Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a metallic cup that is subsequently reformed into a container body. More specifically, an apparatus and methods used to form a metallic cup with a reformed bottom having an inwardly oriented projection are disclosed. The inwardly oriented projection reduces a height of the metallic cup but utilizes the same amount of metallic stock material as a taller cup with substantially the same diameter that does not have an inward projection. The inwardly oriented projection thus allows the use of a conventional bodymaker and other can manufacturing tools to convert the cup into a container body of a preferred size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a metallic cup that is subsequently reformed into a container body is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods used to form a metallic cup with a reformed bottom having an inwardly oriented projection. The inwardly oriented projection reduces a height of the metallic cup but utilizes the same amount of metallic stock material as a taller cup with substantially the same diameter that does not have an inward projection. The inwardly oriented projection thus allows the use of a conventional bodymaker and other can manufacturing tools to convert the cup into a container body of a preferred size and shape.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a metallic cup that is subsequently reformed into a container body is provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and methods used to form a metallic cup with a reformed bottom having an inwardly oriented projection. The inwardly oriented projection reduces a height of the metallic cup but utilizes the same amount of metallic stock material as a taller cup with substantially the same diameter that does not have an inward projection. The inwardly oriented projection thus allows the use of a conventional bodymaker and other can manufacturing tools to convert the cup into a container body of a preferred size and shape.

Abstract: A redraw press with an improved can blank transfer mechanism is provided which allows for a substantial increase in the operating speed of the press. Servomotors are used to accurately control positioning and rates of movement of the can blanks as they move downstream through the press.

Abstract: A redraw press with an improved can blank transfer mechanism is provided which allows for a substantial increase in the operating speed of the press. Servomotors are used to accurately control positioning and rates of movement of the can blanks as they move downstream through the press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cup-shaped members used in conjunction with a single-acting or a double-acting press having an outer punch assembly, an inner punch assembly and a base. A draw pad and a cutting edge are carried on the outer punch assembly, a draw horn is carried on the inner punch assembly and a blank and draw die is carried on the base. The draw pad and the draw horn oppose the blank and draw die such that the draw pad clampingly engages the blank and draw die in order to exert a clamping pressure on the pressure piston system having first and second pistons vertically stacked with respect to one another. The pressure piston system includes a damping member located within the pressure piston system for continuously increasing the clamping pressure during advancement of the outer punch assembly toward the base of the press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cup-shaped members used in conjunction with a single-acting or a double-acting press having an outer punch assembly, an inner punch assembly and a base. A draw pad and a cutting edge are carried on the outer punch assembly, a draw horn is carried on the inner punch assembly and a blank and draw die is carried on the base. The draw pad and the draw horn oppose the blank and draw die such that the draw pad clampingly engages the blank and draw die in order to exert a clamping pressure on the pressure piston system having first and second pistons vertically stacked with respect to one another. The pressure piston system includes a damping member located within the pressure piston system for continuously increasing the clamping pressure during advancement of the outer punch assembly toward the base of the press.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cup (10) having a profiled bottom generally includes a draw die (20) disposed at a first level of a double acting press. The draw die (20) cooperates with a draw pad (22) and a cut edge (24) to form and hold a blank (28) formed from a sheet of material (M). A punch assembly (30) is configured to travel through the draw die (20), thereby drawing the blank (28) over the draw die (20) into a cup (60). The punch assembly (30) transports the cup (60) to a second level of the press where it bottoms out on a die core (50) and a ring pad (51). One element of the punch assembly (30) continues to move beyond the second level of the press, thereby drawing a portion of the cup (60) over the die core (50) and profiling the bottom of the cup (60). The profiled cup (10) is then returned to the second level of the press where it is removed from the punch assembly (30) and transferred. The bottom profile insures that the cup will retain its shape during the transfer operation.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a source of light movable with respect to a writing element and projectable thereon to generate an image, a focusing system is provided for focusing a light source which generates a first beam of light of a wavelength selected to be actinic with respect to the writing element. At least a portion of the first beam of light is absorbed by the writing element. The apparatus comprises a material supply to automatically supply donor sheets and receiver sheets independently to a writing platen or drum, and to selectively load and unload the donor sheets from superposition with the receiver sheet without disturbing the registration of the receiver sheet. The material transport is arranged to selectively contact the donor and the receiver materials so that there is no cross-contamination.

Abstract: An adjustable sheet handling apparatus including a member which engages a sheet movable along a path and which is movable into and out of the path and a member for holding the sheet engaging member in the sheet path. The engaging member and holding member are adjustably connected so the position in the path at which a sheet is engaged by the sheet engaging member may be changed without changing the position of the holding member.

Abstract: Sheet handling apparatus is provided including first and second convergent paths along which sheets are moved seriatim. A sheet engagement mechanism is located adjacent to the first path near the convergence of the two paths. A sheet guide member is mounted for movement between a first position adjacent to the first path and a second position adjacent to the second path. When the guide member is in the first position, the sheet engagement mechanism extends into the first path to register sheets moved along the first path. When the guide member is in the second position the sheet engagement mechanism is held remote from either path.