Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for filling and sealing a canister having a weldable end wall. A weld head assembly includes a head having a welding electrode disposed within an opening for receiving a pressurized gas and defining a terminal end. The head further has a seal operably associated with the terminal end for engaging the end wall of the canister. A ball shuttle assembly includes a shuttle block having a passage for receiving the weld ball. The ball shuttle assembly further includes a device for positioning the shuttle block whereby the weld ball is in substantially coaxial alignment with the opening, and moving the weld ball into the opening of the weld head. The passage of the shuttle block is fluidly disassociated from the opening in the weld head when the seal is engaged with the end wall of the canister.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a press having a crown member and a base member with support and tiedown means for maintaining the crown member at an operative predetermined work station relative to the base member, and operative press ram means operating between the crown and base means in direct or offset loading position on a workpiece, characterized in that the support and tiedown means comprises hollow columns characterized by greater resistance to the bending forces induced by offset loading than support and tiedown means comprised of solid columns composed of the same kind and amount of material as the hollow columns. These columns furthermore may comprise pressure fluid-actuated cylinders having cooperating pistons and piston rods.