Abstract: This relates to the provision of a vacuum indicator in a container wherein a product is vacuum packaged. Most specifically, an end unit for a conventional container is provided with a vent opening through which air rushes into the container when opened. There is secured to the underside of the end unit a whistle device in communication with the opening so that the inwardly rushing air actuates the whistle device and causes the whistle device to emit a whistling sound in accordance with the vacuum present within the container and thereby gives an audible indication of the freshness of the product.

Abstract: A powder system for electrostatically applying a powder coating to a can body side seam area. The system incorporates a catcher which is positioned and is of a configuration to catch and return substantially all of the powder overspray and stray powder particles. A constant vacuum is maintained in the catcher by way of a vacuum flow transducer.

Abstract: A powder stripe application system wherein substantially all powder introduced into the system is applied to side seam areas of can bodies with that powder which is not initially bonded to a can body being directly recycled within the system. The system includes a delivery nozzle which has an adjustable mounting which permits the powder stream to be positioned as desired.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a can body transfer mechanism particularly adapted for use as part of an automatic coating and printing machine wherein can bodies and like tubular members are automatically positioned on mandrels and thereafter serially presented to coating and printing blankets. The transfer apparatus includes a vertically disposed feed screw which spaces can bodies and transfers them to a feed turret which, in turn, transfers the can bodies to a transfer turret. The transfer turret has generally horizontally disposed pockets axially aligned with mandrels carried by an endless chain and there is associated with the transfer turret a pusher turret having a plurality of pusher members thereon axially aligned with the turret pockets and the mandrels and automatically operable by a fixed cam in response to the rotation of the pusher turret to push can bodies from the transfer turret pockets onto the mandrels.

Abstract: A powder stripe application system wherein substantially all powder introduced into the system is applied to side seam areas of can bodies with that powder which is not initially bonded to a can body being directly recycled within the system. The system includes a delivery nozzle which has an adjustable mounting which permits the powder stream to be positioned as desired.