Abstract: An electric cell 10 comprising a ceramic porous plate 12 which has previously been soaked in sulphuric acid such that a substantial volume of the pores contain sulphuric acid. Spaces are provided on either side of the plate 12 by a casing 14. The spaces are respectively filled, one with powdered lead-oxide 16, and the other with lead powder 18. Strips of lead 20, 22 extend from adjacent the base of the casing 14 through respectively the lead oxide 16 and the lead powder 18 and through an upper removable cap 24 of the casing 14 to provide terminals 26, 28.

Abstract: An electrically heated kiln (10) for firing ceramic ware has centrifugal fans (22) communicating with a lower region of the kiln, the fans (22) pulling atmospheric air from externally of the kiln through electric heaters (24) so that heated air is introduced into the kiln to create an air flow which passes around the ware. The air then escapes through dampers (14) at an upper region of the kiln (10). In this way the electric heating elements (16) of the kiln (10) do not require to heat the ware up to such a high temperature as is conventional in order to burn off organic binders under which transfers for the ware are printed and the contaminated air can escape through the dampers (14) to effect a regular complete change of the air within the kiln (10). Alternatively where undecorated ware is to be fired the air within the kiln (10) does not become contaminated and can be recirculated to be introduced by the fans (22) at the lower region of the kiln (10).