Abstract: A multidirectional sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet loader and a sheet feeder disposed adjacent a press. Both the feeder and loader include carriages movable toward and away from the press and carriages movable laterally with respect to the direction of feed toward and away from the press. The method of operation includes feeding a sheet from the loader to the feeder and from the feeder into the press a predetermined distance. The method further includes feeding the sheet further into the press and/or laterally thereof as required between press cycles. In a variation of the method, the sheet may be moved both further into the press and laterally thereof simultaneously. The method further includes aligning the loader with the feeder prior to the last operation of the press on a sheet.

Abstract: A multidirectional sheet feeding apparatus includes a sheet loader and a sheet feeder disposed adjacent a press. Both the feeder and loader include carriages movable toward and away from the press and carriages movable laterally with respect to the direction of feed toward and away from the press. The method of operation includes feeding a sheet from the loader to the feeder and from the feeder into the press a predetermined distance. The method further includes feeding the sheet further into the press and/or laterally thereof as required between press cycles. The method further includes aligning the loader with the feeder prior to the last operation of the press on a sheet.

Abstract: A multi-directional system, method and apparatus for feeding stock from a coil into a press in a principal feed direction and selectively in a direction normal to the principal feed direction includes an uncoiler, a compensator, a feeder and a press arranged in series with the feeder and the compensator being engagable with the stock to feed it in the principal feed direction into the press and being shiftable transversely of the principal feed direction to shift the stock in that direction while the leading end of the stock is received within the press.

Abstract: A double action draw press having inner and outer rams reciprocal with respect to a fixed base for forming two piece containers such as beverage or food containers from metal sheet stock. The apparatus includes a pressure system carried by the outer ram and adapted to hold the material during the drawing operation. The apparatus also includes a drawing horn secured to the inner ram and movable independently of the pressure sleeve system. The drawing horn has an inwardly directed recess in its outboard end which communicates with an internal air passage leading to a source of air pressure. This structure permits use of an improved method of removing the formed can from the press by permitting air pressure to be applied to the interior wall surfaces of the drawn container as the press opens to move it out of the press for further processing.

Abstract: A double action draw press having inner and outer rams reciprocal with respect to a fixed base for forming two piece containers such as beverage or food containers from metal sheet stock. The apparatus includes a pressure system carried by the outer ram and adapted to hold the material during the drawing operation. The apparatus also includes a drawing horn secured to the inner ram and movable independently of the pressure sleeve system. The drawing horn has an inwardly directed recess in its outboard end which communicates with an internal air passage leading to a source of air pressure. This structure permits air pressure to be applied to the interior surfaces of the drawn container as the press opens to move it out of the press for further processing. The horn is capable of being rotated about its longitudinal axis and fixed in any desired position so that this air passage is capable of being precisely directed whereby the air applied to the container will direct the container in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: A method for the high reduction of metal during a forming operation includes placing the metal blank being formed under compression by applying pressure to its peripheral edge surfaces and simultaneously engaging it with a drawing horn. The apparatus employed in the method includes a draw pad and a draw horn carried by the movable member or platen of a press and a die carried by the base of the press with the platen being movable toward and away from the base. The base also carries a matrix which carries a plurality of iris plates which are arranged in a circular fashion around a central axis of the die and which are adapted to move toward and away from the vertical center axis of the die so as to be moved into engagement with the peripheral edge surfaces of the blank as the press is brought to a closed position and the draw horn engages the blank.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming cup-shaped metal containers from a metal blank by drawing and then redrawing the blank to its finished configuration is disclosed. The method and apparatus is intended for use in a double acting press having inner and outer rams which operate in relatively timed relationship. The means for performing the drawing operation are operatively associated with the outer ram and the means for performing the redrawing operation are carried by the inner ram. The drawing means are pneumatically activated and the redrawing means on the inner ram are telescopically received within the drawing means of the outer ram and carry peripheral radially extending shoulders thereon for engagement with the drawing means so that, for at least a portion of the travel of the inner ram, travel of the drawing means is retarded thereby controlling the timing of the actuation of the drawing means and reducing the stroke of the press required to accomplish the triple action drawing and redrawing function.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming cup-shaped metal containers from a metal blank by drawing and then redrawing the blank to its finished configuration is disclosed. The apparatus is intended for use in a double acting press having inner and outer rams which operate in relatively timed relationship. The means for performing the drawing operation are operatively associated with the outer ram and the means for performing the redrawing operation are carried by the inner ram. The drawing means are pneumatically activated and the redrawing means on the inner ram are telescopically received within the drawing means of the outer ram and carry peripheral radially extending shoulders thereon for engagement with the drawing means so that, for at least a portion of the travel of the inner ram, travel of the drawing means is retarded thereby controlling the timing of the actuation of the drawing means and reducing the stroke of the press required to accomplish the triple action drawing and redrawing function.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for trimming the flange of a drawn metal container such as a food or beverage container so as to place it in condition for having the lid applied thereto. The apparatus includes a fixed trim punch secured to the base of a press, with a trim die stripper disposed around its upper edge. A trim die is secured to the movable upper bolster of the press for movement therewith. The trim die carries with it a pressure pad which is movable in a downward direction independently of the trim die and movable in an upward direction together with the die. The movement of the pressure pad is such that it will engage a portion of the flange of the container which is received within the trim punch, following which the trim die will continue its downward movement to shear off the excess material along the flange. The shearing motion is downward against the flange so that any burrs or irregularities which might occur on the remainder of the flange after the shearing operation will project downwardly.