Abstract: A resilient stop block for gradually loading the ram of a press for scoring easy open can ends to assure an accurately controlled residual and reduce press noise. The resilient stop block replaces the conventional solid stop block and comprises a metallic member having a longitudinal bore and vertically spaced overlying pairs of diametrically opposed angularly oriented segmental slots extending inwardly through the sides of the block into the bore. The resilient stop block is compressable by the overlying solid stop block as the ram approaches the press bed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discharging flanged cups in a controlled oriented fashion from a blanking and forming press. The formed cup is raised to a position slightly higher than the upper face of the drawing die, and moved in a straight line by means of a high pressure air pulse to the inlet of a conduit-like discharge chute. The formed cups are moved through the discharge chute by air pressure issuing from angled slots in the walls of the chute. The invention is particularly advantageous for use with blanking and forming presses simultaneously producing a plurality of formed cups in order to discharge the formed cups separately from each station in an orientation substantially the same as that in which the cup was formed. The invention eliminates damage to the formed cup caused by random bulk handling in conventional discharge equipment.

Abstract: An apparatus for intermittently feeding a series of like articles along a path so as to present them in succession to a plurality of operation stations where operations are performed upon the articles in sequence. The apparatus is provided with at least a pair of spaced drums mounted on parallel axes and a one-piece substantially non-stretchable belt passing around the drums. One of the spaced drums constitutes a driving drum and the other of the spaced drums constitutes a low inertia idler drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for drawing, or blanking and drawing, a flat metallic piece into a cup shape. A blanking punch, blanking die, draw die, movable stripper and a spacer are mounted on the stationary bed of a press. A pressure pad and draw punch are carried by the ram of a press. The pressure pad is positioned to contact first the blanking punch, then to contact the movable stripper and push it solidly against the spacer. As the ram continues its downward movement, the pressure pad collapses with respect to the ram by virtue of its connection to a piston operating in a cylinder in the ram containing controllable air pressure. The maintenance of a predetermined pressure pad-draw die gap during the draw prevents wrinkling, and the maintenance of the controlled pressure on the pressure pad prevents thinning and subsequent clipping of ears.

Abstract: An ecological easy-open can end is disclosed. The pull tab cannot be removed from the can end and discarded; rather it is pushed down and snapped in under the can end where its sharp edges cannot cut the user. The pull tab has a hole in it so that when it is down inside the can it does not interfere with the dispensing of the contents of the can.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in the form of a heat radiating or absorbing panel is disclosed, which consists of an aluminum panel having a copper tube secured thereto in heat exchange relationship. The panel has at least one pair of parallel, spaced, retainer legs which have angularly inwardly extending flanges. A copper tube of circular cross section is laid into the channel formed by said retainer legs, and is then squashed by means of a die into a generally oval cross section which will be confined within the retainer legs. While so confined, fluid under pressure may be introduced into the tube to expand it into intimate contact with the panel, the retainer legs and the flanges. The assembly may then be heated during the expanding step to a temperature somewhat above the expected operating temperature of the assembly, to prevent loosening of the intimate contact between the tube and panel, which have different coefficient of expansion. Provision may be made to cause flow through the tube to be turbulent or swirling.

Abstract: There is disclosed an assembly comprising a piece of rigid sheet material and a rigid linear member of metal, plastic, wood or other material, secured to an edge of the sheet material. The linear member and sheet are held in positive and immovable engagement and at the same time the joint is completely sealed to prevent the passage of liquids or gases therethrough. The mechanical means employed to lock the linear and sheet members together positively is so arranged that its presence is evident only on one side of the linear member. The assembly is so constructed that it can be taken apart readily without destroying either the sheet or the linear member. It is specifically disclosed in connection with a removable hatch for automobile roofs.

Abstract: An automatic monitoring and recharging system adapted to continuously monitor the terminal voltage of a D.C. storage battery and, whenever the terminal voltage falls below a first preselected value, to automatically initiate an engine-driven A.C. generator which is utilized to recharge the storage battery. The recharging interval is terminated when the recharging current attains a second preselected value whereupon the system is automatically returned to a voltage monitoring status.The monitoring and recharging system of the present invention finds particular utility with respect to storage batteries used in association with recreational vehicles.

Abstract: The application discloses a can body trimmer which may be a free standing unit usable along with existing can body making machines, or which may be combined with a can body making machine as an integral part thereof. The apparatus trims the excess metal from the open end of a can body without leaving burrs, at a high rate of speed, and provides a can body trimmed to a precise side wall length for subsequent finishing operations including flanging, or necking and flanging to facilitate installation of the end closing lid after the can has been filled.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously necking and flanging metal cans. A collapsible mandrel is provided, which in the collapsed condition will accept a can and which in the expanded condition grips the can over its entire inside surface. The mandrel is constructed such that in its expanded condition it presents an uninterrupted cylindrical surface. The mandrel has a groove in the region where the necking-flanging operation is to be performed and an elastic material is seated in the groove. A die ring larger in diameter than said mandrel in its expanded condition is mounted rotatably coplanar with said groove and means are provided to move said die ring radially of the mandrel to produce the necking and flanging operation by cooperation with the elastic material in said groove. Expansion and collapse of the mandrel is accomplished by internal cam structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles (such as two-piece cans) between work stations, at succeeding ones of which a dimension (such as a diameter) of the articles is reduced. The articles pass along a channel, and at each station means are provided to stop the articles in position to be operated upon. After the completion of an operation which reduces the dimension of the article, the article may pass the stop means, and be transported to the next station, where other stop means are provided to position the article for the next operation. The articles are conveyed along the channel by aerodynamic or other means. Each of the stop means is shaped to fit the article which is stopped by it, and vacuum means are associated with the stop means to insure accurate positioning of the articles at each station for the operation to be performed on them at that station.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring articles (such as two-piece cans) between work stations, at succeeding ones of which a dimension (such as a diameter) of the articles is reduced. The articles pass along a channel, and at each station means are provided to stop the articles in position to be operated upon. After the completion of an operation which reduces the dimension of the article, the article may pass the stop means, and be transported to the next station, where other stop means are provided to position the article for the next operation. The articles are conveyed along the channel by aerodynamic or other means. Each of the stop means is shaped to fit the article which is stopped by it, and vacuum means are associated with the stop means to insure accurate positioning of the articles at each station for the operation to be performed on them at that station.