Abstract: A kiln car includes freestanding straight rigid hollow members and freestanding angular rigid hollow members resting on the upper surface of the chassis of the kiln car. The rigid hollow members are of modular configuration and are arranged engaging together around and on the peripheral margin only of the upper surface of the chassis, with the angular members at the corner regions of the peripheral margin and the straight members extending between adjacent angular members. A cover extends over the enclosed area surrounded by the hollow members and there is insulating material within the enclosed area and within the hollow members. Support members for articles being fired extend upward from the upper surface of the chassis through the insulating material to support articles above the cover.

Abstract: A kiln assembly (10) with a tunnel kiln (12) having an entrance (14) and exit (16). Two parallel guideways (18) are provided extending through the kiln (12), each adjacent a side wall of the kiln (12). A plurality of car members (20) are movable respectively along either of the guideways (18) carrying support members (24) extending therebetween. Ware is loaded on to the support members (24) at the entrance (14), and is unloaede at the exit (16), are provided. Return guideways (22) are provided extending around opposite sides of the kiln (12) such that the car members (20) from the respective guideways (18) pass around opposite sides of the kiln (12) in a different spacing from when travelling through the kiln (12).

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for supporting a plurality of asticles of glazed vitrified flatware. The apparatus comprises a base and cover each having a generally T-shaped configuration. Uprights extend between respective holes in the base and cover adjacent the free end of each of the limbs of the T. A plurality of spaced fingers extend perpendicularly from the elongate portion inwardly of the apparatus. The fingers are of a greater length than the distance between the rim and the foot of a conventional item of flatware. A groove is provided on the upper surface of the fingers adjacent the free ends thereof for locating a conventional pin for supporting ware beneath the foot of the ware.

Abstract: A setter (10) for supporting an article of ceramic ware. The setter (10) comprising two identical engageable components (14). The components (14) comprise profiled pieces of recrystallised silicon carbide. The components (14) are generally `C` shaped and have engagement means in the form of a step (16) on the ends of the side members of the `C` permitting engagement between the components (14) to define a planar support surface comprising a continuous band of material surrounding an open area.