Abstract: A method of forming a can end having a seaming panel 30, a chuck wall 32, and a central panel 17; the central panel being connected to the chuck wall by an outer anti-peaking bead 27 and the can end having one or more flexible beads 24,25 located concentrically within the outer bead, the method comprises the steps of:a) in a first stage, drawing a preliminary cup having a seaming panel, a chuck wall and a central panel, and forming the inner beads by pressing the central panel between upper and lower profiled tools 15,16; andb) in a second stage, clamping the seaming panel and the central panel and moving them towards one another to form the outer bead 27 by deformation of material from the chuck wall in an unconstrained rolling action.

Abstract: A can end (1) having an openable portion (14) defined by a score line (13), has a ring pull defining an aperture in which is retained a token (16) which may be removed as proof of purchase to qualify the purchaser for a prize or other premium offer. The token (16) is preferably made from a plastics material which is retained by clinching of peripheral material of the ring pull, and may be marked with indicia.

Abstract: A combined pull tab and token is disclosed in which the token includes a body and the pull tab includes a clinched peripheral curl portion. The pull tab is adapted to be attached to a container wall, and a portion of the token is engaged within the clinched peripheral curl portion of the pull tab.

Abstract: A pin oven for stoving a decorative or other coating laid down by a rotary decorator (28") on cans has an associated transfer device (40") by which the cans are decelerated and transferred in succession from the decorator onto the chain (20") of the oven. The chain carries two rows of pins which are arranged in staggered and offset relation. By operating at a smaller chain circulating speed than the can output velocity of the decorator, the oven provides benefits in the size and thermal efficiency of the oven and reduced chain wear.

Abstract: A metal can body for a beverage can comprises a bottom end wall 2 and a generally cylindrical side wall 3; the side wall comprising a bottom portion 4 connected to the bottom wall, a central portion 5 extending upwardly from the bottom portion, and a top portion 6 extending upwardly from the central portion and terminating in an open end. The top portion 6 and bottom portion 4 are of greater wall thickness than the central portion 5 and are respectively connected to the central portion through upper and lower annular zones 7, 8 of reducing wall thickness. The side wall is provided with a plurality of parallel externally convex longitudinal ribs 10 equally spaced around the circumference and terminating within the zones 7, 8 of reducing wall thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for forming a plurality of axially extending externally concave complete flutes defining a fluted profile in a cylindrical can body 1. The apparatus comprises a correspondingly profiled mandrel 11 of maximum diameter less than the minimum diameter of the cylindrical can body and comprising a whole number of complete flutes which is less than the number of flutes on the finished can body, an elongate rail 14, means 12 for locating a cylindrical can body over the mandrel, and means 10 for rolling the mandrel relative to the rail to deform a portion of the cylindrical can body between the mandrel and the rail into the fluted profile.

Abstract: An end wall 9, for attachment to a container, has a central panel 10 and surrounded by a channel portion 11 which includes a deposit of solder 19 in the form of a paste of solder and flux. The can end 9 is joined by a double seam 23 to a sidewall 12 of a container body. Heating of the double seam melts the solder to create a soldered joint between the end wall and sidewall. The invention is to be used in the manufacture of containers requiring strong double seams and may be used to make containers for carriage of dangerous goods. Apparatus for applying solder pastes to can ends is described in which paste is urged from a pot against convex surface 37 before passing through oulet nozzles 38 onto a can end.

Abstract: Three balance mechanisms for a press machine are described. The first balance mechanism for a press machine comprises a balance weight 91 mounted on a crankshaft 86 of the press machine, a balance weight 92 mounted on a balance mechanism shaft 93, a motor for rotating the shaft 93 and a control system for the motor. The control system ensures that the balance mechanism shaft 93 rotates in the opposite direction to, but at the same speed as, crankshaft 86. The balance weights 91 and 92 balance the primary shaking forces which arise in the press machine along the axis of movement of its ram 83. In the second balance mechanism, balance weights are mounted on two separate shafts rotated by a motor and connected by a gear mechanism. In the third balance mechanism, one balance weight is mounted on the crankshaft, another balance weight is mounted on a shaft rotated by a motor, and a further pair of balance weights are mounted on a pair of shafts rotated by a motor at twice crankshaft speed.

Abstract: A machine for rotationally orientating containers grouped in a multipack comprises endless chains with dogs for feeding the multipacks into the orientation station at which pneumatic cylinders are provided for raising lifters which lift the respective containers into engagement with respective chucks. The chucks are accommodated in pockets formed in a chuck housing and defining tapered surfaces to guide the containers onto the chucks. A stripper bar is provided to disengage the containers from the chucks after orientation is complete.

Abstract: Three balance mechanisms for a press machine are described. The first balance mechanism for a press machine comprises a balance weight 91 mounted on a crankshaft 86 of the press machine, a balance weight 92 mounted on a balance mechanism shaft 93, a motor for rotating the shaft 93 and a control system for the motor. The control system ensures that the balance mechanism shaft 93 rotates in the opposite direction to, but at the same speed as, crankshaft 86. The balance weights 91 and 92 balance the primary shaking forces which arise in the press machine along the axis of movement of its ram 83. In the second balance mechanism, balance weights are mounted on two separate shafts rotated by a motor and connected by a gear mechanism. In the third balance mechanism, one balance weight is mounted on the crankshaft, another balance weight is mounted on a shaft rotated by a motor, and a further pair of balance weights are mounted on a pair of shafts rotated by a motor at twice crankshaft speed.