Abstract: A die assembly includes spinning pilot rollers for necking-in the open end of a container. The die assembly includes a cylindrical die for engaging the outside surface of a container. A tubular spindle is rotatably mounted along the axis of the die. One or more of rollers are rotatably mounted on the spindle, and each roller is pivotable about an axis which extends parallel to the axis of the die. An actuator is reciprocably mounted within the spindle and is movable between first and second positions for camming the rollers away from the axis of the spindle and toward the inside surface of the die.

Abstract: A necking apparatus for producing a smooth, inwardly tapered necked-in portion on a cylindrical container includes a plurality of necking modules and a turret which is rotatably mounted in each module about an axis of rotation. Each turret includes an upper turret frame which is mounted on the axis of rotation and which can be moved axially relative to the turret and a lower turret frame. A plurality of necking dies are mounted on the upper turret frame, and a plurality of container supports are axially aligned with the necking dies and are mounted on the lower turret frame for axial movement. Each necking die includes a necking portion for engaging and necking a side wall of a container as the aligned container support moves a container toward the necking die. The positions of the necking dies are adjusted by spacers so that the necking portion of each die does not engage the tapered necked-in portion of the container as the container support is moved toward the die.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing the diameter of the open end of a can, such as a beverage can, in a necking station while substantially preventing the formation of pleats in the can. The necking station includes a deformable support punch that is positioned within the open end of the can. The punch includes an elastomeric sleeve and a means for providing for lateral deformation of the sleeve, such as an actuator making an interference fit with the sleeve. In the necking station, the can is inserted into a necking die having a transition zone separating an outer cylindrical bore and an inner bore having a reduced diameter. When the top edge of the can is forced past the transition zone in to the inner bore to reduce the dimension of the upper portion of the can, the sleeve is controllably deformed in a manner such that the lateral portion of the sleeve is placed into supporting engagement with the interior wall of the can, pressing the can against the transition zone of the die.

Abstract: A device for removing liquid on a gauze conveyor for conveying products, the gauze conveyor having an upper side for carrying products and being provided with link portions and having a gauze pattern. The device having means for removing liquid on the upper side of the gauze conveyor by extraction said means being placed directly under the gauze conveyor and being formed by a hollow, rotatable roll which is provided with rows of separate projecting teeth, said rows extending axially on the roll, the teeth fitting into the gauze pattern and the link portions being enclosable by the teeth. The roll has holes between the teeth which holes extend into the cavity of the roll.