Abstract: A process and apparatus for working an edge portion of a flange positioned on an open end of a container to prepare the flange for end-piece attachment by shaping such edge portion and improving flange uniformity, and, if desired, configuring the flange into a desired angular orientation. In one embodiment a plurality of working rollers are positioned radially outward from the edge of the flange and a mechanism is used to force at least portions of the flange toward the rollers. When at least a portion of the flange engages with at least one of the rollers as the rollers are rotated relative to and about the flange, flange uniformity is improved as the flange edge is shaped by such roller. In the event the flange continues to be forced toward the working rollers, remaining portions of the flange may approach and possibly contact the rollers to be shaped and worked thereby while the outward radial movement of the initial contacting edge portion is restrained, thereby further improving flange uniformity.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for resizing the throat of a cylindrical container and simultaneously reforming a preformed flange on an open end of such container. In one embodiment, the throat of the container is resized by applying an outward force to the throat to increase the diameter thereof. Moreover, the preformed flange is forced radially outward. However, the outward radial movement of at least a portion of an outer edge of the preformed flange is restrained during such resizing. As a result, at least portions of the preformed flange flex between the throat and the restrained portion of the outer edge. These flexed portions project to differing degrees and at least a portion of this projecting flexure is maintained after the reforming process to improve flange uniformity.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for roll forming to neck-in D&I can ends and replace double necks and triple necks is disclosed. An externally disposed free roll having independently rotatable sections is moved inward and axially against the outside wall of the open end of a rotating trimmed can to form a conical neck at the open end of the cap, the two sections of the roller having different speeds depending upon neck diameters respectively engaged thereby. A spring loaded interior support roller moves under the forming force of the free roll. This is a single operation where the can rotates and the free roll rotates such that a smooth conical necked end and flange are produced.