Abstract: A device and method for transporting blanks is provided. The blanks are made from an initially plastic, subsequently dried and finally fired material. A transport tray transports the blanks through both a dryer and a kiln. The blanks can be stacked on a drying trolley or a firing trolley. A first transfer device transfers the blanks onto the drying trolley when the blanks are stacked on the transport tray and are plastic. The drying trolley transports the blanks and the transport tray in the dryer for drying the blanks. A second transfer device transfers the blanks and the transport tray onto the firing trolley after the blanks have been dried. The firing trolley transports the blanks and the transport tray in the kiln for firing the blanks.

Abstract: Device (1) for separating a strand (3) of plastic material, which can be moved along a conveying passage (2), into longitudinal portions (3a), having at least one notching device (5) which on all sides of the passage (2) comprises in each case a notching tool (8a to 8d) which can be moved by means of a tool drive (18) in a tool guide (17) between an initial notching position and a notching position, wherein the cutting device (4) comprises two cutting wire holders (24) which are disposed in mutually opposite-lying boundary regions of the passage (2) and which can be moved transversely with respect to the passage (2) by means of a cutting drive (26) in a cutting guide (25), and wherein the notching device (5) with its notching tools (8a to 8d) are disposed its passage (2) the support module (9) which is moveable forwards and backwards [sic].

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for transporting blanks (2) made from an initially plastic, especially ceramic, material towards a dryer (3), from the dryer (3) and towards a kiln (4), with a dryer supply device (7) for supplying the blanks (2) to the dryer (3) and a removal and supply device (8) for removing the blanks (2) from the dryer (3) and for supplying the blanks (2) to the kiln (4). Transport trays (5) made from a heat-resistant material for the blanks (2) are associated with the device (1). The supply device (7) provides a blank-loading device (19) for loading the blanks (2) in each case onto a transport tray (5), and the removal and supply device (8) provides a transfer device (22a, 22b, 22c) for gripping the respective transport tray (5) loaded with the blanks (2) and transferring it to the kiln (4). The present invention further relates to a method for transporting blanks.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for manufacturing a slab of extruded material, with a die relief, in which an outlet is arranged, of which the outlet edge determines an outlet cross-section with a given shape and size, wherein at least one peripheral portion of the outlet edge is arranged in a manner displaceable inwards and outwards transversely to the axis of the outlet and can be adjusted inwards and outwards by an adjustment device.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously shifting a plurality of tiles (2) or tile mouldings arranged in at least one row (1), into a skew position with respect to the tile row, comprising at least two gripper devices (3) which engage opposite end faces (5) of the tiles (2). At least one of the gripper devices (3) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the one tile row (1). The gripper devices (3) have an elastic pad (6) on the sides facing the tile end faces (5), in order to avoid any damage to the tile end face (5) or tile edges (8).

Abstract: In a process for cutting a deformable body, e.g., a clay column, into individual shaped bodies by using at least one cutting wire, the body is first provided with notches about its periphery by a known notching device. During the subsequent cutting, the body is supported by support strips that engage in the notches on both sides of the cut edges. The body is thus not deformed during cutting, no undesirable cutting edges are left and the notch definition remains.

Abstract: Cermic materials (i.e. architectural face-bricks) are fired in a tunnel kiln of the type having a firing zone and a downstream cooling zone. The cooling zone is segregated into indirect and direct cooling zones via a sealed gate structure therebetween. The heated gases in the indirect cooling zone are thus preliminarily cooled by suitable means (for example, a heat exchanger) and the cooled gases are returned via a closed-loop path to the indirect cooling zone. The fired ceramic materials in the direct cooling zone are finally cooled by the direct introduction of an oxygen-rich gas (i.e. ambient air). In such a manner, a reducing atmosphere may be maintained in the firing zone and in the indirect cooling zone while final cooling of the bricks occurs in the direct cooling zone. Thus, the oxygen-rich atmosphere of the direct cooling zone is prevented from entering the indirect cooling zone via the sealed gate structure thereby permitting frost-resistant bricks to be fired and cooled on a continual basis.