Abstract: A pallet feeder assembly for use with a concrete products machine of a type supporting a mold box within a production zone comprises a conveyor having a load/unload expanse configured to be disposed below the production zone, an upstream staging expanse upstream, and upstream and downstream ends. A plurality of sensors operative to detect a presence of a pallet on the conveyor are disposed along a length of the conveyor and include sensors disposed upstream and downstream of the load/unload expanse. Transport means on the conveyor move a pallet loaded on the transport means between the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor. An open portion within the load/unload expanse is configured to admit a lifting means for raising the pallet from the transport means up into the production zone against an underside of a mold box during a production cycle of a concrete products machine.

Abstract: A pallet feeder assembly for use with a concrete products machine of a type supporting a mold box within a production zone comprises a conveyor having a load/unload expanse configured to be disposed below the production zone, an upstream staging expanse upstream, and upstream and downstream ends. A plurality of sensors operative to detect a presence of a pallet on the conveyor are disposed along a length of the conveyor and include sensors disposed upstream and downstream of the load/unload expanse. Transport means on the conveyor move a pallet loaded on the transport means between the upstream and downstream ends of the conveyor. An open portion within the load/unload expanse is configured to admit a lifting means for raising the pallet from the transport means up into the production zone against an underside of a mold box during a production cycle of a concrete products machine.

Abstract: A mold assembly for forming concrete products comprising a mold box having cavities for receiving and molding concrete products and a mounting bracket extension coupled to each side wall of the mold box and forming a lower mounting surface of the mold box. Die alignment holes are formed in an underside of each mounting bracket extension and are configured to receive alignment dowels extending upward from shelves of the concrete products forming machine on which the mold box sits. The mounting bracket extensions further include mold transfer locators formed on the underside inward of the die alignment holes so that they are exposed from below when the mold assembly sits on the shelves of the concrete products forming machine. These locators are configured to locate the mold assembly onto mold extractor arms when the mold assembly is lifted off of the alignment dowels by the mold extractor arms during a mold extraction process.

Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A concrete products forming machine including a main frame, feed drawers, die supports and mold and head assemblies. The feed drawer is moved into position over the mold using an electric belt drive system and includes a vibrating strike off plate to improve surface quality of the molded product, zoned agitators to control movement and placement of concrete, a spring loaded seal system between the walls and floor of the feed box, and quick-release agitator design with urethane sleeves to effect easy and clean removal, replacement and cleaning of the agitators. The concrete products forming machine includes torque tube and leaf spring supports to effect substantially vertical vibrational movement of the mold with air inflatable springs for controlled force between the mold bottom and the pallet. The pallet itself is vibrated from below using phased, counter rotating shafts coupled to the pallet table on which the pallet rests.

Abstract: A tumbler for tumbling concrete products comprises a rotatable cylindrical drum having an input end that is slightly elevated relative to an output end. Tire retread strips are placed side-by-side on the radially inner surface of the drum and extend along its length. Clamps having lateral arms extending on either side are engaged with lateral tread grooves on the strips. The clamps are bolted to the drum between adjacent strips thereby securing the strips to the radially inner surface of the drum.

Abstract: A tumbler for tumbling concrete products comprises a rotatable cylindrical drum having an input end that is slightly elevated relative to an output end. Tire retread strips are placed side-by-side on the radially inner surface of the drum and extend along its length. Clamps having lateral arms extending on either side are engaged with lateral tread grooves on the strips. The clamps are bolted to the drum between adjacent strips thereby securing the strips to the radially inner surface of the drum.

Abstract: A tumbler for tumbling concrete products comprises a rotatable cylindrical drum having an input end that is slightly elevated relative to an output end. Tire retread strips are placed side-by-side on the radially inner surface of the drum and extend along its length. Clamps having lateral arms extending on either side are engaged with lateral tread grooves on the strips. The clamps are bolted to the drum between adjacent strips thereby securing the strips to the radially inner surface of the drum.