Abstract: A pressure sleeve for holding a container body blank in a die cavity at a redraw station in a press has a pair of notches formed in opposed side walls thereof. The notches provide clearance for a pair of opposed grippers of a transfer mechanism which moves container body blanks and formed container bodies between work stations of the press. The notches provide reduced travel distance of the transfer grippers thereby increasing press output speed.

Abstract: A pressure sleeve for holding a container body blank in a die cavity at a redraw station in a press has a pair of notches formed in opposed side walls thereof. The notches provide clearance for a pair of opposed grippers of a transfer mechanism which moves container body blanks and formed container bodies between work stations of the press. The notches provide reduced travel distance of the transfer grippers thereby increasing press output speed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular tapered relief area extending from its clamping surface to an annular wall of a central opening formed in the draw pad for reducing the clamping force which is exerted on a peripheral edge of the disk blank as the draw horn advances into the die opening of the blank and draw die to form the cup-shaped member. The angle of taper of the relief area is generally in the range of 4° and 10°. This tapered area reduces excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.

Abstract: A transfer pad for assisting in transferring a container body between work stations in a press has a flat planar guide surface extending between a pair of spaced guide rails for receiving the container body therebetween. A plurality of air holes are formed in the guide surface and extend along each of the guide rails. A vacuum is applied to peripheral edges of the container body through the air holes to maintain the container body in a secure position on the pad until being transferred to the succeeding work station. The ends of the guide rails are tapered to assist in guiding the container body between the rails.