Abstract: An electronic cigarette tubes individualizer apparatus individualizes tubes received from a first track without spacing and provides the tubes to a second track with a spacing. The apparatus includes a rotary carrousel configured to rotate about a rotation axis and provided with a guide extending with the longitudinal axis partially along a line substantially intersecting the rotation axis; a stationary cam track extending around the rotation axis; a carriage mounted to the carrousel for traveling in a reciprocating movement along the guide driven by a cam follower following the cam track while the carousel is rotating; and a receiver connected to the carriage for receiving the tube from the first track close to the rotation axis and delivering the tube to the second track further away from the rotation axis with a pitch.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of popcorn kernels for popping in microwave ovens, in which the method comprises a stage of the dispensing popcorn kernels, a distribution agent, and a flavoring agent into a microwaveable package through an arrangement of independent discharge openings, adapted to supply and dose, respectively, the popcorn kernels, distribution agent, and flavoring agent.

Abstract: A process and apparatus to make an edge or a collar featuring a complex structure on extruded, deep-drawn and deep-drawn/wire-drawn metal rough pieces with which bottles for the beverage and food sector or for technical use are particularly obtained, suitable for the application of a closing cap and fit to use on a tapering machine. The process includes a starting operating stage to deform an upper end portion of a metal holder by turning it outwardly so as to obtain an edge or a collar with a basically circular section, one or more intermediate operating stages to deform the edge or collar by squeezing in the radial direction and stretching towards the bottom of the metal holder, a final operating deformation stage to obtain an edge or collar with a complex ovoidal profile for the application of at least two caps of different types.

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: 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: The present invention provides a can feeding apparatus for a can seamer, in which can bodies are fed to a seaming turret are slid on a plate rail and alongside opposed guides by fingers of a drive chain. The seaming turret or a turret opposed to the seaming turret, or both turrets, are provided with claws at their outer circumferential portions. The claws project radially outwardly of pitch circles of the turrets and these projecting portions have profiles of cycloids so that the turrets will not pierce the can bodies. A plate-shaped magnet and/or a brush are disposed on the guides to steady the can bodies as they are transferred to a can lifter of the seaming turret. Furthermore, the angular position of a conveyor sprocket of the can feed conveyor can be adjusted easily in a short period of time by a phase adjusting device. Still further, in a can lid feeder disposed in front of the can seamer, a can body centering turret is also provided with projecting portions having profiles of cycloids.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flange or pressure vessel closure device and method for deheading a coke drum. The coke drum deheading device has an annular retaining element spring biased from a lower flange of a coke drum, and a plurality of hooks which extend from the retaining element to engage a cradle holding the bottom head against the flange. When it is desired to disengage the head from the flange, the hook retaining element is moved by a first set of cylinders toward the flange to release tension from the hooks so that they can be disengaged from the bottom head by pivoting them outwardly using a second set of cylinders or other hook pivoting means. The bottom head can then be disengaged from the flange, lowered and moved laterally away from the coke drum on a hydraulic table.

Abstract: A guide for a stack of disk-shaped elements, in particular for sheet-metal covers of cans, is provided which is formed of at least one longitudinally elongated profile element with a hollow cylindrical guide surface extending along the entire length of the profile element. Radially outside this guide surface is a guide passage for a flexible drive element which is seen in section cuts the section of the guide surface so as to form a gap such that the flexible drive element engages with the set-in sheet metal covers in frictional contact.

Abstract: In a ram press for manufacturing shells for can ends, a relatively flat shell is transferred from a tooling station to a destination. The shell is supported at the first station from the upper tooling work surface, from which it is propelled in edgewise fashion into a transfer path. The transfer path is at least partially enclosed and extends from an entrance adjacent the first station tooling toward the shell destination. An air assist mechanism is provided for acting upon the shell moving into and along the path, and includes an outlet conduit connected to a supply of air under pressure. The conduit includes an open outlet end. A valve is disposed the outlet conduit for controlling flow of air along said conduit. The outlet conduit is disposed with its outlet end at one side of the entrance to the transfer path, with the end positioned in a direction into the path, whereby air is directed along said path in the direction of movement of the object. The air facilitates movement of the shell along the path.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which seals a base or a lid onto a length of section and in particular to apparatus for sealing tubular section used as packaging and obtained by adhesion of several strips of fibrous, cellulosic, metallic, plastic and other materials.

Abstract: Machine for closing drums within a pool, wherein it comprises a telescopic pole having at its lower end a gripping head, handling means for moving the latter between a bottom position in the pool and a top position above the pool, transfer means for transferring a cover beneath the gripping head when the latter is in the top position, and control means for putting into action the means for attaching the cover to the drum, the handling means, transfer means and control means being positioned above the pool and the gripping head carrying the connection means for the control means and attachment means.The invention also relates to a drum cover to be fitted with the aid of such a machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discharging flanged cups in a controlled oriented fashion from a blanking and forming press. The formed cup is raised to a position slightly higher than the upper face of the drawing die, and moved in a straight line by means of a high pressure air pulse to the inlet of a conduit-like discharge chute. The formed cups are moved through the discharge chute by air pressure issuing from angled slots in the walls of the chute. The invention is particularly advantageous for use with blanking and forming presses simultaneously producing a plurality of formed cups in order to discharge the formed cups separately from each station in an orientation substantially the same as that in which the cup was formed. The invention eliminates damage to the formed cup caused by random bulk handling in conventional discharge equipment.