Abstract: A panel-shaped formed product made of a metal sheet includes a top panel portion, an opening portion, and a vertical wall portion. The top panel portion is polygonal. The opening portion is provided in the top panel portion. The vertical wall portion extends from at least not less than two adjacent borders among the borders of the top panel portion. At least one pair of each vertical wall portion of pairs of adjacent vertical wall portions of the vertical wall portions has a stepped portion. As a result, the panel shaped formed product has fewer defects such as cracks and wrinkles even when it has a shape that is difficult to form.

Abstract: A manufacturing method includes a preparing step, an intermediate pressing step, a heating step, and a hot stamping step. In the preparing step, a blank is prepared. In the intermediate pressing step, press working is applied to the blank to produce an intermediate formed product. In the heating step, the intermediate formed product is heated. In the hot stamping step, press working is applied to the intermediate formed product to produce a panel-like formed product. In the hot stamping step, a machine including a first die, a second die, a punch, and a blank holder is used. While the intermediate formed product is pinched between the first die and the punch, the second die and the blank holder are moved relative to the first die and the punch, and thereby, the panel-like formed product is produced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a metallic cup that is subsequently reformed into a container body. More specifically, an apparatus and methods used to form a metallic cup with a reformed bottom having an inwardly oriented projection are disclosed. The inwardly oriented projection reduces a height of the metallic cup but utilizes the same amount of metallic stock material as a taller cup with substantially the same diameter that does not have an inward projection. The inwardly oriented projection thus allows the use of a conventional bodymaker and other can manufacturing tools to convert the cup into a container body of a preferred size and shape.

Abstract: While a compression part (B1) in a bottom wall part of a cup-shaped workpiece (B) is compressed by an inner punch (11) and an inner die (14) and moved in a direction to get away from an intermediate die (15), the inner die (14) is pushed toward the inner punch (11); and a compression part (B2) being an outer end portion in a radial direction of the workpiece (B) is compressed by an outer punch (13) and an outer die (16) and moved in an direction to approach the intermediate die (15), to thereby suppress the workpiece (B) in the compression part (B2) from material-flowing in a direction to get away from a central axis (10), whereby thickness reduction processing of the compression part (B1) and thickness increase processing of a vertical wall part (B3) of the workpiece (B) sandwiched by an intermediate punch (12) and the inner die (15) and a vertical wall part (B4) of the workpiece (B) sandwiched by the intermediate punch (12) and an outer die (16) are performed.

Abstract: A system for creating marked can tabs may include an isolation mechanism located in the path of the tab material strip between a tab material dereeler and a tab forming press and a system suitable for marking the tab material strip. The isolation mechanism may be configured to convert discontinuous motion of the tab material strip proximate the tab forming press into continuous motion of the tab material strip at the dereeler. The system may be suitable for marking the tab material strip. The marking system may be located between the dereeler and the isolation mechanism such that the laser system acts on the tab material strip while it is moving at a relatively constant speed.

Abstract: A can end blank is initially cupped and a central portion of the cup is rolled up with an annular portion of the cup being free formed without substantial contact with any tooling except to prevent overextension of the free formed material and to define a final geometry of the free formed material as the forming press reaches a bottom of its forming stroke. The free forming may be accomplished by controlling the motion of a crown ring using a delay cam assembly so that the motion of the crown ring is independent of the motion of the rest of the tooling which is controlled by the motion of the ram or punch assembly of the forming press.

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: Provided is a door for a refrigerator. The door includes an outer door manufactured by pressing and deforming a metal sheet. The outer door includes a first surface, second to fifth surfaces extending from the first surface, and a plurality of flanges extending from the second to fifth surfaces. The first to fifth surfaces are integrated with each other and defined based on the pressing and deforming of the metal sheet. A door liner is coupled to surfaces of the plurality of flanges of the outer door, and an insulation material is disposed in a space defined between the door liner and the outer door.

Abstract: Methods for producing a can end having a moveable portion disposed beneath a tab are disclosed. In one embodiment, a can end having a center panel may be formed. A moveable portion may be formed in the center panel. The moveable portion may be in a downward position after it is formed. The can end may then be restrained such that a portion of the center panel that is adjacent to the moveable portion is unrestrained. While the can end is restrained, the moveable portion may be moved into an upward position.

Abstract: Methods for producing a can end having a moveable portion disposed beneath a tab are disclosed. In one embodiment, a can end having a center panel may be formed. A moveable portion may be formed in the center panel. The moveable portion may be in a downward position after it is formed. The can end may then be restrained such that a portion of the center panel that is adjacent to the moveable portion is unrestrained. While the can end is restrained, the moveable portion may be moved into an upward position.

Abstract: Can shells are produced with tooling installed on a single action mechanical press, and the tooling includes an upper retainer supporting a blank and draw die enclosing an outer pressure sleeve and an inner pressure sleeve surrounding a die center punch, all having air actuated pistons. The die center piston has an air reservoir connected by air passages which form air springs for the inner pressure sleeve, and the outer pressure sleeve receives the same controllable air as the reservoir or low pressure plant air supply. The inner pressure sleeve has a projecting nose portion which initiates the drawing of a cup and has contoured surfaces which mate with corresponding surfaces on a die core ring to form and clamp the chuckwall of the shell during downstroke of the press. A lower panel punch forms the center panel, panel wall and countersink of the shell during upstroke of the press.

Abstract: A non-detachable pull tab for a beverage container has a nose end, a lift end opposite the nose end, and a central webbing of a metallic material between the nose and lift end. The central webbing has a hinge region, a rivet island surrounding a rivet hole, a void region at least partially surrounding the rivet island, and a grab portion between the first void region and the lift end. The grab portion has an upper surface, a lower surface, and an aperture therethrough. The aperture is defined by a circumferential wall of the grab portion extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and includes a first segment of a reworked portion of a burr.

Abstract: The “Crown type eccentric multi die press for manufacturing reinforced crown caps and embossed crown caps” consists of a group of parts, most of them mobile and concentric, whose main parts—forming punches—when activated by the press, give form to the reinforced crown caps and/or to the embossed crown caps, in general.

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: Can shells are produced with tooling installed on a single action mechanical press, and the tooling includes an upper retainer supporting a blank and draw die enclosing an outer pressure sleeve and an inner pressure sleeve surrounding a die center punch, all having air actuated pistons. The die center piston has an air reservoir connected by air passages which form air springs for the inner pressure sleeve, and the outer pressure sleeve receives the same controllable air as the reservoir or low pressure plant air supply. The inner pressure sleeve has a projecting nose portion which initiates the drawing of a cup and has contoured surfaces which mate with corresponding surfaces on a die core ring to form and clamp the chuckwall of the shell during downstroke of the press. A lower panel punch forms the center panel, panel wall and countersink of the shell during upstroke of the press.

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: 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: Metal discs, preferably circular, are cut to a precise diameter and drawn to a preform with a channel and skirt for an aerosol valve mounting cup. The preform then undergoes further forming operations at stations in a press system. “Bumping” is carried out on the skirt edge at a station, to eliminate non-burr trimming of the cup edge, save material and obtain a carefully controlled skirt height and a substantially even skirt edge with minimized earring. The resultant cup terminating skirt edge is characterized by reformed metal. A further coaxing or pinch-cut operation may be performed on the cup skirt.

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: A method and apparatus for forming a visible symbol or other indicium on a tab portion of a beverage container. The method comprises the steps of advancing a tab stock material through a series of tab-forming stations. The tab portion is at least partially formed from the tab stock at each of the tab-forming stations. The advancement of the tab stock is dwelled or halted while the tab is formed. The tab stock is accelerated from dwell to resume advancement of the tab stock material between the stations. A selected portion of the tab is irradiated with light energy to form the visible indicium. The apparatus comprises a plurality of tab-forming stations, each tab-forming station at least partially forming the tab from a tab stock. A conveyor or track mechanism is configured to advance the tab stock from one tab-forming station to another. An etching apparatus is associated with the conveyor and tab-forming stations to selectively etch the symbol on the tab.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a flexible tab used to open beer/beverage can ends and food can ends. The tab has a plurality of slots provided in about a middle part of the tab between a nose portion and a lift portion on opposing sides of the tab. The slots combine to form a fulcrum that extends generally transverse to an axis that passes along a length of the tab. The fulcrum allows the lift portion to pivot upwards and downwards in relation to the nose portion. The tab also has a paneled or beaded area adjacent to the slots at about the middle part of the tab. Tooling for the manufacture of the flexible tab is also provided. A method for manufacturing the flexible tab is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: It is understood as being preferably intended for the manufacture of cans through spinning, molding the can bodies (1) in the most varied shapes, also enabling the attainment of deep necking or die-necking in the can bodies (1), it may be use for the several purposes, from food and beverage cans, to chemicals and others, and they may be manufactured in several materials such as tin foil, chromed sheet and black plate, using the spinning process molding the can bodies (1), being able to be used in several types of cans, from those which use metallic, plastic or mixed lids (compound plastic+metallic), clamped such as those using metallic, plastic or mixed (compound+metallic) lid system and undamped, provided with sealing gaskets and vacuum closure.

Abstract: A method for producing a printed and embossed deep-drawn lid of aluminum that is circular in plan view. The method comprises: (a) printing an aluminum plate with at least one of a varnish and a paint; (b) cutting the aluminum plate; (c) deep drawing; (d) embossing; and (e) optionally, edge rolling. Steps (b), (c), (d) and optionally (e) are carried out with a single tool. A lid obtainable by this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a vessel forming station comprising a plurality of operation wheels, the plurality of operation wheels are configured in opposing facing pairs, a plurality of linear drives are interconnected with the plurality of operation wheels, the plurality of linear drives push opposing facing pairs of the plurality of operations to a closed position causing opposing facing pairs of the operation wheels to engage the vessel and perform operations on the vessel, the linear drives pull the plurality of operation wheels to an open position allowing the vessel to be indexed to other operation positions, and a conveyor system positioned between opposing facing pairs of the plurality of operation wheels engages the vessel and indexes the vessel through the plurality of operations.

Abstract: A method of making an easy open end for a container includes steps of providing a can end blank having an end panel and forming the can end blank in a series of forming operations that are performed with specialized and unique tooling. The can end is preferably shaped during the forming operations so that a major portion of the end panel is curved. Specifically, the curvature is preferably such that a top surface of the major portion is generally concave and a bottom surface of the major portion is generally convex. The end panel is also preferably shaped and constructed so that the curved major portion will invert in shape upon the application of a sufficient predetermined pressure differential between the top and bottom surfaces. A method of testing a fill level of a sealed container is performed in reliance on this “cricketing” or “oil canning” effect.

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: The present invention describes an apparatus and forming process to manufacture container end closures with improved internal buckle strength. The present invention provides greater material and dimensional control during the forming process by utilizing a pressure sleeve to provide support to at least a portion of an end closure chuck wall and seaming panel radius while placing an end closure countersink in compression during the forming process.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for forming a shell. The apparatus has a die center and a panel punch located in opposed relation to the die center. A panel punch piston is coupled to the panel punch. The panel punch piston has an upper end and a spacer member is disposed concentrically around an outside surface of the panel punch piston at or proximate to the upper end of the panel punch piston. The upper end of the spacer member is in contact with a lower end of the panel punch and the spacer member is located proximate to a peripheral surface of the lower end of the panel punch. A method for manufacturing a shell is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: A non-circular can end for a container having walls which form an opening includes a corner-mounted pull tab opener secured to a severable panel portion by an integral rivet. The corner-mounted opener facilitates easy opening of the can end. A pair of generally parallel bead recesses on either side of the integral rivet stiffen the severable panel portion in order to facilitate bending of the panel aft of the rivet to easily open the can end. The severable panel optionally further includes a mustache-shaped scoreline to reduce the amount of force required to lift the opener. Tooling and a conversion press for converting shells into the non-circular can ends are also disclosed.

Abstract: A can end member has a center panel, a circumferential chuck wall, and a transition wall. The center panel is centered about a longitudinal axis and has a peripheral edge. The center panel also has a step portion located radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis. The step portion has an annular convex portion joined to an annular concave portion and displaces at least a portion of the center panel vertically in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The curl defines an outer perimeter of the end member. The circumferential chuck wall extends downwardly from the curl to the transition wall. The transition wall connects the chuck wall with the peripheral edge of the center panel. The transition wall has a folded portion extending outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The machine (4) operates continuously and is a single unit having a prismatic construction and a body with an upper base that incorporates a large rotary platen (1), a number of workstations (5) that are placed in said platen and are provided with diametrically opposite curling and sealing compound lining devices (6) and (7), one or more sets of feeding (8) and discharge (9) devices and common actuation means for these stations (5), internal to the machine (4), which machine may operate with any lids (2) or bases of any profile, adapting to any shape of these by rotating the lids (2) in the workstations (5).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a rolled reinforcing rib in an end shell of a container body in a single stroke and at a single station of a single or double action press prior to removal of the shell from the press. A blank disc is cut from sheet material by a punch core advanced by an outer ram. A chuckwall is then formed between a central panel and an outer flange. The central panel is clamped against a die core and a portion of the chuckwall is clamped against a die core ring. An unclamped portion of the chuckwall is located in a void formed between the punch core and die core ring and is rolled into the reinforcing rib upon continued advancement of inner and outer pressure sleeve while maintaining a tight clamping engagement of the central panel and outer flange of the blank disc. Simultaneous removal of the clamping force applied by the punch core and inner and outer pressure sleeves retain the rib in its rolled condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming container ends includes tooling which forms dome members for can ends, which dome members include an open neck thereon. Thread lugs are formed as integral spaced apart shaped protrusions from the neck exterior. A system is also disclosed for forming quantities of a specific form of dome members, capable of later attachment to container bodies. A thin metal strip is fed through an array of progressive tooling to form blanks, from which such specific form of dome members are formed. The blanks are produced in the metal strip and connected thereto by multiple carrying strips which allow sufficient mobility of the blanks with respect to the strip to achieve precise alignment with the tooling at different stations in the progression. At the final station, completed dome members are separated from the remaining metal skeleton and moved rapidly out of the system, and the skeleton may be chopped up for recycling.

Abstract: A dome of a domed aerosol can end is initially formed and then a crown of the can end is formed so that material flow within a workpiece from which the can end is formed is controlled to substantially eliminate wrinkling problems associated with the use of sheet material which is thinner than conventionally used, for example double reduced steel. The peripheral portion of the workpiece is initially clamped between a blank punch and a draw pad, and also between a knockout and a crown ring. An outer first portion of the dome is then formed by an outer redraw sleeve and a dome form die. An inner second portion of the dome is next formed by a dome punch and the dome form die. There may be limited contact of the dome punch with the workpiece during formation of the first portion of the dome and the workpiece may also be clamped between the outer redraw sleeve and the dome form die during formation of the second dome portion.

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: A dome of a domed aerosol can end is initially formed and then a crown of the can end is formed so that material flow within a workpiece from which the can end is formed is controlled to substantially eliminate wrinkling problems associated with the use of sheet material which is thinner than conventionally used, for example double reduced steel. The peripheral portion of the workpiece is initially clamped between a blank punch and a draw pad, and also between a knockout and a crown ring. An outer first portion of the dome is then formed by an outer redraw sleeve and a dome form die. An inner second portion of the dome is next formed by a dome punch and the dome form die. There may be limited contact of the dome punch with the workpiece during formation of the first portion of the dome and the workpiece may also be clamped between the outer redraw sleeve and the dome form die during formation of the second dome portion.

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 method of forming a can end comprises the step of forming a substantially circular metal blank having a periphery and a center panel. An annular recessed panel is subsequently formed in the blank. The recessed panel has a first depth in relation to a substantially annular portion of the blank contiguously formed with the recessed panel. The substantially annular portion of the blank is then coined while the recessed panel is re-formed to a second depth in relation to the substantially annular portion of the blank. The second depth is greater than the first depth. Forming the can end in this manner minimizes warpage of the can end, and thereby allows the can end to be formed from a relatively thin sheet of metal.

Abstract: A can lid having a top plate, a tab, a rivet, a score, a tongue, a first deboss, an emboss, a second deboss, and an embossed ridge. The first deboss is formed entirely within the score. The second deboss and emboss are formed entirely within the first deboss. The second deboss is formed by matching arcuate sidewalls, and has a sloped bottom surface. The rivet is offset from a center of the lid. The tongue is disposed between the rivet and top plate perimeter where the rivet is closest to the perimeter. The emboss is uniformly spaced from the score. An embossed ridge is uniformly spaced from the score outside of the score. In another embodiment, the second deboss is replaced with a contact emboss. A die insert for forming the first deboss, emboss, and second deboss (and, alternatively, contact emboss) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-precurled, non-curled shell is transferred to a reform station. The reform station contains a coin die and a coin punch. The coin die has the desired round finished blank diameter machined into its face. The die cavity has a round die wall which stops the outward flow of material during the coining process. The die wall produces the blank's final shape. During the coining process, the coining punch compresses the scalloped blank edge of the non-curled, non-precurled shell. The coined area causes material to flow outward, coming in contact with the die wall, forming the blanks outer perimeter.

Abstract: A can end is punched from a sheet of material, formed and curled in a single station with a single movement of the punch. An intermediate axial peripheral wall is formed by the blanking punch and a cooperating die core ring. A pressure sleeve surrounding the die core ring has a chamfered inner edge which engages a peripheral edge of the blank at the lower end of the axial peripheral wall. While the formed end is held between the punch and the die, the pressure sleeve moves upward, forcing the peripheral wall outward into a recess, either in the blank punch or the die pressure sleeve, moving the metal outward into the curl. The curl is thus expansion formed rather than compression formed. The formed and curled end is removed from the assemblies by knockout rings.

Abstract: A resealable can end is provided including a neck member and hat member which can be sealed onto and removed from the neck member of the end, and is capable of containing product under pressure if desired. This end can be added, as by a conventional seam, to a metal container body to obtain resealing containment of partial contents retained in the container, and to provide an improved mouth construction (or pour opening) for better pouring and for comfortable direct drinking from the container. Also disclosed are improved methods of and apparatus for making such a resealable hat and-neck type-of container end.

Abstract: Apparatus for decurling a curled lid for a container wherein three decurling units are mounted on a base having an upstanding support wall wherein the first unit provides a partially decurled lid, the second unit provides a further decurled lid for performing a desired measurement and a third unit provides a substantially fully decurled lid for performing another desired measurement.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for making a tamper-evident crown from a sheet of material. The tamper-evident crown includes a top wall, a depending peripheral flange, and a plurality of tabs bent inwardly from a lower circumferential edge of the flange and preferably toward the top wall. The tamper-evident crown is formed in a die structure having upper and lower die sets mounted in a conventional die press for relative movement toward each other. One of the die sets includes a plurality of bending members being movable responsive to the relative movement of the upper and lower die sets toward each other and bending the tabs inwardly toward each other and preferably slightly toward the top wall during formation of the crown.

Abstract: An improved can end transfer belt drive assembly includes a drum, drive teeth and belt support rings. The assembly also includes a support shaft rotatably supported by bearings within an associated can end press. The drum is fastened to the shaft and includes a cylindrical surface located at a first radius from the rotational axis of the shaft. The support rings are supported by the cylindrical surface in a side-by-side spaced relationship to rotate relative to the drum, and the teeth are fastened to the drum between the rings. This belt drive assembly supports a transfer belt including drive holes, and the assembly transfers the force to move the belt from the teeth to the drive holes without transferring substantial force as a result of friction between the drum and the belt.

Abstract: A curl forming method for a can end which enables satisfactory curl formation in a thin can end without occurrence of wrinkles and without occurrence of scratches on internal surfaces of the can end and which can make a can end thinner. A punched can end is pressed and bended from an open end of annular flange and an opposite side by a primary forming die having an inner diameter larger than a final curl diameter by 0 to 2.0 mm to effect a primary forming, and then it is pressed and bended from the side of the flange open end by a secondary forming punch having a forming surface 14 having a final shape of a curl.

Abstract: End tooling for forming easy open can ends has cooperatively-engageable upper and lower tooling defining a plurality of stations. Each station has appropriate punches and dies for progressively converting shells indexed by conveyor into easy open can ends. The tooling is adapted to convert ends of multiple diameters. The punch caps and die caps at each station have cylindrical bodies sized to engage and align a turned edge of a shell. The caps also have one or more arcuate grooves in the end face thereof for receiving the turned edge of ends having a diameter smaller than that of the cap.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming can ends is disclosed wherein ends are blank from sheet material and formed in a die in which the completed end is formed and removed from the die at a vertical position below the blanking position. Formation and removal of the end beneath the cut line enables better control of the ends after forming. Vacuum is applied to the end underside to positively seat the end against lower die forming elements as the lower elements raise the end to the level of an ejection slot where pressurized air blows the air from between the dies. An automatic lubrication circuit for properly lubricating seal members forming pneumatic cushions for resiliently biasing the various die members is also disclosed.

Abstract: A press for converting work pieces into finished parts has an elongated bolster mounted on a press bed. The bolster supports columns on which a ram is slidable. The bolster also supports the lower die shoe of the press tooling. A conveyor or transfer system mounted on the bolster carries work pieces into and out of the area of the tooling. The bolster is a unitary piece which integrates support of the die shoe, columns and conveyor to assure proper cooperation and alignment among them. A pivotable carrier mounts a feed mechanism for feeding a stock strip into the tooling. Power to the feed mechanism is supplied through a shaft which is coaxial with the hinge line of the carrier, so that the carrier can be swung away from the tooling for service access without requiring disconnection of the power supply. A traveling vacuum box on the lower die shoe supports the conveyor for vertical as well as longitudinal motion, and retains the work pieces on the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor belt and drive structure are disclosed for use with a conversion press in which an upper level of an endless conveyor belt is positioned between upper and lower tooling in the press. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of transversely and longitudinally spaced shell-receiving carrier apertures. The shell-receiving apertures are arranged in longitudinally oriented offset lanes lengthwise of the belt for receiving and conveying shells between the tooling of the press. The conveyor belt is driven in stepped fashion by a drive drum having a plurality of circumferentially spaced outwardly extending pins and the conveyor belt is provided with pin receiving holes for engagement by the drive pins. The pin receiving holes are arranged in lanes parallel to the lanes of carrier apertures, either outside of or between those lanes, and the drive holes are spaced from each other a distance at least twice the longitudinal spacing between adjacent carrier apertures.