Abstract: Novel method and apparatus are disclosed for dielectrically drying green ceramic or wet honeycomb structures, by rotating such structures about their longitudinal axis between a pair of parallel dielectric electrodes and simultaneously blowing heated air through the longitudinal cells of the honeycomb structure. Preferably the dielectric electrodes are oriented parallel with the longitudinal axis of the honeycomb structure, and the rotation thereof between the electrodes accordingly results in a more uniform energy transfer to the honeycomb structure by leveling out the non-uniformities and variations in the dielectric field.

Abstract: This invention is directed to means for expediting the fabrication of selectively-manifolded honeycomb structures for use as fluid filter elements. The method comprises the use of flexible masks which are properly aligned to the end faces of a honeycomb structure utilizing vibratory motion in conjunction with a locating wire. By varying the configuration of the masks, it is possible to fabricate a fluid filter element having a center zone which is selectively manifolded and an outer portion wherein at least the ends of the honeycomb structure cells are completely filled.

Abstract: Improved masking apparatus and methods for bulk charging a flowable material into selected cell ends exposed at an end face of a honeycomb structure. The masking apparatus utilize protrusions which assist in properly aligning the apparatus to the end face and reduce the possibility of improperly charging cells. In one apparatus embodiment, a planar body is provided having a plurality of hollow protrusions which extend into selected cell ends when the planar body is fitted against an end face of the structure. A flowable material charged against the planar body passes through the hollow protrusions into the selected cell ends. In another embodiment, a plurality of preformed protrusions or plugs are mounted along thin, flexible members at predetermined locations. The plugs are removably inserted into and temporarily block or cover the ends of an equal plurality of cells. A flowable material charged against the end face passes into the remaining, uncovered cells.

Abstract: A sintered, honeycomb structure having plugged cell ends is formed in a single sintering step by plugging the cell ends of a sinterable honeycomb structure with an appropriate material which, when heated to the sintering temperature of the structure and compared with any dimensional changes the structure undergoes during its sintering, provides a relative expansion of the plugs with respect to the structure of between about 1.5% and 7% and, preferably, between about 2 and 4%. Various exemplary batch mixtures are identified for fabricating solid particulate filter bodies from extruded ceramic substrates in which both the substrate and plugs sinter to primarily cordierite crystal phases at temperatures between about 1340.degree. C. and 1450.degree. C.

Abstract: Improved masking apparatus and methods for bulk charging a flowable material into selected cell ends exposed at an end face of a honeycomb structure. The masking apparatus utilize protrusions which assist in properly aligning the apparatus to the end face and reduce the possibility of improperly charging cells. In one apparatus embodiment, a planar body is provided having a plurality of hollow protrusions which extend into selected cell ends when the planar body is fitted against an end face of the structure. A flowable material charged against the planar body passes through the hollow protrusions into the selected cell ends. In another embodiment, a plurality of preformed protrusions or plugs are mounted along thin, flexible members at predetermined locations. The plugs are inserted into and block or cover the ends of an equal plurality of cells. A flowable material charged against the end face passes into the remaining, uncovered cells.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to the production of composite glass articles involving the bringing together of two or more glasses, while in the molten state, into an integral unit. More particularly, the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of such articles wherein a reaction occurs at the interface between the laminae of molten glass such that an opal phase is spontaneously produced in situ thereat.