Abstract: An electrocoating machine for easy-open can ends has an electrocoating wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis and partially submersed in a bath of electrocoating solution. The electrocoating wheel carries ends into and through the bath. A transfer turret and elevator convey coated ends from the electrocoating wheel to a rinse wheel. The rinse wheel surrounds the electrocoating wheel and is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. The rinse wheel is disposed in a tub which contains a plurality of nozzles for spraying rinse solution on the ends carried by the rinse wheel.

Abstract: A punch press has first and second sets of tooling mounted longitudinally of a press conveyor belt. The second set of tooling is located externally of the usual press columns. A second ram slidably mounted on the outside of the columns is driven by a connecting arm eccentrically mounted on a crankshaft extension. The second ram drives the upper tooling of the second tooling set in a reciprocating manner. The second ram can be operated out of phase with the main ram to reduce the total tonnage required of the press.

Abstract: A punch press has first and second sets of tooling mounted longitudinally of a press conveyor belt. The second set of tooling is located externally of the usual press columns. A second ram slidably mounted on the outside of the columns is driven by a connecting arm eccentrically mounted on a crankshaft extension. The second ram drives the upper tooling of the second tooling set in a reciprocating manner. The second ram can be operated out of phase with the main ram to reduce the total tonnage required of the press.

Abstract: An electrocoating machine has a frame supporting a series of tanks containing solutions for electrocoating work pieces such as can ends. A wheel is mounted for rotation on the frame and has a plurality of work piece holders spaced about its periphery. Each work piece holder has a pair of spaced, flexible fingers, each having a free end which is cantilevered from the wheel. As the wheel rotates, cams displace the free ends of the fingers at a point shortly before they enter the electrocoating tank. A work piece transfer apparatus places a work piece adjacent the displaced fingers at a pickup point. The cams then release the fingers so they engage the work piece in spring-loaded gripping relation. The wheel carries work pieces from the pickup point, down into the electrocoating solution and then to a rinse conveyor.

Abstract: A press for converting work pieces into finished parts has an endless conveyor for carrying work pieces into and out of the area of the press tooling. Work pieces rest in openings formed in the conveyor. A vacuum box on the lower side of the conveyor's forward run applies a vacuum to the work pieces to retain them on the conveyor. The conveyor has a plurality of transverse beads located intermediate the work piece openings. The beads stiffen the conveyor, thereby reducing deflection of the belt due to the load placed on it from the underside by the vacuum box.