Abstract: A reduced length ecology tab is provided for a can end. The can end includes an end panel and a rivet affixing the tab to the end panel. The tab includes a body having first and second opposing ends, and a length measured by the distance between the first end and the second end. A nose portion is disposed at or about the first end, and a lift portion is disposed at or about the second end. The length of the tab is less than 0.985 inch.

Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.

Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.

Abstract: A tab stock feeder assembly for a press includes a plurality of support elements, a plurality of rotating elements, and a number of operative elements. Each rotating element is rotatably coupled to an associated support element. Each operative element coupled to at least one of the support element or one of the rotating element and wherein each the operative element is structured to be engaged by a rotating element. The tab stock feeder assembly further includes a wear reduction assembly including a plurality of wear reducing elements. A plurality of support elements have at least one wear reduction assembly wear reducing element disposed between a rotating element and the associated support element.

Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

Abstract: A can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

Abstract: A can end including a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a standard chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall. The annular portion includes an enhanced annular countersink.

Abstract: A can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink, the annular countersink disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge. The annular countersink and the annular ridge are structured to resist deformation from external or reverse pressure.

Abstract: A shell includes a body with a center panel, a countersink, a chuck wall, and a draw-stretched outer portion. The countersink has a base thickness. The outer portion has a reduced thickness. The shell countersink has substantially the same thickness as the sheet material prior to forming. In this configuration, the shell maintains the buckle resistance of a standard shell but uses less material.

Abstract: A can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.

Abstract: A can end including a central panel with an expandable bubble disposed thereon is provided. The use of an expandable bubble allows for an expandable rivet button and thereafter an expandable rivet that has an enhanced overlap of a tab body. Such an expandable rivet allows for the use of a metal sheet with a thinner base thickness.

Abstract: A can end including a central panel and a coined rivet disposed on the central panel. A press, a station, and/or a tooling assembly structured to form a coined rivet as well as a method to form the coined rivet is also provided.

Abstract: A can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including an annular ridge and an annular countersink, the annular countersink disposed adjacent and about the annular ridge. The annular countersink and the annular ridge are structured to resist deformation from external or reverse pressure.