Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for automatically removing inverted container ends (24) from a longitudinally moving stick (20) of nestable container ends (22) is provided. Inverted ends (24) are ejected from the stick (20) through an outlet as a path direction of the stick (20) changes. The change in path direction can be due to a protrusion (36) extending into the path or a curve (14) in a stick guide assembly (34). The apparatus (10) reduces the likelihood of that inverted ends (24) will enter processing machinery and reduces processing line down time.

Abstract: A method for preparing an aluminum surface for adhesive bonding which conts essentially of the steps of:(a) preparing an aqueous solution of an epoxy-functional silane;(b) degreasing a selected area of the surface;(c) wet abrading the selected area using the aqueous epoxy silane solution;(d) removing any residue from the selected area;(e) allowing the surface to air dry;(f) wiping an alcoholic solution of an amino-functional silane onto the selected area; and(g) allowing the surface to air dry.