William Ronald Ledbetter

US Patent:

46663894, May 19, 1987

Filed:

Jan 25, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/695004

Inventors:

Matityahu Relis - Kiryat Tivon, IL
William B. Ledbetter - College Station TX

Assignee:

The Texas A&M University System - College Station TX

International Classification:

B22F 300

US Classification:

425 78

Abstract:

There is disclosed a method and apparatus for forming compacts from finely divided solid particles or a mixture of fine and coarse particles in a dry, semi-dry or plastic state by the application of ultra-high pressures in the range of 100,000 psi and greater while preventing delamination upon extraction of the finished product. A die is provided that has a plurality of die segments resting on a base to form a die chamber. A retainer is secured to the base, and surrounds and engages the die segments to prevent movement of the die segments during the forming process. Means are provided for substantially instantaneous disengagement of the retainer from all of the die segments.