Abstract: A platen assembly is described for supporting a master board of material to be cut by a fluid jet cutting device. The platen assembly comprises a layer of resiliently compressible material bonded to a lattice-like network of relatively uncuttable structural material. The resiliently compressible material is adapted to be compressed by the contacting topography of the supported master board to act as a cushion, as well as to anchor the master board against movement. The lattice-like network of relatively uncuttable structurable material prevents the compressible material on opposite sides of a cut from migrating towards the cut.

Abstract: A can end lining mechanism has been devised for sequentially advancing can ends from a downstacker mechanism into registry with each of a series of can end receiving recesses in a rotary chuck table where as each can is advanced into a recess it is simultaneously lifted, rotated about its own axis, and rotated about the axis of the chuck table while sealant is applied to the peripheral groove of the can end for a predetermined time interval, after which the lined end is released and the centrifugal force of rotation of the table is sufficient to discharge the end. Feed interrupt mechanism is provided throughout in order to interrupt delivery of the ends from the feed area as well as to interrupt the application of sealant when a can lid is not properly in position. Synchronous drive means are provided for coordinating the movement of the can lids from the feed area through the discharge station.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a machine for receiving can bodies and automatically outwardly expanding the same to a decorative predetermined contour. The machine includes special transfer means for positioning can bodies on and removing can bodies from supports moving in a convex arcuate path, the transfer device including a turret member mounted for rotation about a fixed axis, a plurality of article carriers pivotally carried by the turret member for movement therewith in a generally circular path, and control means for controlling the contour of a portion of the generally circular path to be coincident with a portion of the arcuate path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for transferring cylindrical articles in a synchronous manner from a forming ram to a work station for further forming of the articles, the transfer being accomplished by interposing between the forming ram and work station a constantly rotating wheel structure having a plurality of pockets defined therein, each of the pockets being formed of at least two independently programmable and movable sections, the wheel and pockets therein being positioned with the axis of wheel structure parallel to the forming ram with the pockets arranged in a circular configuration which substantially coincides at at least one position with the axis of the ram with a pocket adjacent the ram upon each extension of the ram, displacing newly formed articles axially from the ram into a pocket adjacent thereto with the sections of the pocket in an open configuration, initiating closing of the leading pocket section prior to closing of the trailing pocket section and after the leading pocket section passes the ram

Abstract: Method and apparatus for trimming cylindrical articles, particularly can bodies, to a predetermined longitudinal length by sequentially feeding such cylindrical articles into carriage pockets rotating around a main shaft synchronously with an axially aligned plunger at one end of each carriage pocket and a similarily aligned mandrel at the other end of the carriage pocket. At predetermined positions, the plunger moves into the aligned carriage pocket and pushes a cylindrical article therein onto an aligned mandrel which is rotated around its own axis as well as around the main shaft. As the mandrel rotates, a fixed arcuate blade which cooperates with a cutting edge defined in the mandrel is engaged to shear an annulus portion from the end of the cylindrical article thereby trimming the cylindrical article to a predetermined and repeatable length. Upon severing of the annulus, a fixed cutter blade engages the annulus to transversely cut the annulus into an open ring.