Abstract: A flanging head assembly having a cluster of freely rotatable spin flanging rollers includes a stop ring against which the flange hits during the final flange forming stages to limit the flange to a specific diameter. To prevent the flange from entering the crack formed between the rotating roller and the stationary stop ring, there is provided a step spacing the stop ring surface from the roller forming surface. In a preferred embodiment, the step is axially forwardly spaced from the trailing end of the flange forming surfaces and intersects a conical surface extending radially inwardly beneath the flange forming surface. This conical surface contacts unsupported flange portions between the flanging rollers to limit the degree of elastic sagging of these portions. The intersection between this conical surface with the step also supports the sagging flange portions without inducing permanent flange deformation.

Abstract: A flanging apparatus includes a flanging head assembly having a cluster of freely rotatable spin flanging rollers and a stop ring against which the flange hits during the final flange forming stages to limit the flange to a specific diameter. To prevent the flange from entering the crack formed between the rotating roller and the stationary stop ring, there is provided a step spacing the stop ring surface from the roller forming surface. The forming process occurs as a result of spring biased relative axial movement of the can open end toward the forming surfaces, caused by contact between the can bottom with a base pad movable in a working stroke toward the flanging rollers with a cam controlled spindle. A spring extends between the base pad and a base pad spring collar attached to the spindle to create a predetermined spring force which is normally applied throughout the flange forming process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin flow necking-in a D&I can is disclosed wherein an externally located free spinning form roll is moved radially inward and axially against the outside wall of the open end of a trimmed can. A spring loaded interior support slide roll moves under the forming force of the form roll as the latter slides along a conical forming surface of a second free roll mounted axially inwardly adjacent the slide roll. To minimize the plug diameter variation between successively necked cans, the axial retracting movement of the slide roll is halted at a predetermined location via contact with a spacer to prevent further radial inward movement of the form roll which would otherwise occur as a result of only cam controlled form roll movement.

Abstract: A container is formed with a bottom wall comprising a central panel and a resting radius formed from an annular wall depending downwardly from the central panel periphery and then outwardly and upwardly to join the container side wall. A method is disclosed which reduces the resting radius by tightening the curvature thereof through deformation of the outer annular wall so that the resting radius is better able to resist eversion under the influence of pressure within the container. The outer wall is deformed by radially inward flexing of plural fingers which are cammed radially inwardly into contact with it through a cam follower arrangement which also controls a can support member to (1) locate the bottom wall in a first position between the reforming fingers and supporting anvil, and (2) in a second, elevated stripping position where the container is removed from the apparatus. The container bottom wall is preferably reformed during necking-in of the container open end.

Abstract: A multi-station machine for necking-in the open end of a metal container body includes a plurality of necking spindle assemblies mounted at circumferentially spaced locations on a tooling disc turret in coaxial alignment with corresponding base pad spindle assemblies mounted to a base pad turret. The turrets are co-rotatable with a main turret shaft. Cam controlled tooling activating assemblies are mounted on the tooling disc turret to control the necking-in movement of an eccentric roll and an external forming roll in each necking spindle in synchronism with the delivery of vacuum suction through the base pad spindles which clamps the container bottom walls to the respective base pads. A sequential latching arrangement associated with the tooling activating assemblies prevents tool-to-tool contact between the outer forming rolls with the eccentric rolls in the absence of container bodies on station.

Abstract: A method and machine for forming can necks in metal container bodies is disclosed. The machine comprises a pilot assembly coaxially situated and longitudinally movable with respect to and within a necking die member having an annular static die forming surface longitudinally advanced into contact with the can side wall defining the open end. Prior to necking, the pilot assembly is inserted into the open end and then stopped. Continued forward movement of the necking die member opens a valve between the pilot assembly and die member to flow pressurized fluid from a reservoir in the pilot to pressurize the can. This prevents crushing of the can under necking loads. The reservoir is located entirely within the pilot shaft and has a dimensional volume greater than the can body interior volume. This results in rapid delivery of pressurized fluid into the can before the greatest necking loads are applied to the side wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin flow necking-in a D&I can is disclosed wherein an externally located free spinning form roll is moved radially inward and axially against the outside wall of the open end of a trimmed can. A spring-loaded interior support slide roll moves under the forming force of the form roll as the latter slides along a conical forming surface of a second free roll mounted axially inwardly adjacent the slide roll. To prevent damage to the metal caused by excessive pressure contact between the form and slide rolls, the slide roll is axially retracted via a cam ring which initially contacts the form roll during radially inward necking movement.

Abstract: A flanging head assembly having a cluster of freely rotatable spin flanging rollers includes a stop ring against which the flange hits during the final flange forming stages to limit the flange to a specific diameter. To prevent the flange from entering the crack formed between the rotating roller and the stationary stop ring, there is provided a step spacing the stop ring surface from the roller forming surface. In this manner, as the terminal edge of the flange slides around the flanging roller during final forming, it will pass over the crack and across the step to lodge in a corner formed between the step and stop ring surface. In a preferred embodiment, the step is a conical surface extending from the stop ring surface in a direction away from the can bottom. This conical surface extends radially inwardly a sufficient distance to contact unsupported flange portions between the flanging rollers to limit the degree of elastic sagging of these portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically inspecting containers at an increased rate is characterized by simultaneous inspection of adjacent containers by a plurality of photosensors. Containers are moved in series order along a prescribed path through an inspection area. Exterior surfaces of containers are illuminated; openings in the container bodies permit light to be transmitted to a photosensor through a viewing window in an opaque disk which shields unwanted light from the sensor. Photosensors are arranged to receive light in parallel overlapping paths. Optical units including lens and optic fiber bundles direct light from successively tested containers to different sensing paths. In an alternative embodiment, the disk has a split window configuration permitting successively tested containers to be detected by alternate sensors.

Abstract: A method is described for cooling or heating hot filled containers, such as metallic cans. The apparatus employs countercurrent flow between the containers and a water trough and uses axial shaking and the physics of the containers to promote cooling or heating.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for regulating a liquified gas input stream for temperature and pressure. The apparatus produces a pressurized head of liquified gas while removing gaseous material to produce a constant temperature and pressure liquified gas exit stream.

Abstract: A freezer system for food products, such as frozen confectioneries and the like, is discosed. Fresh air is supplied to the main chamber of the freezer through an ante room where moisture within the entry air is removed. The products are carried on a conveyor mechanism which does not pass through the ante room, providing positive air pressure within the freezer system at the entry and exit points of the conveyor, reducing substantially or eliminating entry of warm air at these points.

Abstract: An improved bottom former for a draw and iron can-making apparatus is disclosed. The improved bottom former includes a hydraulically pressurized base-forming die unit. This die unit provides increased pressure and improved results, as compared with conventional bottom formers, especially with regard to large diameter can bodies.

Abstract: A can body is disclosed which includes a bottom configuration designed to provide structural strength to the can body, thus permitting reductions in metal usage. The bottom configuration comprises three convex semi-torroidal portions which are connected to the sidewall of the can, a ring portion connected to the third convex semi-torroidal portion, a fourth convex semi-torroidal portion connected to the other end of the ring portion, an inwardly directed frustoconical portion connected to the other end of the ring portion, a concave semi-torroidal portion connected to the other end of the inwardly directed frustoconical portion and a bottom closing portion connected to the other end of the concave semi-torroidal portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for pressurizing containers by injecting predetermined amounts of liquified gas into the containers. This device includes an injection unit having a combination float-pressure regulating means which employs the vapor pressure of evaporating liquified gas to its gaseous state from its liquid state to control liquified gas level and gas pressure within the device.

Abstract: A can body suitable for inward necking of the flange region is disclosed in which the flange region thereof includes a plurality of corrugations to increase the effective thickness and thus the stiffness of the metal in this flange region. A method and apparatus for producing these can bodies are also disclosed. The apparatus employed includes a pair of generally circular matched die members which are positioned on either side of the flange region of the can body to be corrugated and a means for rotating the can body, and thus the die members, when contacting the flange region of the can body.

Abstract: A can body suitable for inward necking of the flange region is disclosed in which the flange region thereof includes a plurality of corrugations to increase the effective thickness and thus the stiffness of the metal in this flange region. A method and apparatus for producing these can bodies are also disclosed. The apparatus employed includes a pair of generally circular matched die members which are positioned on either side of the flange region of the can body to be corrugated and a means for rotating the can body, and thus the die members, when contacting the flange region of the can body.

Abstract: The side wall of a container is joined to the bottom portion thereof by a first frustoconical portion and a first semi-torroidal portion which, in turn, is joined to a second semi-torroidal portion; and, a bottom closing portion. In one embodiment the second semi-torroidal portion is joined to the bottom closing portion by a second frustoconical portion; a third semi-torroidal portion; and, a third frustoconical portion. In another embodiment the bottom closing portion is substantially flat but adapted to be domed outwardly under pressure and "cricket" inwardly when pressure is relieved.

Abstract: The side wall of a container is joined to the bottom portion thereof by a first frustoconical portion and a first semi-torroidal portion which, in turn, is joined to a second semi-torroidal portion; and, a bottom closing portion. In one embodiment the second semi-torroidal portion is joined to the bottom closing portion by a second frustoconical portion; a third semi-torroidal portion; and, a third frustoconical portion. In another embodiment the bottom closing portion is substantially flat but adapted to be domed outwardly under pressure and "cricket" inwardly when pressure is relieved.

Abstract: An improved mounting for ironing dies used in forming drawn and ironed metal articles, such as can bodies, at high speeds is disclosed. The support is formed of a metal ring having a plurality of fingers extending outwardly and axially from the ring. These fingers act as springs to allow the ironing dies, which are deflectably mounted on these fingers, to shift slightly in a direction generally perpendicular to their axes to accommodate off-centered cups which pass through the ironing dies to be formed into can bodies. The improved support is unaffected by the lubricant present in great amounts in the die cavities and on the cups so that the ironing die support will not deteriorate over time.