Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks attached thereto for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.

Abstract: A thin wall metal can is described having a converging neck portion and cylindrical chimney with a threaded sleeve encircling the chimney and restrained from rotation on the chimney by splines on an inner surface of the sleeve firmly engaged against an outwardly projecting shoulder on the can between the neck portion and chimney. The sleeve receives a threaded closure for closing and sealing the can.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal objects with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: A promotional gaming device for beverage cans which includes ink jet printed indicia of winning status on an exterior surface of the can and an opaque removable material covering the printing. The opaque material may be scratched off or peeled off the reveal the prize indicia.

Abstract: A caster including a device for delivering a gas into a space created by the apparatus that define the mold of the caster and the nozzle of the caster. Introducing a gas into the space resists backflowing and freezing of the molten metal to the nozzle.

Abstract: A medical device and method for predicting life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias (LTCA) by gathering electrocardiographic data such as intervals between heart beats (RR-series) or other signal, mathematically decomposing or compressing the signal into several elements or components that contain the most significant information and tracking the changes in the several elements. The signal may be divided into time windows, and the signals decomposed into a plurality of coefficients or components such as Karhunen Loeve Transformation (KLT) coefficients that are predictive of the occurrence of LTCA. The electrocardiographic data may be generated real-time, on-line, or be prerecorded data.

Abstract: Reflective aluminum trim for use in automobiles, trucks, boats and a variety of household and industrial appliances is produced by forming aluminum strip into a desired shape, followed by selective application of a fluoropolymer protective coating to only a partial portion of the show surface of the shaped strip and the application of a thermoplastic to the portions of the show surface not covered by the protective coating. The resulting trim piece has a highly reflective aluminum show surface which has a high distinctness of reflected image. The thermoplastic is preferably co-extruded onto the shaped aluminum strip using an adhesive to bond the thermoplastic directly to an un-coated portion of the aluminum surface. Prior to application of the thermoplastic, a single heating step may be used to cure both the protective coating and the adhesive.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for scoring a metallic container wall, which facilitates scoring thin gauge, hard temper metal such as coated or uncoated aluminum to reduced score residuals wherein the scoring tool has a secondary antifracture score indenter on one or both sides of a primary indenter and in which the outboard secondary indenter has an outboard face angled about 30 to 40 degrees to vertical.

Abstract: A convenience easy opening end having a removable panel portion which includes a narrow U-shaped stem portion extending from a larger rounded bulbous portion and with a pull tab attached to the stem portion.

Abstract: A portable male urinal has a hollow urinal body with an inlet in communication with a reservoir. The urinal body has a flat stabilizer on the bottom of the reservoir having a greater width than the width of the adjacent urinal body and structured to underlie the legs of a male patient lying on his back.The stabilizer base preferably has a generally flat undersurface and a pair of spaced urinal body engaging walls projecting upwardly therefrom. The stabilizer base preferably has an undersurface which contains friction enhancing material. The stabilizer may have a top wall connecting the sidewalls and an end wall. A handle may be provided on the stabilizer to facilitate removal of the stabilizer from the urinal. In one embodiment, the stabilizer is secured to the urinal by friction. In another embodiment mechanical securement above and beyond frictional retention is provided.

Abstract: A stretch wrapped and roped package for heavy loads such as cylindrical coils of metal, paper or the like that includes a skid supporting the load. A friction layer on the top of the skid and another friction layer on the bottom of the load which is covered by an overwrap of protective material such as plastic or paper. The skid is especially designed to reduce risk of damage to the stretch wrap roping that holds the skid onto the bottom of the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extrusion coating both sides of a metal strip. A metal strip, such as aluminum alloy strip, is moved through a pre-conditioner, two extrusion dies, a post-heater and a cooling system. Both sides of the strip are coated with thin coatings of thermoplastic polymers. The coated metal strip is useful for containers, such as cans and can ends, as well as for automobiles, appliances, aerospace, construction and electrical devices.

Abstract: The caster includes a pair of movable opposed belts, each of the belts having a casting surface and a pair of movable opposed dam blocks including a plurality of dam blocks having one end mounted to an orbiting support and a casting surface opposite the mounted end. The casting surfaces of the belts and the casting surfaces of the dam blocks define a casting zone for solidifying the molten metal into cast metallic product. The caster also includes cooling plates/bars for cooling the belts while the belts pass through the casting zone.

Abstract: A method for impressing holographic images or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims and print rolls bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal cans with clarity and consistency.

Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.

Abstract: A method for necking an end of a metal container include effecting initial deformation, generally radially inwardly, of an axial portion to establish a necked-in generally convex transition portion and an adjacent portion disposed between the transition portion and the container end which is initially generally cylindrical. Both portions are of reduced diameter with respect to the original can body diameter. Sequentially, through the series of formation steps, the portion to be necked-in is further reduced in diameter to produce an outwardly generally convex portion disposed in underlying relationship with respect to an outwardly concave portion. A generally, radially, outwardly directed flange may be established within the end section of the necked-in portion. Apparatus to perform the foregoing forming steps consists of a plurality of die means which are subjected to relative axial movement and contact and reshape the exterior of the container portion that is to be necked-in.

Abstract: A pressurized can for beverage having a small opening in its lid which is sealed with a patch on the inside of the lid and which is adapted to receive a drink straw removably attached to the outside of the can.

Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of producing aluminum alloy can body stock and can end stock which are particularly suitable for use in manufacturing aluminum alloy can bodies and ends for can bodies. The method for can body stock includes roll casting an aluminum alloy strip having a thickness of less than about 1 to 5 mm and, subsequently, batch annealing the strip, followed by cold rolling, continuous annealing, quenching and cold rolling to desired gauge. The aluminum alloy sheets may then be employed in manufacturing aluminum alloy can bodies. The process produces aluminum alloy sheet having an improved combination strength and caring properties with acceptable surface characteristics. Unique aluminum alloys usable in the claimed processes are also disclosed. In another embodiment, can ends are made by roll casting, followed by cold rolling preferably without prior thermal treatment, continuous annealing, quenching and cold rolling to the desired gauge.

Abstract: A full panel pull out easy opening end having vent means which includes at least one vent hole adjacent the pull tab and a strip of tape over the vent hole and over the handle end of the tab so the tab cannot be easily lifted without first at least partially removing the tape over the vent hole.