Abstract: Apparatus for a making can bodies comprises a reciprocating punch and a rotary turret (10) mounted for rotation about a horizontal axis parallel to the axis of the punch. A plurality of flexible finger sets (13) spaced circumferentially around the turret and extending generally radially from the turret are adapted to pick up, support and convey can bodies (16) stripped from the punch as the turret rotates. The turret is driven in rotation at a cyclically varying angular velocity such that the angularly velocity of finger set (13) is less at the moment when it engages a can body stripped from the punch than at other times.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring (20) is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling. A compact biasing arrangement is used to simplify maintenance of the tooling and reduce the need for accurate alignment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the base of a container such as a can having a domed base. The apparatus comprises independent assemblies for rotating the can and for reforming the base profile. The base reforming assembly uses a torque shaft to twist an eccentric and actuate radial movement of a roll into contact with the can base. A stop prevents movement of this roll beyond a predetermined amount, thereby maintaining consistency of profile depth. By minimizing moving parts of the tooling, wear is limited to that which may arise from the stop alone.

Abstract: Apparatus for re-forming a seaming flange (F) formed on the open end of a can body (B) comprises: a bottom support for supporting the bottom end wall of the can body and a pusher pad (2) including a circular disc (12) having an outer profile adapted to receive and support the open end of the can body with the seaming flange protruding radially outwardly beyond the disc. A push rod (4) moves the pusher pad axially towards and away from the bottom support such that successive can bodies can be held there between whilst the pusher pad and bottom support are driven in rotation about their common axis. One or more rollers (34) are mounted adjacent the outer edge of the pusher pad disc for axial movement with the push rod and the pusher pad (2) is mounted on the push rod (4) for limited axial movement thereon against the action of a spring (38).