which are each placed around a conical face of punches and adjacent to a bore face portion of the die outside the rigid cylinder and to an orifice of said cylinder, which apparatus is characterized in that said rigid hollow cylinder has a bore face formed substantially quarter-circular or quarter-elliptical, in a radial section taken along an axis thereof, starting at either axial end and ending at a central portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for making diamonds. In one form, a plurality of shock waves are generated and are directed or focused against carbon particles retained in a cavity of a die such that the heat and pressure of the shock waves will heat and compress the particles of carbon to form one or more diamonds thereof. In another form, diamonds or particles of diamond dust are disposed in a cavity containing carbon particles and serve as substrates or nuclei on which carbon is converted to diamond forming larger diamonds thereof. Each of the diamonds disposed in the mold or die cavity is completely surrounded by carbon. A magnetic jack hammer of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,632,242 having a focusing horn attached thereto is employed to generate and transmit the trains of intermittent shock waves to the diamonds and carbon disposed in the mold.

Abstract: A press for cold-forming granular tungsten carbide cutting tool edge blanks for sintering, it has helical edges on jaws which open and close around a center pin and are of a depth which allows for shrinkage during sintering, top, bottom and side members seal the forming cavity; a grahite sinter fixture has similarly-shaped forming and sealing components to the press but relies only on gravitational surface reaction to close components against a pressed blank to prevent shrinkage distortion during sintering.

Abstract: A press assembly having an improved frame including a crown, bed, cylinder, and ram assembly tied together by tie rods and compression members in which a platen assembly secured to the ram assembly guides directly on the inward facing surface portions of the tie rods. Associated compression members juxtaposed around the outward facing surface portions of the tie rods provide stability to the whole press assembly and form part of an enclosure about the press assembly. Washers having outwardly tapering transverse portions are mounted on each tie rod to prevent bending of the tie rods at their ends.

Abstract: Reaction vessel construction is described for suppressing spontaneous diamond nucleation and simultaneously reducing the flaw content in the main body of diamond grown from diamond seed material by the process broadly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,407 to Wentorf, Jr.In the reaction vessel construction the body of catalyst-solvent metal is formed with at least one small tip projecting from the underside thereof. A single diamond seed is placed in contact with this (or each) tip. The underside of the plug of catalyst-solvent metal is in contact with a nucleation-suppressing disc, or layer, of a material different from the catalyst-solvent and selected from a specific group of materials. In each case the tip of catalyst-solvent metal projects through a hole in the disc or layer to make contact with the diamond seed material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing high pressure comprises a multi-die system (1). Each die (2) is made up of two cooperating parts arranged along a longitudinal centerline (3) of the die (2), one part being a working body (4), the other being a base member (8). The working body (4) is also made up of two parts in the direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline (3) of the die (2), the parts being a central insert (21) and an encircling ring (22) both arranged coaxially and capable of relative displacement towards a test sample (7). The surface area of an end (23) of the central insert (21) of the working body (4) approximates to or less (in this case less) than the surface area of the central portion (18) of an end (11) of the working body (4). An end (5) of the working body (4) is arranged for direct cooperation with a solid medium (6) which is plastic under pressure and serves to surround a sample (7) being tested.

Abstract: A device for building-up high pressures, in which the die surfaces facing each other are provided with circular grooves intended to be filled with a solid medium and arranged concentrically to, and beyond, the central sections of the dies. On closing of the dies, these circular grooves form spaces filled with the solid medium.

Abstract: Reaction vessel construction is provided whereby in the practice of the invention disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,297,407 - Wentorf, Jr. diamond seed material is isolated from the main supply of catalyst-solvent metal by an inert barrier insoluble in the catalyst-solvent bath. One or more restricted diamond growth paths (e.g. small diameter wires of catalyst-solvent) are provided through the inert barrier interconnecting diamond seed material and the main supply of catalyst-solvent metal. In this way the diamond seed material cannot be eroded or destroyed by exposure to the bath of catalyst-solvent metal and a controllable limit can be placed on the size of the single diamond seed crystal ultimately presented to the bath via any given growth path.

Abstract: A means for producing extremely high pressures especially adaptable for use in the art of diamond making, such means employing the expansion characteristics of materials and includes a member expandable in response to heat for applying pressure to diamond producing material.

Abstract: A press assembly having an improved frame including a crown, bed, cylinder, and ram assembly tied together by tie rods and compression members in which a platen assembly secured to the ram assembly guides directly on the inward facing surface portions of the tie rods. Associated compression members juxtaposed around the outward facing surface portions of the tie rods provided stability to the whole press assembly and form part of an enclosure about the press assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the manufacture of concrete products in which a mixture comprised of cement, aggregate, a vinyl acetate-dibutyl maleate copolyer and an amount of water sufficient to make a relatively dry mixture is initially compressed into the desired configuration. This compressed-shaped article is then cured in a chamber charged with carbon dioxide gas to provide a fully cured concrete product having excellent physical properties. The apparatus of this invention is especially useful in the manufacture of terrazo panels and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for operation in the temperature range above 1000 degrees Centigrade and at pressures above 50 kilobars, for making industrial diamonds or the like, includes arrangements for more reliably maintaining uniform temperature while compressing the charge. The high pressure cavity includes the usual insulating cylindrical liner made of a salt, or other insulating material, to facilitate the application of electricity to heat the charge, and the liner stops short of the end of the cylindrical high pressure cavity to avoid deformation as the main piston moves into the end of the high pressure cavity. A ring or rings of zinc and/or lead and/or a zinc-lead alloy, may be located immediately adjacent the end of the insulating liner, and a thin layer of lead may extend across the main piston, to insure confinement within the cavity. Heating arrangements are provided to compensate for the cooling which occurs along and at the ends of the high pressure cavity to thereby achieve more uniform temperature.