Abstract: An automated can decorating apparatus including a mechanical mandrel trip mechanism. The mechanical mandrel trip mechanism includes a trip lever mechanism having a trip cam follower disposed on an end of a trip arm which causes the movement of an associated mandrel away from a printing position, and a reset cam follower disposed on a reset arm which causes the mandrel to return to a printing position. Trip cam follower and reset cam follower engage cam surfaces on a trip cam plate and a reset cam plate, respectively, to cause the movement of their associated mandrel.

Abstract: An internally cooled punch disposed on the end of a ram in a can forming machine. Internal fluid cooling means in the ram avoids the need for externally applied cooling fluids. A plurality of parallel fluid transfer tubes is arranged annularly within the ram. Cooling medium flows through inlet tubes to radial inlet ports which supply the cooling medium to the inner surface of the punch where the medium flows rearwardly through a channel at the inner surface of the punch to radial outlet ports leading to outlet tubes through the ram. Discharged cooling media flows back along the ram and out through a manifold. The transfer tubes are arranged symmetrically in an alternating array circumferentially around the ram to reduce radial temperature gradients within the ram. A central port allows air flow through the ram to aid in stripping the formed container from the punch.

Abstract: A can forming tool pack includes internally cooled die modules. Each die module includes at least one die nib held in a case. Fluid cooling medium is supplied to multiple inlets provided circumferentially in each case, spaced symmetrically around the case. The cooling fluid is channeled from the inlets through clearances between an outer surface of the die nib and the case to cool the die nib. Outlets are spaced circumferentially around the case to return the cooling fluid to the medium supply.

Abstract: A casting apparatus, comprising: a heating chamber having an open lower end defined by a periphery; a chill plate having a peripheral region for supporting one or more casting molds thereon and being in movable to move the molds from within the heating chamber to below the lower end of the heating chamber to withdraw the casting molds from the heating chamber; a cooling spool disposed at the periphery of the open lower end of the heating chamber and including a surface area for receiving heat energy radiated from at least one of the heating chamber and the casting molds; and a spool shield disposed at the cooling spool and movable to control an amount of the surface area of the cooling spool available for receiving the heat energy. In another embodiment there is an additional inner cooling spool movable inside the area surrounded by the casting molds for receiving radiant energy. A second spool shield at the inner spool controls its available surface area.

Abstract: A casting apparatus includes a substantially stationary heating chamber having an upper pouring opening and a substantially open lower end; an outer cooling spool disposed at a periphery of the open lower end of the heating chamber; a chill plate having an aperture therethrough and movable through the lower end of the heating chamber; a mold assembly receivable in the chamber and movable through the lower end of the chamber and including peripherally disposed mold cavities defining a substantially interior space accessible through the open lower end of the chamber, an inner cooling spool movable through the aperture of the chill plate and the open lower end of the mold assembly; a first actuator for vertically displacing the chill plate and mold assembly; and a second actuator for vertically displacing the inner cooling spool.