Pallet feed method and apparatus for use on a concrete products machine

A pallet feeder assembly for use with a concrete products machine, the assembly comprising:

• a conveyor having a load/unload expanse configured to be disposed below a production zone, a staging expanse upstream of the load/unload expanse, an upstream end adapted to be positioned behind the concrete products machine, and a downstream end adapted to be positioned in front of the concrete products machine;
• a plurality of sensors disposed along a length of the conveyor including sensors disposed upstream and downstream of the load/unload expanse, the sensors operative to detect a presence of a pallet on the conveyor adjacent the sensors;
• transport means on the conveyor for moving a pallet loaded on the transport means between the upstream end and downstream end of the conveyor and including a pair of spaced belts running the length of the conveyor and coupled to motorized servo controls for moving the belts parallel to an axis of movement of the conveyor;
• a computer interface configured to display a plurality of movement profiles for selection by an operator and operating the motorized servo controls according to a selected one of the movement profiles responsive to inputs received from the plurality of sensors;
• and
• an open portion within the load/unload expanse 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 supported within the concrete products machine and back down onto the transport means during a production cycle of the concrete products machine.