Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

Abstract: A can end including a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a standard chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall. The annular portion includes an enhanced annular countersink.

Abstract: A retainer assembly includes a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

Abstract: A shell includes a body with a center panel, a countersink, a chuck wall, and a draw-stretched outer portion. The countersink has a base thickness. The outer portion has a reduced thickness. The shell countersink has substantially the same thickness as the sheet material prior to forming. In this configuration, the shell maintains the buckle resistance of a standard shell but uses less material.

Abstract: A can end includes a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, a curl extending radially outwardly from the chuck wall, the annular portion including a subsurface step.

Abstract: A can end including a center panel, an annular portion disposed about the center panel, a standard chuck wall disposed about the annular portion, and a curl extending radially outwardly from the standard chuck wall. The annular portion includes an enhanced annular countersink.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for forming a shell. The apparatus has a die center and a panel punch located in opposed relation to the die center. A panel punch piston is coupled to the panel punch. The panel punch piston has an upper end and a spacer member is disposed concentrically around an outside surface of the panel punch piston at or proximate to the upper end of the panel punch piston. The upper end of the spacer member is in contact with a lower end of the panel punch and the spacer member is located proximate to a peripheral surface of the lower end of the panel punch. A method for manufacturing a shell is additionally provided as well.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus for forming a shell. The apparatus has a die center and a panel punch located in opposed relation to the die center. A panel punch piston is coupled to the panel punch. The panel punch piston has an upper end and a spacer member is disposed concentrically around an outside surface of the panel punch piston at or proximate to the upper end of the panel punch piston. The upper end of the spacer member is in contact with a lower end of the panel punch and the spacer member is located proximate to a peripheral surface of the lower end of the panel punch. A method for manufacturing a shell is additionally provided as well.