Automated process and apparatus for forming a molded article

A system for forming a molded article from a composition comprised of a plurality of chopped mineral fibers and a binder, comprising:

• a perforated mold having at least one side portion for receiving the composition;
• a vacuum source for drawing a vacuum through the perforations in the base;
• at least one holding device for holding the composition applied to the side portion of the perforated mold in place;
• at least one first motive device for automatically moving the holding device from a first refracted position away from the mold to a second position for holding the composition in place;
• a trolley for supporting the mold and moving the mold between a first station where the composition is applied and a second station where the composition is cured;
• wherein the vacuum is released when the holding device is in the second position and the composition is subjected to a curing process, and the holding device is automatically moved to the first refracted position for removing the cured molded article from the mold.

An automated process for forming a molded article from a composition including a plurality of mineral fibers applied to at least one side of a perforated mold supported on a stable support structure and held in place by a vacuum drawn through the perforations, comprising:

• automatically positioning a holding device over the composition applied on the at least one side portion of the mold,
• automatically moving the holding device from a first retracted position away from the mold to a second position for holding the composition in place using a motive device;
• wherein the motive device includes a first rotatable shaft journaled in a plurality of supports;
• a support assembly having a first end for supporting the holding device and a second end coupled to the rotatable shaft;
• and a first motor for selectively engaging and rotating the shaft to move the support assembly and hence the holding device between the first and second positions;
• whereby the composition is held in place on the mold in the substantial absence of the vacuum without the need for manual intervention by a worker.

An automated process for forming a molded article, such as a preform, comprising:

• applying a vacuum to a perforated mold having at least one side portion;
• applying a composition including a plurality of chopped mineral fibers and a binder to at least the side portion of the mold;
• automatically positioning a holding device adjacent to the side portion of the mold to hold the composition in place when the vacuum is removed;
• curing the composition to form the molded article;
• automatically removing the holding device from adjacent the side portion of the mold after the curing step using a motive device;
• wherein the motive device includes a first rotatable shaft journaled in a plurality of supports;
• a support assembly having a first end for supporting the holding device and a second end coupled to the rotatable shaft;
• and a first motor for selectively engaging and rotating the shaft to move the support assembly and hence the holding device between the first and second positions.