Abstract: A method of forming a carrier ring on a metal article having an open end and a sidewall extending therefrom. The method includes contacting an inner surface of the sidewall with an inner roller to form a protrusion and contacting an outer surface of the sidewall with an outer roller to form a first groove positioned below the protrusion. The protrusion forms a gap therein. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer sidewall with at least one second outer roller to form a second groove below the protrusion. The method further includes contacting a portion of the outer sidewall with at least one third outer roller to flatten the protrusion, such that the gap is substantially reduced or eliminated. The flattened protrusion forms the carrier ring.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure relate to a clutch assembly (100) for handling a container, and an associated method for using the clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a shaft (102) configured to rotate in a first direction and a second direction, opposite from the first direction. The clutch assembly further includes a clutch coupled to a first end of the shaft. The clutch includes at least two rollers (108) configured to move into a first position, extending radially beyond a periphery of the clutch, and out of the first position, extending radially flush with or inward from the periphery of the clutch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling the rotation of turrets with servo motors within a machine line used in the shaping of articles. Error conditions can be detected using the servo motors for resolving issues with the machine line. Control of the turrets by the servo motors allows for each turret to be rotated relative to the other turrets independently for resolving the issues. Absolute encoders are used to return the servo motors and their respective turrets back to being aligned with a virtual axis for synchronous rotation of the turrets within the machine line, despite the turrets not being mechanically coupled together by a series of gears.

Abstract: Molds for forming formed containers with reduced or eliminated parting lines, and systems and methods of forming the formed containers, using electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In some aspects, the forming mold includes a multi-segment mold disposed about an electromagnetic coil. The multi-segment mold having a plurality of circumferential segments, a bottom mold section and an annular ring. Each of the circumferential segments including an inner surface wherein the plurality of inner surfaces defines a desired shape of the formed containers. The bottom mold section being adapted to hold and move the pre-form articles about an electromagnetic coil and into and out of the forming mold. The annular ring being adapted to hold, seal and optionally shape a top section of the pre-form articles so as to reduce or eliminate parting lines on the surface of the formed containers.

Abstract: A split shaft includes a proximal shaft section having a first proximal shaft end and a second proximal shaft end. The first proximal shaft end is configured to couple to the first machine arrangement. The split shaft further includes a distal shaft section having a first distal shaft end and a second distal shaft end. The first distal shaft end is configured to couple to the second machine arrangement. The second distal shaft end is configured to engage with the second proximal shaft end to convey the drive power from the first machine arrangement to the second machine arrangement. The second proximal shaft end includes a first indicator, and the second distal shaft end includes a second indicator. Alignment of the first indicator and the second indicator conveys timing for the drive power.

Abstract: A symmetric, modular base for a can processing system. The base includes a leg portion comprising a plurality of openings adapted for receiving at least one of a transfer star wheel and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The base further includes a first foot portion extending from a first side of the leg portion. The base further includes a second foot portion extending from the second side of the leg portion. The base further includes a plurality of openings in the first foot portion and the second foot portion, the plurality of openings of the first and second foot portion providing access to an interior portion of the base. The base is generally symmetric about a center line drawn vertically through a midpoint of the leg portion of the base between the first foot portion and the second foot portion to allow for mounting of components on either a first side or a second side of the base.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting rotational motion of an article to be processed comprises a pressure plate assembly including a generally ring-shaped guide assembly. The guide assembly has and at least two guide pins extending from a first side in a transverse direction. The guide assembly further includes at least two resilient devices positioned over a respective one of the at least two guide pins and a container guide having an aperture for receiving an open end of a container moving in a first direction and for aligning the open end with a processing device. The container guide is positioned adjacent to the first side of the pressure plate assembly. At least two resilient devices are configured to be compressed in response to movement of the container guide in a first direction and are configured to decompress in response to movement of the container guide in a second, generally opposite direction.

Abstract: A trimmer device includes an inner mounting block having a first central aperture for receiving a turret shaft. The inner mounting block has an inner bore. The device includes an outer mounting block having a second central aperture for receiving the turret shaft. The outer mounting block has at least one outer bore. The device includes an inner trimmer spindle positioned through the inner bore. A first end of the inner trimmer spindle includes a pilot having an inner spindle blade. The device further includes an outer trimmer spindle positioned through the outer bore. The outer trimmer spindle includes an outer spindle blade positioned at a first end. At least one of the inner mounting block or the outer mounting block is rotatable about the turret shaft to adjust for a diameter of an article such that the article is positioned between the inner and outer spindle blades for trimming.

Abstract: A turret head assembly for forming an article includes at least one smoothing roller. Each of the at least one smoothing roller is rotatably mounted on a respective at least one roller support member. The turret head assembly further includes an upper ring member and a lower ring member. The upper and lower ring members include respective apertures located in the centers thereof. The at least one roller support member extends between the upper ring member and the lower ring member. The turret head assembly further includes a turret head-assembly support member defining a turret-head axis. The turret-head-assembly member extends through the respective apertures in the upper and lower ring members.

Abstract: An expansion tool for expanding an article. The expansion tool includes a lead-in portion extending outwardly from a first end of the expansion tool and a first pilot portion extending from the lead-in portion. The first pilot portion has a first diameter. The expansion tool further includes a second pilot portion being generally parallel with the first pilot portion. The second pilot portion has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The expansion tool further includes a forming portion bridging the first pilot portion and the second pilot portion. The forming portion is generally sloped. The expansion tool further includes an expansion portion extending from the second pilot portion toward a second end of the expansion tool. The expansion portion has a third diameter larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming articles using electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In some aspects, the system includes a plurality of forming modules movably mounted relative to an infeed mechanism. The infeed mechanism is configured to supply pre-form articles to the plurality of forming modules, and each of the plurality of forming modules includes a multi-segment mold disposed about an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the pre-form articles when supplied with electrical energy that urges the pre-form articles into contact with the multi-segment mold to produce the formed containers.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting rotational motion of an article to be processed comprises a pressure plate assembly including a generally ring-shaped guide assembly. The guide assembly has and at least two guide pins extending from a first side in a transverse direction. The guide assembly further includes at least two resilient devices positioned over a respective one of the at least two guide pins and a container guide having an aperture for receiving an open end of a container moving in a first direction and for aligning the open end with a processing device. The container guide is positioned adjacent to the first side of the pressure plate assembly. At least two resilient devices are configured to be compressed in response to movement of the container guide in a first direction and are configured to decompress in response to movement of the container guide in a second, generally opposite direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming articles using electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In some aspects, the system includes a plurality of forming modules movably mounted relative to an infeed mechanism. The infeed mechanism is configured to supply pre-form articles to the plurality of forming modules, and each of the plurality of forming modules includes a multi-segment mold disposed about an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the pre-form articles when supplied with electrical energy that urges the pre-form articles into contact with the multi-segment mold to produce the formed containers.

Abstract: An expansion tool for expanding an article. The expansion tool includes a lead-in portion extending outwardly from a first end of the expansion tool and a first pilot portion extending from the lead-in portion. The first pilot portion has a first diameter. The expansion tool further includes a second pilot portion being generally parallel with the first pilot portion. The second pilot portion has a second diameter larger than the first diameter. The expansion tool further includes a forming portion bridging the first pilot portion and the second pilot portion. The forming portion is generally sloped. The expansion tool further includes an expansion portion extending from the second pilot portion toward a second end of the expansion tool. The expansion portion has a third diameter larger than the second diameter.

Abstract: A trimmer device includes an inner mounting block having a first central aperture for receiving a turret shaft. The inner mounting block has an inner bore. The device includes an outer mounting block having a second central aperture for receiving the turret shaft. The outer mounting block has at least one outer bore. The device includes an inner trimmer spindle positioned through the inner bore. A first end of the inner trimmer spindle includes a pilot having an inner spindle blade. The device further includes an outer trimmer spindle positioned through the outer bore. The outer trimmer spindle includes an outer spindle blade positioned at a first end. At least one of the inner mounting block or the outer mounting block is rotatable about the turret shaft to adjust for a diameter of an article such that the article is positioned between the inner and outer spindle blades for trimming.

Abstract: Systems and methods of forming articles using electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. In some aspects, the system includes a plurality of forming modules movably mounted relative to an infeed mechanism. The infeed mechanism is configured to supply pre-form articles to the plurality of forming modules, and each of the plurality of forming modules includes a multi-segment mold disposed about an electromagnetic coil. The electromagnetic coil is configured to impart an electromagnetic force on the pre-form articles when supplied with electrical energy that urges the pre-form articles into contact with the multi-segment mold to produce the formed containers. The multi-segment mold having a plurality of segments, each segment including a mold insert having an inner surface. The plurality of inner surfaces defining a desired shape of the formed containers. Each mold insert being comprised of a material that comprises at least one of small pores, grooves, pockets and crevices.

Abstract: A device for transporting articles through a recirculation system for forming or processing the articles. The device includes a top portion configured to contact an article and a drive nut positioned within a first aperture of the top portion. The device includes a hub portion having a second aperture and a plurality of ejection pins extending through a respective one of a plurality of apertures of the top portion. The device includes a paddle wheel rotatably coupled to the hub portion. The paddle wheel has a first and second plurality of prongs extending radially outward and offset in generally opposing directions. The paddle wheel includes a post projecting radially inward and positioned within a third aperture. The device includes a drive screw extending through the first, second, and third apertures and having a head configured to engage the post and a threaded end is configured to engage the drive nut.

Abstract: Presented herein are container forming machines, forming ram assemblies, and methods for making and for using forming ram assemblies. A forming ram assembly is presented for a container forming machine, which includes a turret assembly with a cam rail. The ram assembly includes a mounting rail for attaching to the turret assembly. A cam follower is mounted to the mounting rail and configured to rollably seat against the cam rail. Connected to the cam follower is a forming die which moves as the cam follower traverses the cam rail. A knockout tool is mounted inside the forming die and includes a stepped segment. A drive cylinder moves the knockout tool within the forming die. An O-ring is seated inside a complementary channel of the knockout tool. An annular knockout guide is seated on the stepped segment of the knockout tool, located between and abutting the O-ring and forming die.

Abstract: Presented herein are container forming machines, forming ram assemblies, and methods for making and for using forming ram assemblies. A forming ram assembly is presented for a container forming machine, which includes a turret assembly with a cam rail. The ram assembly includes a mounting rail for attaching to the turret assembly. A cam follower is mounted to the mounting rail and configured to rollably seat against the cam rail. Connected to the cam follower is a forming die which moves as the cam follower traverses the cam rail. A knockout tool is mounted inside the forming die and includes a stepped segment. A drive cylinder moves the knockout tool within the forming die. An O-ring is seated inside a complementary channel of the knockout tool. An annular knockout guide is seated on the stepped segment of the knockout tool, located between and abutting the O-ring and forming die.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing multiple recirculations of a plurality of articles are disclosed. A system includes a plurality of line starwheels and a recirculation line. The plurality of line starwheels each include a plurality of starwheel pockets thereon. The plurality of starwheel pockets includes a first-pass, a second-pass, and a third-pass starwheel pocket. The recirculation line includes a synchronization mechanism and a plurality of line-pocket sets. Each of the line-pocket sets includes a first and a second line pocket. The line pockets are configured to receive an article from a downstream line starwheel and deposit the article in the proper starwheel pocket of an upstream line starwheel. The synchronization mechanism configured to synchronize the plurality of line-pocket sets to the plurality of starwheel pockets. The first-pass, second-pass, and third-pass starwheel pockets correspond with respective first, second, and third stages of modifying the article.