Patents by Inventor Mark L. Zauhar

Mark L. Zauhar has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7526937
    Abstract: A can bottom forming assembly for use in forming the bottom of metal cans, such as steel and aluminum two piece cans. The bottom forming assembly is lightweight, compact and comprises outer and cylinder housing assemblies which house a clamp ring retainer assembly, a transfer piston assembly and an annular spring member. The clamp ring retainer assembly includes biasing members to float a clamp ring thereby centering the clamp ring and domer die plug with respect to the ram of a bodymaker. Increased piston size, spring position and size are provided to permit increased clamp ring pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Inventor: Mark L. Zauhar
  • Patent number: 7290428
    Abstract: A can bottom forming assembly for use in forming the bottom of metal cans, such as steel and aluminum two piece cans. The bottom forming assembly is lightweight and comprises outer and cylinder housing assemblies which house a clamp ring retainer assembly, a transfer piston assembly and a spring member. The clamp ring retainer assembly includes biasing members to float a clamp ring thereby centering the clamp ring and domer die plug with respect to the ram of a bodymaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Inventor: Mark L. Zauhar
  • Patent number: 7107811
    Abstract: A tool pack assembly for use in the manufacture of two piece metal can bodies. The tool pack assembly of the present invention is constructed and arranged for use in a body maker assembly to form parts of metal cans. The tool pack assembly of the invention includes an improved die module structure. The improved die module includes compressible dampening structures to thereby float a die element to center and align the metal body with the die element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Mark L. Zauhar
  • Patent number: 6490904
    Abstract: An improved double action bottom former for forming and shaping a metal can blank includes an integral cylinder housing having sidewalls forming first and second axial chambers, wherein the second axial chamber houses a piston suspension assembly for resilient positioning of a clamp ring and the first axial chamber houses a dome plug, which is resiliently positioned through use of a donut spring. In addition to serving means to bias the dome plug, the donut spring includes an interior cylindrical space defining a third axial chamber to increase the volumetric capacity of the second axial chamber for added capability in controlling the resilient positioning of the clamp ring to permit high cyclic operation of the bottom former for a sustained period of time without deleterious impact on other operating components comprising bodymaking equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Mark L. Zauhar
  • Publication number: 20020170334
    Abstract: An improved double action bottom former for forming and shaping a metal can blank includes an integral cylinder housing having sidewalls forming first and second axial chambers, wherein the second axial chamber houses a piston suspension assembly for resilient positioning of a clamp ring and the first axial chamber houses a dome plug, which is resiliently positioned through use of a donut spring. In addition to serving means to bias the dome plug, the donut spring includes an interior cylindrical space defining a third axial chamber to increase the volumetric capacity of the second axial chamber for added capability in controlling the resilient positioning of the clamp ring to permit high cyclic operation of the bottom former for a sustained period of time without deleterious impact on other operating components comprising bodymaking equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Mark L. Zauhar