Abstract: A feeding device for a press comprising: a first belt (2), movable in advancement along a conveying direction (X) and passing through a press (11, 12); depositing means (3), predisposed for spreading in a layer an amount (L) of loose material (L) on a movable plane. The device comprises a second belt (4), on which the depositing means (3) operate, located upstream of the first belt (2), which is movable along the conveying direction (X) and is substantially aligned and contiguous to the first belt (2). The first belt (2) and second belt (4) are movable independently of one another.

Abstract: A manufacturing device for a microneedle includes an upper plate stage, a lower plate stage disposed in horizontally parallel with the upper plate stage, a rotating device configured to rotate and move the upper plate stage over the lower plate stage, and a first cylindrical type actuator configured to vertically move the lower plate stage in a state in which the upper plate stage has been rotated and moved over the lower plate stage by the rotating device. The first cylindrical type actuator may upwardly and downwardly move so as to be able to stretch a viscous composition in a vertical direction in a state in which a contacting to the viscous composition is performed, wherein the viscous composition is applied on both of a patch sheet seated on the upper plate stage and a patch sheet seated on the lower plate stage, or is applied on one of them.

Abstract: The invention relates to an object carrier comprising a two-dimensional array of receptacles for trays having n rows and m lanes, with n and m each being integers equal to or greater than 2. The object carrier includes a plurality of notch elements provided on one or two mutually parallel outer sides. The invention further relates to a packaging system comprising a packaging machine, a transport system, at least one processing unit, and several multi-row object carriers. Several stop systems are provided along the transport system and are configured to stop an individual object carrier in an intermittent mode at consecutive notch elements of the object carrier in order to have at least one row of trays be processed by the processing unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor package may include a mold and a molding plate. The mold may define a mold cavity with the mold being configured to receive a circuit board in the mold cavity, and the circuit board may include a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. A molding plate may be moveable in the mold cavity with the molding plate being configured to adjust a volume of the mold cavity. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A block, block system and method of making a wall block. A block with multiple embodiments of a visually exposed surface having three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints that can be used to construct a patio, wall, fence or the like; the multiple embodiments creating a more random and natural appearance. A mold box having a moveable liner and a stripper shoe that impart three dimensional shaped areas and three dimensional angular valleys or joints onto an exposed surface of a block. The moveable liner and stripper shoe also impart a parting line onto the exposed surface of the block.

Abstract: A method for demolding concrete blocks which are cast in a resilient mold supported in a rigid frame, the mold having a top surface and at least one cavity with an opening on the top surface, which cavity holds a cured cast concrete block. The mold has two opposing edges. The demolded blocks are stacked on a collection surface. A support is positioned over the cavity and the mold, the support and the frame are inverted and positioned in demolding apparatus. After two opposing edges of the mold are engaged by the demolding apparatus, the support is withdrawn to allow the mold to sag. The blocks may release from the mold and fall onto the collection surface. If any blocks remain in the mold, a plunger mechanism is pushed against the sagging mold to release the blocks. Guide members may facilitate positioning the blocks on the collection surface.

Abstract: The support plate device for baked goods, pastries, or Viennese baked goods, includes at least one lower plate and at least two molds supported by the lower plate. The device further includes at least one upper plate, which covers the molds. The lower surface of the upper plate engages with the upper ends of the respective edges of the molds. There is a resilient return device for each mold, generating a force urging each mold individually and separately against the lower surface of the upper plate.

Abstract: Provided is an imprint apparatus that imprints a pattern formed on a mold onto a substrate. The imprint apparatus includes a substrate holder that holds the substrate and can move in a direction along the surface of the substrate; a gas supply unit for supplying a gas into a space between a pattern part of the mold and the substrate; and a wall part that is disposed so as to enclose the space that is supplied with gas, wherein at a position opposed to the substrate and the mold, the wall part faces the substrate holder or the substrate with a gap therebetween.

Abstract: A semiconductor package molding system includes a press unit, a loading apparatus for loading the first member and the first resin member on the first press apparatus and the second member and the second resin member on the second press apparatus, an unloading apparatus which is adapted to unload a molded first mold from the first press apparatus and a molded second mold from the second press apparatus, and a control unit which is adapted to apply a control signal to the press unit, the loading apparatus, and the unloading apparatus. The press unit includes at least one first press apparatus which is adapted to press a first resin member against a first member to mold a first mold, and at least one second press apparatus which is adapted to press a second resin member against a second member to mold a second mold.

Abstract: A mold part is provided. The mold part includes a surface with a mold opening, a first arm with a connecting means for connecting a first pulley, the first arm being pivotably attached to a first attachment point of the mold part, a second arm with a connecting means for connecting a second pulley, the second arm being pivotably attached to a second attachment point of the mold part, wherein the second arm is arranged to be locked in at least two different turning positions.

Abstract: An adjustable support is used to support a preformed mold in a molding operation. The adjustable support includes an aggregate or particulate material that in a now stressed or reduced stress state is flowable to allow shaping thereof to effectively support a back face of the preformed mold. The adjustable support is then jammed to rigidify or fix the shape thereby effectively supporting the preformed mold. The adjustable support is changed from an adjustable state to a support state preferably by applying a vacuum pressure to the aggregate material. In the adjustable state an airflow can be introduced to the aggregate material to allow movement and/or displacement of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for fabricating a semiconductor package may include a mold and a molding plate. The mold may define a mold cavity with the mold being configured to receive a circuit board in the mold cavity, and the circuit board may include a semiconductor chip mounted thereon. A molding plate may be moveable in the mold cavity with the molding plate being configured to adjust a volume of the mold cavity. Related methods are also discussed.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing a hollow elastic ball includes a base, an X-direction driving device, a Y-direction driving device and a molding device. The X-direction driving device is installed on the base; an outer frame is driven by an X-direction motor to rotate about an X-direction rotation shaft. The Y-direction driving device is installed on the outer frame; a Y-direction motor fastened on the outer frame drives an inner frame to rotate about a Y-direction rotation shaft. The molding device includes a carrying plate fastened in the inner frame and a mold fastened with the carrying plate. When the mold is filled with liquid material, the outer frame and the inner frame simultaneously rotate about the X-direction rotation shaft and the Y-direction rotation shaft, such that the material is uniformly distributed over the inner wall of the mold so as to form a hollow elastic ball.

Abstract: A mold rotator with a first section and a second section that are engaged approximately perpendicularly to each other to produce a base and an L-shaped platform for receiving the article. The base of the article rotator may have a curved section at the intersection of the first section and the second section and the article rotator may rotate on its curved section between a first position wherein the article rotator is supported on its first section and a second position wherein the article rotator is supported on its second section. Further, the article rotator allows an article to be safely rotated simply by lowering the article onto the article rotator so that the article rotator automatically rotates approximately 90° from a first position and a second, rotated position. The article rotator may include a stabilizing system wherein the article rotator can be stabilized at both a first position and second position which is approximately 90 degrees from the first position.

Abstract: Self-supporting intermediate walls (12) for cellular division of mould lower parts in a concrete casting machine of the kind typically used for making cast items in the form of concrete blocks for wall construction and elements, solid blocks or blocks with cavities or recesses in two or more rows. By the self-supporting design, the distance between rows of products may be reduced for better utilization of the production plate while at the same time maintaining the replaceability of wear parts. By the invention is indicated a self-supporting intermediate wall (12) consisting of two halves, an intermediate wall with lower pins (18) and an intermediate wall with upper pins (20) which, when the two halves are assembled with the pins engaging a partitioning plate (8), form a self-supporting intermediate wall (12). For moulds with core supports (28), intermediate wall parts (22 and 23) are used with a recess (25) in which the boss (29) on the core support iron (28) fits.

Abstract: The invention is directed a rotary molding machine having a wheel mounted for rotation on a pair of shafts positioned along the rotational axis of the wheel. A first shaft cooperates with a first turntable of the wheel and a second shaft cooperates with a second turntable. The first and second turntables extend transversely to the rotational axis. A plurality of modular mold clamp assemblies are positioned on the wheel, with each modular mold clamp assembly being moveable between an open and a closed position. Each modular mold clamp assembly has mounting areas which are mounted with respective mounting locations each turntable. The modular mold clamp assemblies provide the structure and rigidity between the turntables to help maintain the turntables in position relative to each other.

Abstract: System and methods involving pattern molds are provided. In this regard, a representative system includes a mold assembly unit having a movable fixture holder operative to engage a portion of a pattern mold and position the pattern mold for assembly.

Abstract: A method for producing a wood wool construction element. This method comprises the steps of dispersing at least a part of a mixture of wood wool and a hydraulic binder in a mould so as to obtain a layer of the mixture with a height that is less than the height of side walls of said mould. Said mixture is at least partially hardened after which a subsequent layer of mixture is provided. The thickness of a construction element may well exceed 30 cm, for example 40 cm, 50 cm or even 60 cm. Also, an element obtained with such method is described, as well as a production facility.

Abstract: An injection molding machine using a plurality of metal molds 2 and a plurality of stations S1 to S10, for executing molding by moving the metal molds in rotation and in one direction includes on one of the sides of the metal molds a plurality of heat pipes 5 which are fitted into the molds and one of the ends of which protrudes from the metal mold, and a heat transfer plate 6 so disposed as to cover a projection portion 5a of the heat pipe protruding from the metal mold. Temperature adjustment plates 4 connected to a temperature adjustment machine 4 are disposed on the other station side and while the metal mold is halted at the station, the temperature adjustment plates clamp the heat transfer plate and adjust the temperature of said metal mold.

Abstract: A tooling apparatus for attaching a mold sector to a mold back, the tooling apparatus comprising a frame, a clamping mechanism on the frame for securing the frame to the mold back, at least one fastener positioned on the frame for providing a clamping force to the clamping mechanism for fixing the frame in position on the mold back, a slide assembly slidably engaged with the frame, a biasing mechanism for positioning the slide assembly on the frame and an attaching mechanism for attaching the slide assembly to the mold sector.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a forming device for forming objects, a moving arrangement arranged for moving said objects along a path directed from said forming device towards an exit area, passage arrangement for an operating fluid, said passage arrangement being arranged for allowing said objects to be moved towards said exit area at least in a preset portion of said path. A method comprises forming objects, moving said objects along a path directed towards an exit area, and acting on said objects with an operating fluid at least in a preset portion of said path, so as to allow said objects to be moved towards said exit area.

Abstract: A device for controlling the condensate or frost formation in chocolate shell production has a mould (2), provided with a plurality of recesses (3) for liquefied of softened chocolate (4) and a die (5) cooled by cooling means (7) and including a plurality of protrusions (6), each fit to be inserted into a respective below recess (3) to mould a chocolate shell, in cooperation therewith, in a maximum approach condition (A) between the die (5) and the mould (2). The device (1) further includes: at least one supply means (8) whose outlet (9) flows directly into the environment and it is orientated in the direction of protrusions (6); dehumidification means (10) to feed the at least one supply means (8) with dehumidified air (50). The supply means (8) is fit to blow dehumidified air (50) nearly at ambient pressure, at least in mutual detachment conditions (D) of mould (2) and die (5), toward the protrusions (6) so preventing the formation thereon of water condensate or frost.

Abstract: A stabilizer assembly for use in an extruder having a screw rotating in a barrel is provided. The assembly comprises a plurality of rods that are secured to an interior of the barrel at one end. Each of the rods has an end that extends radially inwardly toward the center of the barrel. On the discharge end of the screw, there is a bearing member that is in contact with each of the opposite ends of the rods. The rods support the discharge end of the screw and stabilize its rotation in the barrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for the production of concrete, comprising a mould for a molded concrete mass (14), the mould comprising a mould base and a wall construction (2) that can be removed from said mould base. The mold base of the mold comprises an upper part (26) of a first conveyor belt (1).

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 stand for a rotary tablet press, which supports a rotor with electric drive motor on a horizontal carrying element, with damping means between the stand and an underframe supporting itself on the ground for the purpose of vibration uncoupling between stand and underframe, wherein a first horizontal carrying element supports the rotor with the drive motor and a lower pressing roller unit of a least one pressing station, a second horizontal carrying element which is arranged in a distance above the first carrying element holds an upper pressing roller unit belonging to the pressing station, the first and the second carrying element are fixedly connected with each other via at least two vertical supports, and the supports rest on the underframe via damping means.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing ice confection, comprising a carousel arrangement which comprises a plurality of arms which are provided with a plurality of moulds having mould cavities for the moulding of ice confection, by which carousel arrangement are arranged process means for producing ice confection by advancing the arms between the process means for performing partial processes at a number of stations, moulds being placed with their openings oriented downwards at one or more of the stations.

Abstract: A point-of-sale apparatus for making customized chocolate articles includes one or more temperature-controlled chocolate tempering machine(s) for melting and storing tempered liquid chocolate, a dispenser for dispensing the liquid chocolate into a cavity formed in a single-use mold, a dispenser for depositing one or more selected food product exclusions across the surface of the liquid chocolate, a vibrating table for removing air bubbles and distributing the exclusions evenly, a cooling tunnel for rapidly cooling the chocolate article, and one or more conveyors for moving the single-use chocolate mold and carrying it through the cooling tunnel. The exclusion dispenser may include a hopper having a funnel and a grate with different sized openings corresponding to different sized exclusions. The single-use mold may carry a customer identifier for later identification. The single-use mold containing the solidified custom chocolate article may be deposited directly into a box provided to the customer.

Abstract: In standardized mold making the structure of the mold is at present generally formed according to the following principle: A so-called clamping plate (1 to 3), having usually a larger width, is attached at the end of both half-molds and the other mold structure plates (4) are screwed thereto. The area of the clamping plate that projects the most on both sides is then used to connect the half-molds with the molding press. Thermal protection plates are often employed to minimize the heat transfer to the molding press. The thermal protection plates are commonly screwed onto the front surfaces of the clamping plates. This can lead to problems vis-a-vis the overall parallel alignment of the mold structures. The invention arises out of the underlying requirement to provide an optimal thermal protection over the entire equipment lifetime without limitations vis-a-vis the parallel alignment of the mold structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are: (i) a platen of a molding system, (ii) a molding system having a platen, (iii) a clamp of a molding system having platens, and (iv) a molded article.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing lollipops, comprising a stationary supply (4, 5a, 5b) for a strand (5) of lollipop material in flat cross-section condition, a series of flat lollipop moulds (3a, 3b) movable past the supply according to a path of movement. The lollipop moulds having a main axis and each consisting of a lower mould (3a) and an upper mould (3b), which can be closed onto the lower mould while cutting off a leading portion of the strand, the supply being positioned for discharge of the strand in a direction transverse to the main axis.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a system to vary dimensions of a body having first and second opposed sides, the first side having a patterning area, the system including, inter alia, a fluid chamber having a support region and a recess, the support region cincturing the recess and the body resting against the support region, with the recess and a portion of the body in superimposition therewith defining a sub-chamber, the sub-chamber having a pressure defined therein to couple the fluid chamber to the second side of the body; and an actuator coupled to the fluid chamber, the actuator applying a force to the fluid chamber such that the dimensions of the body are varied.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) and method for moulding lollipops, the apparatus comprising stick receiving means (6) and a mould forming surface (3) of a mould (15), the stick receiving means being mounted for pivotal movement relative to the mould forming surface through substantially ninety degrees. In use the apparatus is passed around a circuit (34) and engagement between the apparatus and a cam track (35) is such that a stick held by the stick receiving means is pivoted through substantially ninety degrees into the mould so that confectionery material can be poured into the mould and around the stick. As the apparatus further progresses around the circuit the formed lollipop is pivoted out of the mould for release from the stick receiving means.

Abstract: Installation to produce reinforced concrete parts, including a first conveyor (1) on which the model of the parts to be produced is carried out, a second conveyor (2) for the part drying and an outlet (3) to withdraw the formed parts, being formed the first conveyor (1) of a metal sheet band, on which a marking pencil (12) carries out the drawing to determine the forms of the parts, forming the cases of the mentioned forms respect to some continuous side bands (11) which are situated on the metal belt (1) in combined movement with it.

Abstract: Moulds (12) which comprise mould cavities (20) which are arranged next to one another in rows and may be filled with confectionery mass (K) are arranged on a mould conveyor (10) one behind the other in the conveying direction (a) thereof. On a rotary body (34), which may rotate stepwise about an axis of rotation (36) arranged parallel to the rows of mould cavities (20), stick holders (42) are arranged at angular distances corresponding to the rotary steps. The stick holders (42) comprise rows of radial channels (44), into each of which a stick (S) may be inserted radially from the outside inwards, such that the sticks (S) are held in a position in which they project radially away from the rotary body (34).

Abstract: Novel methods and apparatus are disclosed for handling carriers for soft contact lenses in a lens manufacturing system. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, article handling devices are located beneath a pre-cure station and a curing station of the system to move lens carriers within those stations. Pursuant to a second aspect of the invention, in a preferred embodiment multiple sets of assemblies are provided for moving a multitude of lens carriers into, through, and out from the pre-cure station and the curing station. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, the curing station is provided with an intelligent buffer.

Abstract: The resin molding machine has a simple molding die, which can be easily maintained, and is capable of molding a work without pretreatments. The resin molding machine for molding the work with resin. The resin molding machine comprises: a press section having a molding die; a cavity plate having a cavity hole, which defines a shape and thickness of a resin mold section of the work; a mechanism for repeatedly carrying the cavity plate into and out from the press section; and a mechanism for positioning the cavity plate onto the molding die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming sealing and/or retaining elements on a wide variety of fastening devices is provided. The fasteners are conveyed on fastener nests each having a chamber, a fastener lock and a fastener release that are moveable relative to each other. The fasteners then have material applied to them which is cured while the fasteners are in the nests on the conveyor. The fasteners with the sealing and/or retaining element formed thereon are then removed therefrom. A novel fixture for holding fasteners to be processed and an element sealing device having a fastener with a resilient sealing element adhered to a portion thereof with a depression formed therein in close proximity to a portion of the fastener is also provided.

Abstract: A dry forming apparatus includes a carrying table (mold-transfer mechanism) which transfers a mold containing a die and punch units at least between a powder supply stage, a pressing stage, and a formed-product removing stage, a pressing driving mechanism which drives the punch units for pressing in the pressing stage, a connecting mechanism which connects punch units to the pressing driving mechanism when the mold is transferred to the pressing stage, and releases the connection of the punch units, and a unit holding mechanism which holds the punch units while the units are transferred to the next stage.

Abstract: A powder molding apparatus comprises a mold comprising a die having a powder molding space and upper and lower punch units, and a compression driving mechanism for performing compression molding by driving the upper and lower punch units independently, wherein molded articles formed by the compression molding are held by engaging lower first and second punches serving as a formed article holding mechanism at the time of transporting the molded articles. Thus, the molded articles can be prevented from falling or shifting while being transported between stages, thereby providing a powder molding apparatus capable of high speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing lightweight concrete composite blocks includes a form, a station conveyor, a form-loading station, a form assembly station, a curing oven, and a block removal station. The station conveyor conveys the form or a multitude of forms around the apparatus in a continuous loop to produce a desired rate of production of lightweight concrete composite blocks. The form-loading station fills the form with a lightweight concrete composite. The form assembly station assembles the form to seal the composite within the form. The curing oven cures the lightweight concrete composite into a lightweight concrete composite block. The block removal station removes the lightweight concrete composite block from the form prior to the return of the form to the form-loading station for re-use.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: In a resin encapsulation system, one or more middle molds remain free without being mechanically connected with an upper mold and a lower mold. The middle mold is circulated, by a middle-mold conveying mechanism, among a molding press, a middle-mold preheating unit, a middle-mold cleaning unit, and an ejecting pressing unit adapted to separate an encapsulated object, a runner, and a gate from the middle mold. Resin encapsulation molding is performed in the circulating process described above.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A method of forming a part with a solid urethane elastomer skin is provided, wherein the mold is moved by a mold manipulation tool to present differently oriented surfaces of the mold in a horizontal orientation when the urethane elastomer is sprayed on each of the differently oriented surfaces. A multi-axis robot is provided with a spray head that sprays the urethane elastomer onto a mold surface. A mold manipulator moves the mold that has a plurality of differently oriented mold surfaces so that the surface to be sprayed is held in a horizontal orientation as they are coated with the urethane elastomer and for a predetermined time period after spray coating until the urethane elastomer sets up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing unitary concrete blocks includes a form that defines the desired shape of the unitary concrete block. A form loading station delivers a lightweight concrete composite into the form. A station conveyor conveys the form from the form loading station through a curing oven. In the curing oven, the composite-filled form is cured into a unitary concrete block. The station conveyor conveys the form to a block removal station that removes the unitary concrete block from the form. The station conveyor returns the form to the form loading station to manufacture more unitary concrete blocks. For increased production, multiple forms can be conveyed between stations simultaneously. Additionally, a metering ingredient assembly may be used to deliver appropriate amounts of desired ingredients to a mixer for producing the lightweight concrete composite.

Abstract: Apparatus (26) and a method for forming heated glass sheets in a heated chamber (22) of a housing (20) includes an upper mold support assembly (28) for supporting an upper mold (38) within the heated chamber for cyclical vertical movement between upper and lower positions. A lower mold shuttle (50) supports a lower mold (36) for cyclical movement between an idle position horizontally spaced from the upper mold and a use position below the lower mold. The apparatus also includes a lower mold support assembly (60) to which the lower mold is cyclically transferred from the lower mold shuttle (50) to provide support thereof while permitting horizontal alignment with the upper mold upon each cycle of downward movement to form a heated glass sheet between the molds. The lower mold shuttle (50) is supported by vertically movable rollers (70) to provide the transfer between the lower mold shuttle and the lower mold support assembly (60).

Abstract: A device for producing disposable lenses providing a concave mold and a convex mold for each lens, filing the concave mold with liquid starting material for the lens, and positioning the convex mold so as to enclose the starting material includes a first carousel, a first station, which is arranged along the first carousel, for depositing the concave mold at a set position on the carousel, a second station for filling the deposited concave mold with starting material for a lens, a third station for depositing the convex mold so as to enclose the starting material, and a fourth station for removing the assembly having concave mold and convex mold with enclosed starting material the first carousel.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.

Abstract: A multi-lap mold manufacturing system includes an overhead rail circuit upon which a multiple of molds transit a closed loop for a multiple of laps. The system is separated into Zones in which a particular mold operation is performed relative to which lap each of the plurality of molds has completed. At least one of the Zones is a spray Zone in which the mold is sprayed robotically. Robot utilization is extremely high as multiple spray operations occur in but a few spray Zones. Application of exceedingly expensive environmental emission control devices is at least partially mitigated by the reduced number of spray stations and the much smaller factory footprint. Consolidation of multiple spray operations into a few spray Zones also advantageously simplifies the control of chemical and ambient variables which improves production efficiencies and reduces operator dependency.