Abstract: A process for preparing a terra sigillata coated body in which a clay green body containing clay, from about 3 to about 15 weight percent of water, and from about 0.05 to about 0.4 weight percent of barium carbonate is coated with a coating composition, and the coated composition is thereafter fired.

Abstract: An electric heat storage apparatus comprises an electric heating element, a ceramic heat storage pipe, an air passageway in communication with the pipe, and a thermostatically controlled air circulation means. The ceramic pipe has a scalloped-shaped outer surface providing a plurality of crests and troughs and a series of parallel grooves cut in at least some of the crests. The heating element is located in the grooves in contact with the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the pipe is provided with a plurality of internal ribs of at least two different lengths. The pipe is supported on a ceramic cradle and a ceramic sponge or metal turnings are inserted into the pipe between the ribs to increase the heat transfer area.

Abstract: A ceramic product having an expansion coefficient from about 1.0.times.10.sup.-6 .degree.C. to about 2.5.times.10.sup.-6 .degree.C. containing a sintered mixture of spodumene and clay is described. The sintered mixture also includes iron oxide in an amount from about 1.0% to about 7.0% by weight of the total sintered mixture. The final product includes a .beta. spodumene solid solution and mullite, and has a mullite content of less than 10% by volume. The presence of iron oxide in the sintered mixture reduces the formation of mullite during the formation of .beta. spodumene and thus reduces the expansion coefficient of the final product. The process for preparing the ceramic products described herein includes providing an intimate mixture of 40% by weight to 60% by weight of spodumene and 40% by weight to 60% by weight of clay and heating the mixture in the presence of iron oxide at a suitable time and temperature, within a range from cone 5 to cone 10 and preferably within a range from cone 6 to cone 9.

Abstract: A ceramic sponge made from plastic is described. Because of the ease of cutting the plastic in various shapes before converting to ceramic several unique applications are possible. In case of a column packing better contact between liquid and gas is made. For an auto catalytic converter better contact between gas and catalyst is realized. By cutting in other ways a filter to remove solids is made, permitting longer use before clogging, also a scrubber to remove particulates. A rotary ceramic filter is described; it is also a composite of fibers and ceramic which retains small particulates without excessive pressure drop upon passage of fluid through the filter. An acid resistant collector plate for an electrostatic precipitation is described.

Abstract: Non-porous, Alfred shale terra sigillata coated ceramic utensils, such as cooking pans, pots, plates, cups and heating and serving dishes, having non-sticking food-contacting surfaces are provided for use in the preparation and/or serving of foodstuffs. The ceramic utensils comprise a ceramic body and an Alfred shale terra sigillata coating on said body, both body and coating preferably being made from Alfred shale.

Abstract: Terra sigillata coated ceramic cookware vessels, such as bread pans. Bread baked in such pans has the taste and physical qualities of bread baked in a brick oven. In addition, the baked bread releases easily from the pan.

Abstract: A method for baking bread in a sigillata coated ceramic cookware vessels, such as bread pans. Bread baked in such pans has the taste and physical qualities of bread baked in a brick oven. In addition, the baked bread releases easily from the pan.

Abstract: Non-porous, Alfred shale terra sigillata coated ceramic utensils, such as cooking pans, pots, plates, cups and heating and serving dishes, having non-sticking food-contacting surfaces are provided for use in the preparation and/or serving of foodstuffs. The ceramic utensils comprise a ceramic body and an Alfred shale terra sigillata coating on said body, both body and coating preferably being made from Alfred shale.