Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.

Abstract: The invention includes a novel profile for a container bottom and method of manufacturing the improved bottom. The improvement involves the creation of an additional angled portion in the inner leg area of a container bottom during the formation of the bottom profile during the body making step. Known container bottom profiles have a single portion in the inner leg area after the bodymaking process. The inventive profile includes the following discrete portions starting at the nose of the container bottom and working inwards towards the central axis: a nose, a substantially linear lower leg portion projecting upwards from the nose, a separate angled portion between the lower leg portion and the dome inclined generally at an angle more towards the longitudinal central axis of the container than the angle of the lower leg portion, and a dome.

Abstract: A stay-on-tab container closure suitable for use on beverage cans and the like, said closure including an center panel with an downwardly displaceable tear panel, which, in one aspect, has a smooth upper surface having no visually perceptible contour features, and which, in another aspect, has low-relief contour features on its upper surface. Closures according to the invention have reduced stresses across the score defining the tear panel, thereby reducing the likelihood of stress-induced fatigue cracking which can lead to score failure when the container closure is joined to a can body and the resulting can is internally pressurized.

Abstract: The invention includes a novel profile for a container bottom and method of manufacturing the improved bottom. The improvement involves the creation of an additional angled portion in the inner leg area of a container bottom during the formation of the bottom profile during the bodymaking step. Known container bottom profiles have a single portion in the inner leg area after the bodymaking process. The inventive profile includes the following discrete portions starting at the nose of the container bottom and working inwards towards the central axis: a nose, a substantially linear lower leg portion projecting upwards from the nose, a separate angled portion between the lower leg portion and the dome inclined generally at an angle more towards the longitudinal central axis of the container than the angle of the lower leg portion, and a dome.

Abstract: A new end wall or can bottom configuration for beverage cans and a method for its manufacture have been designed which provide an increased resistance to pressure and which allow an additional light-weighting of the can bottom.

Abstract: A system (20) is provided for detecting and ejecting container ends having a reversed orientation from an axially aligned group of otherwise similar nested container ends having a non-reversed orientation. The system includes a support member (36) interposed along the path of movement of the container ends and having a bore (52) and an ejection slot (54). A counting sensor (62) for counting the number of passing container ends and a gap sensor (72) for detecting a gap in the periphery of the axially aligned group caused by a reversed container end are positioned upstream of the ejection slot and connected to a control unit (70). An air nozzle (82) is positioned next to the axially aligned group of container ends in axial alignment with, but laterally opposite to, the ejection slot and connected to a source of pressurized air controlled by the control unit (70).

Abstract: A container end, including a die and the method for making, for pressurized containers includes a circular center panel, an inner annular panel around the center panel, and an outer annular panel around the inner annular panel. The inner annular panel has a generally arcuate cross-section viewed in a plane extending radially from the centerpoint of the container lid. The inner annular panel comprises a plurality of first segments, spaced apart about the circumference of the inner annular panel, and a plurality of second segments, with at least one second segment being positioned between adjacent pairs of first segments. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cross section of each of the first segments is less than the radius of curvature of the arcuate cross section of each of the second segments, so that the radius of curvature of the inner annular panel varies along the circumferential length of the inner annular panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for loading and closing bags or sleeve containers are disclosed. An automated arm with pinchers at one end moves from a resting position to an extended position, grasps the unfilled end of a partially filled sleeve container, and rotates to achieve closure.

Abstract: A container end, including a die and the method for making, for pressurized containers includes a circular center panel, an inner annular panel around the center panel, and an outer annular panel around the inner annular panel. The inner annular panel has a generally arcuate cross-section viewed in a plane extending radially from the centerpoint of the container lid. The inner annular panel comprises a plurality of first segments, spaced apart about the circumference of the inner annular panel, and a plurality of second segments, with at least one second segment being positioned between adjacent pairs of first segments. The radius of curvature of the arcuate cross section of each of the first segments is less than the radius of curvature of the arcuate cross section of each of the second segments, so that the radius of curvature of the inner annular panel varies along the circumferential length of the inner annular panel.

Abstract: A drawn and ironed can body has a cylindrical side wall and an integral end wall which closes one end of the side wall. The end wall includes a rim that generally curves inwardly from the side wall and a domed central section which closes the area circumscribed by the rim, all such that the rim forms the lowest portion of the can body. The rim is configured such that when the can body is subjected to elevated internal pressures, the rim deforms in a controlled manner, and this deformation causes the domed wall to move axially away from the opposite end of the can body without buckling, thereby increasing the volume of the can body.