Abstract: An apparatus and method for the high speed production of seamless metal container bodies is disclosed utilizing a reciprocating ram which forces a relatively shallow metal cup through a die assembly to iron the sidewall of said cup to form an elongated ironed container body, the ram is supported and critically aligned by at least two stationary points and also at its rearward end by a slideable ram block assembly to which the ram is rigidly secured, the critical alignment of the rear end of the ram prevents misalignment of the ram relative to the die assembly to avoid producing container bodies of overly inconsistent length.

Abstract: A method of producing stock material wherein a steel base is provided with a layer of tin thereon, the tin-layered steel is then cold rolled and thereafter heated to a temperature above 250.degree. F. but below the melting point of tin; in a second method of producing stock material, the stock is heated above the melting point of tin; also included are methods of producing containers utilizing stock produced by each of said stock producing methods; further included is another method of producing containers wherein a steel base is provided with a layer of tin thereon, heated to a temperature between 250.degree. F. to below the melting point of tin, and thereafter formed into a seamless container.

Abstract: In the manufacture of extra thin walled plastic containers the tail flash formed during the molding operation is spaced from the container proper by molding one or more standoff projections into the flash. This maintains the tail flash in an appropriate relationship relative to the container until it can be severed by a shearing mechanism. The projections are formed in the tail flash by providing male and female projection elements in the mold. In the absence of such standoffs, the tail flash will come in contact with the container while still sufficiently hot enough to adhere thereto.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for forming a laminated plastic article, especially a container. In one formation sequence, a flattened preform of desired perimeter configuration is formed, which preferably is multilayered, directly from thermoplastic materials. In another formation sequence, a preform is positioned in a thermoforming apparatus wherein, with edge portions of the preform is clamped and the midportions are mandrel-formed into a body having continuous integral side and bottom wall portions. This body is then trimmed and blow-molded to produce a desired product article. Residual portions of the starting preform can be trimmed away from the lip portions of the product article if desired.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for draw molding elongated hollow articles from thermoplastic material which is desirably stretch moldable plastic sheet or film. The material is draw molded on an elongated mandrel. Draw ring means are operated cooperatively with the mandrel for drawing the thermoplastic material into an elongated hollow article. Gaseous jet stream doctoring means are operated during drawing for controlling the article wall thickness. The material may be drawn through a wiper ring through which the mandrel is moved with the thermoplastic material during draw molding in combination with subjecting the outer surface of the article being drawn to the action of the doctoring jet stream from an annular orifice. Internal fluid conditioning of the mandrel, as well as alternate negative pressure within the article during molding and stripping pressure from the mandrel into the article at conclusion of molding cycle are provided for. The draw molding is effected without clamping the thermoplastic material.