Abstract: A variable index molding press having a mold table rotatably placed on a base including a plurality of mold positions on the table for locating various numbers of molds thereon with molding means on the base for cooperating successively with one or all of the molds on the said table at a molding station, table drive means for rotating the table, electronic index control means connected to the drive table means and the molding means including a digital computer programmed for number, type and spacing of the molds, molding times for controlling and synchronizing the molding and the table rotation and a time signal source adapted to generate time representative signals to the computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing molded articles includes a plurality of mold section presses. A mold slide carriage of each press moves a mold among charge receiving, molding, and extraction stations. A charge is guided to the mold while at the receiving station by a trough, from a rotatable scoop. A mold clamp mechanism of drivable arms linked to the mold and wedgeable against cam blocks maintains the mold closed during molding. A mold plunger driven by a press head assembly mates the mold. A molded article is kicked up by a kick-up mechanism. A take-out mechanism rotates jaw members about two axes to grasp molded articles at the extraction station, lifting them to an article removal station.