Abstract: The apparatus produces pressed cement tiles by forming and pressing the tiles in molds and stripping the pressed tiles from the molds. The stripped tiles are deposited, in superimposed relation, on a stripping tray or "shovel" and the thus-supported tiles are subjected to subsequent treatments. A rotary table or platform carries several molds which are cyclically moved through several stages to form and press the tiles, and the tile receiving tray is positioned at a discharge station to have several pressed tiles stripped from the molds and superimposed in a pile on the tray. Alternatively, an intermediate tray is reciprocable radially between a first position, beneath the stripping element, to receive a pressed tile, and a second position retracted from the rotary platform.

Abstract: A semi-dry material metering unit for tile presses comprises means for separating a material charge from a bulk of the semi-dry material in a manner such as to permit the volume and shape of the charge to be readily changed. The metering unit further comprises an air-permeable mesh which is impermeable to the semi-dry material and against which the separated charge can be held by suction during transfer to a mold. While held against the air-permeable surface, the charge maintains its shape, and thus the distribution of material when discharged into the mold can be controlled.