Abstract: The present invention discloses an opening tool (100, 200) for opening and/or removing a tab portion (314) of a beverage can (300). The opening tool includes a hollow housing (110, 210). The hollow housing includes a generally cylindrical housing body (112, 212) having a top end (ET), a bottom end (EB), an outer surface (114, 214), an inner surface (116, 216) and an open cavity (118, 218) extending from a top end towards a bottom end of the housing body. The opening tool further includes one or more claws (120, 220), having a claw body (121, 222) extending between a claw end portion (123, 224) and a claw tip (122, 226) such that the tip of each of the claws is adapted to be hangingly disposed within the open cavity of hollow housing. In operation, when a beverage can is passed through the hollow housing from the bottom end towards the top end, the claw tip of at least one of the claws engages and pulls-opens the tab portion while the beverage can moves out of the housing.

Abstract: A sheet metal lid has a rim portion removably secured and sealed to a container and the lid includes a vent button having a top wall portion surrounded by a side wall portion and an outwardly projecting flange portion. The flange portion of the button has a short arcuate score or shear line extending substantially into the sheet metal, and additional score lines extend into the flange portion at lesser depths to protect a coating on the inner surface of the lid. A resilient sealant material may be bonded to the inner surface of the vent button, and the opposing sheet metal portions of the score line form a small gap for releasing a vacuum or pressure from the container in response to a controlled downward pressure on the top wall portion of the vent button.

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing toner cartridges, wherein original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sealant is removed and replaced with an aftermarket sealant. A hopper assembly is disassembled from a toner cartridge and cleaned to remove residual toner. The hopper assembly is then heated using an oven, heat gun, etc. in order to loosen the OEM sealant binding the hopper assembly. Once thoroughly heated, the hopper assembly is dismantled into a hopper section and a mag section. The OEM sealant is removed from the hopper section and replaced with the aftermarket sealant using an automated robot as the hopper section is held by a jig. A floating mag gasket attached to the mag section is either cleaned and reinstalled or replaced with a new floating mag gasket. The mag section is then reattached to the hopper section using an alignment tool in order to ensure proper positioning of components to create a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A metal closure is described, in the form of a foil lid (1) bonded to a metal annular component (such as a container body or separate intermediate ring). The foil lid (1) and annular component are made of dissimilar metals, with the closure adapted to prevent bimetallic corrosion at the interface between the dissimilar metals of the foil lid and the annular component. The closure is adapted such that the lid comprises a peripheral wall which is upstanding from the annular component such that a gap is maintained between the annular component and an exposed metal peripheral edge of the lid. Further aspects of the invention include: i. a method for making such a metal closure; and ii. an apparatus for making such a metal closure.

Abstract: A method of making a can end, which includes a recessed panel defined by an upwardly extending chuck wall, a peripheral scoreline disposed in a public side of the panel proximate to the base of the chuck wall, a tab fastened to the panel by a rivet, includes the step of employing tooling to form a pressure resistance bead extends around the panel inboard of the peripheral scoretine and outboard of the rivet. The tooling forms a saw tooth panel formation proximate to the pressure resistance bead inboard of the pressure resistance bead. Among other benefits, the pressure resistance bead and saw tooth panel formation created by the tooling and method combine to resist wrinkling or other undesired deformation of the can end.

Abstract: A can end (10) having an end panel (12), an openable non-removable panel (15) defined by a score line (14) in the end panel (12) and a non-removable tab (13) attached to the end for acting on the openable panel (15) to cause it to pivot out of the plane of the end panel (12) to provide an opening, the opening being generally oblate with its minor axis passing through the tab characterized in that the ratio of the dimension of the opening on its major axis to the dimension of the opening on its minor axis is greater than 1.7 and the opening area is greater than 350 mm2.

Abstract: An end closure for a container is provided. The end closure includes a stay-on-tab and a tear panel defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge segment. The tear panel includes a raised portion which extends in an upward orientation toward a public side of the end closure.

Abstract: A lid (2) for a can (1) has a general shape defining a main plane (9) and a depression (10) arranged in the lid. The bottom wall of the depression is tilted relative to the main plane of the lid, and to a method for orientating lids.

Abstract: An aerosol can has a dispensing valve at one end and discharge device at another end that allows the pressurized can to be safely depressurized. The discharge device has two elements that collectively fit into a wall of the aerosol can. The second element has a through passage within itself and is threadingly connected to the first element. The first element can be rotated such that the second element can move toward the interior of the aerosol can, which in turn opens the through passage to allow pressurized air to exit the can safely.

Abstract: It is an objective of the present invention to provide a battery case lid and a manufacturing method for the battery case lid which inhibit work hardening of a metal plate workpiece and which facilitate manufacture of a battery case lid. Provided is a battery case lid (1) formed by working a metal plate, including: a substrate section (2) and an explosion-proof valve (4) formed in the substrate section (2), wherein the explosion-proof valve (4) has a reduced thickness section (41) thinner than the substrate section (2), and the reduced thickness section (41) is formed by extending the metal plate by applying pressure while the metal plate is kept unrestrained.

Abstract: A method of making an S-shaped bent edge component comprising: placing in order an upper layer of metal base plate and a lower layer of metal base plate as well as a middle layer of heat-isolating materials in between; fixing the metal base plates with the heat-isolating materials; forming J-shaped edges on the base plates by stamping, and the J-shaped edges of the base plates are perpendicular to a horizontal portion of the metal base plates; each of the J-shaped edges of the base plates has an outwardly bent curve with a crown and a curve end; by means of a stamping step performed by an upper mold M1 with a concave surface and a flat surface and a lower mold M2 with a flat surface, the concave surface of the mold M1 exerts lateral force onto the curve ends so that the J-shaped edges of the base plates inwardly bend towards the upper metal base plate.

Abstract: A tooling assembly for scoring a can end is provided. First and second opposing tool members cooperate to create a depression in the can end, and to form a scoreline within the depression. A conversion press for converting a can end shell into a can end, and a method for scoring a can end are also provided. The method includes engaging a first side of the can end with a score knife, supporting at least a portion of a second side of the can end with a score anvil, depressing the can end into a cavity of the score anvil to form the depression, and forming the scoreline within the depression. The depression and scoreline are formed substantially simultaneous within the same tool station of the conversion press. A sealant, which is applied to the scoreline, forms a pool within the depression, thereby completely covering the scoreline.

Abstract: End panel (36) has its periphery (38) affixed to a flange portion (34) of container ring member (30) disposed in a planar position, and the flange portion (34) is then displaced from the plane for forming an angle (A) therewith. The method results in placing the interface between the end panel (36) and the flange portion (34) in sheer, rather than in peel, during retorting or unintentional impact loading.

Abstract: A metal closure is described, in the form of a foil lid (1) bonded to a metal annular component (such as a container body or separate intermediate ring). The foil lid (1) and annular component are made of dissimilar metals, with the closure adapted to prevent bimetallic corrosion at the interface between the dissimilar metals of the foil lid and the annular component. The closure is adapted such that the lid comprises a peripheral wall which is upstanding from the annular component such that a gap is maintained between the annular component and an exposed metal peripheral edge of the lid. Further aspects of the invention include: i. a method for making such a metal closure; and ii. an apparatus for making such a metal closure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positional fixing of a tab on a sheet metal lid comprising a panel (10) and a seamable edge (12) surrounding said panel, suitable for attaching to a can body. On the panel (10), an openable area is defined by a weakening line (16), and outside said openable area (17), a tab (30,31,32,33) is provided at a mounting place (11). Said tab (30) comprises a grip portion (32), an opening portion (33), and an attaching portion (31), said latter being provided for attaching said tab substantially parallel with respect to said panel (10). Said tab (30) as attached is disposed with its opening portion (33) above said openable area (17). Close to at least one edge (31c) of the attaching portion (31), a strip-shaped projection (21a, 21b, 20) is shaped to protrude out of said panel (10), for limiting a pivoting movement (?) of said tab (30) around said mounting place (11).

Abstract: The mold apparatus has a pair of upper and lower molds being used for forming a score on one side surface of an easy-opening can end fabricated by a laminated metal sheet. The upper mold has a convex part for forming the score, and the cross sectional shape of the convex part at the portion contacting the laminated metal sheet is composed of a curve having a change rate of inclination of 0.08 or smaller to the upper surface of the facing lower mold, or having the curve and a straight line. The formed score has a maximum width of 0.80 mm or smaller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container, comprising: a body provided with a ring determining an opening; a foil adhered to the ring and closing the opening; and a lid covering the foil and connected to the ring, wherein the ring and the lid are resiliently connected and the foil is adhered to the ring in the resilient connection between the ring and the lid, to a set comprising a ring, a foil adhered to the ring and closing the opening, and a lid covering the foil and connected to the ring, wherein the ring and the lid are resiliently connected and, the foil is adhered to the ring in the resilient connection between the ring and the lid, and to a preset therefor and to its manufacturing method.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a tab used to open food can ends and beer/beverage can ends. The tab has a nose portion located at a front end of the tab and a lift portion located at a back end of the tab. The tab also has a rivet receiving portion located proximate to the nose portion with a rivet hole. The rivet receiving portion is coupled to the nose portion. The rivet hole has a non-round perimeter with a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion. The first diameter portion has a plurality of first arcuate segments and the second diameter portion has a plurality of notches. The second diameter portion is greater in length than the first diameter portion. Tooling for the manufacture of the tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the tab is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: A gas pressure-resistant metal pop-top cover comprised of two parts, a lid (1) and a pull-ring, the pull-ring being riveted to the lid (1), there being a concave countersink that begins at the circumferential edge of the lid (1) and extends toward its center, and at the center of the concave countersink there being a round convex platform (2), wherein the angle of inclination A of the countersink is 15-60°, and the arc-shaped segments B1 and B2 of the bottom part of the convex platform and the corner portion of the rise segment C rotate around the center of the lid (1) and are subjected to cold hardening treatment through forging and pressing. Through a new design, the conflict between material-saving and maintaining pressure resistance in a pop-top cover has been solved, with the result that greater resistance to high pressure is provided as the notch diameter and thickness of materials in the pop-top cover are decreased.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tab is used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has one or more arcuate strips that are provided on a surface of the tab proximate to a peripheral surface of the tab where the one or more arcuate strips have been formed further into a preselected portion of curled or hemmed portions of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the tab is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: An easy open end for a container includes an end panel having a score defined therein that defines a removable end panel portion. The score is preferably notched to define a bottom edge having a continuous V-shaped recess. A first double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially inward from the score that defines beneath the score a first outwardly projecting extending cut protection bead. A second double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially outward from the score that defines beneath the score a second inwardly projecting cut protection bead. The end panel is elastically deformed in an area near the score so as to define a concave depression about the score, which provides enhanced cut protection.

Abstract: A resealable pop-top beverage container is disclosed and claimed wherein a lift-tab is attached to the upper surface of the top of the container in a conventional manner such that when a finger-end of the lift-tab is raised, a swivel-end of the lift-tab forces a sealing plate to shear its connection to the edge of an access hole, thereby opening the access hole. The lift-tab of the invention includes a coating of a resilient material on at least its ventral side. When the lift-tab is rotated about a rotatable connector, the resilient material can juxtapose against the access hole thereby forming a reversible seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a sheet metal lid. At least one projection is formed twice. First, the projection is shaped from a panel of the sheet metal lid, the pre-form being located near an attaching portion of a tab, but at a distance from the mounting place. Second, at least a front edge of the pre-form of the at least one projection is re-formed. No score line is provided in the panel, neither during shaping, nor during re-forming. An improved blocking for an outer edge portion of the attaching portion is thus obtained, the outer edge portion being associated with the front edge.

Abstract: An improved convenience closure that is adapted for sealing an end of a can includes an end panel having a peripheral score, a rivet formation, a mustache score and a flex line score defined therein. The mustache score may include a central portion that is positioned radially inwardly on the end panel relative to the rivet formation. The central portion is preferably curved, with a concave side of the curvature facing the rivet formation. The mustache score also may include first and second preferably symmetrical end portions, each of which is continuous with the central portion. Most of the total length of each of the end portions may be curved away from a nearest portion of the peripheral score, with a convex side of curvature facing the nearest portion of the peripheral score. Tooling for making the convenience closure and a method of making such a convenience disclosure are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for production of a lid ring (30) which can be connected to the can body, which borders a discharge opening (38) and has a heat-sealable coating (40) on which to form a can lid (50) a closing membrane (44) can be heat-sealed covering the discharge opening (38), a metal strip (12) with parallel side edges (14, 16) is formed into a tube (20) and the side edges (14, 16) are welded or glued parallel to the tube longitudinal axis (x). The tube (20) produced in this way is divided into tube sections (24) of equal length with cut edges (26, 28) lying in parallel planes. The tube sections (24) are formed into lid rings (30) where a first cut edge (26) is formed into an outer rim (32) for connection to a can body and the second cut edge (28) is curled away from the side intended for the heat-sealable coating (40). The heat-sealable coating (40) is applied to the finished molded lid ring.

Abstract: Method for shaping a sheet metal lid, preferably for a beverage can, which includes a panel, an openable area defined in the panel by a score line, and a mounting place for a tab for breaking into the openable area. At least one projection in the panel is shaped twice, such that a pre-form of the projection is shaped out of the panel of the sheet metal lid, in which the pre-form is located near an attaching portion of the tab, but at a distance from a the mounting place, and at least a front edge of the pre-form of at least one projection is re-formed, so that no score line is provided in the panel during shaping or re-forming. Further, to obtain better blocking of an outer edge portion of the attaching portion, an outer edge portion is associated with the re-formed front edge. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a design tab end using a pilot hole of a tab coil. The method includes punching a pilot hole on a tab coil in the same pitch as that of tab forming pitch of a conversion press prior to design printing, washing and drying the tab coil, inputting the tab coil into a printer according to the pitch of the pilot hole, detecting the pilot hole of the tab coil inputted into the printer, printing the design on the tab coil using a print roll which is controlled by the color controller, pulling and winding the design-printed tab coil according to the pitch of the pilot hole, loading the design tab coil on an uncoiler of a conversion press, tab forming the design tab and attaching the design tab onto a shell supplied into the conversion press.

Abstract: An easy open end for a container includes an end panel having a score defined therein that defines a removable end panel portion. The score is preferably notched to define a bottom edge having a continuous V-shaped recess. A first double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially inward from the score that defines beneath the score a first outwardly projecting extending cut protection bead. A second double fold is defined adjacent to and positioned radially outward from the score that defines beneath the score a second inwardly projecting cut protection bead. The end panel is elastically deformed in an area near the score so as to define a concave depression about the score, which provides enhanced cut protection.

Abstract: A system for forming and attaching lift-tabs to can ends to form easy opening lift-tab can ends comprises a frame and a means for forming a lift-tab. The means for forming a lift-tab is mounted on the frame and adapted to form at least one lane of lift-tabs in a strip of metal stock material. The system also includes a drive roller supported on the frame and adapted to move the strip of metal stock material through the means for forming a lift-tab. The system further includes a means for attaching a lift-tab onto a can end. The means for attaching a lift-tab onto a can end is mounted on the frame and adapted to attach a lift-tab onto a can end to form an easy opening lift-tab can end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a design tab end of a beverage can, in which a base color is painted on an aluminum tab coil before forming a tab, and a design is printed on the surface of the tab coil on which the base color has been painted, thereby making the color of the tab gorgeous and raising the value of the product.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Abstract: A method of playing a Blackjack or Twenty-One game that will enable a player to play single or multiple hands and/or wagers against single or multiple dealer hands in a rapid and substantially automatic fashion. In addition, the player can preselect the point value at which to “stand,” “split,” “double,” “surrender,” and/or “take insurance,” when playing single or multiple hands. The preselected strategy can then be duplicated across all player hands being played. The player can also select to “auto-play” one or more hands according to a preset strategy.

Abstract: A method of making an easy-open end for a container includes steps of forming first and second grooves in a panel of a can end blank, the grooves extending below the level of the panel to form inner and outer beads and forming a central bead in the panel between the first and second grooves so that the central bead extends above the panel. A score is then formed along the central bead by simultaneously forming the score and compressing the central bead, so that the depth of the score and the thickness of the central bead are both positively controlled. The inner and outer beads are then forced toward each other and then toward the panel, and the central bead is forced toward the panel. A pull-tab is then fixed to the end. This process permits the score residual to be controlled to a greater tolerance than the conventional processes, and is also more material efficient.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Abstract: Ends for cans are made in a single press, eliminating the need for separate shell and conversion presses, balancers, track work, and other equipment, as compared to existing can end manufacturing systems, while reducing floor space and capital investment requirements for installation of a new can end line. A sheet of end material or stock is introduced into the press and fed to a series of work stations. The sheet is maintained in a substantially continuous and void free state as the work stations perform forming operations on the sheet of material to form one or more ends therein. After the forming operation is complete, the end is ejected from the press. The maintenance of the sheet of material in a substantially continuous and void free state permits precise movement of the sheet through the press, and registration of the sheet relative to the tooling in the press.

Abstract: A safe container end closure includes an annular central lid portion, an annular peripheral lid portion, and a score line joining the annular central lid portion to the annular peripheral lid portion to permit removal of the central lid portion from the peripheral lid portion. A opening tab is secured to the central lid portion for pivoting movement relative to the central lid portion, with the opening tab having a nose positioned adjacent the score line so that upon pivoting of the opening tab the nose of the opening tab causes a portion of the score line to sever. The closure is formed so that upon removal of the central lid portion, at least the sharp edge on the removed central lid portion is rendered safe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cover mountable to a beverage container and mounting method and apparatus thereof. The container cover detachably mountable to an upper surface of a beverage container comprises a body which is formed to have substantially a disc-shaped configuration. The body is partly cut away from an edge toward a center thereof thereby to define a beverage discharging opening which has a predetermined width and a predetermined contour. The beverage discharging opening is capable of being selectively communicated with a discharging hole of the beverage container as the body is rotated. An inner end of the beverage discharging opening is delimited by a rotation guiding part which has a predetermined curvature to guide rotation of the body. The body has a straw insertion hole which is defined therein at a predetermined location to have a predetermined diameter in a manner such that a straw can be inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A container opening device, container lid, or can top with a decorated feature, or in the case of an opening device, a symbolically shaped pull tab for attachment to a container to perform the dual functions of opening the container and decorating the container for equity, identification or promotional purposes. The pull tab may open the container by acting as a lever which presses against a tear strip in the container top defined by a tear line to separate the tear strip from the container top and open the container. The pull tab may perform a decorative and promotional function by having a decoration or a symbolic shape that is to be recognized as a picture, trademark, icon, character, or other symbolic item or logo. The decoration can be made by applying color, printing, embossing, laser removal of a coating and labels to the pull tab, lid or container. The pull tab or decoration can take the shape and design of corporate logos, trademarks, icons, etc.

Abstract: Processing steps and tooling (FIGS. 5-7, 10-13 and 14-16) of the invention enable replacement of prior practice rivet button processes [FIGS. 3(a)-(d)] which progressively decreased unitary rivet button sheet metal thickness gauge so as to preclude use of thinner-gauge sheet metal (about 50 to 70 #/bb) rigid flat-rolled steel due to surface cracking (FIG. 4). Flat-rolled steel and rigid aluminum alloy sheet metal can be selected in new thickness gauges and preferred characteristics for container manufacture through use of the disclosed process [FIGS. 8(a)-(c)], which helps to achieve a major portion of desired rivet button height with only a minor decrease in starting thickness gauge [FIGS. 9(a) and (b)] to enable achieving desired final rivet button height with substantially uniform rivet button sheet metal thickness of greater than seventy-five percent of starting thickness gauge.

Abstract: The product and method of manufacturing a tab having a rivet island window and adapted to be secured to a container end, including the steps of forming a first dimple at a first end position of the window and a second dimple at a second end position of the window, formed as depressed regions of metal residing outside the central plane of the metal. The method includes punching a first blank in the first dimple and a second blank in the second dimple, and subsequently bending the edge regions around the first and second blank to form a bend of the metal away from the central plane. The central region of the window is formed between and joining the blanks, and a rivet opening is formed, adapted to receive a rivet for staking the tab to a container end.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for scoring a metallic container wall, which facilitates scoring thin gauge, hard temper metal such as coated or uncoated aluminum to reduced score residuals wherein the scoring tool has a secondary antifracture score indenter on one or both sides of a primary indenter and in which the outboard secondary indenter has an outboard face angled about 30 to 40 degrees to vertical.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an easy-opened lid from sheet metal is disclosed, wherein an opening is stamped in the lid and the stamped out portion is utilized in manufacturing the lid, thus reducing loss of lid material.

Abstract: A method of seaming a circular cover panel (1) provided with a turnable pull ring (2) onto the body of a can. The cover panel comprises a circumferential score line (5) as close as possible to the rim portion (6) of said panel. The pull ring (2) on the cover panel used is mounted in a non-radial position on said cover panel (1) with the result that a clearance (a) is provided between the rim portion (6) of the cover panel and the nose (3) of the pull ring, and a clearance (b) is provided between the rim portion (6) of the cover panel and the handle part (2) of the pull ring. As a result, a closing chuck can be inserted in these clearances (a, b) during the seaming of the cover panel. In this manner the seaming operation is very simple and very rational because it is not necessary to use a particular closing chuck, and because the cover panel need not be angularly positioned on the seaming machine before the closing chuck and the cover panel are moved towards each other.

Abstract: A conversion press (20) which is readily reconfigurable to process shells of different sizes includes an endless belt (68) having a single lane of apertures (86) formed therein for transporting shells (S) along a progression of end-forming tooling (60, 62) comprising seven stations (58a-g) along an end path (59) through the press. A tab-forming tooling path (100) extends from a tab stock feeder (104) to a tab-staking station (58f) adjacent the discharge end of the press, the tab-forming path oriented at an oblique angle to the end path. The tab-forming tools (94, 96) are mounted on tab bases (112, 110) which are slidably adjustable on stationary and reciprocating press members (34, 44) along the tab path toward and away from the tab-staking station.

Abstract: A can of the type having a cylindrical body, has an easy open end seamed on it. The easy open end includes a center panel defined by a scored ring. The scored ring lies under an S-shaped bend formed around a perimeter of the center panel. A process for forming the easy open end includes the steps of: forming a semi-toroidal protuberance on the easy open end; coining a scored ring close to an external edge of the protuberance; and deforming the protuberance through a radial compression and a compression transverse to the radial compression to form the S-shaped bend with three thicknesses of material.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel -with scoreline legs (34, 35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points, (82, 83) which contact the panel one each external to a, side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class; II lever action.

Abstract: An easy open end for food and beverage cans having reduced aluminum content is provided in an end having a metal polymer metal laminate construction. An opening panel as defined in the end body by a pair of first and second spaced apart score lines disposed in the first and second major surfaces, respectively. Each of the first and second score lines define an area of reduced thickness for both the metal layer and the adjacent polymer layer. The opening panel can be displaced from the remainder of the end body to provide an easy opening can by perforating the end body at a point along the first and second score lines.