Abstract: A method is described for reducing the diameter of the open end of a can, such as a beverage can, in a necking station while substantially preventing the formation of pleats in the can. The necking station includes a deformable support punch that is positioned within the open end of the can. The punch includes an elastomeric sleeve and a means for providing for lateral deformation of the sleeve, such as an actuator making an interference fit with the sleeve. In the necking station, the can is inserted into a necking die having a transition zone separating an outer cylindrical bore and an inner bore having a reduced diameter. When the top edge of the can is forced past the transition zone in to the inner bore to reduce the dimension of the upper portion of the can, the sleeve is controllably deformed in a manner such that the lateral portion of the sleeve is placed into supporting engagement with the interior wall of the can, pressing the can against the transition zone of the die.

Abstract: A seamless drawn and ironed container body having a side wall with portions of the side wall expanded radially outward from an initial cylindrical configuration and a method and apparatus for reshaping such containers.

Abstract: A seamless drawn and ironed container body having a side wall with portions of the side wall expanded radially outward from an initial cylindrical configuration and a method and apparatus for reshaping such containers.

Abstract: Method and device for drawing and ironing a metallic or metalloplastic can by utilizing a chamber arranged for flow of lubricant therethrough, including an input opening and an output opening, and which is placed upstream of at least one drawing die. The chamber includes an annular, long and narrow, cylindro-conical antechamber located upstream of the die, adjacent to the external surface of the can which is being drawn, the antechamber having a length lo between 3 and 50 mm, and a thickness jo between 25 and 200 .mu.m.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fitting of a metal closure on a vessel of which the circular edge is a rigid beaded lip.The method of this invention starts with a closure blank (1) of which the edge (14) has been bent through less than 180.degree., a thick elastic gasket (5) is positioned inside its support section (20), and then, when the closure blank (1) has been positioned under a centering press (7), it is shaped, it is fitted under the beaded lip (4) of the vessel and it is sealingly tightened in a single operation, by the movement of an annular mandrel (10) or several outer tools of the same function.

Abstract: A pull tab for an easy opening can for tearing a pull panel to separate the panel from the can end. The tab is attached to the pull panel by an integral strap which is spirally wound to encircle the anterior portion. The spiral feature provides high shearing stress at the initiation of panel opening and then a flexible connection with the removable panel during continued opening to panel removal.