Abstract: A horizontal can necking machine assembly includes a plural of main turrets and a plural of transfer starwheels. Each main turret includes a main turret shaft, a main gear mounted on the main turret shaft, a pusher assembly, and a die capable of necking a can body upon actuation of the turret shaft. Each transfer starwheel includes a transfer shaft and a transfer gear mounted on the transfer shaft. The main gears are engaged with the transfer gears such that lines through the main gear center and the centers of opposing transfer gears form an included angle of less than 170 degrees, thereby increasing the angular range available for necking the can body. The main turrets and transfer starwheels may operate to neck and move at least 2800 cans per minute, and each pusher assembly may have a stroke length relative to the die that is at least 1.5 inches.

Abstract: In a press comprising at least one die (3), a hollow punch (1) and ram (2) assembly movable through the die, and a bottom forming tool (13) having a convex surface portion (14) axially aligned with the punch, said punch and ram assembly having a valve seat (24) in the ram hollow and a valve member (21) which has a valve body engageable with the valve seat and a stem extending through the valve seat towards the free end of the punch so that as the punch approaches the convex surface portion of the bottom forming took, the valve member is lifted off the valve seat to permit compressed air to pass from the punch hollow, the valve stem is supported in a bearing between the valve seat and the extremity of the punch, and said valve stem and interior surface of the punch define a cavity of prechosen volume between the valve seat (24) and extremity of the punch (1) so that as the punch approaches the bottom forming tool (5) cooperation of the convex surface portion (14) of the bottom forming tool and valve stem (20)