Abstract: A hydraulic press for the shaping and pressing of hollow ceramic articles, comprising a bedplate fitted with a horizontal table, on which top a die is fitted, wherein the negative outer shape of the article to be shaped and pressed is reproduced in at least one cavity thereof, being a special pressing member, consisting of a bowl made of an elastically flexible and extensible material, and having at least partly, the negative inner shape of the article to be shaped and pressed, fitted within said cavity, coaxially thereto, and being the possibility given to have said bowl uniformly inflated by introducing a pressure fluid therein; means being also provided to have said die temporarily closed while the ceramic powder or paste, previously introduced therein, is pressed, and to have the duly shaped and pressed ceramic article ejected therefrom.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic press, comprising a base frame with an horizontal bed, to which two stationary heads, termed "fore head" and "rear head", respectively, are firmly secured, said heads being connected with one another by at least two cylindrical, parallel columns, whereon a movable positioning and pre-compression crosshead, operated by hydraulic jacks, is slidingly fitted, whereby to act on a movable punch, located opposite to a stationary die, acting both punch and die, on the recess of a bottom mold; being the pressure on the movable punch, working on the recess of the bottom mold, being exerted through a pad made of an elastically flexible material, interposed between said crosshead and said fore head, it being possible to have said pad filled with a pressurized liquid.