Abstract: The present invention relates to a mini pottery wheel for shaping clay or other suitable materials to a desired shape. The clay is maintained upon a rotatable platform during shaping by a post member which is cooperatively engaged by the clay or other suitable material by a centering tool assembly to ensure that the material remains centrally positioned upon the rotatable platform. As will be appreciated, the present invention offers a fun and convenient way for users to form a variety of end products.

Abstract: A pottery holding device and method for securely holding a workpiece during rotation and working of the workpiece on a wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The pottery holding device includes a wheelhead member and at least three holding members. The wheelhead member configured for attachment to the wheelhead of a pottery wheel. The at least three holding members and wheelhead member configured to allow selective locking of the at least three holding members in positions about the periphery of a workpiece. The device adapted to securely hold circular, non-circular symmetric and irregular, asymmetric or organic shaped workpieces. The device further adapted to securely hold workpieces in positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is aligned with the axis of rotation of the device, and positions and orientations such that the center of the workpieces is spaced from the axis of rotation of the device.

Abstract: A splash pan of a pottery wheel arranged to cover bottom and side areas of a turntable, includes a plurality of split dish members split in a circumferential direction and provided with a clay-storing concave portion, the split dish members being separably connectable to each other through substantially horizontal movement thereof. The split dish members are two in number and include a first split dish member having boss portions formed on an outer surface thereof and a second split dish member having engagement portions engageable with the boss portions. The engagement portions are formed on an outer surface of the second split dish member in radial positions corresponding to the boss portions and opened toward the boss portions. The engagement portions of the second split dish member are elastically deformable when engaging with the boss portions of the first split dish member.

Abstract: In the case of an injection nozzle, in particular hot-runner nozzle (7), for arrangement in an injection mould (11) which has a relatively large number of plates as a function of the configuration, and which has, on its solid mould side (I), at least one platen (4) and one feed plate (5), and, on its moveable, separable mould side (II) at least one cavity plate (2), at the mould cavity (3) of which a nozzle point (8) is used, where the hot-runner nozzle (7) has, at its rear end distant from the nozzle point (8), a hollow flange housing (18) which has a housing collar (11) and which receives a material tube (20) with a flow channel (9) for a material melt leading to the nozzle point (8), and also has connections for a heating system (16) and/or cooling system and temperature sensor (17), the material pipe (20) has been connected at its rear end by way of a delimited length section (21) of its outer jacket area to the flange housing (18) at the inner jacket area thereof so as to form a single piece.

Abstract: A tooth mold retaining frame comprises an L shape seat; a pivotal block; a universal connector; a first positioning block; a second positioning block; and a first fine adjust unit. By using the first fine adjust unit, second fine adjust unit and the fine-adjust device, an upper teeth mold, and a lower teeth mold can move with respect to one another precisely. By a universal connector, the upper teeth mold can move three directionally and can lift or descend proportionally so as to avoid the error in manufacturing of the teeth mold. Thus the teeth mold can be made precisely and the condition of the teeth mold can be viewed conveniently. Furthermore, the teeth mold can be sent directly without needing to send the teeth frame. Thus, the manufacturer can make the teeth mold continuously without affecting the working time.

Abstract: A system and method for centering a clay plug on a potter's wheel before rotation of the potter's wheel includes a rotatable adapter having a central axis aligned with the central axis of the potter's wheel, a rotatable toroidal disk bat whose central axis is aligned with central axis of the rotatable adapter, and a clay plug having a central axis aligned with the central axis of the rotatable toroidal disk bat.

Abstract: A mold for fabricating a plaster bat includes a well portion, adapted to be placed on a relatively smooth hard surface. The well forms a well adapted to contain plaster. A bridge portion is attached to the well portion and includes a collar holder adapted to hold a collar within the well portion at a nominal location. The collar holder is adapted to hold a collar at a predetermined height above the surface.

Abstract: A jig for firing a silicon carbide based material of the present invention is a jig for firing a silicon carbide based material, which is used for placing a silicon carbide based molded body thereon upon firing of the silicon carbide based molded body, wherein a SiO source layer is formed on at least a part of the surface of the jig for firing a silicon carbide based material.

Abstract: A potter's wheel has a shaft supporting a lower rotatable disc for a pedal and an upper rotatable disc supporting clay to be molded. The shaft connects the two discs. The shaft and discs are supported in a support structure made from a peripheral frame. The support structure supports a top platform through which the shaft supporting the upper rotatable disc passes. The upper rotatable disc is substantially elevated above the top platform to avoid the possibility of an operator's hand being caught and injured between the upper rotatable disc and the top platform.

Abstract: A rotatable turntable tool, for use in trimming wheel-thrown pottery, includes a base portion, a bearing member, and a cap member which is rotatably attached to the base portion. The turntable tool is adapted to transfer downward finger pressure to the bottom of an inverted clay workpiece that is spinning on a wheel head of a potter's wheel. The turntable tool is provided to stabilize and hold the clay workpiece in place on the wheel head during a trimming operation, as excess clay is trimmed away from a foot area of the workpiece, and the shape of the foot is trimmed with a separate metal trimming tool. During use, the cap portion of the tool remains substantially stationary, while the base portion spins concurrently with the workpiece. A method of using the turntable tool is also described.

Abstract: A porous bat may be used on a pottery wheel including a locating pin at a nominal location. The porous bat includes an elongated hole at a location corresponding to the nominal location. The elongated hole is adapted to slidably fit over the locating pin. The hole has a first axis with a dimension sized to fit over the locating pin and a second axis with a dimension larger than the first dimension to compensate for variations in the location of the locating pin on the pottery wheel.

Abstract: A system for removably mounting an accessory on a pottery wheel. The system includes a locating pin which is attached to the pottery wheel at a nominal location. The location of the locating pin may be adjusted. The system also includes a hole fabricated in an accessory at a location corresponding to the nominal location. The location of the locating pin is adjusted to align with the location of the hole and the hole is slid onto the locating pin, thereby mounting the accessory on the pottery wheel.

Abstract: An articulated potter's wheel assembly in which the height and angle of the potter's wheel is adjustable relative to the user. A motor-driven wheel is mounted to an upper frame assembly that is adjustable for height, with the wheel being mounted at the front of the frame so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis. The wheel is mounted to a pivotable table assembly that includes the motor and drive mechanism for the wheel. The height of the upper frame assembly is adjusted relative to a second, lower frame assembly by a motor driven jackscrew. A tank is also mounted on the upper frame assembly for dispensing water to aid in working the clay. A strap attaches proximate the pivot points of the table so as to pass across and support the user's back. The assembly may be configured as a free-standing unit or for wall-mount installation. The assembly accommodates wheelchairs, and can be used in standing or sitting positions.

Abstract: A potter's wheel for working clay and other pottery material on a turntable driven by a DC brushless motor. In order that driving speed is not affected by the load due to user's access to the work of clay, the speed of the motor detected by a speed detector is fed back to a speed control signal generator and a motor driving control signal is generated as a function of the difference between the detected motor speed and a directed speed inputted through a speed setter in response to the operation to a manipulation member. Then, a motor control generates such a motor driving signal as to make the motor driving control signal zero, with the motor driving signal being fed to the motor, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the turntable to be a directed value regardless of the load applied to the turntable via the work.

Abstract: A device, for forming a vessel body, which has an open top negative mold, a ring-like lid member for the negative mold with an inside diameter which is smaller than an open top diameter of the mold, a cylindrical rotary trowel which is mechanically fixed to move against an inner surface of the mold within a predetermined range and is at least longer in length than a height of an inner wall surface of the vessel body to be formed, and a trowel drive for rotating the rotary trowel.

Abstract: A portable, table-top apparatus for throwing a pot has an exoskeletal housing having a first recess in an underside thereof. A pottery wheel having a diameter of from about two to fifteen inches and having a wheel-head height of less than about 6 inches above the table-top has an upwardly facing flat surface adapted to support a clay mass of up to about 50 pounds. The pottery wheel is supported by the housing to be rotatable about a vertical axis. A reversible motor of greater than about ⅛ horsepower is disposed in the first recess and coupled to the wheel to rotate the wheel about the axis at an adjustable rotational speed from 0 to about 350 rpm in each of the clockwise and counterclockwise directions. A further recess in a top side of the exoskeletal housing is adapted to hold a bucket, such as a water bucket or a tool bucket.

Abstract: A potter's wheel for working clay and other pottery material on a turntable driven by a DC brushless motor. In order that driving speed is not affected by the load due to user's access to the work of clay, the speed of the motor detected by a speed detector is fed back to a speed control signal generator and a motor driving control signal is generated as a function of the difference between the detected motor speed and a directed speed inputted through a speed setter in response to the operation to a manipulation member. Then, a motor control generates such a motor driving signal as to make the motor driving control signal zero, with the motor driving signal being fed to the motor, thereby controlling the rotational speed of the turntable to be a directed value regardless of the load applied to the turntable via the work.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a pot or miniature pot. A pottery wheel has a diameter of from 2 to 15 inches and rotates about a vertical axis. The wheel has a facing flat surface for supporting the pot or miniature pot. A motor is coupled to the wheel for rotation about the axis at an adjustable rotational speed of between 0 and 350 rpm. A support base contains the motor and further includes a power source. The wheel extends above the base, and preferably includes the rotor portion of the motor. The wheel further includes a disk shaped platform and a support shaft. The platform is disengagable from the shaft so that a replacement platform may be engaged with the shaft. The platform further includes a clay preform attached to the surface of the platform. The apparatus is preferably small and light weight so that it may be supported by a hand and easily carried therein.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a pot or miniature pot. A pottery wheel has a diameter of from 2 to 14 inches and rotates about a vertical axis. The wheel has a facing flat surface for supporting the pot or miniature pot. A motor is coupled to the wheel for rotation about the axis at an adjustable rotational speed of between 200 and 10,000 rpm. A support base contains the motor and further includes a power source. The wheel extends above the base, and preferably includes the rotor portion of the motor. The wheel further includes a disk shaped platform and a support shaft. The platform is disengagable from the shaft so that a replacement platform may be engaged with the shaft. The platform further includes a clay preform attached to the surface of the platform. The apparatus is preferably small and light weight so that it may be supported by a hand and easily carried therein.

Abstract: A rotary trowel (1) for use in the molding of ceramics (15) comprising a trowel matrix (2) and a trowel surface (3) provided on said trowel matrix (2) so as to make contact with a raw clay composition (15) and calender the raw clay composition (15), characterized in that said trowel surface (3) is formed by providing an epoxy resin composition containing an abrasion-resistant material on the inner surface of a casting mold (6).

Abstract: A modeling tool for use with moldable materials having a handle with at least one end, a recess in the end for receiving an end-portion of a wire-end which is releasably secured to the handle. The wire-end may take on a variety of shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and cross-sectional shapes; and it can be made from a multitude of materials. The modeling tool has a threaded handle end for receiving a wire-end end-portion disposed within at least one groove of an at least partially threaded pin. The modeling tools could include a second end of the handle having a recess for receiving an end-portion of a second wire-end which can, also, be releasably secured to the handle.

Abstract: A banding wheel comprising a turntable and a tilting mechanism. The turntable is (i) rotatable, and (ii) adapted for releasable attachment to a pottery article support plate. The plate is adapted for releasably securing a pottery article to the banding wheel. The tilting mechanism is operatively connected to the turntable and adapted for tilting the turntable so that when the mechanism is in its closed position the turntable is horizontally disposed and when the mechanism is in its open position, the turntable is angularly disposed.

Abstract: Pockets for clay jars are made without adding clay after throwing the shape of the jar by cutting an arcuate slot into the jar; pushing the inside wall of the jar to open the slot, pressing the outside surface of the jar above the slot inward, rounding the ends of the slot, smoothing the lower edge of the slot, holding a pocket mold against the jar, pressing the inside wall of the jar located below the slot into the mold, and removing the mold.

Abstract: A mold for use in the production of ceramic vessels is disclosed herein having a rotatable potters wheel head supporting a mold including a porous surface base disc releasably held in coaxial and concentric relationship with respect to the wheel head and which detachably carries a mold ring thereon about the periphery of the basic disc to define an inner cavity in which the shaping process is performed. A top rim is detachably carried on the mold ring and includes a porous surface for supporting ceramic material which downwardly depends into the mold cavity where pressure is applied to the unsupported portion of the material by finger tips to form a desired shape.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a miniature pot. A pottery wheel has a diameter no larger than two inches and rotates about a vertical axis. The wheel has a facing flat surface for supporting the miniature pot. A motor is coupled to the wheel for rotating the wheel about the axis at an adjustable rotational speed of between 200 and 10,000 revolutions per minute. A support base contains the motor and further includes a power source. The wheel extends above the base, and preferably includes the rotor portion of the motor. The wheel further includes a disk shaped platform and a support shaft. The platform is disengagable from the shaft so that a replacement platform may be engaged with the shaft. The platform further includes a clay preform attached to the surface of the platform. The apparatus is preferably small and light weight enough so that it may be supported by a hand and easily carried therein.

Abstract: A wheelhead assembly for use upon a vertical rotary power drive shaft of a potter's wheel includes a top plate, a drive shaft coupler, and a locking arrangement for releasably securing and adjustably relocating the top plate relative to the drive shaft coupler. The top plate has a planar upper surface for supporting a mass of clay to be molded into a composite article of pottery. The drive shaft coupler has a fixed axis of rotation and is capable of supporting the top plate upon the rotary drive shaft of the potter's wheel for rotation with the coupler about its axis of rotation.

Abstract: A pottery bowl with an integral catch tray. The process of forming the pottery bowl includes molding a bowl with a thickened sidewall adjacent to the bottom thereof. The bowl is then placed on a potter's wheel and a shaping tool is inserted into the thickened portion to form an integral catch tray. The shaping tool for forming the catch tray preferably has a rounded tip from which a stream of water is emitted.

Abstract: Jiggering for ceramic ware is effected while providing a jiggering surface of a jiggering profile tool with a gas to produce a thin gas film between the jiggering surface and plastic clay. The gas film is formed by a gas fed from the outside of the jiggering surface and the jiggering profile tool is heated to 50.degree.-60.degree. C. High-temperature heating of the tool is dispensed with.

Abstract: Jiggering for ceramic ware is effected while providing a jiggering surface of a jiggering profile tool with a gas to produce a thin gas film between the jiggering surface and plastic clay. The gas film is formed by a gas fed through or from the outside of the jiggering surface. High-temperature heating of the tool is dispensed with.

Abstract: A potter's table including a rotating pneumatic clay extruder coupled to the potter's wheel. Clay is fed from a vented storage cylinder in centered relation to the wheel past an interchangeable template via a hand valve controlled pneumatic piston and rotatable ram head coaxially mounted within the storage cylinder. An electric foot-operated, proportional speed belt drive, belt tensioning assembly and upper and lower bearing assemblies support the cylinder and potter's wheel in rotative relation to the table and pneumatic piston.

Abstract: A bat for the wheelhead of a potters wheel is formed entirely from plastic and has opposing flat faces, one of which is smooth and other of which is textured.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for centrally mounting one circular plate relative to another circular plate. The use of such method and apparatus in conjunction with a device for centering and holding a piece of pottery in a central position relative a potter's wheel axis is described.

Abstract: An automatic machine for the internal fettling of sanitary appliances in general, which comprises a tappet device elastically loaded towards a cam having a profile conforming to the mouth of the bowls of the articles to be fettled, said device controlling the horizontal excursions of a double slide which supports in an overhanging manner, to lie above a surface on which the articles are arranged, a verticle slider provided with a stepwise-rotatable coaxial shaft on which there is lowerly mounted, in an orientation-adjustable manner, a rotating brush arranged for insertion into the bowls in order to make contact with their entire inner surface extension by virtue of the combination of the aforesaid movements.

Abstract: An automatic machine for the fettling of the syphon of sanitary appliances, comprising a vertical flat structure of overall elastically deformable configuration, which tapers downwards in such a manner as to be able to be inserted into the syphons of the articles provided laterally with two fettling sectors arranged to contact the walls of the syphons, and which is supported by an operating head arranged to subject it to vertical reciprocating recitlinear motion and to simultaneous stepwise rotary motion; the operating head is mounted on a vertical slider for its positioning at the required level.

Abstract: A potter's wheel includes a rotary molding table mounted on a casing. An inverted cup-shaped member is disposed in the casing and has a rubber ring along the inner surface of its lower edge. The cup-shaped member is connected to the table to drive the latter. A driving unit for driving the cup-shaped member includes a conical roller which is movable vertically within the cup-shaped member relative to the ring.

Abstract: The centering and holding device of the invention is a relatively simple but practical piece of equipment for attachment to a potter's wheelhead for centering and holding the pot such as a vase, bowl, plate or the like on the said wheelhead. The top plate of the device is provided with sliding arms for engaging and holding the pot and the body portion of each arm extends through the top plate to project below for co-action with spiral grooves formed in the surface of the bottom plate. When the plates are rotated relatively to each other the arms move radially and to a like extent.

Abstract: A planter with an open mesh wire embedded in an aggregate that is shaped with a smaller diameter at the lip, and the outside surface of the planter is coveredwith small rocks that extend out from the aggregate. In another version the planter has an open ended plastic container covered with an aggregate having a wire mesh embedded in the aggregate.A planter is formed on a machine geared to slowly rotate a platform and arbor for holding parts making up the planter while the outside dimension of the planter is being formed against a shaper positioned to remove excess aggregate and to shape the planter.

Abstract: A pedal powered potter's wheel is composed of a wheelhead, upon which the potter shapes his pots, mounted upon the upper end of a vertical driveshaft, which is bolted to a horizontal hollow rubber wheel partially filled with water to function as a flywheel. The flywheel is turned counterclockwise by a bicycle wheel vertically pressed down against its outer upper rubber surface at a 90.degree. angle. The bicycle wheel is spun by two chains on two sprockets bolted to each end of the horizontal power transfer shaft. The potter sits before the wheelhead while pushing two pedals welded to a sprocket directly below him which drives a chain turning the nearest sprocket of the power transfer shaft.

Abstract: A clay centering device for a potter's wheel consists of a flat slab mounted on an arm which has at one end a handle and at the other end is releasably engaged rotatably and in universally pivotal manner to a mounting clamp secured to the rim of the tray of the potter's wheel. By means of the handle, the slab may be moved across the potter's wheel, its normally lower edge against the top of the wheel, to contact and center a piece of clay on the revolving wheel. The slab is adjustably fixed on the arm, which is telescopically adjustable.

Abstract: A compact, washable potter's wheel comprising three separate units, a casing, a motor housing and a turntable assembly. The motor housing and turntable assembly are removably mounted on the casing. A motor is mounted within the housing and has a shaft projecting outwardly therefrom. The turntable assembly includes a turntable having a peripheral rim and a bearing assembly which rotatably supports the turntable. A leaf spring secured to the motor housing contacts a wall of the casing to urge the housing to a first position in which the motor shaft contacts the turntable rim. In this position, the turntable is driven by the motor. A cam member mounted on the motor housing slideably engages the casing wall to urge the housing to a second position in which the motor shaft is spaced apart from the turntable rim. In this position, the turntable may be manually rotated as a lazy susan.

Abstract: A device for use in making hand formed pottery which includes an electric motor having a high speed flywheel connected to said motor and coupled through a speed reduction system to a slow turning table for working of the clay with the added provision of electric braking.

Abstract: A shell is formed from shredded potatoes placed in a perforated basket form which defines the basic outer configuration of the shell. An inner forming core is moved into the basket with relative rotation established between the basket and the core. The core is provided with one or more peripheral grooves which are especially shaped to develop a forming and shaping means which initiates movement of the shreds and distributes the shredded material within the space between the core and the perforated basket means. The shredded potatoes may be placed within the basket or fed thereto through the head. The shreds are formed with at least a partial curved outer surface. A perforated closure basket is secured telescoped into the shell for cooking. The assembly is cooked with the shell opening horizontally. The shredded potatoes are processed to remove moisture prior to forming thereof and the total process may be done by an automated line.