Multiple mold forming machine

Abstract

A multiple mold forming machine includes a L-shaped vertical bed having a headstock positioned at one end in which are provided a plurality of rotatable spindles. The spindles rotatably support a plurality of mold blanks and a single master mold. At the opposite end of the bed positioned for longitudinal movement on a beam member secured to the bed is a carriage. The carriage is slidably mounted to the bed and is advanced toward and away from the spindles by operation of a ball screw assembly secured to the bottom of the carriage. A plurality of tool assemblies together with a tracing assembly are rigidly mounted on a cross slide which is arranged to move transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the bed. Each tool assembly includes a cutting element having a longitudinal axis aligned in co-planar relationship with the axis of rotation of a corresponding mold blank positioned on a spindle in the headstock. Advancement of the carriage on the bed toward the spindles moves the cutting elements together with the tracing assembly into opposed relation with the mold blanks and the master mold. Rotation of a handwheel on the cross slide moves the cutting elements together with the tracer assembly into abutting contact with the respective mold blanks and the master mold. A fluid actuated piston cylinder assembly maintains the stylus head of the tracer assembly in abutting contact with the surface of the master mold. Thus, the cutting elements follow the path of the stylus head on the master mold to simultaneously cut from the mold blanks a plurality of molds having a configuration identical to that of the master mold.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.