Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling the rotation of turrets with servo motors within a machine line used in the shaping of articles. Error conditions can be detected using the servo motors for resolving issues with the machine line. Control of the turrets by the servo motors allows for each turret to be rotated relative to the other turrets independently for resolving the issues. Absolute encoders are used to return the servo motors and their respective turrets back to being aligned with a virtual axis for synchronous rotation of the turrets within the machine line, despite the turrets not being mechanically coupled together by a series of gears.

Abstract: A symmetric, modular base for a can processing system. The base includes a leg portion comprising a plurality of openings adapted for receiving at least one of a transfer star wheel and a turret mechanism configured to perform a working operation on an article. The base further includes a first foot portion extending from a first side of the leg portion. The base further includes a second foot portion extending from the second side of the leg portion. The base further includes a plurality of openings in the first foot portion and the second foot portion, the plurality of openings of the first and second foot portion providing access to an interior portion of the base. The base is generally symmetric about a center line drawn vertically through a midpoint of the leg portion of the base between the first foot portion and the second foot portion to allow for mounting of components on either a first side or a second side of the base.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly includes a housing. The cam follower assembly includes a first cam follower and a second cam follower to contact a cam surface. The cam follower assembly includes a first holding element coupled to the first cam follower, and a second holding element coupled to the second cam follower. The second holding element is assembled with the first holding element and received in an opening of the housing, where the first holding device moves relative to the second holding device. An adjusting element of compressible material determines the relative movement between the first holding device and the second holding device. The first cam follower moves relative to the second cam follower according to the relative movement between the first holding element and the second holding element. The first cam follower and the second cam follower maintain contact with the cam surface according to their relative movement.

Abstract: A cam follower assembly includes a housing. The cam follower assembly includes a first cam follower and a second cam follower to contact a cam surface. The cam follower assembly includes a first holding element coupled to the first cam follower, and a second holding element coupled to the second cam follower. The second holding element is assembled with the first holding element and received in an opening of the housing, where the first holding device moves relative to the second holding device. An adjusting element of compressible material determines the relative movement between the first holding device and the second holding device. The first cam follower moves relative to the second cam follower according to the relative movement between the first holding element and the second holding element. The first cam follower and the second cam follower maintain contact with the cam surface according to their relative movement.

Abstract: A threading turret assembly includes a plurality of threading heads. The threading heads comprise first and second threading rollers. The threading head is configured to impart a thread onto a metallic can such that a threaded cap may be screwed onto the can to seal an opening in the can. The turret assembly is configured to rotate such that the plurality of threading heads orbit the centerline of rotation about which the turret rotates. The turret is configured to impart a rotation onto the plurality of threading heads as the threading heads orbit the center of rotation.

Abstract: A threading turret assembly includes a plurality of threading heads. The threading heads comprise first and second threading rollers. The threading head is configured to impart a thread onto a metallic can such that a threaded cap may be screwed onto the can to seal an opening in the can. The turret assembly is configured to rotate such that the plurality of threading heads orbit the centerline of rotation about which the turret rotates. The turret is configured to impart a rotation onto the plurality of threading heads as the threading heads orbit the center of rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus to expand a diameter of a can or other article comprises a forming turret that includes a stop plate and a forming tooling. The stop plate is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can to restrict motion of the can; the stop plate is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling includes a plate and an expansion tool axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate includes an opening through which the tool passes. The expansion tool is configured to move into an open end of the can to expand the diameter of the can.

Abstract: A threading turret assembly includes a plurality of threading heads. The threading heads comprise first and second threading rollers. The threading head is configured to impart a thread onto a metallic can such that a threaded cap may be screwed onto the can to seal an opening in the can. The turret assembly is configured to rotate such that the plurality of threading heads orbit the centerline of rotation about which the turret rotates. The turret is configured to impart a rotation onto the plurality of threading heads as the threading heads orbit the center of rotation.

Abstract: A slide assembly for use on a forming turret in a machine line that forms articles, such as cans, comprises a fixed rail, a slide block configured to slide in the rail, and an adaptor that is mounted to the rail. The slide assembly is configured to provide at least a 4.0 inch or more stroke that is stable and minimizes shaking or other movement. The slide assembly is designed such that ends of at least one of the adaptor and rail remain rigid during the stroke operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a curl on a top edge of a can comprises a forming head; and a forming turret with a push ram to load the can into the forming head. The forming head includes a plurality of independent rollers mounted on a common head. The plurality of rollers includes a first set of rollers configured to form an inner portion of a curl and a second set of rollers configured to form an outer portion of the curl.

Abstract: An apparatus to expand a diameter of a can or other article comprises a forming turret that includes a stop plate and a forming tooling. The stop plate is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can to restrict motion of the can; the stop plate is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling includes a plate and an expansion tool axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate includes an opening through which the tool passes. The expansion tool is configured to move into an open end of the can to expand the diameter of the can.

Abstract: A slide assembly for use on a forming turret in a machine line that forms articles, such as cans, comprises a fixed rail, a slide block configured to slide in the rail, and an adaptor that is mounted to the rail. The slide assembly is configured to provide at least a 4.0 inch or more stroke that is stable and minimizes shaking or other movement. The slide assembly is designed such that ends of at least one of the adaptor and rail remain rigid during the stroke operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a curl on a top edge of a can comprises a forming head; and a forming turret with a push ram to load the can into the forming head. The forming head includes a plurality of independent rollers mounted on a common head. The plurality of rollers includes a first set of rollers configured to form an inner portion of a curl and a second set of rollers configured to form an outer portion of the curl.