Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.

Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.

Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.

The invention relates to an arrangement for casting concrete products, which comprises at least one central transfer wagon movable on a path on a center process line for moving the molds/mold tables from one work station for a process stage to another work station on a main level of the production process line, which work stations are located along the path of the central transfer wagon on at least at one side of the path of the center process line. At least one of the central transfer wagons of the arrangement comprises a lifting mechanism by which the molds/mold tables are liftable to at least one upper level.

The invention relates to an arrangement for casting concrete products, which comprises at least one central transfer wagon movable on a path on a center process line for moving the molds/mold tables from one work station for a process stage to another work station on a main level of the production process line, which work stations are located along the path of the central transfer wagon on at least at one side of the path of the center process line. At least one of the central transfer wagons of the arrangement comprises a lifting mechanism by which the molds/mold tables are liftable to at least one upper level.

Masonry units, such a blocks, are fabricated in a sequential process, using improved mold structures, such as within a production corridor of a corresponding fabrication system. A compressible masonry feedstock or formula, which can be de-agglomerated before use, is filled within a block mold having releasable elements. The formula is then compressed within the mold structure. The compressed workpiece can be further processed, such as for any of final height adjustment, the establishment of a surface feature, or to remove cores. The block mold, having releasable elements or sides, such as using hinges or springs, is released from the formed block, wherein the formed masonry unit can be removed for curing, and wherein the block mold can be reused to fabricate a subsequent masonry unit.

Masonry units, such a blocks, are fabricated in a sequential process, using improved mold structures, such as within a production corridor of a corresponding fabrication system. A compressible masonry feedstock or formula, which can be de-agglomerated before use, is filled within a block mold having releasable elements. The formula is then compressed within the mold structure. The compressed workpiece can be further processed, such as for any of final height adjustment, the establishment of a surface feature, or to remove cores. The block mold, having releasable elements or sides, such as using hinges or springs, is released from the formed block, wherein the formed masonry unit can be removed for curing, and wherein the block mold can be reused to fabricate a subsequent masonry unit.

An apparatus for delivering a mould including a first and a second part into a dosing position. The apparatus includes a reorientation conveyor portion comprising first and second opposed retainer members. At least one of the first and second retainer members includes a conveyor. The first and second retainer members are operable to form a separation therebetween and the reorientation conveyor portion is operable to receive the mould into the separation between the first and second retainer members with the first and second retainer members in a first orientation and then move the first and second retainer members into a second orientation while substantially maintaining the first part of the mould in the same position relative to the second part of the mould. The apparatus further includes a mould-separation portion. The reorientation conveyor portion is operable to at least partially eject the mould into the mould-separation portion when the first and second retainer members are in the second orientation. The mould-separation portion is operable to actuate at least partial separation of the first and second parts of the mould.

An apparatus for delivering a mould including a first and a second part into a dosing position. The apparatus includes a reorientation conveyor portion comprising first and second opposed retainer members. At least one of the first and second retainer members includes a conveyor. The first and second retainer members are operable to form a separation therebetween and the reorientation conveyor portion is operable to receive the mould into the separation between the first and second retainer members with the first and second retainer members in a first orientation and then move the first and second retainer members into a second orientation while substantially maintaining the first part of the mould in the same position relative to the second part of the mould. The apparatus further includes a mould-separation portion. The reorientation conveyor portion is operable to at least partially eject the mould into the mould-separation portion when the first and second retainer members are in the second orientation. The mould-separation portion is operable to actuate at least partial separation of the first and second parts of the mould.

The present invention relates to a method and system for producing concrete products by casting method by means of casting moulds assembled from corresponding outer and inner moulds, having a program-controlled, automated circulation system having a hardening area 420, a program-controlled, automated manufacturing area 100 and a conveying unit 200. The system also has a manually operable mould assembly unit having mould assembly stations M1 to M4 for manually assisted assembly of a casting mould from corresponding outer and inner moulds, wherein the conveying unit comprises a supply conveying section 222 set up to supply a casting mould assembled in the manually operable mould assembly unit to the automated circulation system under program control.