Patents by Inventor Field I. Robertson

Field I. Robertson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5596897
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for spin flowing necking-in a D&I can is disclosed wherein an externally located free-spinning form roll is moved radially inward and axially against the outside wall of the open end of a trimmed can. A spring loaded interior support slide roll moves under the forming force of the form roll preferably through a cam control surface which controls the forming force acting thereon as the form roll advances radially inward as it slides along a sloped forming surface of a second free roll mounted axially inwardly adjacent the slide roll. To minimize the plug diameter variation between successively necked cans, the radially inward movement of the form roll is halted at a predetermined radial location via contact between the form roll support bracket with a form roll stop bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Charles T. Payne, Jr., Field I. Robertson
  • Patent number: 5282375
    Abstract: A multi-station machine for necking-in the open end of a metal container body includes a plurality of necking spindle assemblies mounted at circumferentially spaced locations on a tooling disc turret in coaxial alignment with corresponding base pad spindle assemblies mounted to a base pad turret. The turrets are co-rotatable with a main turret shaft. Cam controlled tooling activating assemblies are mounted on the tooling disc turret to control the necking-in movement of an eccentric roll and an external forming roll in each necking spindle in synchronism with the delivery of vacuum suction through the base pad spindles which clamps the container bottom walls to the respective base pads. A sequential latching arrangement associated with the tooling activating assemblies prevents tool-to-tool contact between the outer forming rolls with the eccentric rolls in the absence of container bodies on station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Harry W. Lee, Jr., Charles T. Payne, Jr., Field I. Robertson, Robert K. Thai
  • Patent number: 5249449
    Abstract: A method and machine for forming can necks in metal container bodies is disclosed. The machine comprises a pilot assembly coaxially situated and longitudinally movable with respect to and within a necking die member having an annular static die forming surface longitudinally advanced into contact with the can side wall defining the open end. Prior to necking, the pilot assembly is inserted into the open end and then stopped. Continued forward movement of the necking die member opens a valve between the pilot assembly and die member to flow pressurized fluid from a reservoir in the pilot to pressurize the can. This prevents crushing of the can under necking loads. The reservoir is located entirely within the pilot shaft and has a dimensional volume greater than the can body interior volume. This results in rapid delivery of pressurized fluid into the can before the greatest necking loads are applied to the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Harry W. Lee, Charles T. Payne, Jr., Field I. Robertson, Robert K. Thai
  • Patent number: 4450700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for necking and flanging container bodies are disclosed. One or more free-wheeling dies are rotated within a stationary outer die and are journeled for radial movement within the outer die. The open edge portion of a metallic can body is positioned between the dies, with the action of the dies forming a neck on the can body. Subsequently, the necked end of the can body may be contacted with a flanging surface of the free-wheeling die or dies, forming a flange on the outer edge of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1984
    Assignee: Reynolds Metals Company
    Inventors: Field I. Robertson, Jr., George D. Bryan, Jr.