Abstract: The present invention relates to improved materials for fabricating can bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to can tooling components fabricated from whisker-reinforced silicon nitride having from about 5 to about 15 weight percent whiskers with an average diameter of at least about 0.75 micrometers. The material preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than about 3.5.times.10.sup.-6 per .degree.C. and a friction coefficient of from about 0.20 to about 0.24. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the trim height of can bodies formed using a can tooling apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved materials for fabricating can bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to can tooling components fabricated from whisker-reinforced silicon nitride having from about 5 to about 15 weight percent whiskers with an average diameter of at least about 0.75 micrometers. The material preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than about 3.5.times.10.sup.-6 per .degree.C. and a friction coefficient of from about 0.20 to about 0.24. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the trim height of can bodies formed using a can tooling apparatus.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for reshaping the bottom wall of an aluminum can body wherein a mold member having a generally cylindrical outer surface having a longitudinal axis and a contoured bottom surface is mounted for rotation in a support structure and an aluminum can body having a generally cylindrical sidewall having a longitudinal axis and an integral bottom wall is secured on the mold member so that an annular portion of the bottom wall contacts at least an annular portion of the contoured bottom surface and the longitudinal axes thereof coincide. As the mold member and the can body are rotated, resilient forces are applied to the bottom wall using a tool member having a spherical surface which is moved in a diametrical linear direction across the bottom wall to reshape the bottom wall into conformation with the contoured bottom surface.

Abstract: A conveyor carries a plurality of pegs for supporting and rotating cylindrical containers having one open end and one closed end, each peg having a central pin mounted in the conveyor and a steel sleeve rotatably carried on the pin, the steel sleeve extending for a maximum distance within the carried container for uniform support and stability of the container on the peg, and the steel material acting against the wall of the container to provide proper friction for container rotation with stability. The inner end of the sleeve has an enlarged hub for rolling on an associated bar for rotating the sleeve on the pin, and a spacer tube holds the open end of the carried container at a distance from the hub. In a modified form, the pin extends only a small fraction of the length of the sleeve and the sleeve is held on the outer end portion of the pin by friction, the sleeve being scored outwardly from the end of the pin to bend or break under stress without damaging the pin.