Abstract: A slip sheet handling apparatus is specifically adaptable for retrofit attachment to a standard lift jack unit and is characterized by having a platen which is pivotally connected to the tines of the jack unit for tilting movement, and a gripper assembly is slidable along the platen to automatically cause upward and downward tilting movement of the platen as the gripper assembly is advanced into engagement with a slip sheet beneath a load and draws the slip sheet onto the platen in transporting the load from one site to another.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus is characterized by having a transfer starwheel with individual pockets which are successively advanced beneath a feeder unit, such as a downstacker mechanism, each pocket in succession receiving an individual can end advanced into the pocket by the downstacker and each end selectively removed from the pocket by application of a differential pressure to the lid when it moves into alignment with a vacuum chute. One or more vacuum chutes may be placed in the path of movement of the pockets of the transfer starwheel to direct the lids into one or more lanes for advancement to another station.

Abstract: A distributor apparatus is characterized by having a transfer starwheel with individual pockets which are successively advanced beneath a feeder unit, such as, a downstacker mechanism, each pocket having a ring gear and individual feed screw elements controlled by the ring gear to successively engage an outer rim of an individual can end advanced into the pocket by the downstacker and subsequently remove each end from the pocket through rotation of the ring gear when it moves into alignment with a discharge chute. One or more discharge chutes may be placed in the path of movement of the pockets of the transfer starwheel, and output level sensors at each discharge chute determine when ends are to be supplied to each chute.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting can end members comprising multiple tray units having multiple parallel rows of elongated compartments for receiving and supporting stacks of end members. The tray units are nestable and stackable one upon another to provide palletized loads of both empty and filled tray units. End loading and unloading apparatus is provided to enable simultaneous loading and unloading full tray compartments by simultaneous lateral movement of all of the stacks of end members between the tray compartments and a shuttle tray unit whereat all the stacks of end members are stored prior to loading and unloading of the tray unit. The shuttle tray unit is loaded and unloaded by stacking units of a lesser number than the number of tray compartments.

Abstract: A system for storing and transporting can end members comprising multiple tray units having multiple parallel rows of elongated compartment for receiving and supporting stacks of end members. The tray units are nestable and stackable one upon another to provide palletized loads of both empty and filled tray units. End loading and unloading apparatus is provided to enable simultaneous loading and unloading full tray compartments so simultaneous lateral movement of all of the stacks of end members between the tray compartments and a shuttle tray unit whereat all the stacks of end members are stored prior to loading and unloading of the tray unit. The shuttle tray unit is loaded and unloaded by stacking units of a lesser number than the number of tray compartments.

Abstract: A sheet transfer device and method are disclosed for transferring sheets from a sheet stack to a utilization area such as a can pallet. A base unit causes pivoting of a beam about a moveable pivot point so that a sheet picked up from the sheet stack is moved upwardly for a substantial distance and then pivoted to a point above a can pallet, after which the sheet is moved downwardly and deposited on the upwardly extending tops of a horizontal layer of cans on the can pallet. Suction is supplied through a plurality of cups brought into engagement with the top sheet of a sheet stack to lift the top sheet from the stack, with the suction being terminated when the sheet is deposited on the can pallet to thereby release the sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for transit of articles between a transfer surface and an adjacent separator sheet is disclosed with the apparatus having a selectively positionable and extendable bridge for providing a transitional surface between the transfer surface and the sheet and for overlapping a portion of the sheet adjacent to the transfer surface when in a first position, and for providing a clearance for placement and positioning of the sheet when in a second position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for relative movement between stacked articles and a reference surface upon which the articles are stacked. Some, or all, independently movable layers, or tiers, of the stack of articles are received by a suspending device that includes a partial enclosure connected with a high pressure air pump capable of reducing the fluid pressure to establish a pressure differential within the partial enclosure. The partial enclosure has flexible sealing strips extending from, and coextensive with, the bottom edge of movable sections of the partial enclosure, and the sealing strips are positioned adjacent to the lowest tier to be acted upon by the suspending device.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously forming a continuous strip of aluminum sheet material using a belt caster for forming a continuous strip of aluminum sheet material and a roll caster for immediately reducing the thickness of the continuous strip of aluminum sheet material wherein the continuous loop belt means used in the belt caster are driven by the rolls of said roll caster.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing used empty aluminum and steel cans wherein groups of empty cans are carried upwardly on an inclined conveyor between spaced inclined ribs and separately sequentially discharged therefrom into an air duct wherein empty cans are blown to a crusher whereat the empty cans are sequentially crushed and fall onto a magnetic separator whereat crushed aluminum cans are separated from crushed steel cans and fall into a weigh hopper whereat the weight of crushed aluminum cans is determined whereupon compensation is dispensed for the value of the crushed aluminum cans. Thereafter, the crushed aluminum cans are sequentially dropped into an air duct and blown to a storage bin.

Abstract: A plastic closure having inner pressure sealing skirt and outer finish engaging skirt has a plurality of fingers evenly spaced around the inner side of the outer skirt. The corresponding finish has a like plurality of indentations evenly spaced around its circumference for engagement by the fingers when the cap is applied. The indentations may be in the form of recesses spaced from the bottle mouth, having a horizontal lip at the top edge, and having a side wall smoothly merging with the outer surface of the finish at the side of the recess. Alternatively, the recess may be a bayonet groove spiraling downwardly on the finish and then bending into a horizontal or upwardly spiraling groove for locking the fingers in place against pressure in the bottle. Another embodiment would employ a groove spiraling downwardly on the finish at a first depth, and then terminating in a groove portion of a second greater depth.