Abstract: An articulated scanner for scanning a patient's foot in a neutral position, i.e. without the weight of the patient or the patient's foot on the scanner, has multiple arms and multiple adjusting members for first allowing the scanner to be easily positioned to desired positions and then temporarily held in any chosen position while a patient's foot is being scanned.

Abstract: An articulated scanner for scanning a patient's foot in a neutral position, i.e. without the weight of the patient or the patient's foot on the scanner, has multiple arms and multiple adjusting members for first allowing the scanner to be easily positioned to desired positions and then temporarily held in any chosen position while a patient's foot is being scanned.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for forming a curl in a closable container. A process of forming a pre-curl is used, which is followed by a second separate step of forming the completed curl. The two-step process provides for higher tolerances with respect to the shape of the curl that allows the curl to be used as a sealing surface for a recloseable metal bottle. A three-step process provides for even greater tolerances and reduces longitudinal forces by completing the curl using lateral forces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for forming a curl in a closable container. A process of forming a pre-curl is used, which is followed by a second separate step of forming the completed curl. The two-step process provides for higher tolerances with respect to the shape of the curl that allows the curl to be used as a sealing surface for a recloseable metal bottle. A three-step process provides for even greater tolerances and reduces longitudinal forces by completing the curl using lateral forces.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for executing a method of placing an order for a sub-component (part) of a product, including generally three steps: displaying a diagram depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen; receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered. Optionally, the method may allow the user to selectively view further information pertinent to displayed sub-components, such as their prices and specifications, or to selectively zoom in on and zoom out of the exploded view or to scroll the exploded view. The method thus assists the user when attempting to identify and/or order a sub-component for the product. The method may also be implemented in a stand-alone computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for executing a method of placing an order for a sub-component (part) of a product, including generally three steps: displaying a diagram depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen; receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered. Optionally, the method may allow the user to selectively view further information pertinent to displayed sub-components, such as their prices and specifications, or to selectively zoom in on and zoom out of the exploded view or to scroll the exploded view. The method thus assists the user when attempting to identify and/or order a sub-component for the product. The method may also be implemented in a stand-alone computer system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and computer-readable medium for executing a method of placing an order for a sub-component (part) of a product, including generally three steps: displaying a diagram depicting sub-components of a product in an exploded view on a user screen; receiving a user selection of a sub-component to be ordered; and processing the selection of a sub-component to be ordered. Optionally, the method may allow the user to selectively view further information pertinent to displayed sub-components, such as their prices and specifications, or to selectively zoom in on and zoom out of the exploded view or to scroll the exploded view. The method thus assists the user when attempting to identify and/or order a sub-component for the product. The method may also be implemented in a stand-alone computer system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming metal containers. The method involves introducing a knockout element (110) into the container body through the open end, providing a forming die shaped to reduce the diameter of the sidewall of the container body (100) when the open end of the container body (106) is forced therein to produce a neck portion of reduced diameter on the container body, driving the open end of the container body into the forming die (108), retracting the knockout element through the neck portion as the neck portion is formed, and removing the container body (106) from the forming die (108) and knockout element (110). In the invention, the driving of the open end of the container body into the forming die and/or the movements of the knockout element are carried out under computer numerical control, preferably employing linear motor drives, thereby enabling the driving or movement to be optimized for the container body and the neck portion formed thereon.

Abstract: A stage positioning system and method for aligning optical components according to a figure of merit is disclosed. The system includes a stage assembly having six axes of freedom wherein the pivot point of the stage assembly motion is user definable and preferably outside the envelope formed by the stage assembly. The stage assembly includes three sub-assemblies. A base sub-assembly provides x and z axes motion, a yaw stage provides yaw about the y axis, and a three-axis stage provides y motion as well as pitch and roll about the x and z axes, respectively.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming metal containers. The method involves introducing a knockout element (110) into the container body through the open end, providing a forming die shaped to reduce the diameter of the sidewall of the container body (100) when the open end of the container body (106) is forced therein to produce a neck portion of reduced diameter on the container body, driving the open end of the container body into the forming die (108), retracting the knockout element through the neck portion as the neck portion is formed, and removing the container body (106) from the forming die (108) and knockout element (110). In the invention, the driving of the open end of the con tai ner body into the forming die and/or the movements of the knockout element are carried out under computer numerical control, preferably employing linear motor drives, thereby enabling the driving or movement to be optimized for the container body and the neck portion formed thereon.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Abstract: The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus including a stationary support frame; a housing having forming and ironing dies located therein mounted on the support frame; an elongated ram; a reciprocating ram drive; and a redraw assembly which includes a redraw sleeve for supporting a can body preform thereon; a redraw carriage for supporting and axially displacing the redraw sleeve relative the ram; a redraw electromagnetic coil fixedly positioned relative the stationary support frame; and a permanent magnet fixedly mounted with respect to the redraw carriage in displace relationship with the coil along the coil axis for co-acting with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil for controllably reciprocatingly displacing the redraw carriage.

Abstract: A container end member having a peripheral wall portion and an integral central wall portion is provided and which has at least one severable tab portion integral with the central wall portion and having a hinge portion having spaced apart ends and wherein a recessed portion is formed between the central end wall portion and the severable tab portion and has an axial thickness less than the axial thickness of the remaining portions of the central end wall portion and the severable tab portion and at least one severable score line groove having a main body portion and integral end portions defining the spaced apart ends of the hinge portion is formed in the recessed portion and at least a portion of the at least one score line groove extends in a transverse direction in the recessed portion. Also, apparatus is provided for controlling the amount of force applied to a container end member during the formation of a score line groove therein.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus including a stationary support frame; a housing having forming and ironing dies located therein mounted on the support frame; an elongated ram; a reciprocating ram drive; and a redraw assembly which includes a redraw sleeve for supporting a can body preform thereon; a redraw carriage for supporting and axially displacing the redraw sleeve relative the ram; a redraw electromagnetic coil fixedly positioned relative the stationary support frame; and a permanent magnet fixedly mounted with respect to the redraw carriage in displaceable relationship with the coil along the coil axis for coacting with the electromagnetic field produced by the coil for controllably reciprocatingly displacing the redraw carriage.

Abstract: A can body maker apparatus of the type having an axially reciprocal ram member and an axially reciprocal redraw carriage comprising a ram position sensing assembly for sensing the position of the ram member and for generating a ram position signal in response thereto; an electromagnetic bearing assembly for frictionlessly radially supporting and aligning one end of the ram member with a predetermined ram displacement path; an electromagnetic redraw carriage actuator for applying magnetic force to the redraw carriage for reciprocating the redraw carriage; and a control assembly for selectively energizing and deenergizing electromagnets in the electromagnetic bearing assembly and the electromagnetic redraw assembly in response to the ram position signal, also, an electromagnetic doming apparatus is provided for shaping the bottom portion of the can body.