Apparatus and method for inserting parts into a mold

A dispensing arrangement for inserting a part into a cast iron mold includes a dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a predetermined number of parts, a staging apparatus configured to position the parts in a selective orientation and a jig apparatus configured to grip and lift the parts from the staging apparatus and position the parts in a die of a mold. The apparatus may be located adjacent the mold in use.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an apparatus for inserting a part into mold. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus configured to dispense, position, grab and insert a plurality of parts into a mold in predetermined spaced positions, such as filter screens into a cast iron mold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In die casting processes such as for aluminum and alloy manufacturing processes, channels are cut in a permanent mold assembly to form a sprue/gating system to fill a die casting part mold (such as for a cylinder head for a vehicle). Molten metal is generally ladled into the mold and fed by either gravity or under pressure, and generally the molds are filled as quickly as practical so as to fill all of the mold cavities in an efficient manner prior to “freezing” of the metal. In this process, a smooth, streamlined flow of material is critical to minimize undesirable interaction of the flowing molten metal with the atmosphere or with the mold itself. For example, turbulent flow can erode the mold walls and/or trap particles in the molten material. Similarly, oxygen in the air can react with aluminum, manganese, or silicon dissolved in steel to form oxide particles which can harm the mold and/or make the resulting cast product weak and/or flawed.

In order to assist in proper filling of the mold and flow of material through the mold runners, sprues and gates, a small piece of light gauge steel or tin mesh (sometimes called a “screen”) is often placed in various portions of the mold to allow the various portions of the distribution system and the mold itself to fill in a controlled manner and with “clean” metal (i.e., without debris or other particles).

In the prior processes, an operator would be required to manually place a plurality of screens in the die one by one. Because these small screen pieces are relatively difficult to handle while wearing protective (gloves) generally needed around the harsh environment of working die casting molds), and due to the desire for fast cycle times in manufacturing processes of this type, delays caused by this relatively time-consuming and cumbersome task generally slowed the process down and sometimes caused workers to inadvertently attempt to speed up other processes (e.g., the placement of expendable mold cores and the like) causing undue breakage, waste, shop area uncleanliness and the like. The task of individually placing screens in the die cavities could also be physically demanding and stressful for the labor force. Due to the small size, lightweight and rough surfaces of the mesh screens, it can also be difficult for a worker to physically pick up the proper number of screens (e.g., four) from a stack of screens, causing further delay and frustration in the process. As will be understood, the rough screens often stick to heavy gloves and are difficult to place within the die in proper position with gloves on.

In addition, between each “shot” of the die casting process, the die must be cleaned to remove debris from a previous shot. When cleaning the die, however, the worker must cover each sprue to ensure that debris from the previous shot does not get into the mold. Heretofore, a jig with an appropriate number plates at each end has been used to cover each sprue when cleaning the die. However, placing such jig in the die, cleaning the die, removing the jig and then manually positioning the screens in each sprue is very time consuming and inefficient.

As such, there is a desire for an apparatus capable of increasing the efficiency of the die casting process thereby eliminating the aforementioned issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is intended to address and obviate problems and shortcomings and otherwise improve previous apparatuses and processes for placing screens into the die of a cast iron mold.

To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a dispensing arrangement for inserting parts into a mold may comprise a jig apparatus configured to grip and insert the parts into a mold, a dispenser apparatus configured to dispense a predetermined number of parts and a staging apparatus configured to position the predetermined number of parts in a selected orientation so that the jig apparatus may grip the predetermined number of parts.

To further achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a jig apparatus for placing a plurality of screens in a plurality of predetermined locations in a cast iron mold may comprise a frame having a longitudinal chassis including spaced ends and a handle associated with the chassis. Each of the spaced ends may have a plurality of spaced nodes. The jig may further comprise a backing plate located adjacent to each of the nodes and having a support surface and a releasable gripper associated with each of the backing plates. The gripper may have engaged and disengaged positions and may be configured to selectively secure a screen against the support surface when in an engaged position. In addition, the jig may comprise a release assembly configured to selectively and simultaneously move a plurality of grippers to their disengaged position.

To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a dispenser apparatus for delivering a predetermined plurality of screens for use in a cast iron mold comprises an actuation arm having a working end. The actuation arm may be reciprocally mounted on a base for selective reciprocation between dispensing and collecting positions. The dispenser may further comprise an actuation arm biasing member configured to normally maintain the arm in one of its dispensing or collecting positions and a magnet associated with the working end of the actuation arm configured to collect the predetermined plurality of screens. The dispenser may further comprise a reservoir associated with the base for receiving a stack of screens, and an actuator handle associated with the actuator arm and configured so that when the actuator handle is moved to the other of the dispensing or collecting positions, the working end will be brought into close proximity to the reservoir, whereby the magnet attracts the predetermined plurality of screens.

To still further achieve the foregoing and other objects of the present invention, a staging apparatus for positioning a plurality of screens may comprise a base having a plurality a screen staging stations, each of the screen staging stations having at least one slot for receiving a jig gripper. The screen staging stations may also be configured to secure at least one screen thereto.

To even further achieve the foregoing and other objects in accordance with additional exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a process for delivering a predetermined plurality of screens in a cast iron mold comprises the steps of providing a dispenser apparatus configured to select a predetermined plurality of screens from a stack, selecting the predetermined plurality of screens from the stack, providing a stage setting apparatus configured to position the screens in a selected orientation, positioning the screens in the stage setting apparatus, providing a jig apparatus configured to grip the screens from the stage setting apparatus and configured to align the screens in the mold in a selected orientation, gripping the screens from said stage setting apparatus with the jig, aligning each of the screens gripped by the jig in corresponding relation to a sprue and releasing each of the screens from the jig into the sprue.

Still other embodiments, combinations, advantages and objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following descriptions wherein there are shown and described alternative exemplary embodiments of this invention for illustration purposes. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different aspects, objects and embodiments all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings, objects, and description should be regarded as illustrative and exemplary in nature only and not as restrictive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawing figures in detail, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the drawing figures,FIG. 1illustrates a dispensing arrangement10for positioning a plurality of parts such as screens into a mold12such as a mold for casting metal parts. It should be understood that while the present description identifies screens, any variety of parts may be dispensed, staged, gripped and positioned by the present invention. The dispensing arrangement10may comprise a parts dispensing apparatus20such as for dispensing a plurality of screens13. As will be explained in further detail below, the screens dispensed by dispensing apparatus20may be positioned in a selective orientation in a staging apparatus70so that they may be easily gripped, lifted and moved for delivery to a mold by a jig apparatus100. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the apparatus10of the present invention may be conveniently positioned at a workstation14adjacent the lower die16of the mold12. Die casting molds often have multipiece arrangements, and the upper or top portion of this exemplary mold has not been shown to simplify this illustration. As described herein, such the dispensing arrangement of the present invention eliminates the need to manually place each screen into the mold12, and simplifies the mold preparation process for added benefits and efficiencies.

Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, a screen dispensing apparatus20may comprise a base22, a column mounting member30and a column40. Base22may be provided as a generally flat plate comprised of steel, aluminum or any other durable material. If desired, base22may comprise a mounting magnet62, clamps, or other setups for securing dispenser20to a work surface (e.g., workstation14in FIG.1). As best seen inFIG. 2, mounting magnet62may be secured to base22by, for example, one or more clamps or straps64.

Extending upwardly from base22may be a column mounting member30used to support column40relative to the base22. Column mounting member30may be a cylindrical hollow tube similarly comprised of steel, aluminum or any other durable material and may be secured to the base22by a weld, screw or any other fastening arrangement. If desired, one or more stabilizing members60may be associated with column mounting member30and base22to provide additional support for column40.

Also associated with the base may be a part reservoir24configured to secure a stack or plurality of parts such as screens to be selectively dispensed. Reservoir24may be configured to receive and hold any number of screens13of any size and shape on base22. Also, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, reservoir24may be positioned on base22so that it is adjacent to column40. As described later herein, column40may comprise components to lift a predetermined plurality of screens13out of reservoir24. If desired, reservoir24may be removable from base22(e.g. such as in the form of a quick change cartridge) so that another reservoir24securing a second stack of screens may be positioned on the base22as needed. As illustrated inFIG. 2, reservoir24may be mounted to a reservoir base25for supporting the plurality of screens thereon. Reservoir base25may be selectively removed from clips27associated with base22so that a second or loaded reservoir24may be exchanged. In another embodiment, screens may be automatically reloaded by, for example, any motorized apparatus, or simply manually refueled from the substantially open top of reservoir24.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, column40may be secured to column mounting member30by one or more mounting tabs32. Mounting tabs32may be secured to column mounting member30and column40by a weld, screw or any other fastening arrangement. In another embodiment, column40may be secured directly to column mounting member30or to base22.

Column40may further carry one or more components configured to selectively “pick” or otherwise attract one or more screens13from reservoir24. For example, column40may be reciprocally mounted on member30, or may further comprise an actuation arm42connected to an actuation arm biasing member44. Actuation arm42may be comprised of plastic, steel or any other durable material and may be reciprocally associated with column mounting member30through column40for selective reciprocation between dispensing and collecting positions.

As indicated herein, the dispensing position is illustrated inFIG. 1(actuation arm42in an upward position), whereas collecting position is illustrated inFIG. 2(actuation arm42in a downward position touching or near the screens). Actuation arm42might comprise a cylindrical tube slidably mounted in at least a portion of column40and/or mounting member30. As illustrated inFIG. 2, actuation arm biasing member44may comprise an extension spring or coil and may be connected at one end to actuation arm42by, for example, pin48. Actuation arm biasing member44may be connected to the column40at its opposite end by securing biasing member44to locking member50associated with a column cap52. As discussed later herein, actuation arm biasing member44may be configured to normally maintain actuation arm42in one of either a dispensing or collecting positions.

Actuation arm42may also comprise a handle58screwed into, secured to or otherwise associated with actuation arm42. Handle58may be used to actuate the actuation arm42so as to move it between dispensing and collecting positions. Actuation arm42may also comprise a working end46. A magnet54may be associated with the working end46and be configured to collect or “pick” a plurality of screens13from reservoir24. In one embodiment, magnet54may be secured to actuation arm42by a screw56. In another embodiment, magnet54may be secured to actuation arm42in a variety of different arrangements including, but not limited to, integrally molding (e.g. by injection molding) actuation arm42to embed or otherwise envelope a portion of magnet54.

Magnet54may be advantageously designed to interact with the particular material of the screens (e.g., steel, aluminum, magnesium, alloy, or the like) located in reservoir24. If desired, magnet54may be of such size and strength to automatically magnetically pick up a “predetermined” number of screens from the top of the stack in reservoir24. In this way, when a worker needs screens for a casting operation, he or she may move the actuation arm42from its dispensing position (e.g. shown inFIG. 1) to a collecting position (e.g. as seen inFIG. 2) by pushing downwardly on the handle58thereby causing actuation arm42to move toward and touch or nearly touch the magnet54against the top of the stack of screens in the reservoir24. By releasing the downward pressure, the actuation arm biasing member44will automatically raise the actuation arm42with a predetermined number (e.g., four) of parts or screens being magnetically held on the bottom the magnet54. As the actuation arm42rises, it may bring the predetermined number of screens above the reservoir24for easy access by the worker. If desired, magnet54may be replaced with another magnet capable of selecting more or less than four screens13.

WhileFIG. 2illustrates a dispenser apparatus20with a generally vertical column40reciprocally mounted to mounting member30, it is contemplated that the dispenser apparatus20of the present invention may exist in a variety of embodiments including, but not limited to a horizontally arranged column40and column mounting member30on base22, or providing a biasing member44that biases actuation arm42downward.

Once the worker has obtained the predetermined number (e.g., four) of screens from the dispenser apparatus20, he or she may then arrange the screens in a screen staging apparatus. Referring toFIG. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a staging or stage setting apparatus70is illustrated and may be designed to physically simulate the arrangement of a particular die of the mold and the position, orientation and spacing of each of the screens required for a particular die/mold in their exact required relative locations. For example, staging apparatus70may comprise a base71with a plurality (e.g. four) of part or screen staging stations72-78each configured to stage one or more screens. Staging apparatus70may be comprised of steel, plastic, wood or any other durable material. If desired, staging apparatus may be secured to a workstation (e.g.,14in FIG.1).

In addition, whileFIG. 3illustrates four separated stations72-78, it is contemplated that adjacent stations may be combined with one another thereby forming a single station. Also, any number of stations may be associated with base71for staging any number of screens. In another embodiment, stations may be removeably or at least adjustably arranged in a variety of fashions on base71, such as by releasably attaching the stations to base71such as with bolts, set screws, clamps or the like.

Referring to stations72-78, each station may comprise a generally flat plate with one or more recesses (e.g.80and82) formed in the staging face79. In another embodiment, each station72-78may comprise any shape configured to stage any desired part. Recesses80-82may be shaped similar to the parts or screens (e.g.13) sought to be staged so that each screen may be inserted into each recess80-82and received in a predetermined alignment and/or orientation. One screen13is shown as being temporarily held in a predetermined position and orientation by magnet90of station74inFIG. 3, as will be discussed further below. In addition, as discussed later herein, the recesses may be shaped similar to the backing plates (122inFIG. 4) so that the backing plates may be aligned with and/or even be partially inserted into each recess to further insure proper alignment and orientation. Placement of the screen into a recess80-82, may help create a flush or substantially even surface along the inner or staging face79of the station when the screen is inserted. As discussed later, such configuration may be useful to facilitate gripping of the screens with jig apparatus while optimizing more precise pre-alignment and/or orientation of the screen for delivery and insertion in a mold. If desired, base71may further comprise a platform84associated with each station72-78to selectively elevate or vertically align the screen(s) at each station72-78in a position adjacent to and corresponding with a particular recess (e.g.80and82).

As illustrated, because each station comprises two recesses80-82, two screens may be staged at each station. Alternatively, and as illustrated inFIG. 1, a worker may utilize only one of the two recesses at each station for screen staging, while initially and temporarily storing or parking the jig apparatus on the staging apparatus adjacent the other recess of each station when not in use, or to allow resting the jig in the staging device while placing screens in the other recess. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5the staging apparatus ofFIG. 3may be capable of staging four screens in recesses80of the respective stations, wherein the non-used adjacent four recesses82may be used to “park” the jig apparatus100by temporarily aligning the backing plates122of the jig apparatus100with corresponding recesses82. Accordingly, grippers124would be accommodated by slots88while screens could be placed in recesses80. Thereafter, jig100could be moved to align its backing plates122with recesses80to grip the screens in proper orientation for delivery and insertion steps. It should be understood, however, that staging apparatus70may comprise any number of stations with any number of recesses so configured to stage any desired number of screens and/or corresponding backing plates. For larger screens, for example, more than one backing plate122and/or gripper124might be appropriate.

Referring again toFIG. 3, each station72-78may also comprise a magnet90associated with each recess80-82to further assist in securing each screen or backing plate (122inFIGS. 4 and 5) in each recess80-82. In another embodiment, each station72-78may comprise an appropriately shaped (e.g. in the illustrated embodiments a generally flat) surface or staging face79, with one or more magnets90or other securing arrangement capable of selectively positioning and temporarily holding one or more screens thereto, thereby eliminating the need for recesses80-82.

Referring to station76as exemplary of the remaining stations72-78for this example only, station76may two comprise openings or slots86and88each configured to accommodate/receive a gripper (124inFIG. 4) from jig apparatus and allow movement thereof between engaged and disengaged positions without substantial interference or encumbrance. Each slot86and88may be configured to accommodate one or more grippers of any size and shape. WhileFIG. 3illustrates station76as comprising two slots86and88, it is contemplated that each station72-78may comprise any number of slots depending on the number of screens/jig apparatus desired to be staged.

As discussed later herein, a jig apparatus100may remove the screens positioned within the recesses80-82of staging apparatus70by positioning each of the backing plates (122inFIG. 4) adjacent to the inner face or staging surface79of a respective station (72,74,76,78) of staging apparatus70, and moving a gripper (124inFIG. 4) through one of slots86or88to its engaged position, thereby pinching the screen13between the gripper and its corresponding backing plate (e.g. as illustrated in the forward most part of FIG.4). In another embodiment, jig apparatus may be configured to insert two grippers (i.e.124inFIG. 4) through both slots86-88thereby picking two screens per station.

Referring toFIG. 4, as previously indicated, once the worker places each of the screens in the staging apparatus70, then the worker may lower the jig apparatus100onto the screen staging apparatus70or move the jig apparatus from its “parked” position on staging apparatus70, as discussed above (illustrated in FIGS.1and5). Jig apparatus100and its components may be comprised of any combination of steel, aluminum, rubber, plastic or other durable materials. Jig apparatus100may comprise a frame102having a longitudinal chassis104. As illustrated inFIG. 4, chassis104may have a generally I-beam configuration and comprise spaced ends106aand106b. In another embodiment, chassis104may comprise any shape configured to secure additional components of jig apparatus100thereto.

Chassis104may also comprise upwardly extending members or ears108positioned adjacent the spaced ends106aand106b. Ears108may be welded or otherwise secured to longitudinal chassis104. As illustrated inFIG. 4, ears108may be configured to secure mounting arms110to the jig apparatus100, to receive release assembly112and to receive handle114. The jig apparatus100may be carried from one location to another by handle114. If desired, release assembly112and handle114may comprise a comfortable and/or protective covering116made of foam, rubber or the like. In another embodiment, ears108and/or handle114may be eliminated. In such embodiment, chassis104might be used to both secure mounting arms110and carry the jig apparatus100.

Release assembly112may comprise a rod with each of its outer ends associated within a sliding aperture113in the ears108. As illustrated inFIG. 4, release assembly112may also be associated with grippers124by, for example, two pairs130aand130bof levers131. Each pair of levers130aand130bmay be comprised of two levers131pivotally connected to release assembly112at their inner ends and secured to a gripper124at a linkage pivot132adjacent their distal ends. As discussed later herein, the release assembly112may be configured to selectively and simultaneously move some or all of the plurality of grippers124from an engaged position to a disengaged position.

Mounting arms110are shown in this exemplary embodiment as each comprising a U-shaped arm with a node118at each distal end. A grip assembly120may be secured at the end of each node118by a weld or other fastening arrangement. As illustrated inFIG. 4, each grip assembly120may comprise a backing plate122with a releasable gripper124biased against the backing plate122by the lever linkage system shown and/or by gripper biasing member126. In one embodiment, backing plate122may be provided in the form of a piece of metal, plastic or other durable material configured to form a substantially right angle defining the backing plate122and a platform128for supporting other gripper and biasing elements. The shape of the backing plate122also allows the jig to function not only as a surface for gripper124, but also as a sprue cover when the jig100is inserted into the die. More particularly, the platform128of backing plate122may help to prevent debris from a previous shot from entering the sprue as the sprue is cleaned, as will be further described below.

Gripper124may similarly comprise a piece of metal, plastic or other durable material and may be configured to straddle the backing plate122. As illustrated inFIG. 4, gripper124may be secured to the jig apparatus at multiple locations. For example, as discussed above, each gripper124may be secured to one or more levers131. Additionally, each gripper124may be pivotally connected to a grip mount134associated with the platform128and/or backing plate122. Gripper may also be biased against the backing plate122by gripper biasing member126. Also, whileFIG. 4illustrated the jig apparatus100comprising four symmetrical gripper assemblies120, it is contemplated that jig apparatus100may be asymmetric and include any number, orientation or spacing of gripper assemblies120desired to position one or more screens into a mold.

In use, gripper assemblies120may be moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position by actuating release assembly112upward. The upward movement of the release assembly112within the sliding or operation apertures113, and causes the levers131to pivot the grippers124about the gripper mount134and against gripper biasing member126. For illustration purposes, one gripper124inFIG. 4is shown in its disengaged position. Once the jig apparatus100is in position over the screens on the staging apparatus, the jig may be moved to its engaged position by releasing the release assembly112. In this manner, the release assembly112moves downwardly in the sliding apertures113of ears108while the gripper biasing member126biases the gripper against a screen13and backing plate122. As such, the jig apparatus100of the present invention clamps each screen13between a gripper124and backing plate122. If desired, grippers124may comprise a knurled or other gripping surface to enhance the ability of the grippers to maintain a screen in a proper position once engaged. The jig apparatus100may then be carried by its handle114to the die/mold and lowered into position to deliver the screens to particular screen positions (illustrated as19in FIG.1).

While the jig apparatus100of the present invention has been illustrated as comprising four gripper assemblies120, it should be understood that the jig apparatus100may comprise any number of gripper assemblies necessary to position a desired number of screens in a mold. As mentioned, any particular gripper assembly120may also comprise multiple backing plates and/or grippers, as appropriate to accommodate the intricacies of a particular mold. In addition, it is contemplated that a variety of other embodiments may be utilized to grip a screen from staging device including, but not limited to providing screens in a grove associated with the staging device and gripping the screens with gripping assemblies comprising two opposed backing plates.

As can be appreciated from the discussion above, the improved process of the present invention utilizes the screen dispensing apparatus20, the staging apparatus70and the jig apparatus100to simplify the tasks of placing a plurality of screens into a die casting mold and covering the sprue for cleaning. As illustrated inFIG. 1, the steps of delivering a predetermined plurality of screen13in a mold12such as a mold for casting metal products may comprise first providing a dispenser20configured to select a predetermined plurality of screen13from a stack162. The screens may be selected from the stack by actuating handle58of dispenser downward so that magnet54may attract or “pick” a predetermined plurality of screens13(e.g., four). The plurality of attracted screens13may be raised by releasing handle58. A worker may then remove the “picked” screens from the magnet54. If desired, the worker may repeat the dispensing step to attract more screens (i.e. if the worker desires to fill eight or more recesses of the staging apparatus). In another embodiment, the magnet54may be configured to attract any desired number of screens including, but not limited to four or eight.

The worker may then place one screen into appropriate recesses (e.g.80or82) of the staging apparatus. The screens may be at least initially or temporarily held in the recess80by, for example, a magnet90associated with each station or recess. Once the screens are placed in each recess82, the worker may actuate the release assembly112of the jig apparatus100to a disengaged position and lift handle114to remove jig100from a “parked” position relative to unused recesses of staging apparatus70(or moved from a location apart from the staging apparatus) and then lower the jig apparatus100adjacent recesses80(containing screens) so that the backing plates122of the gripper assemblies120are then aligned with each recess82and each gripper124is aligned with each slot86. The worker may then remove force from the release assembly112thereby allowing the gripper assembly120to move from its disengaged position to its engaged position.

Moving to engaged position, the screens positioned in the staging apparatus70are thereby pinched between the backing plate122and the gripper124of the jig gripper assembly120. At this time, the screens are held against the respective backing plates in their predetermined positions, orientations and spacings required for delivery and insertion into corresponding screen positions in the mold. The worker may the lift the jig apparatus100off of the staging apparatus70by lifting upward on the handle114and carry the jig apparatus100to deliver the staged screens to the die16. Once at the die16, the worker may selectively position the jig apparatus over the die16so that each gripper assembly120(and the screens held therein) is aligned with a corresponding sprue18of the mold, and thereby cover the sprue with backing plate122and its platform128. Upon insertion of jig apparatus100into position, the screens are also placed in proper alignment with their respective screen position19in a sprue18. If desired, the worker, having covered each sprue18may then clean the die16. The die16may be cleaned free of residue that may remain from the previous molding process with, for example, an air gun or by simply wiping the die16clean with a shop rag. Because the backing plate122covers the sprue18, residue is prevented from entering the mold during the cleaning process. Once the optional cleaning process is completed, the worker may then actuate the release assembly112thereby releasing the screens into their respective sprues18and screen positions19.

The worker may then position the jig assembly100onto the staging device70(best illustrated in FIG.5). While the casting process is being completed, the worker may dispense more screens13for placement into the staging apparatus70and repeat the aforementioned steps in preparation for the next cycle. This process shortens cycle times between successive casting procedures. Once a casting is completed, the die is opened and the freshly cast part is removed from the die. At this time, the operator can lift the reloaded (i.e. with screens staged and gripped as described) jig by its top handle, carry it into the die and place it in position.

The foregoing description of the various embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. For example, the dispensing arrangement in accordance with the present invention may comprise a variety of sizes and shapes configured to set a variety of different screens. Accordingly, while some of the alternative embodiments of the screen setting apparatus have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations that have been discussed herein, and others that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the claims.