Corning Incorporated

Larry J Zook

Tudor Constantin Gheorghiu

Donald L Guile

G Daniel Lipp

Arthur E Hillman

James Frederick Avery

Edward C Fletcher

Trevor A Francis

Novel method and apparatus are disclosed for dielectrically drying green ceramic or wet honeycomb structures, by rotating such structures about their longitudinal axis between a pair of parallel dielectric electrodes and simultaneously blowing heated air through the longitudinal cells of the honeycomb structure. Preferably the dielectric electrodes are oriented parallel with the longitudinal axis of the honeycomb structure, and the rotation thereof between the electrodes accordingly results in a more uniform energy transfer to the honeycomb structure by leveling out the non-uniformities and variations in the dielectric field.

Rotary dielectric drying of ceramic honeycomb ware

The present invention features a process and apparatus for fabricating ceramic substrates. The apparatus comprises an extruder of the ram or screw type for forcing the ceramic materials through a die to form a log. After leaving the extrusion die, the log enters a conveyor apparatus. The log is conveyed over, and supported upon, a gaseous fluid (air) bearing surface of the conveyor apparatus, until it reaches a dryer carrier. The conveyor apparatus features a support surface for carrying the ceramic materials. The support surface has a plurality of apertures through which the gaseous fluid (air) is directed for supporting the moving log. About the support surface is disposed a mantle for confining the gaseous fluid (air) about the rapidly drying ceramic log. The gaseous fluid (air) is maintained at a relative humidity of approximately between 85 to 97%, and preferably within an approximate range of between 90 and 95%. The mantle ensures that the gaseous fluid (air) surrounding and bathing the conveyed log is continuously maintained at substantially constant humidity within the specified range, in order to prevent the formation of fissures on the surface of the ceramic log.

Manufacture of extruded ceramics

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Painted Post, NY, United States of America

Larry J Zook