Abstract: A conversion system for converting easy-open can ends has an improved slide assembly capable of handling multiple conveyor belts with improved tension and vibration control. The slide assembly includes a stationary idler shaft mounted transverse to the conveyor axis on a take-up slide. At least two guide pins extend from the shaft parallel to the conveyor axis. Each guide pin mounts a cylindrical bearing holder thereon. The bearing holders are both pivotable and slidable on the guide pins. Springs disposed in pockets in the idler shaft bias the bearing holders. The bearing holders each mount a drum for rotation with the drum.degree. s axis parallel to the idler shaft. The pivoting of the bearing holders accommodates conveyor belt camber while the sliding permits tension adjustment and control.

Abstract: End tooling for forming easy open can ends has cooperatively-engageable upper and lower tooling defining a plurality of stations. Each station has appropriate punches and dies for progressively converting shells indexed by conveyor into easy open can ends. The tooling is adapted to convert ends of multiple diameters. The punch caps and die caps at each station have cylindrical bodies sized to engage and align a turned edge of a shell. The caps also have one or more arcuate grooves in the end face thereof for receiving the turned edge of ends having a diameter smaller than that of the cap.

Abstract: The residual of an easy open can end is controlled by a band heater mounted on the anvil in conversion system tooling. The separation at closest approach of the score and anvil in the conversion tooling is altered as necessary by thermal expansion and contraction of the anvil as determined by the power supplied to the band heater. An electrical circuit supplies power to the heater and includes a thermocouple for maintaining the anvil at a set temperature. A loop control periodically diverts a finished end from the conveyor, measures the residual and adjusts power to the heater if necessary to bring the residual into specification.