Abstract: A seamer assembly includes a frame, a first servo assembly, a second servo assembly, a first support element, a second support element, a first die, and a second die. The first servo assembly is coupled to the frame. The first servo assembly includes a chuck that is configured to be rotated by the first servo assembly. The second servo assembly is coupled to the frame. The first support element is configured to support a can subassembly that includes a can body and a lid relative to the frame where at least one of the first support element, the first servo assembly and second servo assembly move relative to the other of the first support element, the first servo assembly and second servo assembly. The second support element is coupled to the second servo assembly. The first die is coupled to the second support element. The second die is coupled to the second support element. The first support element is configured to support a can subassembly such that the chuck is received in a first chuck position.

Abstract: A method of embossing a crown cap comprises the steps of: detecting a pre-printed drawing on the bottom of the crown cap, varying the angular positioning of the crown cap so as to position the drawing according to a preset positioning, and impressing a raised/recessed pictogram on the bottom of the crown cap. The pre-printed drawing and the embossed pictogram will have a desired reciprocal position.

Abstract: A heating device (1) of a container processing device includes a main turret (2) which supplies a container (10) to high-frequency induction heating element (3) for providing a heat treatment to the container (10) so that the container (10) is sucked by bottom suction device (21), a container supply turret (5) which supplies the container (10) to the main turret (2); and an auxiliary turret (4) provided in a receiving area of the main turret (2). The auxiliary turret (4) is configured to center the container (10) towards the bottom suction device (21) in the receiving area.

Abstract: There is provided a load sensor including: a pressing shaft configured to transmit a load in an axial direction of the pressing shaft; a sensor element configured to measure the load being transmitted by the pressing shaft; and a load limiting means configured to limit the load applied to the sensor element and protect the sensor element from being applied with excessive load, the load limiting means being configured to be deformable by the load when the load transmitted by the pressing shaft exceeds an allowable measurement range set for the sensor element.

Abstract: A metal end is applied and sealed to a plastic or paper/plastic composite container body by a crimp-seaming or double-seaming operation. The metal end has an outer curl joined to a compound-angle chuck wall that extends down from the curl. The chuck wall has an upper part that is substantially linear and at an angle ?1 with respect to an axis of the end, and a lower part that is substantially linear and at a larger angle ?2 with respect to the axis. The compound-angle chuck wall allows a substantial diametral clearance between a lower end of the lower part of the chuck wall and the inner surface of the container body, while there is substantially zero clearance, or preferably an interference fit, between the upper part of the chuck wall and the inner surface of the container body. Accordingly, the chuck wall guides the end into concentric alignment with the container body during application.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a can end (10) for a can for pressurized contents, the can end being configured to be joined by a peripheral annular joining portion (24,26) to one axial end of a can body of the can and having an outer side arranged to face outwardly from the can and an inner side arranged to face inwardly into the can, the can end comprising: a central panel (18); a panel wall (20) annularly surrounding the central panel and extending axially inwardly and radially outwardly from the central panel; an annular chuck wall structure (12, 14, 50) extending radially- and axially-inwardly from the joining portion; and an annular bead (16) which is connected between a radially outer edge (38) of the panel wall and a radially inner edge (50e) of the chuck wall structure and which is concave with respect to the outer side of the can end and extends at least partially radially outwardly with respect to the radially inner edge of the chuck wall structure, wherein wall portions adjacent inner and outer ends of

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a tight, form-fitting connection between a housing cover and a housing body, wherein the housing cover has cover tabs protruding from an edge thereof, and an edge area of the housing body has recesses for respectively receiving the cover tabs. The method involves positioning the housing cover on the housing body and deforming the cover tabs in the housing recesses to produce the tight, form-fitting connection in a single operation with a single tool.

Abstract: A rotary seamer (1) is provided with a carousel (2) and with at least one seaming station (3) associated with the carousel (2) and comprising a rod-like element (6) rotating around its own longitudinal axis, a seaming tool (4) rotatably connected to a lever (5) integral with the rod-like element (6) and means for rotating the rod-like element (6) around its own longitudinal axis, in such a way as to displace the seaming tool (4) from an operative position, in which it interacts with an object seaming it, to a deactivated position, of non interference with the object; said means comprising an electric motor (7) associated with the carousel and kinetically to the rod-like element (6) and control means operatively active on the electric motor (7) to rotate the rod-like element (6) according to a predefined logic. In known seamers the actuation of the seaming tool is achieved by means of a cam, this entailing limitations and drawbacks in the adaptation of the seamer to the treatment of different objects.

Abstract: A seaming assembly configured to seam a can end onto a can body to form a seamed container is disclosed. The seaming assembly includes a lifter assembly, a seaming chuck, and a knockout pad. The lifter assembly may be configured to lift a can body, and may include a spring. The seaming chuck may include a surface that is configured to contact a portion of the can end during seaming. The knockout pad may be movable relative to the seaming chuck, and may be configured to locate the can end prior to seaming. The spring may be preloaded to provide a force between 30 lbf and 90 lbf to the can body when the lifter assembly has lifted the can body and the can end has contacted the seaming chuck. The force provided to the can body may increase to between 90 lbf and 150 lbf after the spring has been compressed.

Abstract: A knockout tool for removing a filled beverage container from a seaming tool subsequent to attachment to a can end during a seaming process has a main portion positioned about a longitudinal axis, and a plurality of engagement segments extending downwardly from the main portion.

Abstract: A chuck-knockout assembly for seaming a can end onto a can body to form a seamed container is disclosed. The chuck-knockout assembly may include an upper chuck body and a lower chuck body. The upper chuck body may include a first drive surface and may be rotatably coupled to a seaming machine frame. The lower chuck body may include a second drive surface and may be longitudinally moveable relative to the upper chuck body. The second drive surface may be configured to engage a periphery of the can end during seaming and disengagement of the container.

Abstract: A rotary seamer (1) comprises a seaming turret (2), a seaming station pivotally associated to the seaming turret (2) to set in rotation around its own axis (8) a container (6) to be seamed, a shaft (11) having a first end (13) hinged in the seaming turret (2), a seaming block (9) also called lever, defining a cavity (15) with longitudinal development, shaped complementarily relative to a second end (14) of the shaft (11) in such a way that it can be coupled thereto by inserting the shaft (11) into the cavity (15), and means (16) for anchoring transversely the seaming block (9) to the shaft (11), acting in a predetermined transverse direction (17) in such a way as to create at least one contact surface (20) between shaft (11) and cavity (15), said second end (14) of the shaft (11) and said cavity (15) being so shaped that said contact surface (20) has at least one oblique portion relative to the direction (17) in which said means (16) act.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a closure in which the closure includes a peelable panel with integral tab folded over the panel. The apparatus includes upper and lower reform tools, the upper reform tool having a tab relief feature and local scallops at each end of the tab relief. When reform tools move together for reforming, the tab relief feature is positioned over the tab fold and the scallops at the ends of the fold. As a result crushing and fracture of the tab during reforming is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the quality of a double seam used in can manufacture, or can filling, to seam a can end (2) onto a can body (1). The apparatus uses a device (41) for measuring the strain/force applied by the lifter cam (10) so as to provide information such as first operation seam quality, gross seam defects and machine condition.

Abstract: A seaming apparatus and method wherein a composite container with a metal end loosely placed thereon is supported on a lifting plate in a vacuum chamber, air is evacuated from the chamber, the lifting plate is raised to engage the metal end with a magnetic seaming chuck, the lifting plate is then lowered to lower the container (optionally aided by one or more magnets in the lifting plate) so as to produce a gap between the metal end and the container, an inert gas is introduced into the chamber, the lifting plate is then raised to engage the container with the metal end, and the metal end is seamed onto the container.

Abstract: Described is a seaming machine for use with a container (22) and an end closure (28). The machine includes a seaming head (62) with multiple shaft assemblies (100) and a lifter table (60) located below the seaming head (62) and including multiple container stations. During use, the lifter table (60) and seaming head (62) rotate in unison about the centerline of a spindle (64). A single shaft assembly (100) is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on its corresponding container (22). In one embodiment, a seaming cam (66) is located above the seaming head (62) for moving first and second cam followers (116), (118) in the shaft assembly (100). In another embodiment, the cam followers (116) and (118) have a master/slave relationship dependent on which step of the seaming operation is being conducted. In another embodiment, a single piece plate (122) is used in a cover feed assembly (120) and provides end closures (28) to a make-up point (30).

Abstract: A seaming lever containing a micro adjusting seaming element. When used in a seaming lever, the micro adjusting element permits both a coarse and a fine adjustment of the position of the seaming roll with respect to the chuck. This micro adjusting element may be retrofitted into any existing seaming lever which uses a worm gear for rotational adjustment of the seaming roll. It may also be incorporated as a design element of newly manufactured seaming levers.

Abstract: Seaming apparatus and method for seaming ends to cans are described. The seaming apparatus includes a seaming chuck received by the can end. The chuck includes an anvil portion and a peripheral upper anvil wall. The upper anvil wall is inclined at an angle ? of greater than or equal to 6 degrees. The seaming apparatus also includes a seaming roll having a seaming surface for engaging the peripheral curl of the can end in a seaming operation to compress the peripheral curl against the peripheral flange and the peripheral upper anvil wall of the seaming chuck. The seaming surface of the seaming roll is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis by an angle ?. The value of ? is selected to be greater than about 4 degrees, and more preferably from between about 8 and about 14 degrees. Additionally, the value of ? bears a close approximate relationship to the value of ?, and in particular the value of angle ?=?±up to about 4 degrees.

Abstract: A seam adjuster for ensuring that a tight seam is formed between a can end and a can body. The seam tool (32) is mounted via bearing (34) on the seam lever (31), the centre of the bearing being eccentric to its outside diameter. The bearing has an-external thread (35) which mates with a complementary worm mechanism (36). By virtue of the eccentricity, rotation of the worm mechanism rotates the bearing and moves the seam tool radially for adjusting seam tightness. Seam tool height is set by a spacer (33) or shim which is readily interchangeable for varying the seam tool height without affecting seam tool tightness.

Abstract: Sealant is applied onto or into a folded-seam closure of a metal can. Instead of introducing sealant into the U-shaped lid flange and drying, the compound or sealant is applied to the flange base. The base of the metal can is dipped into a current of fluid sealant or at least brought into contact with it at the surface. This substantially improves the precision of dosing and the exact amount of applied sealant.

Abstract: A can end includes a peripheral cover hook a chuck wall dependent from the interior of the cover hook, an outwardly concave annular reinforcing bead extending radially inwards from the chuck wall, and a central panel supported by an inner portion of the reinforcing bead, characterized in that, the chuck wall is inclined to an axis perpendicular to the exterior of the central panel at an angle between 20° and 60°, and the concave cross-sectional radius of the reinforcing bead is less than 0.75 mm.

Abstract: A can end is provided that has a three part chuck wall. The first chuck wall has an angle of 20 degrees to 35 degrees as measured from an axis perpendicular to the can end. The second chuck wall has an angle of 4 degrees to 27 degrees as measured from the axis. The third chuck wall has an angle of 18 degrees to 32 degrees as measured from the axis. Tooling adapted to manufacture the can end is also provided. Additionally, a seaming chuck is provided that has a recess that is adapted to avoid contact with radii of curvature along the chuck wall during seaming of the can end to a can body.

Abstract: An apparatus for double seaming an end unit to a can body includes, as is conventional, a double seaming chuck, a double seaming roll and a mechanism for selectively moving the double seaming roll toward the double seaming chuck to perform a double seaming operation. Most advantageously, a drive mechanism is provided for driving the double seaming chuck and the double seaming roll at respective speeds that are selected so as to reduce relative rotational speed between the double seaming roll and a workpiece when the double seaming roll comes into contact with the workpiece during the double seaming operation.

Abstract: A seam adjuster for ensuring that a tight seam is formed between a can end and a can body. The seam tool (32) is mounted via bearing (34) on the seam lever (31), the centre of the bearing being eccentric to its outside diameter. The bearing has an-external thread (35) which mates with a complementary worm mechanism (36). By virtue of the eccentricity, rotation of the worm mechanism rotates the bearing and moves the seam tool radially for adjusting seam tightness. Seam tool height is set by a spacer (33) or shim which is readily interchangeable for varying the seam tool height without affecting seam tool tightness.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the disclosed can lid has a center panel having a central axis that is perpendicular to a diameter of the outer rim, or peripheral curl portion, of the can lid, an annular countersink surrounding the center panel, an arcuate portion extending radially outward from the annular countersink, a step portion extending radially upward and outward from the arcuate portion, a first transitional portion extending radially outward from the step portion, a second transitional portion extending radially outward and upward from the first transitional portion, and a peripheral curl portion extending outwardly from the second transitional portion.

Abstract: Sealant is applied onto or into a folded-seam closure of a metal can. Instead of introducing sealant into the U-shaped lid flange and drying, according to the invention the compound or sealant is applied to the base flange, the base of the metal can being dipped into a current of fluid sealant or at least brought into contact with it at the surface. This substantially improves the precision of dosing and the exact amount of applied sealant.

Abstract: A resilient element is used to eject a workpiece from a machine, such as a lidded container from a seaming chuck. The resilient element dual acting since it is formed of a flexible compressible material in a manner so that a first portion of the element applies a first ejecting force and a different, second portion applies a second ejecting force after completion of a task on the workpiece. This can be by a combination of flexion and compression. The resilient element can have a central panel portion of flexible resilient material and a margin portion of compressible material. A head can be formed on the central panel portion. The invention includes a chuck assembly provided with such resilient element. The invention also includes a method of ejecting workpieces from machines with the dual restorative forces.

Abstract: In this seaming driving cam 1 formed by an annulus, formed on an active sector 2 of which are, on the one hand, an external profile comprising an ascending ramp 3 and a descending ramp 5 and, on the other hand, an internal profile defining a plateau zone 10 between two deep recesses 6, there are load cells 13 held against the plateau zone 10 by an adjustable bearing part 14 in such a way that their electrical output signals are processed by an analytical device to produce a signal representing the force exerted by the cam 1 on a drive follower that rolls against it.

Abstract: Sealant is applied onto or into a folded-seam closure of a metal can. Instead of introducing sealant into the U-shaped lid flange and drying, according to the invention the compound or sealant is applied to the base flange, the base of the metal can being dipped into a current of fluid sealant or at least brought into contact with it at the surface. This substantially improves the precision of dosing and the exact amount of applied sealant.

Abstract: A process is provided for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen. A lid is immediately placed on the container body, and a biasing force is immediately applied against the lid to maintain the lid on the liquid nitrogen filled container bodies until the container body reaches the seaming mechanism. The biasing force is sufficient to allow a portion of nitrogen gas from vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to escape from the container body, and to allow air originally present in the container body to escape from the container body, while preventing surrounding air from entering the container body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seaming a lid onto a container body by moving the body with a lid placed thereon in a linear fashion by allowing free rotation of the conveyed container body and lid against a linear seaming element is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of manufacturing a double seam joining a can end (2) to a can body (1) which includes a sidewall (13) terminating in an outwardly directed flange (16) having a flange angle (.alpha.) within the range of 0 to -45.degree.. During the support of the can end (2) upon the flange (16) of the can body, seeming rolls (37, 38) form a double seam while an axial load of 600N or less is applied to force the can end and the can body one against the other.

Abstract: A seaming dimension adjusting device in a double seaming apparatus for double seaming a can by successive action of a first seaming roller and a second seaming roller, said seaming apparatus including a seaming chuck, a seaming roller shaft, first and second seaming rollers mounted on a lower end portion of said seaming roller shaft and a double seaming cam which actuates an upper end portion of said seaming roller shaft for shifting said first seaming roller and said second seaming roller either toward or away from said seaming chuck, wherein said seaming dimension adjusting device comprises a double seaming cam having a profile face, including a first seaming cam having a maximum displacement section of said first seaming roller and a second seaming cam having a maximum displacement section of said second seaming roller, at least one of said first seaming cam and said second seaming cam has a seaming cam adjusting means for adjusting the displacement of the maximum displacement section of the seaming roller

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 container seaming machine has a first drive for positioning a seaming roller with respect to a circumferential edge of the lid, and a second drive for rotating the seaming roller with respect to a container lid chuck, container body and container lid. The first drive and the second drive are independently controllable from each other, and each drive is controlled and coordinated by a programmable controller to seam the lid to the container body. Another drive, also controlled by the programmable controller, lifts the container body toward the chuck and allows for varying degrees of force to be exerted between the container body and the lid. The drives use servomotors and linear actuators for precise positioning control. A process for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container is also provided. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen.

Abstract: Apparatus for seaming an end E to an open end of a container body B in at least first and second seaming operations comprises a lifter pad to support the container body, a seaming chuck to support the end in place on the container body, and an annular seaming tool having at least first and second annular seaming profiles on its inner surface which surrounds the end. The apparatus includes drive means for providing relative rolling movement between the seaming tool and the end in which the drive means drives the annular seaming tool to gyrate around the can end. Means are also provided for causing relative movement between the end and the annular seaming tool, from a first relative position in which the first seaming profile can contact the end E to perform the first seaming operation, to at least a second relative position in which the second seaming profile can contact the end E to perform the second seaming operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for seaming a container end E to an open end of a container body B, comprises a pad to support the container body, a seaming chuck to support the end E in place on the container body B and cooperating with the pad to hold the container body and end one against the other, and an annular seaming tool having two annular seaming profiles on its inner surface which surrounds the end for progressively folding peripheral portions of the container body and end together to form a seam. The annular seaming tool is mounted on a tool holder and means are provided for supporting and driving the tool holder in orbiting motion such that the axis of the seaming tool follows a circular path around the axis of the seaming chuck. The seaming tool is mounted on the apparatus for free rotation about its axis such that when the seaming profile engages the peripheral portions of the container end, it is free to roll around the end to form the seam progressively.

Abstract: In a can seamer, after a control mode of a drive motor has been switched to a type-changing mode, if an action button is depressed, in response to signals issued from a rotational position sensor, the drive motor moves can seaming mechanisms one pitch by one pitch via a center shaft and stops at predetermined positions. At the stopped position, an actuator is operated to depress the top end of a seaming roll shaft. By this operation, a gap clearance is formed between a rotary frame and a seaming lever. When seaming rolls are dismounted and replaced, the seaming lever connected with a seaming chuck via a bracket is removed, and thereby a type-changing work can be carried out. In addition, in the type-changing work of the can seamer, the vertical positional adjustment in a fitting between a seaming lever and seaming rolls is easily carried out. Furthermore, the knock-out pad can be replaced in a one-touch operation.

Abstract: In a can seamer, after a control mode of a drive motor has been switched to a type-changing mode, if an action button is depressed, in response to signals issued from a rotational position sensor, the drive motor moves can seaming mechanisms one pitch by one pitch via a center shaft and stops at predetermined positions. At the stopped position, an actuator is operated to depress the top end of a seaming roll shaft. By this operation, a gap clearance is formed between a rotary frame and a seaming lever. Then seaming rolls are dismounted and replaced. The seaming lever connected with a seaming chuck via a bracket is removed, and thereby a type-changing work can be carried out. In addition, in the type-changing work of the can seamer, the vertical positional adjustment in a fitting between a seaming lever and seaming rolls is easily carried out. Furthermore, the knock-out pad can be replaced in a one-touch operation.

Abstract: The known can seamer is improved so that replacement and adjustment of seaming rolls, a seaming chuck and a knock-out pad may be facilitated at the time of type-change work or the like in a can seamer. In the improved can seamer, after a control mode of a drive motor has been switched to a type-changing mode, if an action button is depressed, in response to signals issued from a rotational position sensor, the drive motor moves can seaming mechanisms one pitch by one pitch via a center shaft and makes them stop at predetermined positions. At the stopped position, an actuator is operated to depress the top end of a seaming roll shaft. By this operation, a gap clearance is formed between a rotary frame and a seaming lever, then seaming rolls and are mounted, also the seaming lever connected with a seaming chuck via a bracket is removed, and thereby a type-changing work can be carried out.

Abstract: A can end double-seaming machine has a seaming head vertically movably mounted on a base and supporting a seaming chuck and a seaming roll. The seaming head is guided for its vertical movement by support posts on the base. Rotors are rotatably threaded on the support posts and rotatable by a motor for lifting and lowering the seaming head. A controller controls the motor to elevate the seaming head upwardly of a predetermined seaming position, then lower the seaming head downwardly of the seaming position, and thereafter elevate the seaming head to the seaming position, thereby positioning the seaming head in the seaming position. Since the seaming head is lowered downwardly of the seaming position and then lifted back to the seaming position, the seaming head is reliably and accurately be brought into the seaming position without a positional error which would otherwise be caused by the backlash between the rotors and the support posts.

Abstract: A support pad is disclosed for supporting a can body member on a chuck mechanism during a seaming operation. The support pad includes an annular insert made of a ceramic material such as a whisker reinforced alumina material. The annular insert supports the rim of a can body member during the seaming operation. A vent passage is provided extending from a central portion of the upper surface of the support pad to a peripheral side surface for venting the space between the bottom wall of the can member and the base plate.

Abstract: A can seamer for seaming a lid to a can drum filled with liquid and having the lid placed on a top opening includes seaming rolls and a seaming chuck. The time necessary for replacement of the seaming rolls and the seaming chuck, when changing the diameter of the cans to be seamed, is greatly shortened. A seaming lever having the seaming rolls mounted thereon and the seaming chuck are respectively connected to the bottom end portions of a seaming roll shaft and a rotary cylinder via splines or serrations. The seaming lever and the seaming chuck are integrally connected by a connecting bracket.

Abstract: A barrel and a cover, to be combined into a container, are rotated by a preliminary machining feeder while they are supported by a first rotatable seaming chuck and a first holder. During rotation of the preliminary machining feeder, a flange of the barrel and an end hook of the cover are pressed by a first seaming segment against the first seaming chuck, so that the barrel and the cover are preliminarily fastened and necked in. The barrel and the cover are then transferred by a transfer unit to a final machining feeder on which the barrel and the cover are supported by a second rotatable seaming chuck and a second holder. The final machining feeder is rotated to feed the barrel and the cover while they are finally fastened and necked in by a second seaming segment. The first and second seaming segments are arcuate in shape and have their inner shaping surfaces progressively approaching the preliminary and final machining feeders, respectively, in the direction of rotation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the lifter pressure of a seamer for doubly seaming a can end to a can barrel by clamping a body of the apparatus between a lifter plate and a seaming chuck and elongating the body to a predetermined extent, wherein pressure is detected by a load cell, the pressure is transmitted as an electric signal and the pressure is digitally displayed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating an arcuate seam between two pieces of sheet metal. The method involves a three-step process in which an arcuate standing seam is formed on a first piece of sheet metal, the marginal edge of a second piece of sheet metal is inserted into the pocket of the standing seam, and the pocket of the standing seam and the marginal edge inserted therein are simultaneously bent so that they lie along the surface of the first piece of sheet metal, thus locking together the two pieces of sheet metal. The arcuate standing seam is formed by an apparatus including a plurality of form roller pairs arranged along an arc. Each pair of form rollers has complementary edges that form a nip through which the arcuate edge of the sheet metal workpiece is passed, the shapes of the edges of the successive roller pairs along the arc gradually attaining the shape of the standing seam.

Abstract: This relates to an applied force monitor which is associated with sheet material forming mechanisms so as to determine whether sheet material is being properly formed by the amount of force applied in the formation thereof. A typical force applying member would be a cam. Suitable strain gauges are associated with the force applying member with the strain gauges being coupled in a bridge having a voltage output which is indicative of the applied force and which is directed to a microcomputer into which suitable indicia is selectively fed and such indicia will include high and low forces which would be indicative of a fault. The microcomputer includes a memory in which the faults are stored and in addition to indicating when individual faults do occur, the memory, when excess faults are determined, will serve to shut down the associated machine. Data may be visually displayed or may be permanently recorded by way of a printer.

Abstract: A can and seaming tool for use in seaming a can end to a can body and having a seaming chuck and a seaming roll, said seaming chuck being adapted to fit said can end while said seaming roll is adapted to simultaneously press and seam the curling portion of said can end and the flanging portion of said can body, wherein the improvement comprises that at least one of said seaming chuck contacting said can end and the portion of said seaming roll frictionally contacting at least said can end is made from cermet of titanium carbonitride system (a composite sintered material composed of a metal and ceramics containing titanium carbides and titanium nitrides).

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel lifter construction for rolling filled cans. It is designed to allow a lifter plate to effect relative rotation with respect to a lifter body to be forcibly driven in order to introduce the merits of the free rotation system into a lifter of prior art forced driving system. To this end, there is proposed a construction wherein the lifter plate is driven by a clutch and the clutch is disengaged with lifter pressure, and a construction wherein the lifter plate may be rotated through a given angle on the plate supporting bed. Preferably, a detector is provided to detect an abnormal rolling of cans or the like.