Abstract: A can end manufacturing apparatus including an endless belt (1) having spaced apertures (12) for supporting the can ends (C) through the various stages of manufacture, said belt (1) being supported by spring-loaded travel rails (2, 3) arranged in guide slots (4) formed in longitudinally spaced supporting pillars (5) arranged on either side of a die station chamber (6) within which several die stations (7, 8, 9) and a sealant application station (10) are arranged. During each manufacturing operation, the transfer belt (1) is moved vertically so that each can end (C) is brought into engagement with the die stations (7, 8, 9) and the sealant application station (10). During this vertical movement, the atmosphere within the die station chamber (6) is alternatively compressed and rarefied.

Abstract: The specification discloses an article retention system for transfrer equipment, particularly transfer equipment for carrying can ends to a series of stations to produce an easy-opening end. The can ends are supported by an indexing belt and contact means in the form of spring steel strips and are arranged in overlying and contacting relationship with the can ends supported by the belt. A contacting force of between 200 to 500 grams is sufficient to retain the can ends in a predetermined orientation such that the ends are accurately presented to each station. In an alternative embodiment a fixed rail overlies the edges of the can ends and spring loaded rollers engage the indexing belt to force the can ends into engagement with the rails to maintain the orientation in a manner similar to the above.

Abstract: A push-in easy opening closure for a can end (1) or similar container member formed with a resealable pressure releasing tab (4) closing an opening (5) in the can end (1) and integrally connected to the can end (1) at integral connection (6). The tab (4) is adapted to be bent about the integral connection (6) during the opening operation, and to avoid sheet metal fracture at the integral connection (6), the radius about which the tab (4) will bend in the region of the connection (6) is artificially increased by some convenient means. In a first embodiment (FIGS. 1 to 3), a raised dimple (7) is formed centrally of the integral connection (6). In another embodiment (FIG. 4), an elongate raised bead (8) is formed longitudinally of the anticipated line of bending of the connection (6). In a still further embodiment (FIGS. 5 to 7), an elongate raised bead (9) extends transversely of the anticipated line of bending of the connection (6) and to either side of said line. In a still further embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: This specification discloses certain improvements in resealable pressure releasing closures of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,105,134 and 4,155,480 Debenham et al. In the several improvements disclosed in the specification, the resealing properties of the closure are improved by reducing the concentration of the flexure of the closure at the connection between the closure and the can end to thereby reduce the extent to which the material defining the connection permanently deforms during the opening operation. In one embodiment the pressure releasing closure or tab 20 has a connection 23 to the can end which is at substantially the same level as the adjacent portion of the closure by the provision of an area 26 immediately behind the connection which is downwardly depressed so as to be co-planar with the tab 20.

Abstract: This specification discloses improvements in push-in easy opening closures of the pressure releasing type which are designed to substantially reseal once a digitally applied push-in force causing them to open is released. In one form of the invention, the pressure releasing closure is formed partly within the confines of a pouring closure and partly outside the pouring closure whereby the pressure releasing closure is permanently opened when the pouring closure is opened. In another embodiment, the pressure releasing closure is connected to the can end adjacent its countersink whereby the opened closure defines a liquid draining hole when opened. The specification also discloses a can end having a closure formed so that the sheet metal at its hinge is relatively undisturbed. A method of forming such a closure is also disclosed.