Abstract: A driving cam for seaming a container includes a cam base, an annulus, a bar, and first and second load cells. The annulus is defined by an internal profile and an external profile and is formed with an active sector. The active sector has a first end and a second end and is defined by the internal profile and the external profile. The external profile for defining the active sector is formed with an ascending ramp at the first end and a descending ramp at the second end with a plateau located between the ascending ramp and the descending ramp. The internal profile for defining the active sector is formed with a first recess at the first end and a second recess at the second end with a flat inner face located between the first recess and the second recess. The bar is connected to the cam base and is located within the annulus below the active sector. The load cells are connected between the bar and the flat inner face adjacent to the recesses.

Abstract: The seaming equipment is used for interlocking and sealing the rim of a can which includes a cylindrical body enclosed at the opposite ends by respective covers.

Abstract: In a method of fitting a top or a bottom to the body of a can, the top or bottom is placed inside a die having a rolling surface. The top or bottom has an inwardly rolled edge defining a support surface adapted to be substantially mated with at least part of the rolling surface. An end portion of the can body is inserted between this rolling surface and this support surface. Thrust is then applied to the can body until it causes the end portion to roll around and envelop the support surface. The corresponding machine comprises at least one rolling die incorporating a bush defining a first rolling surface facing radially inwards and a plurality of jaws disposed along a perimeter corresponding to the shape of the can. The jaws are movable towards an inside wall of this bush and are shaped to define at least part of a second rolling surface which faces radially outwards.

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: 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: This relates to a double seam tightness monitor wherein the second operation track of a cam of a double seaming apparatus or can closing machine is modified so as to permit the high dwell portion of the lobe thereof to deflect under loading from the associated cam follower which forces the second operation roll against the double seam component. Suitable strain gauges are associated with the deformable cam track portion and these are coupled in a bridge having a voltage output which is directed to a microprocessor. The microprocessor is provided with selected inputs which in combination with the voltage input from the bridge may be utilized to provide various signals including a high force condition signal, a pass condition signal, and a low force condition signal. There may also be associated with the microprocessor a printer for identifying the station where an abnormal condition exists, the specific force of the abnormal condition, the machine number, the time and the date.