Abstract: A method of transporting a can end of the type which has a circumferential end curl portion and an interior shoulder, so that an upper edge of a prefabricated can body may be fitted between the end curl portion and interior shoulder to form a sealed can, includes steps of placing the can end on a movable support surface in such a manner that only the circumferential end curl portion of the can end is contacted by the movable support surface; and moving the movable support surface with the can end so supported thereon, whereby the interior shoulder of the can end will not be interfered with by the movable support surface during transport. An indexing belt for performing the method is also disclosed. The method and belt permit a can end which has sealant or adhesive on its interior shoulder to be transported without adhering to the transport mechanism.

Abstract: An improved full-open type of convenience closure includes an end panel having a peripheral score defined therein to define fixed and removable end panel portions, a tab having a nose portion for exerting a downward force on the end panel adjacent the peripheral score, a rivet formation for securing the tab to the end panel, and a moustache score for, among other purposes, providing a pivot point for the tab. The rivet formation includes a raised area on the end panel which is defined by an outer edge. The moustache score is curved away from the peripheral score at the point where it intersects the outer edge, thereby preventing tearing along the outer edge during opening.

Abstract: A decorator for cylindrical objects, such as beverage cans and the like. The cylindrical members are carried by mandrels which are sequentially presented to rotating printing plates. A plurality of mandrels are carried by a mandrel cluster and the printing plates are carried by plate wheels. The decorator is capable of utilizing flexographic inks wherein the surface of the cylindrical body can be printed with a first ink, the ink rapidly dried, followed by the application of the second ink. The mandrels are compliantly supported on the mandrel cluster by pneumatic cylinders supplied with both high and low pressure air so that the spring rate of the complaint support may be varied to ensure uniform printing. Synchronization of the rotation of a mandrel with the rotation of a printing plate carried by a plate cylinder is critical so that the second image is precisely in register with respect to a first applied image.

Abstract: Filling valves for counterpressure filling of containers with carbonated liquids. The filling valves comprise valve bodies for conducting the carbonated liquids to the container from an external reservoir, the valve body having an end from which the carbonated liquid is dispensed to the container. The valves further comprise counterpressure valves movably mounted in the valve body for controlling the flow of counterpressure gas to the containers. Vent tubes mounted in the valve bodies through the dispensing end of the valve bodies, the vent tubes being slidable with respect to the valve bodies from a retracted position to an extended position in the containers in response to the counterpressure gas are provided. Pressure relief passages interfaced through the valve bodies for venting gas from the valves after the liquid has filled the containers whereby movement of the vent tubes from the extended position to the retracted position is substantially unimpeded are further provided.

Abstract: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filling valve in which the seal between the valve and a can is created by an O-ring seal disposed about a valve member. Preferably, two concentric, axially-spaced O-rings are used; a first O-ring serves as a guide, while the second, slightly larger O-ring creates a seal. Since the sealing O-ring may be moved axially along the can to permit the head space volume to expand, the need for a shift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gaskets expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.

Abstract: Filling valves for counterpressure filling of containers with carbonated liquids. The filling valves comprise valve bodies for conducting the carbonated liquids to the container from an external reservoir, the valve body having an end from which the carbonated liquid is dispensed to the container. The valves further comprise counterpressure valves movably mounted in the valve body for controlling the flow of counterpressure gas to the containers. Vent tubes mounted in the valve bodies through the dispensing end of the valve bodies, the vent tubes being slidable with respect to the valve bodies from a retracted position to an extended position in the containers in response to the counterpressure gas are provided. Pressure relief passages interfaced through the valve bodies for venting gas from the valves after the liquid has filled the containers whereby movement of the vent tubes from the extended position to the retracted position is substantially unimpeded are further provided.

Abstract: Counterpressure valves for filling cans with liquids under pressure such as carbonated beverages are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a filing valve in which the seal between the valve and a can is created by an O-ring seal disposed about a valve member. Preferably, two concentric, axially-spaced O-rings are used; a first o-ring serves as a guide, while the second, slightly larger O-ring creates a seal. Since the sealing O-ring may be moved axially along the can to permit the head space volume to expand, the need for a snift valve or similar relief valve is eliminated. Sealing valves utilizing radially expandable gaskets are also disclosed. In these embodiments, the gasket expand radially under counterpressure to form a seal with the inner surface of the can.

Abstract: A filling valve for filling cans with pressurized fluid and a sealing device in combination with the valve. The sealing device includes a flexible member. The flexible member will expand into sealed engagement with the cans when the pressurized fluid is dispensed into the cans.

Abstract: A nitrogen injector system is provided including a nitrogen injector unit. The nitrogen injector unit includes liquid nitrogen with a head space having gaseous nitrogen at a pressure exceeding atmospheric pressure. An injector orifice is provided, as is a distributing disk which normally closes that orifice. The distributing disk is provided with metering apertures for receiving metered amounts of liquid nitrogen from a nitrogen receptacle and transporting those metered amounts to a position adjacent the injector orifice and for opening the orifice when the metered amount is in the requisite position. The pressure of nitrogen gas within the head space is utilized to eject the metered amount from the metering aperture into a container located at the dispensing position. Containers are advanced to the dispensing position on a container conveyor.

Abstract: An improved liquid filling valve for filling containers with carbonated liquid such as soft drinks is disclosed which features concentric valves for introduction of counterpressure gas and product into the container. The container is moved into sealing engagement with the valve which movement is continued to open the valve for admission of counterpressure gas. After counterpressurization is completed the valve for admission of product opens automatically allowing product to fill the container. After filling is completed, motion of the container away from the valve automatically closes it. In the bottle filling embodiment, motion of the bottle away from the valve additionally uncovers a snift port. The counterpressure filling and snifting of containers with carbonated liquids is thus accomplished without use of external valve operating cams or the like.

Abstract: A system for applying indicia to container closure stock wherein a reciprocating press is programmed to control the odds for the application of a plurality of indicia to be used for promotional material of the game type. The press anvil strokes are detected and counted and the die carrier is moved to a selected die in accordance with the program. Each die of the plurality of dies available is selected a predetermined number of times but the odds are accurately controlled.

Abstract: An improved easy opening container end is disclosed of the type wherein an opening tab is attached to a wall of a can end closure at a fulcrum adjacent a primary score line. The primary score line circumscribes a pour opening panel except at a hinge area. The forward portion of the opening tab is adapted to depress the pour opening panel into the container to expose a pour opening when the opening tab is pivoted about the fulcrum. The opening tab is attached to the wall by means of a rivet. One secondary score line intersects with the primary score line and projects away from the pour opening panel on one side of the rivet and another secondary score line, also intersects with the primary score line, and projects away from the pour opening panel on the other side of the rivet.

Abstract: An improved can end of the type openable without tools by a consumer moving a tab to rupture a can end along a score line, which features promotional material concealed beneath the tab until the tab is pivoted so as to open the can, is disclosed.

Abstract: This application is concerned with a can end comprising an end plate and a tab, the tab and end plate being so adapted to one another that by bending of the tab up by one desiring to open the can, the tab forces a section of the can to pivot inward, thus allowing access to the contents of the can without detaching any piece of the end or tab. The can end is made of aluminum, and the tab is made of steel coated with a material so chosen as to minimize or eliminate corrosion of the steel. In a preferred embodiment, the steel tab is coated with zinc.

Abstract: An improved weld monitoring apparatus and a method for its use are disclosed. Specifically, the invention relates to the application of integrating voltmeters to the monitoring of a resistance seam welding process applicable to cans and the like, wherein a blanking pulse generator is used to direct a voltage signal from the welding process to suitably adapted integrating voltmeters.

Abstract: A plastic, child-proof fitment is inserted into the opening in a panel of a metallic container. An upwardly extending bead having a burr at the radially innermost edge thereof surrounds the opening and is received by a downwardly extending groove in the plastic fitment. The radially innermost side of the groove includes a radially outwardly extending protuberance which is abradingly engaged by the burr.

Abstract: This application is concerned with a can end comprising an end plate and a tab, the tab and end plate being so adapted to one another that by bending of the tab up by one desiring to open the can, the tab forces a section of the can to pivot inward, thus allowing access to the contents of the can without detaching any piece of the end or tab. The can end is made of aluminum, and the tab is made of steel coated with a material so chosen as to minimize or eliminate corrosion of the steel. In a preferred embodiment, the steel tab is coated with zinc.

Abstract: A container closure having a tear strip opener wherein the removable panel which is defined by a primary score line includes a secondary score line and a pull tab which is secured to the removable panel at the collar portion formed by the primary and secondary score lines. The pull tab extends transversely with respect to the primary and secondary score lines and a lifting of the free end of the tab will rupture the secondary score line and initiate rupture of the primary score line and twist the collar portion to facilitate subsequent rupture of the primary score line.

Abstract: An easy-opening can end includes a dispensing opening covered by a pivoting tab located on the interior side of the end. The pivoting tab is adapted to be pushed inwardly so as to break the seal at the dispensing opening and subsequently pivoted to the open position in response to movement of a finger engageable portion. The tab is fastened to the can end at an area of pivotal attachment. The area of pivotal attachment is connected to the can end by a peninsular region and separated from a part of the can end by a score or a lance line. Prior to pivoting the tab, the area of pivotal attachment is depressed at the score or lance line to vent the can.

Abstract: A can end of the easy opening type comprises an end panel having a preformed dispensing opening and a push tab member having an integrally formed rivet for attachment to the end panel. In one embodiment, the end panel includes a peninsular hinge portion having a rivet receiving opening therein such that all deformation during opening is substantially limited to the hinge portion rather than the push-tab member. In another embodiment, an actuator opening is located between the dispensing opening and the rivet receiving opening of the end panel so as to permit a finger engageable protuberance on the push-tab member to extend therethrough.