Abstract: Apparatus for firing ceramic greenware including a container and a plurality of independently movable granules disposed within the container so as to provide a readily levelable minimum friction support surface for supporting the ceramic greenware. During firing, those granules which contact the greenware move in correspondence with the shrinkage of the greenware so that friction related distortion of the greenware is reduced. The ceramic greenware is fired by a method which includes providing a sufficient depth of granules to permit relative movement of those granules in contact with the ceramic greenware, leveling the surface of the granules, placing the greenware on the level surface and firing the ceramic greenware.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting ceramic insulator greenware including container means for supporting the ceramic insulator greenware in a first position and integral spacing means integrally connected with the container means for supporting the container means in a second position. One embodiment of the invention supports the ceramic insulator greenware such that the lower flange of the weather shed of the ceramic insulator greenware is supported above the apparatus so as not to interfere with the glazing coat. Refractory fire brick normally used for spacing and the labor involved in placing and leveling the fire brick/support arrangement is eliminated.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting an insulator or a plurality of insulators having a support means for supporting the insulators at a predetermined position and an integral spacing means integrally connected to the support means for supporting another support means to provide for stacking of a plurality of apparatus. The support means includes a base having a plurality of recesses therein for receiving a mounting portion of a typical insulator and supporting it in a predetermined position. The spacing means includes integral supports projecting upward a predetermined distance from the periphery of the base and an external peripheral wall enclosed upon itself extending upward a second predetermined distance from the periphery of the base, the first and second predetermined distances being selected to provide for adequate ventilation of the insulators. Being self-supporting the apparatus eliminates secondary support materials that are normally required.

Abstract: Apparatus for firing ceramic greenware including a container and a plurality of independently movable granules disposed within the container so as to provide a readily levelable minimum friction support surface for supporting the ceramic greenware. During firing, those granules which contact the greenware move in correspondence with the shrinkage of the greenware so that friction related distortion of the greenware is reduced. The ceramic greenware is fired by a method which includes providing a sufficient depth of granules to permit relative movement of those granules in contact with the ceramic greenware, leveling the surface of the granules, placing the greenware on the level surface and firing the ceramic greenware.