Patent ID: 6022206
Filing Date: 2000-02-08
Classification: B01J,B30B

Abstract:
A multi anvil device for converting a uniaxial force applied to said device into substantially hydrostatic pressure conditions acting on a cubic sample vessel, the uniaxial force being generated by a press having a first pressure plate and a second pressure plate, said device being disposed between the pressure plates, said device comprising:a generally disc-shaped first end plate having a planar outer surface in pressing contact with the first pressure plate;a generally disc-shaped second end plate having a planar outer surface in pressing contact with the second pressure plate;a tubular locking ring disposed between said end plates, said locking ring having a longitudinal axis generally perpendicular to the planes defined by both said end plates, said locking ring having an inner surface encompassing the volume of a right cylinder, said locking ring being axially spaced from at least portions of both said end plates, and wherein each said end plate includes a body having a planar first end and a planar second end, said first end generally facing the other said end plate, said second end being coextensive with said outer surface, said ends being spaced apart in a substantially parallel relationship, said first end having a circular shape with a diameter less than the diameter defined by the inner surface of said locking ring, said body having a cylindrical portion extending from said first end towards said second end which cross-sectionally defines the same diameter as said first end, and said second end being formed with dimensions greater than said first end, wherein said end plates are aligned with said locking ring to allow the respective cylindrical portions of said end plates to telescopically mate with said locking ring; anda plurality of unconstrained pressing members being disposed between said end plates and within said locking ring, said pressing members being formed to cooperatively define a right cylinder form substantially having the dimensions of the volume encompassed by said inner surface of said locking ring, said plurality of unconstrained pressing members also cooperatively defining a generally cuboidal hollow center within said right cylinder form for accommodating the cubic sample vessel, and said pressing members being formed to collectively reduce the volume of said hollow center with at least one of the pressure plates applying uniaxial force to at least one of said end plates such that said device is uniaxially compressed between the pressure plates.