Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the quality of a double seam used in can manufacture, or can filling, to seam a can end (2) onto a can body (1). The apparatus uses a device (41) for measuring the strain/force applied by the lifter cam (10) so as to provide information such as first operation seam quality, gross seam defects and machine condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for double seaming an end unit to a can body includes, as is conventional, a double seaming chuck, a double seaming roll and a mechanism for selectively moving the double seaming roll toward the double seaming chuck to perform a double seaming operation. Most advantageously, a drive mechanism is provided for driving the double seaming chuck and the double seaming roll at respective speeds that are selected so as to reduce relative rotational speed between the double seaming roll and a workpiece when the double seaming roll comes into contact with the workpiece during the double seaming operation.

Abstract: Described is a seaming machine for use with a container (22) and an end closure (28). The machine includes a seaming head (62) with multiple shaft assemblies (100) and a lifter table (60) located below the seaming head (62) and including multiple container stations. During use, the lifter table (60) and seaming head (62) rotate in unison about the centerline of a spindle (64). A single shaft assembly (100) is provided at each station to perform a two-step seaming operation on its corresponding container (22). In one embodiment, a seaming cam (66) is located above the seaming head (62) for moving first and second cam followers (116), (118) in the shaft assembly (100). In another embodiment, the cam followers (116) and (118) have a master/slave relationship dependent on which step of the seaming operation is being conducted. In another embodiment, a single piece plate (122) is used in a cover feed assembly (120) and provides end closures (28) to a make-up point (30).

Abstract: A double seam forming apparatus for applying end units to can bodies includes a can seamer (12) with a seaming cam (46). Seaming cam (46) includes a high dwell portion (56) which deforms responsive to force encounterred by tooling during forming of a can seam. A reinforcing pin (72) limits deformation of the high dwell portion to prevent damage. The high dwell portion of the cam includes a force sensor (20) which generates a signal responsive to strain of the high dwell portion due to applied force. The apparatus further includes a monitor apparatus (28). The monitor apparatus includes a controller (30) which includes a processor and a data store (32), and a host station (38). The monitor apparatus is operative to identify seam fault conditions and to store data concerning seamer conditions. The monitor apparatus also operates a can ejector (26) to divert cans identified as having defective seams.

Abstract: An interactive multi-player computer hosted game employs an unstructured telecommunications link, such as the Internet, between a game server and a plurality of game clients. A game server, associated with a game driver, performs a performance monitoring function to determine an optimal bandwidth for each connection to a game client. Each information packet generated by the game driver is prioritized and queued for transmission in order of relevance for the game client. The game server then optimizes the transmission of information packets through the telecommunication network to the game client. Processed user input is received through the telecommunication network from the game client and transmitted to the game driver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a drum seam. A tray-like end plate having a cylindrical portion forming an indented shape and an outward extending end plate flange formed by the edge of the cylindrical portion is fitted into the end of a cylindrical drum body having a body flange extending outward from the edge thereof perpendicular to the cylindrical axis of the body with the end plate flange overlapping and extending along and beyond the body flange. A seaming chuck having a cylindrical forming face is fitted into the tray-like end plate for holding the body and end plate together with the forming face of the seaming chuck against the inner surface of said cylindrical portion and rotated for rotating the drum body and end plate. The seaming chuck has a fillet on the end adjacent the position where the end plate flange extends from the cylindrical portion and an inclined surface extending from the forming face outwardly thereof.