Abstract: A bottle inspection method is provided which is capable of compensating for random variations in the orientation and position of objects being inspected, such as glass bottles on a conveyor. The inspection device creates an image of the object and then analyzes the image to determine the amount of variation in orientation and position. The desired measurements are made from the image and then adjusted relative to the variation previously determined. Also provided is an improved housing for the imaging devices which eliminates the need for clear panels which are prone to dirtying.

Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can including a score panel defined by an arcuate score line which comprises a score groove and a score residual portion. In order to control the opening speed of the score panel, the thickness of the score residual is varied along the score line. A thickened score residual area or areas may generally be located opposite the rivet area of the can end. The remainder of the score residual may be formed having a relatively smaller thickness, thus allowing opening of the end to be accomplished without the need for excessive force.

Abstract: An improvement in necking apparatus for forming a necked end on a can body wherein during the necking operation pressurized air moves into the interior of a can body being necked through an open end portion of a conduit in a knock out ram which knock out ram is reciprocally mounted in the necking die and wherein valve means are provided to control the amount of pressurized air flowing out through the open end portion and to retain the pressurized air in the conduit after the necking operation has been completed. Also, the flow of the pressurized air is stopped by a resilient connection between a portion of the knock out ram and a portion of the necking die.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for detecting the cycling of a manufacturing machine, such as a bottle manufacturing machine, without the need for a mechanical detection device. An imaging device, which may also be used to inspect products manufactured by the manufacturing machine, monitors a portion of the manufacturing machine in order to determine when the machine cycles. Also disclosed is a method for correlating a product being inspected to its point of origin, e.g., correlating a bottle to its mold cavity of origin in the case of a bottle manufacturing machine. The manufacturing machine cycle time is divided by the number of origin points, e.g., the number of bottle mold cavities in the case of a bottle manufacturing machine, to derive a product interval time. The arrival time of each product being inspected may then be divided by the product interval time in order to predict the point of origin from which the product originated.

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: An improvement in necking apparatus for forming a necked end on a can body wherein during the necking operation pressurized air moves into the interior of a can body being necked through an open end portion of a conduit in a knock out ram which knock out ram is reciprocally mounted in the necking die and wherein valve means are provided to control the amount of pressurized air flowing out through the open end portion and to retain the pressurized air in the conduit after the necking operation has been completed.

Abstract: Domer apparatus for forming desired surface contours on the closed end portion of a can body wherein an outer member is mounted for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the domer apparatus and relative to an inner member and wherein the outer member and the inner member are mounted for movement in radial directions in response to forces applied thereto by the closed end portion of the can body to center the outer member and the inner member relative to the closed end portion of the can body.

Abstract: Modular supports for supporting a plurality of necking-in stations and a plurality of transfer stations wherein each of the modular supports has a base that is releasably secured to an adjacent base, at least two spaced apart support columns; a first support plate supported on and secured to the at least two spaced apart columns for supporting a necking-in station and a second support plate secured to first support plate for supporting a transfer station.

Abstract: Apparatus for coating the bottom rim surface of a container using a vacuum conveyor for holding and transporting a plurality of empty containers with the bottom rim surfaces exposed so that the bottom rim surfaces may be passed over a coating applicator roll and through a curing oven to provide the bottom rim surfaces with a cured coating and wherein the vacuum conveyor is wide enough so that a plurality of the bottom rim surfaces may be coated at the same time and then passed through the curing oven. Also, the durometer of the application roll can be varied so as to apply a coating of uniform thickness or a coating of varying thicknesses.

Abstract: Apparatus for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for printing a decorative pattern of differing colors on the cylindrical outer surface of a can body wherein a pattern of one color is applied and dried on the outer surface and a pattern of a different color is applied to the cylindrical outer surface of the can body with only portions of the pattern of a different color superposed over portions of the pattern of one color and repeating the steps for a plurality of additional patterns and different colors.

Abstract: A bottle inspection method is provided which is capable of compensating for random variations in the orientation and position of objects being inspected, such as glass bottles on a conveyor. The inspection device creates an image of the object and then analyzes the image to determine the amount of variation in orientation and position. The desired measurements are made from the image and then adjusted relative to the variation previously determined. Also provided is an improved housing for the imaging devices which eliminates the need for clear panels which are prone to dirtying.