Abstract: A belt drive assembly for driving a continuous belt having a plurality of drive teeth openings includes a drive shaft, a belt support surface and a plurality of drive teeth. The belt support surface is movably supported relative to the drive shaft so as to move substantially independent of the drive shaft. The plurality of drive teeth are coupled to the drive shaft and extend outwardly from the drive shaft beyond the support surface for being received within corresponding drive teeth openings of the belt.

Abstract: An improved can end transfer belt drive assembly includes a drum, drive teeth and belt support rings. The assembly also includes a support shaft rotatably supported by bearings within an associated can end press. The drum is fastened to the shaft and includes a cylindrical surface located at a first radius from the rotational axis of the shaft. The support rings are supported by the cylindrical surface in a side-by-side spaced relationship to rotate relative to the drum, and the teeth are fastened to the drum between the rings. This belt drive assembly supports a transfer belt including drive holes, and the assembly transfers the force to move the belt from the teeth to the drive holes without transferring substantial force as a result of friction between the drum and the belt.

Abstract: A system of using a metallic conveyor belt in the manufacture of can lids which prevents can lids from rotating as they are conveyed from one manufacturing station to another. Thus, the lids are not improperly cast and stamped, and as a result, discarded. A frictional augmentation area of specific depth, width, and roughness is formed upon the metallic conveyor belt top surface to prevent the can lid from rotating during manufacture. Thus, the present invention provides a simple and economically benefical improvement to the manufacturing process of can lids.