Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming. Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Abstract: Drag cast coils of aluminum metal are homogenized to achieve grain refinement by cooling said coil initially from a temperature of around 900.degree. F. to ambient temperature under controlled conditions at a cooling rate ranging from about 5.degree. F. per hour to 90.degree. F. per hour.

Abstract: A reversed can end ejector system for detecting and ejecting a can end in reverse orientation with respect to a moving stack of otherwise similarly aligned and nested can ends is disclosed. The system utilizes a reversed end extractor bar having a hook formed at a lower end thereof. The bar is supported above the stack with a support frame so that the hook is free to ride on a cylindrical exterior ridged surface of the stack. When a reversely oriented end is encountered, the hook is sized to drop by gravity into the peripheral gap formed between the reversed end and adjacent non-reversed end. The extractor bar is pivotally connected to a mounting bar which is in turn pivotally connected to the support frame whereupon further advancement of a reversed end with the stack during hooked engagement causes the reversed end to be lifted and removed from the stack via controlled rotation of the extractor bar relative to the mounting bar and then both as a unit relative to the suppport frame.