Abstract: An induction heater includes an electrically conductive coil that produces an alternating magnetic field when current is applied to the coil. The magnetic field is used to heat metal containers such as tubular containers. The coil extends about a heating path of travel that extends along the longitudinal axis of the coil. A transport device is provided to move the container through the magnetic field such that the longitudinal axis of the container is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coil. This allows for heating the container at the twelve and six o'clock positions. The transport device functions to roll the container along the heating path. In a preferred embodiment, the coil is wrapped about a core with a generally rectangular shape. Ferromagnetic members may optionally be used to further shape the magnetic field. The methods and apparatus may be used for regular or irregularly shaped containers.

Abstract: An induction heater includes an electrically conductive coil that produces an alternating magnetic field when current is applied to the coil. The magnetic field is used to heat metal containers such as tubular containers. The coil extends about a heating path of travel that extends along the longitudinal axis of the coil. A transport device is provided to move the container through the magnetic field such that the longitudinal axis of the container is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coil. This allows for heating the container at the twelve and six o'clock positions. The transport device functions to roll the container along the heating path. In a preferred embodiment, the coil is wrapped about a core with a generally rectangular shape. Ferromagnetic members may optionally be used to further shape the magnetic field. The methods and apparatus may be used for regular or irregularly shaped containers.

Abstract: An induction heater includes an electrically conductive coil that produces an alternating magnetic field when current is applied to the coil. The magnetic field is used to heat metal containers such as tubular containers. The coil extends about a heating path of travel that extends along the longitudinal axis of the coil. A transport device is provided to move the container through the magnetic field such that the longitudinal axis of the container is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the coil. This allows for heating the container at the twelve and six o'clock positions. The transport device functions to roll the container along the heating path. In a preferred embodiment, the coil is wrapped about a core with a generally rectangular shape. Ferromagnetic members may optionally be used to further shape the magnetic field. The methods and apparatus may be used for regular or irregularly shaped containers.

Abstract: In an induction heater, preheated, pressurized air is further heated in the heating cabinet and also drawn into the coil tube via a suction fan. The simultaneous pulling and pushing of the twice-heated air through the tube provides superior air flow to pick up more moisture from the can ends being dried. The tube ends rest on upwardly concave collars and are held in place by gravity, with a single screw acting as a stop above to prevent upward movement. Removal requires only removing the single screw at each end then lifting the tube straight up out of the cabinet, which is facilitated by providing a hinged cover on the cabinet.

Abstract: A magnetic separator has a funnel-shaped inlet opening that is adapted to admit and align any misaligned workpieces moving into the separator. A view port for enables viewing of the pole pieces from a location other than the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The view port is preferably formed in a lower guide plate. The separator has a jack screw adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the upper guide plate relative to the lower guide plate. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the upper pole piece relative to the upper guide plate includes an adjustment screw that is accessible fro the top of the separator The upper guide plate is easily removable from the separator by removing only one fastener per side.