Abstract: The drive housing (26) of a bodymaker (20) carries a major ring (32) in stationary position and a planetary ring carrier (36, 46) for rotation on the central axis of the major ring. The planetary ring carrier (36, 46) carries a minor planetary ring (34) in internal engagement with the major ring (32) for rotation on its own axis in rolling orbit against the inside circumference of the major ring (32). A crank (54) is connected to rotate with the planetary ring and provides a journal (56) positioned at the circumference of the planetary ring (34) for drivingly engaging a ram (60). The diameter of the planetary ring (34) is one-half the diameter of the major ring (32), establishing a straight-line path of movement for the journal (56) along an axis (X-X) parallel to a selected diameter of the major ring (32). A frame (22, 72) supports ram (60) in suitable position with respect to drive housing (26) for straight-line reciprocation on the axis (X-X) parallel to the selected diameter.

Abstract: The drive housing (26) of a bodymaker (20) carries a major ring (32) in stationary position and a planetary ring carrier (36, 46) for rotation on the central axis of the major ring. The planetary ring carrier (36, 46) carries a minor planetary ring (34) in internal engagement with the major ring (32) for rotation on its own axis in rolling orbit against the inside circumference of the major ring (32). A crank (54) is connected to rotate with the planetary ring and provides a journal (56) positioned at the circumference of the planetary ring (34) for drivingly engaging a ram (60). The diameter of the planetary ring (34) is one-half the diameter of the major ring (32), establishing a straight-line path of movement for the journal (56) along an axis (X-X) parallel to a selected diameter of the major ring (32). A frame (22, 72) supports ram (60) in suitable position with respect to drive housing (26) for straight-line reciprocation on the axis (X-X) parallel to the selected diameter.

Abstract: A container bodymaker gearbox (20, 130) drives rams (60, 66) linearly by use of a hypocycloid drive that controls operation of a rotating and orbiting output shaft (40) by synchronizing the rotating and orbiting motion such that a tracking point at a predetermined radius from the shaft 40 tracks a straight line. A coaxial sleeve (124) is spaced around shaft (40) and carries an annular crank hub (140) on bearings (142). The crank hub (140) is eccentrically mounted on the sleeve (124) with the hub centerpoint positioned to track the straight line tracking point. A rotary ring (166) mounted around the periphery of the crank hub (140) supports diametrically opposed connections (176) to rams (60, 66). The ring (166) and rams (60, 66) translate on the straight-line path determined by the centerpoint, with the hub (140) rotating as required within the ring (166) to cancel rotary motion of hub (14) from the translational motion of the ring (166).