Abstract: A metal end for seaming onto a metal container body. The end comprises an outer curl, a centre panel within the outer curl, and a tab having a longitudinal axis (A). The end further comprises a rivet securing the tab to the centre panel, and a score in the centre panel having two spaced apart ends which define a hinge therebetween, the hinge lying on one side of said longitudinal axis (A), such that operation of the tab fractures the score and causes the region of the centre panel within the score to pivot about the hinge and provide an aperture in the centre panel. The score extends into a region of the centre panel that is behind a centre line (B) running through the centre of the rivet and perpendicular to said longitudinal axis (A), and on the other side of the longitudinal axis (A) from the hinge.

Abstract: A lug closure (10) includes a central top panel (20), an annular channel (30) outboard of the top panel, a downwardly extending skirt (50) outboard of the channel, the skirt terminating at an inward curl (54) that defines a curl height, and lugs (60) formed in the curl. Each one of the lugs includes a body that extends radially inwardly from the skirt. The body includes a leading edge (70a) that merges into a leading portion (80a) of the curl. The leading edge tapers in thickness from the curl height to a minimum lug thickness and forms a leading edge vertical taper angle from horizontal between 6 and 15 degrees. A trailing edge (70b) merges into a trailing portion (80b) of the curl and the trailing edge (70b) tapers in thickness from the curl height to the minimum lug thickness.

Abstract: Disclosed is a metallic cover cap for sealing a metallic bottle, comprising a gasket provided with a flat central zone and an annular zone which includes an outer rim and an inner rim that are separated by a notch, such that the outer rim extends axially, continues circumferentially, and includes: a first surface; a second surface with a flat portion and a concave portion radially opposite the notch; and a third flat surface that extends between the first and second surfaces, and the inner rim extends axially, continues circumferentially and spaced radially inwards of the first rim, and includes: a first flat surface opposite and perpendicular to the flat zone; a second concave surface radially opposite the notch; and a third flat surface between the first and second surfaces that is inclined toward the notch.

Abstract: An aerosol container includes a single piece or a two-piece mounting cup that is concave and, preferably, enables stacking and is lightweight.

Abstract: A method of making a can end by forming a can end shell in a shell press; and converting the shell into a can end. The step of forming the can end shell includes pressing sheet metal into an end shell with a bead feature in the radially outer circumference of its centre panel. In a subsequent can end conversion operation material from the bead feature is used to set final geometry of the converted can end.

Abstract: A can decorator comprising a spindle disc, a blanket drum, a transfer wheel, a pin chain drive, and a controller. The spindle disc is adapted for (i) receiving beverage cans from an infeed and (ii) carrying and rotating each can body on a corresponding spindle. The blanket drum is adapted for (i) applying ink to printing cylinders and (ii) rotating the print cylinders in registration with beverage cans on the spindle disc to decorate the cans. The transfer wheel is adapted for receiving beverage cans from the spindle disc after decoration by the blanket drum. The pin chain drive is adapted for receiving cans from the transfer wheel and transporting the cans on a chain through an oven. The controller adapted for receiving encoder information and matching or adjusting speeds of a spindle disc motor, a blanket drum motor, a transfer wheel motor, and a pin chain drive motor.

Abstract: A re-closable container comprising a container body (12), a single piece metal closure and a layer of sealing compound provided on an underside of the closure. The container body and the closure have first cooperating features (14) to allow the closure to be twisted onto and off of the container body. The layer of sealing compound and a sealing surface (18) of the container body which comes into contact with the sealing compound have second cooperating features (40) which establish one or more venting passages upon rotation of the closure from a closed position. The second cooperating features comprise one or more protrusions or indents in the sealing surface and one or more corresponding indents or protrusions on the sealing compound that are radially aligned with the one or more protrusions or indents in the sealing surface when the closure is in a closed position.

Abstract: A method for forming a beverage can end (34a) having ink jet markings (50a) on its tab (36a) comprises a step of applying ink via an ink jet to a surface of tab stock, wherein the tab stock surface is unlubricated and substantially free of factory lubricant. The method further includes a step of lubricating the tab stock after the step of applying ink, a step of forming the tab stock into tabs, and a step of combining the tabs with an end shell to from the beverage can end.

Abstract: A can bodymaker comprising a ram and a redraw sleeve assembly for holding a cup or other preform article against a redraw die. The redraw sleeve assembly comprises: a redraw sleeve; a redraw carriage to which the redraw sleeve is removably coupled, the redraw carriage being driven in a reciprocating motion along an axis; and a redraw sleeve alignment mechanism. The redraw sleeve alignment mechanism comprises: a redraw sleeve module having one or more bearings defining a passage through which the redraw sleeve moves and a bearing adjustment mechanism to facilitate radial alignment of the redraw sleeve module with the redraw die. The coupling between the redraw carriage and the redraw sleeve permits variable radial offset, relative to said axis, between the two components.

Abstract: A system for spraying a coating such as lacquer on the internal surface of a can body (2) comprising vacuum chuck gears (42) for each vacuum chuck (16). The vacuum chucks hold the can body as it rotates about a main process turret (10) and to a spray station (32, 34). A ring gear rotates independently of main turret rotation and further gearing connects the ring gear to a vacuum chuck drive motor (11). The spray system provides tight process control and allows flexibility of process revolutions or use of higher machine production speed.

Abstract: A method of sealing a peelable lid (2) to a flange (4) provided within a metal can body (1) which involves inserting an induction coil (6) into the can body to primarily heat the sealing surface (5) of the flange, while keeping the exterior wall of the can relatively cool to avoid tin reflow and decoration degradation of the exterior wall. The induction coil is subsequently removed from the can body and a peelable lid applied to the flange, whereby residual heat in the flange aids the sealing of the lid to the flange, e.g. by allowing activation of a bonding material.

Abstract: A tubular metal can body having one end for attachment of a removable overcap, the can body having an inwardly projecting flange (1) formed therein by folding the can wall (2) circumferentially, part-way along its length, the flange providing a convex upper surface (8) to which a peelable lid (12) can be sealed.

Abstract: Redraw tooling includes a punch tool, a punch ring that is retractable relative to the punch tool, a punch sleeve, and a spring or resilient material that urges the punch ring forward. Retracting the punch ring provides support for the redraw chine to diminish wrinkling.