Abstract: A reforming apparatus, and method of using the same, is provided for reforming the bottom of a container to increase the dome reversal pressure and improve the drop resistance of a beverage container. The invention is particularly apt for use in reforming a beverage container integrally formed from a thin metallic sheet. Such containers generally have an open top portion connected to an outer wall that is disposed about a container axis. The outer wall is connected to a bottom portion having an annular support surface, an outer surface for connecting the annular support surface and the outer wall, a recessed or dome surface, and an inner surface for connecting the annular support surface and the dome surface. The invention provides a container rotating device for spinning, supporting, and positioning a container during reformation. A container positioning assembly is included to accurately position the container relative to reforming tools (e.g., rollers).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for working an edge portion of a flange positioned on an open end of a container to prepare the flange for end-piece attachment by shaping such edge portion and improving flange uniformity, and, if desired, configuring the flange into a desired angular orientation. In one embodiment a plurality of working rollers are positioned radially outward from the edge of the flange and a mechanism is used to force at least portions of the flange toward the rollers. When at least a portion of the flange engages with at least one of the rollers as the rollers are rotated relative to and about the flange, flange uniformity is improved as the flange edge is shaped by such roller. In the event the flange continues to be forced toward the working rollers, remaining portions of the flange may approach and possibly contact the rollers to be shaped and worked thereby while the outward radial movement of the initial contacting edge portion is restrained, thereby further improving flange uniformity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for resizing the throat of a cylindrical container and simultaneously reforming a preformed flange on an open end of such container. In one embodiment, the throat of the container is resized by applying an outward force to the throat to increase the diameter thereof. Moreover, the preformed flange is forced radially outward. However, the outward radial movement of at least a portion of an outer edge of the preformed flange is restrained during such resizing. As a result, at least portions of the preformed flange flex between the throat and the restrained portion of the outer edge. These flexed portions project to differing degrees and at least a portion of this projecting flexure is maintained after the reforming process to improve flange uniformity.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a necked-down, three piece can having a false seam adjacent to the taper of the neck-down portion of the can to fascilitate even-rolling processing of the can after a food product is stored therein. The invention provides a novel apparatus to spin-flow form the neck-down, false seam configuration in the can body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming an outwardly projecting bead in the sidewall of a cylindrical object. The apparatus includes an inner forming member and an outer forming member having a leading forming surface, a trailing support surface, and a recess therebetween. The method includes forcing the sidewall of the container in a radially outward direction by applying a force to the inside of the sidewall, and limiting the resulting projection to a desired sidewall region to form an outwardly projecting bead in the container sidewall.