Abstract: A process and a corresponding device for filtering plastics in an injection molding machine having a plasticizing unit and a mold cavity. A slide having a receptacle for a filter element is arranged between the plasticizing unit and the mold cavity. A piston cylinder displacing unit is mounted parallel to a principal axis of the plasticizing unit so as to be slideably contactable by the slide holding the filter element. The displacement unit has a filter holder surrounded by a filter preheater for the insertion and preheating of a fresh filter element. The slide is displaced so that the filter receptacle in the slide corresponds to the filter holder in the displacement unit thereby enabling a spent filter element to be ejected while simultaneously inserting the fresh filter element into the receptacle. The slide is then returned to its operating position in which the filter element is acted upon by the plastic casting substance.

Abstract: A method of slip casting using a casting mold provided with a water-absorbent layer that has a self-water-absorbent ability, substantially has a water resistance, and is controlled in the saturated water content thereof, the slip casting being conducted by employing mainly a capillary sucking force as the driving force of the water-absorbent layer of cast formation. An open-cell porous body usable as the water-absorbent layer is produced by agitating a mixture comprising a compound having at least one epoxy ring in its molecule, a curing agent which cures the epoxy compound by reaction, a filler developing for a self-water-absorbent ability and a mold release property, and water to prepare an O/W emulsion slurry and curing the slurry, as such in a hydrous state.

Abstract: Sludge accumulations can be quickly removed from a vat containing liquid resin, by a manual mechanism that includes a porous platform adapted to rest on the vat bottom wall. Lifter arms extend upwardly from the platform to mount lifter handles at the vat upper edges. The handles can be pulled upwardly to lift the porous platform out of the vat. Sludge is retained on the platform, while liquid resin drains into the vat.

Abstract: An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled.

Abstract: An efficient, low cost method and apparatus for controlling fiber deposition in a fiber reinforced preform is provided. In the method, a main screen is placed in a tank filled with liquid. The main screen has a major surface, upright side walls and a plurality of openings formed therein. Reinforcing fibers are added to the liquid to create a slurry. The main screen is raised through the slurry to a level beneath the top of the slurry, thereby causing the reinforcing fibers to be deposited on the main screen. A retainer screen is inserted into the slurry so that the reinforcing fibers are sandwiched between the main screen and the retainer screen. Both the main screen and retainer screen are raised out of the tank effectively forming a preform with minimal deformation. An alternative embodiment includes a bubbler zone control device for mixing the slurry. The tank is divided into separate areas or zones whereby the supply of fluid to each bubbler zone is controlled.

Abstract: A method of making processed mozzarella cheese that does not require any aging or refrigeration during storage is disclosed herein. This is accomplished by dicing cheese curd, adding emulsifier, and thermomechanically treating in an extruder to stretch and cook the curd. Fresh processed mozzarella cheese having functionality similar to the aged mozzarella cheese is achieved by addition of emulsifier to soften casein and inputting sufficient mechanical energy to establish the appropriate fibrous structure. Longer shelf-life and storage without refrigeration is achieved by application of suitable time-temperature combination to inactivate proteolytic enzymes and microorganisms.

Abstract: A method for forming complex-shaped sanitary fittings with a mold (10) that includes four parts (11, 12, 13, 14) made of porous resin capable of mutually self-centering by means of complementarily shaped locators (15), in which the method includes the following steps:(a) closing the mold by means of a manual or robotized handling device (23) that has a relatively low force;(b) inserting the closed mold inside a container (16) that has a relatively high force, and generating pressure on six faces of the mold (10);(c) injecting a slip inside the mold (10);(d) extracting the closed mold from the container (16);(e) opening the mold (10).

Abstract: Stressed-skin panels are provided having internal open-cell grids molded from material such as fibers, and methods and apparatus for the production thereof are disclosed. The invention utilizes a porous screen having a plurality of elastomeric pads spaced apart thereon. Fiber dispersed in fluid is introduced into the apparatus and over and around the pads. Pressure exerted thereon expels fluid through the screen and consolidates the fibers to form a panel. The pads are designed and constructed in a manner so as to consolidate the fiber mat located below the pads compressed by the pressure, so that the finished panel includes an integrally-molded flange. The height, shape and/or spacing of the pads in the present invention advantageously provide improved mold release and greater resistance to compression set after repeated use. The pads provide greater consistency and improved quality in the flange formation on the panels.

Abstract: A concrete form liner includes a microporous membrane having pores that transmit water, but prevent the passage of particles with a diameter of 2 microns or greater, and a porous sheet having pores in the range of 0.2 microns to 60 microns on one side of the microporous membrane, the porous sheet having an air permeability at least five times greater than that of the microporous membrane. The form liner is permeable to air and water in a concrete mix, but is substantially impermeable to cement particles in the concrete mix. A drainage scrim may be juxtaposed against the side of the microporous membrane opposite the porous sheet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for binding the fibers of, and forming a fiber reinforced plastic structure. A fiber reinforced plastic preform is created by depositing a mixture of reinforcing fibers, binding fibers and resin matrix fibers on a screen having a preselected geometry. The fiber reinforced plastic preform is exposed to high temperature fluid causing the binding fibers to melt and, thereafter, to cool air to temporarily bind the preform in a tackified state. The tackified preform is exposed to a higher temperature fluid causing the resin matrix fibers to melt and, thereafter, to cool air to solidify and thus bind and lock the reinforcing fibers of the tackified preform in place to create a homogeneous fiber reinforced plastic structure.

Abstract: A molding tool used for molding products of fibrous material is manufactured efficiently by employing a lamination molding method. A molding tool having a porous structure used for molding products of fibrous material such as pulp molding is manufactured by lamination molding method (a method for molding a three dimensional product by subjecting a material to be laminated to prescribed treatment, the method includes a photo-setting resin method). Material lacks or voids are formed on each layer of a laminating material, the layer is laminated one above another, thereby, many suction holes are formed on the molding tool as the material lacks.

Abstract: The apparatus according to the invention for the slip casting of ceramic parts has essentially a bell which is arranged on a holding device and is vertically displaceable and a plurality of mold parts. The latter together with a base part form a mold which stands on a rigid plate. During operation of the apparatus, the mold and the bell covering it form an intermediate space in which are arranged a plurality of inflatable inflatable bladders air pockets which can cooperate in order to clamp the mold and prevent it from moving during the entire casting process. For this purpose, the inflatable bladders are connected to a compressed air source. In addition, a slip supply pipe which communicates with the stated compressed air pipe leads into the mold cavity of the mold, so that pressure equilibration between the mold cavity and the inflatable bladders can be brought about by means of the apparatus according to the invention.

Abstract: A coil form with a coil support and with a winding applied thereto, whose turns are provided with a coil bond material. The bond material contains a volatile solvent and mutually fixes the turns when dried (in a dry state). To guarantee an essentially uniform, nearly solvent residue-free drying of the coil bond in the entire winding even in the case of a very large number of coil layers, the coil support is a porous coil support having open pores. The coil support has a diffusion coefficient with respect to the solvent that is equal to or slightly lower than that of the winding.

Abstract: A method of slip casting for the manufacture of ceramic items, wherein the wall thicknesses are accurately determined by providing confined slip pool samples which visibly solidify on an external portion of the plaster of paris mold being used. The solidification of the sample is indicative of the moist wall thickness of the object being molded, when the mold is decanted at that instant of still liquid slip.

Abstract: This invention relates to making backwindable rod shaped batts or logs from highly oriented flash-spun continuous fibers. The fibers are conducted from the exit of a spinneret through a tunnel and into a two stage diverging nozzle to slow down the fibers for an organized collection in the collection section. The invention further includes an inflatable bladder in a discharge section for initiating the formation of the log and a mesh screen in the collection section for reducing the occurrence of fiber blow out through the gas discharge ports.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for molds used for casting sanitary fixtures including at least one female die which is capable of defining the molding cavity of the item as well as at least one male die which is designed to be introduced into and withdrawn from said molding cavity, and which is provided with a mating surface capable of interacting with an associated mating surface of at least one female die. The sealing assembly includes a tubular elastic body of annular shape which is placed within a peripheral groove recessed in the mating surface of at least one male die, and which is connected to an assembly capable of alternately deflating and inflating said elastic tubular body so that the latter assumes a first transverse shape which is completely accommodated within the corresponding transverse-shape of the groove, and a second transverse shape which projects beyond the mouth of the groove, where it comes to rest against the facing associated mating surface of at least one female die.

Abstract: An apparatus for de-molding sanitary ware castings from porous molds, and in particular, from synthetic resin molds, comprising a carriage capable of traveling on rails parallel to the plane of the opening of a mold. The carriage moves to and from a position between separated mold parts of the mold and a position outside of the mold. The carriage includes an upper frame structure capable of displacement in a direction at right angles to the rails, on which is mounted at least one form capable of matching, at least in part, the outward shape of the piece to be molded. The mold is connected to the upper structure by an intermediate means of variable geometry so as to allow a range of motion. A pneumatic means is included to retain the form in contact with the cast piece.

Abstract: A slip supply system includes an annular slip supply pipe 24 with a primary pipe 24a, a shut-off valve 27 and a secondary pipe 24b connected in series. Each pouring pipe 28 which feeds slip to a casting machine 25 is connected at the upstream end thereof to the primary pipe 24a by way of an inlet side opening and closing valve 29. Each pouring pipe 28 is connected at the downstream end thereof to the secondary pipe 24b by way of an outlet side opening and closing valve 30. With the shut-off valve 27 being open and both opening and closing valves 29 and 30 being closed, slip is fed under pressure by a pressure feeding device 23b. The slip fed under pressure is passed through the annular slip supply pipe 24 and is returned to re-purifying facilities 23a, so that the interior of the annular slip supply pipe 24 is displaced by new slip.

Abstract: Pressure-casting bench for vitreous china sanitary fixtures having two guides on which mold parts travel in a horizontal direction, capable of pairing so as to bound a molding cavity, a set of guides or rails being provided for introducing into and removing from the cavities so bounded, additional mold parts known as mandrels. An upper support structure is provided capable of supporting a horizontal beam and causing it to travel in a plane at right angles to the plane defined by the guides under which all the mandrels are fixed in order to enter the molding cavities. A series of plates, spindles and springs are provided for the mandrels as well as a series of pegs for clamping the mandrels to the mold parts thereunder and encasing the molding cavities and subsequently releasing the mandrels from the mold parts.

Abstract: A slip supply system for supplying slip to one or more casting molds includes a slip supply pipe 2 to which the base ends of pouring hoses 3 each having a pouring valve 4 are connected. The ends of the pouring hoses 3 are detachably connected to casting molds 1. A slip discharge pipe 20 having communicating holes 22 is laid in the vicinity of the slip supply pipe 2. The ends of the pouring hoses 3 are removed from the casting molds 1 and connected to the communicating ports 22 before supplying slip to the casting molds 1. Slip is fed in this condition, so that the solid matters attached to the interior of the slip supply pipe 2 and the interiors of the pouring hoses 3 are washed away to the slip discharge pipe 20. Thereafter, the ends of the pouring hoses 3 are connected to the casting molds 1 to feed slip to the casting molds 1.

Abstract: A mold for pressure-cast-molding a ceramic article having a filter material made of an open-cell porous material. The open-cell porous material is prepared by stirring a mixture of a resin material, a microballoon, a curing agent and water to provide an emulsion slurry, casting the slurry in a water-impermeable mold and curing the slurry in the water-containing state. The portions occupied by the water during the preparation of the porous material mainly form open pores.

Abstract: A slip casting process and apparatus for producing parts with graded properties across the thickness of the body of the parts. A number of slips is combined at a varying predetermined ratio and passed continuously through a casting mold between its inlet and outlet. The process can be carried out under elevated pressure. The casting mold can be positioned vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: A three-dimensional electroformed shell for a mold consists of a three-dimensional thin-walled body, and an electroformed coating deposited on it. The coating may, or may not close the base holes of the thin-walled body completely. If it does not close the base holes completely, the shell has a multiplicity of apertures. A process for manufacturing the shell is also disclosed.

Abstract: A porous mold for manufacturing ceramics comprises a porous mold body including a mold central portion and a mold outer peripheral portion and having mold surface of a shape corresponding to an outer shape of a suspension insulator and other similar ceramics to be manufactured having a small diameter hollow cylindrical central core portion with a closed head portion and a large diameter shed portion extended from the core portion in a radial direction, wherein water absorption percentage of a mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral portion is larger than that of the mold central portion. The water absorption percentage of the mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral is 20-30%, and that of a mold head portion of the mold central portion is 10-20%. A difference of the water absorption percentage between the mold surface side portion of the mold outer peripheral portion and the mold head portion is 5-20%.

Abstract: A mold composed of bonded water-insoluble particles and having a molding layer and a support layer. The molding layer includes first water insoluble particles, having an average size of 0.2-1.0 mm bonded to form a layer having a thickness 1-20 times the average size of the first particles. The support layer positioned on the inner surface of the molding layer, on which the fiber bodies are not formed, includes of second water-insoluble particles, having an average size of 1.0-10.0 mm, bonded to form a layer having a thickness of at least the average size of the second particles. The pulp mold has advantages in that it hardly suffers from clogging, it produces fiber bodies each having a smooth surface, it is free from damage caused by repeated use, and it produces fiber bodies in a short period of time.

Abstract: A mold for molding an industrial product from a powder by slip casting, which has good water-absorptivity, long life, high strength and excellent mold-releasability and is constituted from a composite base material of boron nitride and other ceramic constituents. With this mold, molding of ceramic products and the like can be performed with high efficiency without causing clogging.

Abstract: A paper making apparatus is adapted to receive a mixture of liquid and paper fiber on a fiber retaining screen surface operable to drain excess water from the fiber and through the screen, during the formation of a discrete fiber web on the surface. The improvement herein comprises a basin which defines confines for normally retaining the liquids thereby received therein, and has a bottom with generally upwardly extending side walls including a generally horizontally extending ledge adapted to receive the screen in supported relation thereon. The ledge is generally surrounded by a screen positioning wall for locatingly positioning the screen in supported relation on the ledge in draining register above the confines of the basin. The screen positioning wall includes an at least one longitudinally extending opening therein adapted to provide generally open lateral access for grasping an adjacent screen edge in aid of the removal thereof from its supported relation on the basin.

Abstract: Concrete forms utilizing a laminated concrete form liner including a porous fabric laminated to a drainage scrim. The laminated form liner is untensioned and used in combination with a support to form a concrete casting system wherein the porous fabric side of the laminated form liner is placed directly in contact with the concrete. The drainage scrim enhances the ability of the form liner to remove excess water from the surface of the concrete.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to form grids of open cells from fibers, especially wood fibers and fibers from waste paper and mixed waste materials. The invention utilizes a screen carrying a plurality of elastomeric pads of predetermined sizes arranged thereon in predetermined spaced relation to each other. The fiber is deposited between the pads but not above the pads. The deposited fibers and the pads are compressed normal to the screen, which causes the fiber in the spaces between the pads to be consolidated both normal and parallel to the screen, resulting in a open grid having cells of the shape of the pads. Numerous variations are provided including several continuous production embodiments. The invention uses state of the art technology for virtually all aspects.

Abstract: A rigid rectangular cheese mold includes a bottom and four upright walls heatsealed to each other at their edges. The walls are provided with outwardly diverging drainage slits during injection molding of the walls. The drainage slits form rows extending in the longitudinal direction of the walls, the drainage slits of one row are staggered with respect to the slits of the other row. The outer side of the cheese mold may be reinforced by reinforcing strips or a reinforcing strip-like frame. The inner surface of the wall has whey discharge recesses formed in a net structure comprising first structure ribs and second structure ribs. The first ribs extending in the vertical direction of the wall are thicker than the second ribs extending in the horizontal direction. Additional channels on the inner side of wall may connect the whey discharge recesses. The net structure is also formed during injection moulding of the walls.

Abstract: In a process for molding a fiber molding for a fiber-reinforced composite material with short fibers oriented in one direction, a slurry molding material having short fibers dispersed in a liquid is used, and pressing forces are applied to the molding material from two directions substantially perpendicular to each other within a mold, while removing the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injection molding of ceramic suspensions is disclosed wherein an elastomeric bladder is disposed within a mold cavity of a mold. The elastomeric bladder, in a relaxed state, can be tubular or can be formed by bonding together sheets of material. A ceramic suspension is injected into the elastomeric bladder, whereby the elastomeric bladder is distended. Distention of the elastomeric bladder applies a significant force to the ceramic suspension for preventing jetting and formation of knit lines within the ceramic suspension. The ceramic suspension distends the elastomeric bladder until the mold cavity is filled. The ceramic suspension is then exposed to conditions sufficient to cause the injected ceramic suspension to form a molded ceramic greenware composite. The molded ceramic greenware composite can then be removed from the mold for drying and for debindering and densification to form a finished ceramic part.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a pressurized slip casting apparatus which includes an upper mold carried vertically movably on a replacer which is made horizontally movably on a horizontal rail; and a lower mold for receiving the upper mold in alignment, when the upper mold descends, to cast a slip under pressure inbetween thereby to prepare a green body of a sanitation fixture or the like. Dehydrating assembly is carried vertically movably on the replacer. A spongy member is attached to the lower end of the dehydrating assembly for absorbing the water from the inside of the lower mold. A push plate is arranged at the side of the lower mold for pushing the spongy member to dehydrate the same.

Abstract: A mold for forming a molded body from a slurry including an impermeable mold part having a cavity for retaining the slurry and a permeable mold provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter. A method of forming a molded body from a slurry includes steps of introducing the slurry into a cavity of a mold including an impermeable mold part and a permeable mold part provided on a side of a molding surface with a membrane filter, and removing a solvent medium of the slurry through the permeable mold part. A pressure casting molding method of forming a high dense ceramic molded body by pouring a ceramic slurry into a mold through a pouring portion thereof and pressurizing the ceramic slurry on a side of the pouring portion while removing a solvent medium of the slurry on the other side of the mold through a permeable mold part of the mold.

Abstract: A shaped article such as a sanitary pottery product is formed through a pressure slip casting process. A mold having a molding cavity defined therein and a slip inlet/outlet hole communicating with the molding cavity is positioned on the support surface of a mold table while the mold table is being maintained horizontally. Then, the mold table is tilted through a first angle with respect to a horizontal plane so that an inner end of the slip inlet/outlet hole is positioned near a lowermost end of the molding cavity in the mold. Thereafter, a slip is introduced under pressure into the molding cavity through the slip inlet/outlet hole. After the clay of the introduced slip is deposited to a desired thickness, the excess slip is discharged from the molding cavity through the slip inlet/outlet hole.

Abstract: A casting mold for sanitary earthenware which has vertically dividable mold units having abutting surfaces with a porous portion of the same quality as a filter medium layer in the mold units and at a region between the porous portion and the exterior of the mold is disposed a sealing member, thereby preventing air leakage and slurry leakage from each mold unit.

Abstract: A dispensing package for gel and semi-solid cleaning and skin care compositions. The package comprises a container for the product and a dispensing sheet that rests on and adheres to the surface of the product. Optionally, a lid for the container is provided. The dispensing sheet is provided with apertures through which the product flows when pressure is applied to the dispensing sheet. The dispensing sheet preferably has apertures along its edge which define petals. The dispensing sheet controls the quantity of product dispensed onto the fingers or a sponge, thereby providing decreased mess and product waste, along with improved aesthetics. The package is particularly useful for gel dishwashing products.

Abstract: In pressing wet concrete between a ram and a mold to compact the concrete and express water from it so as to produce a molded slab, a layer of filter material is provided between the ram or the base of the mold and the concrete and the filter material is secured by a discontinuous coat of adhesive applied as a transfer to the ram and/or to the base of the mold. The adhesive is applied over a sufficient area of the filter material to secure adhesion of the filter material to the ram or base of the mold. The discontinuous adhesive coating is provided as a pattern of particles which covers substantially the entire area of the face of the filter and is present over between 2% and 15% of the total surface area of the filter material.

Abstract: Concrete forms utilizing a concrete form liner including a two-sided fabric having a different range of pore sizes on one side compared to the opposite side. In one embodiment, a microporous coating, such as an ethylene-vinyl chloride microfoam dispersion, is placed on one side of a porous fabric to controllably reduce the pore size of the fabric on that side to between 0.2 to 20 microns. The coated fabric is used in combination with a support and a grid to form a concrete casting system wherein the coated side of the fabric is placed directly in contact with the concrete. The microporous coating stabilizes the surface fibers of the fabric thereby reducing the tendency of the fibers to stick to the concrete. The pore size of the coated side of the fabric must be small enough to substantially keep all concrete particles from passing through the fabric, but sufficiently open to permit the passage of water and air.

Abstract: A slip casting device has a molding station for molding a casting with a mold, and a releasing station separate from the molding station, for separating the casting from mold members of the mold which carry the casting. The device may include a pair of vertically spaced molds and a common clamping cylinder interposed between the pair of molds.

Abstract: A pressure casting mold used to mold sanitary earthenware, including a porous layer composed mainly of resin material, a filler, a curing agent and water, the filler being formed of fibers and particulates of glass material, an average diameter of the fiber filler being 1 through 10 .mu.m, and an average length of the fibers being 20 through 100 .mu.m, and the diameter of the particulate filler being 10 through 50 .mu.m, thereby obtaining a porous layer which in use is hard to clog and is high in durability.

Abstract: A pressure slip casing apparatus for producing a sanitary ware such as a toilet bowl, comprises lifting hydraulic cylinder means secured to said top member of a stationary frame; a pair of suspending devices supported by a base plate attached to said lifting hydraulic cylinder means; an interlocking mechanism for operatively connecting said suspending devices to each other; and a hydraulic cylinder device for moving a suspending devices towards and away from each other through the action of said interlocking mechanism. A mold part and a core mold part are attached to said base of said stationary frame and to the lower surface of said base plate, respectively.

Abstract: A mold, used in pressure casting ceramic articles, includes a plurality of mold parts set and clamped in combination. Each of the mold parts includes: a porous body forming a filter layer with a generally even thickness and a plurality of channels formed in the inside or outside surface thereof and most running in parallel with the molding surface of the mold for allowing water and air to flow therethrough; a reinforcing iron frame for fitting the porous body therein; and a filler filling up the space between the porous body and the iron frame.

Abstract: A method and pulp press for recycling wood fiber products, and particularly newspaper-type pulp, into a new and useful molded product is disclosed. A quantity of paper to be recycled is mixed with sufficient water to form a viscous pulp or slurry by beating the pulp to a desired consistency for a given texture of the product to be made. The pulp press employed has a molding chamber with interior sidewalls comprised of a rigid screen through which water can pass and a rigid plate outboard from the screen. The rigid plate has channels formed therein facing the screen through which channels water can flow. One of the sidewalls is movable into the molding chamber to serve as a piston. Some means to drive the movable sidewall, such as an hydraulic jack, completes the press. The beaten pulp is poured into the molding chamber. The chamber is then closed, and the press operated by moving the movable sidewall into the chamber to compress the beaten pulp to a desired pressure and pulp density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making fiber reinforced plastic preforms via a wet slurry process. A screen with the desired preform configuration is placed in the bottom of a tank. The tank is then filled with water and chopped fibers to create a slurry. The screen is raised up through the slurry causing fibers to be deposited on the screen in the shape of the preform. The preform is then removed from the screen, placed in a mold and injected with resin to form the desired structure.

Abstract: A porous, open-pore, hardened, plastic mold for shaping a ceramic article by any of various ceramic shaping methods. The mold is prepared by subjecting a water-in-oil emulsion to hardening in the desired mold shape without breaking the emulsion and then drying the hardened, shaped mold. The emulsion has incorporated in it any of sodium disilicate or disodium tetraborate to accelerate the shaping of the ceramic article in the mold. The emulsion may also have incorporated in it any of microbeads of glass, barite, quartz powder and powdered polymers to reduce the pure volume and increase the mechanical strength of the porous, open-pored hardened, plastic mold.

Abstract: A divisible slip-casting mold has filter layers which incorporate a combination of different types of fluid-flow conduits to improve the mechanical strength of the mold while providing the filter layers with substantially uniform fluid-flow properties. The conduits include major portions of blind holes installed in straight lines and minor portions of porous ropes arranged in curved lines. The porous ropes are essentially installed in those portions of the filter layer having a mechanical strength which is inferior to the predominant portions of the filter layer, and the blind holes are essentially installed in the predominant portions of the filter layer. Thus, improved mechanical strength and substantially uniform fluid-flow properties are provided substantially throughout the filter layers of the mold.

Abstract: Novel processes have been developed by the present invention for producing hollow ceramic articles. Such ceramic articles are produced by using a water-absorbable mold having water non-permeable faces on an inner surface of the mold at locations corresponding to valve holes. The thickness of a ceramic layer deposited on the inner surface of the mold is controlled by measuring an amount of a lowered liquid surface level of the slurry near a slurry-pouring opening of the mold. Open ends of a hollow ceramic article are formed by cutting corresponding closed ends after deposition of the slurry and firing. A uniform thickness of a slurry deposited onto the inner surface of the mold can be attained by rotating the mold around an arbitrary rotary axis at a rotation speed of 1 to 60 rpm. All ceramic material contained in the slurry fed inside the mold may be deposited on the inner surface of the mold while the mold is being rotated or swung.

Abstract: An inner mold construction and an outer mold construction are provided to define a mold cavity or shape into which wet or uncured concrete is introduced. The method includes the sequential steps of compressing the concrete by movement of the inner mold relatively toward the outer mold to remove surplus liquid from the inner surface of the concrete so that the concrete is at least partially cured. The compression applied on the inner surface of the concrete by the inner mold is maintained while inward pressure is applied over the outer surface of the concrete by the outer mold to remove surplus surface liquid from the outer surface of the concrete. The inner and outer surface pressures on the concrete are released to release the molded article from the mold so that it may be separated therefrom.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and apparatus for filling curd into cheese moulds (6). During the cheese production process, milk is separated in a cheese vat (1) into curd and whey (2), both of which are routed to a piping manifold that distributes the curd for the run-off drainage of the whey (8) into cheese moulds (6) placed in a whey drainage vat (7). According to the invention, the manifold comprises a main line (3) exiting from the cheese vat, a plurality of side lines (5) branching from the main line and discharging into the multiple cheese moulds (6), and a return line (9) which forms a continuation of the main line and is routed back to the cheese vat, whereby the discharge of the curd in whey takes place as a continuous process via the main line and the side lines into the cheese moulds, while simultaneously the excess flow is returned at a set rate via the return line back to the pan.