Abstract: An automated casting apparatus for use in slip casting is described. A rotatable table assembly is provided for retention of a plurality of plaster molds therein. The table assembly is provided with a clamp member to secure the molds in their relative positions within the table assembly to prevent slippage during rotation. The clamp is controlled by a rotational motor and will apply a predetermined amount of pressure on each of the molds by use of a load detector which will shut down the motor once the predetermined pressure has been attained. Once the molds are securely positioned within the table assembly, the assembly is rotated 90.degree. to its "fill" position where the automatic filler can sequentially fill each of the molds with liquid slurry or slip to a predetermined level whereupon the filled molds are allowed to sit in position for a predetermined setup time which establishes the wall thickness of the castings. The table assembly is then rotated 180.degree.; pouring the excess slip from the molds.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressure molding ceramic articles includes at least one split mold including a core mold and an outer mold which are joined together for defining a pressure mold cavity therebetween. At least the bottom surface of the pressure mold cavity is inclined longitudinally and laterally, while the split mold per se is not inclined and the slip supply passage for supplying the slip into the pressure mold cavity communicates with the lowermost end of the pressure mold cavity. Due to the above construction, it is no longer necessary to incline the entirety of the split molds so that the frame structure of the apparatus can be vertically constructed on a horizontal floor which permits easy construction installation and adjustment and maintenance of the apparatus. Furthermore, since the bottom surface of the pressure mold cavity is inclined longitudinally and laterally, the surplus slip is discharged completely and smoothly, and does not remain in the pressure mold cavity.

Abstract: Vents for molds can be improved if, in place of a single relatively large vent opening, there is used a vent which has a plurality of relatively smaller vent openings in which the cumulative cross-sectional area of the relatively smaller vent openings are approximately the same as that of the relatively larger vent opening it replaces. It was also found that the vents have a more efficient self-cleaning capability if the ratio of the depth of each vent opening to the cross-sectional diameter of the vent opening is about 1 or less.

Abstract: A process for producing a green composite structure by isostatic compression and filtration. A suspension of colloidal size matrix powders is established in a carrier liquid. The suspension is incorporated into a die chamber having a filter opening containing a filter which is permeable to filtrate from the suspension under applied pressure but substantially impermeable to the matrix powders. An elevated pressure is isostatically imposed on the colloidal suspension within the die chamber. The pressure is maintained for a period of time to expel at least 20% of the liquid originally in the colloidal suspension through the filter opening. A specific die chamber comprises a rigid cage structure and an expandable bladder within the cage structure into which the colloidal suspension is introduced. The cage structure is disposed within a pressure vessel which can be initially evacuated to cause the bladder to conform to the cage structure and then pressurized with fluid for the isostatic compression procedure.

Abstract: A multi-stage filter for filtering injection molding melt includes an elongate filter element having a filter inlet end, a filter outlet end and a plurality of filter stages axially disposed on the element and adjoining each other. Each filter stage includes a plurality of axial filter grooves in its outer surface which are spaced apart from a filter chamber wall to define a distinct filter clearance for each filter stage. The axial filter grooves are circumferentially spaced apart from each other and alternate with axial grooves axially extending between adjoining filter stages which define melt transfer passages to transfer melt between filter stages.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a mold used in pressure casting ceramic articles, which 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 porous mold for pressure slip casting, which includes: a surface porous layer having an average pore diameter of at most 20 microns and a thickness of 5 to 40 mm; an adhesive applied in a pattern to the rear surface of the surface porous layer to leave an unapplied portion on the rear surface; a coarse porous layer covering the adhesive applied and unapplied portions of the rear surface of the surface porous layer and made of a mixture of a liquid resin and a filler of a particle diameter of 0.1 to 5.0 mm at a volume ratio of 15 to 50:100, the coarse porous layer having a thickness of 5 to 30 mm; a sealing adhesive covering substantially the outer surface of the coarse porous layer; and a passage for water from and air into the coarse porous layer.

Abstract: A mold (1) for cast-molding a slip is provided, which comprises a divsible casting mold including a plurality of mold portions to form a mold cavity (4) when mated together; each mold portion including an air-tight housing (2), an intermediate layer (5) of coarsely porous structure adjacent to the air-tight housing (2), and a solid synthetic resin filter layer (3) of fine open-cell structure; a slip supply duct (8) being connected with said mold cavity (4) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); a fluid-flowing duct (9) being connected with said coarse intermediate layer (5) and communicated with the outside of the air-tight housing (2); said filter layer (3) being permeably joined to the coarse intermediate layer (5), and having substantially precise shape and dimension of substantially uniform fine open-cell structure.

Abstract: A shuttering used for forming concrete comprises a plate with a plurality of through holes opening on both its face and reverse, and a double woven fabric consisting of a face tissue which permits passage of water but prevents concrete from passing and a reverse tissue opposed to the face of the plate and relatively displaceable with respect to the face of the plate; the surplus water oozing out of placed concrete flows through gaps formed by the reverse tissue between said plate and the face tissue as well as the through holes of said plate.

Abstract: A process for producing a filter with multiple folds from an aqueous fiber mixture that is applied to a porous form, in which a paper-like filter mat is produced on the form under the action of pressure, and it is carried out without mechanical deformation of the rough casting. This is achieved pursuant to the invention by the fact that the aqueous fiber mixture is deposited on the porous form having the contour of the filter, from loading chambers separate from one another, and the filter is built up of adjacent fold sections in layers on the form by separate introduction of the fiber mixture to the fold sections connected to one another.

Abstract: A device for extruding cheese pieces; warm plastic cheese is extruded into a bore; a piston seals one end of the bore and a cheese working plate seals the other end; a mold is positioned below the bore, the mold top in sliding engagement with the cheese working plate, the mold bottom in sliding engagement with a mold support plate; holes in the cheese working plate, in the mold and in the support plate, align with the bore; the piston is forced through the bore, forcing the cheese in the bore, at high pressure, through the holes in the working plate, filling the mold holes with cheese; when the mold holes have filled, continued pressure by the piston forces a small amount of cheese out of the mold holes into small weeper holes; the piston is withdrawn to the top of the bore and the bore refilled with cheese; the filled mold is reciprocated under an ejector which forces the formed pieces out of the mold, into moving brine; in the best method, two molds are reciprocated between two bores and a single centrally

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a thermoplastic resin is made up of a feed barrel supplied with the thermoplastic resin, a slit barrel for discharging a liquid component of the resin, a press-in barrel into which a polymer is admitted under pressure, and a vent barrel having a vent opening for discharging vaporized substance generated by the thermoplastic resin and the polymer. These barrels are serially interconnected to from a cylinder which contains a screw for kneading a mixture of the resin and the polymer. The kneaded mixture is extruded as a strand.

Abstract: A method for modifying a surface to a desired contour by pressing a flexible molding plate, having holes for releasing trapped fluids and excess molding compound, is pressed on a molding compound by a plurality of ordered pressure points which are set to define a shaped plane corresponding to a desired contour. The pressure points are adjustably included in a support frame, or are provided by shaped rollers. Compound extruded through the holes by the operation is removed from the plate which is then removed. Nubs resulting from excess molding compound in the holes are removed by sanding or other finishing means.

Abstract: A casting installation for casting slip into ceramic product by use of at least one unique casting mold. The casting mold is formed of a plurality of separate mold parts each having a plurality of channels therein and having its respective outer face treated to be fluid-tight and inner molding surface. The casting installation includes a pressure-resisting container having a surrounding wall formed along the inner surface thereof so as to define an opening through the container, the mold parts, when assembled, being dimensioned to define a molding cavity of the casting mold; the space being in communication with the molding cavity of the mold. The casting installation further includes a clamp for clamping the casting mold firmly; the channels are operatively connected for depressurizing the channels; a source of slip operatively connected to the molding cavity of the casting mold; and a source of fluid operatively connected to the space surrounding the casting mold.

Abstract: Concrete forms comprising a first cloth sheet permitting surplus water and air contained in concrete cast in the form to pass therethrough but capable of blocking the passage of the concrete, a second cloth sheet permeably secured to the first sheet, permitting the surplus water and air to pass between and through the first and second sheets and to be absorbed into the second sheet as well as the first sheet, and a support plate to which the second sheet is bonded as by adhesive or thermal bonding acting through only part of the thickness of the second sheet, leaving as water and air permeable throughout the remainder of the second sheet, all of the first sheet, and the interspace therebetween, such being effective as flow paths for surplus water and air to exhaust from the concrete cast in the form to thereby shorten the cure time and improve the strength of the concrete when cured.

Abstract: A sculptured structural fiberboard product is formed using a mold that includes porous forming areas which, in one embodiment, are porous forming mandrels movably mounted on the mold, and liquid impervious thimbles which removably cover the porous areas. A fiber network is formed as water is drained off through the porous areas and the thimbles are moved to gradually unveil the porous areas during the mat formation. When mandrels are used, the mandrels are withdrawn in cooperation with a pressing force applied to the mat to consolidate and dry the web. The porous areas can also act as heat and mass transfer means during consolidation and drying. An alternative embodiment permits formation of laminated products and another alternative embodiment permits close control over the product density during consolidation and drying.

Abstract: A foamed thermoplastic article having an integral outer unfoamed skin layer is formed from a mixture of thermoplastic resin containing a blowing agent by removing at least a portion of the blowing agent in the die of the extruder. The blowing agent is removed, e.g., by modifying the die so that it incorporates a porous section whcih allows the blowing agent to be removed from the mixture.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing three-dimensional structural members having one flat side from wood fibers utilizing flow deposition of the fibers onto a support. The support includes resilient deformable mold inserts. The mold inserts are formed of silicone rubber and may be blocks of the material, or may be a membrane which can be inflated to form the mold inserts. Pressing is done with a force normal to the support, and the mold inserts create response forces at varying directions to thus shape and hold the three-dimensional finished part. Heat drying also may be used.

Abstract: A spacer core for use in constructing hollow concrete walls by introducing the core between and spaced from a pair of vertical mold plates before casting the wet concrete, and subsequently removing the spacer core, the lower end of the spacer core including a water permeable wall and a bottom chamber for accumulating water permeating the wall. Also described is a method of constructing hollow concrete walls by the use of the above spacer core by: introducing the spacer core between and spaced from a pair of vertical mold plates; casting wet concrete into the spaces between the spacer core and the mold plates, whereby the water from the concrete permeates through the bottom of the spacer core into the bottom chamber; after a first time interval, lifting the spacer core a first predetermined distance to draw water from the concrete into the bottom chamber; and subsequently removing the spacer core from the concrete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solidifying a powdered cosmetic composition in a vertically held elongated hollow container to form a stick-shaped powdered cosmetic. A dispersion of the powdered cosmetic composition in a liquid phase is filled in the container. Pneumatic pressure is applied to the upper surface of the dispersion, and at the same time, the liquid phase contained in the dispersion is removed from below a screen placed at the lower end of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for drain-casting a slip comprises a mold including at least two divisible mating mold portions to form a mold cavity, a slip tank, a pump, air compressors, suction pumps, valves and tubings to connect them accordingly, supporting means of the mold portions, and a moving stand to receive the molded article thereon. The mold portion includes an air-tight vessel and a filter member inside the vessel, the filter member contains a water-drainage means, and the drainage means is communicated with the outside of the vessel. One of the mold portions has a slip supply duct and one other mold portion has an overflow duct, which ducts are communicated with the outsides of the vessels.

Abstract: An oblong cheese mould (1) having a substantially constant cross-section has in its side wall (3) slits (2) for drainage of whey from the cheese mass received by the cheese mould. According to the invention, the slits (2) extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the mould, and their width, measured internally in the longitudinal direction of the cheese mould (1), is smaller than the cheese particles in the cheese mass, and the bottom (14) of the slits (2) facing the exterior of the mould is substantially closed, apart from channels (4) for drainage of the whey. This causes the cheese to be movable longitudinally of the mould because of its own weight so that the cheese obtains a very smooth surface, and thus the mould easily releases the cheese.

Abstract: Soft paste cheese is formed by mixing curd forming additives from burettes with milk flowing in a funnel and directing the resulting curd forming milk mixture into a basin-like receptacle in which a mold block made up of an array of vertically elongated perforated molds of substantially uniform and unobstructed cross section have been placed to fill the receptacle and the molds and, after curds and whey have formed and stratified, removing the whey and lifting the molds as a group onto a draining plate, placing inverted molds of like cross section over the molds and turning the mold assembly to turn the cheese therein for further draining and removing the cheese from the molds.

Abstract: A tissue specimen processing capsule is provided which includes a pair of interlocking frames each having a porous web spread across its central openings for holding specimen in a region defined between the webs. The porous webs permit access to the specimen by processing and impregnating liquids. After the tissue specimen is processed, it is removed from the capsule and placed in a mold depression, and the empty capsule is placed over the depression. Molten casting material is poured into the mold to fill the depression and to cover the porous material. The molten casting material solidifies to form a tissue block with the capsule serving as a clampable base for an outwardly extending, tissue-containing portion. The capsule may be formed in a single operation in an injection molding process using a press that includes a pair of mold blocks that together define frame-forming cavities and between which is sandwiched a segment of an elongated web of porous material.

Abstract: Gypsum models and molds made of a gypsum structure uniformly dispersing therein carbon fibers having a predetermined length in a defined range of amount are described. The molds include various types of molds such as original mold, basic mold, forming mold and the like. A method for manufacturing these molds is also described in which sizing agents deposited on carbon fibers are decomposed and removed by heating or dissolution in solvent, separating the carbon fibers into single fibers in water, adding a major part of gypsum powder to the carbon fiber dispersed water to obtain a gypsum slurry dispersing uniformly those single fibers, and casting the slurry in a case mold to obtain forming molds. A method for manufacturing white wares is also described in which a pottery or porcelain slip is casted into the gypsum forming molds, removing the resulting green product from the mold after hardening and drying the green products.

Abstract: Apparatus for making an acoustical tile having a pattern of raised portions and portions in relief on the tile surface is provided by a hollow embossing roll containing the pattern in reverse and interstices communicating from the surface of the roll into the hollow interior of the roll. In operation the roll contacts the formable, acoustical tile fiber composition pulp with sufficient force as to disspell the pulp, vent air that may be between the roll and the pulp surface through the roll, and produce a reversed pattern of the roll upon the pulp surface, then releasing the pulp from the surface of the roll by rotation of the roll.

Abstract: An installation is disclosed for processing a wet slurry of raw materials for cement manufacture having from 28% to 45% of water, the installation comprising a horizontal centrifugal separator connected to an extruder which produces slugs of partially dewatered material which is then pelletized and fed to a rotary Portland cement kiln. The extruded slugs can be admixed with dry powdery material to prevent their sticking together and to introduce powdery dry material in the kiln.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing concrete structural elements. In order to manufacture the elements, setting of the concrete takes place in a casing (1), while the concrete is compressed with an axial pressure of at least 50 MPa and the casing is surrounded with a hoop (2,3) so as to create transverse planes of pressure.

Abstract: This invention provides a flavored and patterned tofu and its manufacturing process, in which a desirable pattern is provided upon an overall or partial surface of the tofu and a desirable flavor is penetrated uniformly into the interior of the tofu. Thus, utilization of the tofu as a proteinaceous food is diversified further.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of reconstituted tobacco foil comprises a uble sheet former with two movable endless screens in a y-shaped arrangement. A wedge-shaped box fills most of the space where the screens approach one another and with its upper side forms a reservoir for the aqueous suspension, from which the foil is precipitated.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure for treating curd particles (10) produced in a cheese kettle, and a cheese mould (2) for applying the procedure, made of strainer sheet and provided with a separate cover part (4). The cheese mould (2) is placed in a tapping vat (1), where it separates the curd particles (10) tapped from the cheese kettle from the whey (9) accompanying them. It is essential in the invention that on the mould (2) is used a strainer-like cover part with which the mould is closed for the duration of curd particle tapping. By this expedient the necessity to level the curd particle surface before the subsequent pre-pressing step is avoided. In the pre-pressing, the strainer-like cover part (4) of the mould can be used, and the object of the pre-pressing step is to compact the particles into a cheese block that can be conveyed to further treatment.

Abstract: A soap saving device for pressure bonding two or more pieces of wet soap comprising a pair of soap dishes which may be nested together to pressure bond two or more pieces of soap located between the nested soap dishes, or alternatively each may be employed as independent and separate soap dishes. The different species are disclosed for developing a soap bonding or compressing force between the dishes. An elastic band is employed in a first species using identical nesting soap dishes. In the second species, a pair of tension bars, each formed with a series of surface locking ridges or grooves, is hinged to one soap dish so that they may pivot into locking alignment with a pair of slots each having a set of flexible locking tabs for engaging the locking ridges. In the third species, the sidewalls of a base soap dish are formed with several sets of exterior locking ridges which adjustably engage mating sets of locking ridges formed on the interior of the skirt of the top soap dish which nests over the base dish.

Abstract: A soap saving device for pressure bonding two or more pieces of soap, comprising a one-piece structure which is an elongated, thin, flexible plastic strap. The strap includes a central section which serves as a supporting base for the pieces of soap which are to be bonded together, and a locking handle section extending from each side of the supporting base. When the handle sections are locked together so as to envelop two or more pieces of soap placed on the supporting base, the force exerted on the soap pieces by the tensioned strap pressure bonds these pieces into a usable bar. In a modification, a plastic soap retaining dish having a hinged clamping tab is substituted for one of the locking handle sections.

Abstract: The drain openings in movable and fixed platens in a press unit are wider than the largest praticle in a slurry to be dewatered and are formed by arcuate ribs dimensioned to resist the transverse forces developed as the granular particles from bridges across the slotted drain openings in rendom order. Liquid expressed through the movable platen is directed radially outward through a subplaten, passes back through the clearance between the piston carrying the movable platen and the mold wall and is discharged through a sealing and collecting ring having a series of annular grooves which communicate with longitudinal radially extending slots having longitudinal bores at the radial extremity thereof which direct the liquid to an annular passage for discharge.

Abstract: A process of moulding a product (and a product thus formed) wherein particulate ligno-cellulose such as shredded paper, flour, Portland cement, a small amount of caustic soda, and water are mixed together, placed in a mould, and subjected to both pressure and heat until set, and the moulded product is then removed from the mould.

Abstract: A cheese mold of polyolefin material having a non-woven inner layer of polyolefin fibers which is heat welded to the mold surface is disclosed. A method for manufacturing the mold is also provided. A non-woven layer of fibers is provided and a liquid mass of plastic is heat sealed thereto by extrusion or injection molding.

Abstract: These novel molds are characterized in that they contain a cavity in porous material which is not monolithic, but which, on the contrary, is constituted by zones B with high capillary forces and by zones A with low capillary forces for liquids. The process of using these novel molds is useful for the manufacture of expanded plastics articles.

Abstract: To reduce manual handling of a pressing plate in a cheese-making vat and to facilitate its operation and maintenance, the plate is constituted by a case whose inner surface is covered by a series of rigid filtering panels. These panels are pivotal between an operating position and an open position which permits washing the panels.

Abstract: A plastic cheese mold comprising on its inner wall a non woven of thermoplastic fibers heatsealed to the walls of the mold, said cheese mold comprising two shell halves forming an elongate cheese mold of a substantial equal cross-section over the length of the mold.The shell halves engage movable clamping sledges and the bottom of the shell halves may be provided with a pivot.The mold also comprises an outer bottom recess for coupling a follower.

Abstract: A fluid-release mold is disclosed. The mold includes a preformed, porous mold body having a mold face formed on a first exterior surface and a second surface. A groove is formed in the second surface. A tape covers the groove to form a conduit between the surface of the groove and the surface of the tape facing the groove. The conduit directs pressurized release fluid to the mold. A fluid impermeable backing material is disposed over the second surface of the mold body whereby egress of the fluid from the conduit is prevented except through the mold body in a direction away from the second surface.

Abstract: A plant including at least two parallel casting benches (1), each comprising a plurality of double-face moulds (3) which can be clamped together into a pack so as to define a succession of vertical cavities for casting shaped concave vitreous china objects (6); means (13) for rapidly drying the moulds of each casting bench; at least one vertical parking unit (4) in the form of superposed shelves lying between said two casting benches and arranged to accumulate the articles during their hardening stage; means (5) for transferring the articles, after being withdrawn from the moulds, from the two casting benches to a motorized holding table (11) provided at the base of said vertical parking unit; end lifting-lowering means (8), (88) for loading and unloading this latter; means (18), disposed at the discharge end of said vertical parking unit, for automatically loading the articles on to fork trucks (20); at least one rotatable platform (19) for these latter; a drier (23) through which the full fork trucks pass;

Abstract: A cheese making apparatus comprises a rectangular vat, a pressing plate, a filtering sheet supported on the bottom wall of the vat for displacement in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse partition affixed to an end of the filter sheet adjacent a fixed end wall of the vat for simultaneous displacement with the filtering sheet in this direction. The partition defines with the side walls, the bottom wall and a mobile end wall opposite the fixed end wall an operating volume of the vat determining the amount of curds to be held in the vat for producing cheese from a pressed mass of the curds wherefrom the whey has been drained. Displacement of the partition changes the operating volume and the transverse partition is elastically compressible in a vertical direction whereby lowering of the pressing plate into the vat compresses the partition and permits the plate to apply pressure to the curds held in the vat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for heat forming hardboard and other types of forming board including the steps of placing a mesh screen in a die between upper and lower platens having mating contours, placing a sheet of heat formable board in the die upon the screen and below the upper platen, pressing the platens together and heating the sheet such that the sheet and screen are formed to the mating contours and gases and vapors released from the sheet follow the contours of the screen to escape from the die, separating the platens, and removing the sheet from the die.

Abstract: Multi-cavity molds coact with respective table elements forming a drainage table. Between each mold and the corresponding table element is a connecting means allowing the mold to slide between a normal cheese-draining position against the table element and a cleaning position spaced from the table element. The connecting means include abutments limiting said sliding of the mold and on which the mold is supported in said cleaning position thereof.

Abstract: A mold for slip-casting and the like comprising: a gypsum or other water pervious body having a three-dimensional network of chopped glass fiber filaments having a water wettable surface thereon and in an amount of more than 924 lincal inches of filament per cubic inch of the water pervious body. The preferred mold is a gypsum mold having from 4,621 lineal inches of filament to 46,210 lineal inches of filament per cubic inch of gypsum.

Abstract: Alfalfa pelletizing apparatus and method wherein pellets are formed in an open ended molding passage or aperture by compressing members entering both ends of the aperture to compress the alfalfa and to extract liquid content for discharge at a passage communicating with the mid portion of the primary mold aperture. The mold apertures are formed in a moving belt upon which the alfalfa is discharged. The pellets are expelled from the apertures after formation thereof and the forming apertures are then cleaned after release of the pellets.

Abstract: A method of pressing and draining whey from cheese curd. In particular, this method is made suitable for producing large blocks of cheese. A container mold having an internal drain screen is filled with cheese curd particles. Pressure is then applied to the cheese curd draining whey into the drain screen and out of the container mold. The container mold is then inverted and the internal drain screen is removed and another application of pressure is used to close any remaining voids within the cheese curd. The container mold is then sealed and prepared for shipping.

Abstract: Large blocks of cheese are formed in a container having a removable bottom, side walls, and an essentially open top. A plurality of upstanding perforated tapered posts extend from the removable bottom to essentially the desired final height of the cheese block. The posts are longitudinally and laterally spaced from one another so that the curd surrounds each post when the container is filled with curd. Pressure is then applied downward to the curd in the container which compacts the curd and causes draining of whey through the upstanding perforated posts. After the curd has been compacted to the desired height, and the whey has been drained through the upstanding perforated posts, the container is inverted and the tapered posts are withdrawn. Pressure is again applied to cause the curd surrounding each perforated post to knit together and aid in removal of any additional whey, thereby providing a cheese block of uniform texture.

Abstract: Apparatus for making a fibrous element includes an elongate foraminous former provided by at least one foraminous belt, with a foraminous forming chamber through which said belt passes and which is formed to a hollow shape thereby. The belt is driven through the forming chamber, and fluid is extracted in a fluid extraction zone which surrounds at least part of the forming chamber and formed by a closed drainage casing. An injection nozzle injects a fibrous dispersion into the former within said forming chamber with the injection nozzle being dimensioned so as to substantially exclude the ingress of air around an interface with the walls of said belt so that the apparatus produces an elongate fibrous element having an outer core of greater density than the inner core which it surrounds.

Abstract: A cross flow filtration molding apparatus and method are disclosed which are particularly useful for forming complicated shapes from dispersions of particles in a liquid medium. Dispersion is pumped through a mold which has porous walls and a sufficient pressure differential is applied to drive a portion of the liquid medium through the porous walls which results in deposition of particles on the walls to form a shaped article. The shaped article may inherently have sufficient structural integrity, or it may be post-treated to provide additional structural integrity.