Cup Or Shell Drawing (i.e., Deep Drawing) Patents (Class 72/347)
  • Patent number: 6634203
    Abstract: A process for the production of a can comprising a base and a tubular body from sheet metal which is coated on at least one side with a layer of plastic, in which process, firstly, a round disc is produced from the sheet metal, which disc is then deep-drawn into a cup which is coated at least on the outside with the layer of plastic, after which this cup is formed into a can by wall ironing, the wall ironing taking place in a single stroke by moving the cup successively through a plurality of wall-ironing rings, in which process an optionally metal-coated steel sheet is used as the sheet metal, and in which process the entry angle from each of the successive at lest three wall-ironing rings is smaller than that of the preceding ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Corus Staal BV
    Inventor: Hendrik Bastiaan Ras
  • Patent number: 6622539
    Abstract: In order to provide a deep-drawing method, with which a drawn part is arranged in a deep-drawing die between a first deep-drawing die part and a second deep-drawing die part and is formed by way of relative movement of the deep-drawing die parts in relation to one another, which—particularly for carrying out several consecutive drawing processes—is more time and energy saving than the known deep-drawing methods, it is suggested that a pressure variable with time during the drawing process be generated selectively at a limited pressure section of one of the deep-drawing die parts, this pressure pressing a section of the drawn part abutting on the pressure section against the respectively other deep-drawing die part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Blanco GmbH + Co KG
    Inventors: Josef Hartzinger, Torsten Krachhudel, Franz Kaderabek
  • Patent number: 6598450
    Abstract: An internally cooled punch disposed on the end of a ram in a can forming machine. Internal fluid cooling means in the ram avoids the need for externally applied cooling fluids. A plurality of parallel fluid transfer tubes is arranged annularly within the ram. Cooling medium flows through inlet tubes to radial inlet ports which supply the cooling medium to the inner surface of the punch where the medium flows rearwardly through a channel at the inner surface of the punch to radial outlet ports leading to outlet tubes through the ram. Discharged cooling media flows back along the ram and out through a manifold. The transfer tubes are arranged symmetrically in an alternating array circumferentially around the ram to reduce radial temperature gradients within the ram. A central port allows air flow through the ram to aid in stripping the formed container from the punch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sequa Can Machinery, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney Blue
  • Patent number: 6588087
    Abstract: A side plate for operatively connecting a recliner assembly to a frame structure has an integrally formed boss including frustum conical wall segment, a wall segment connecting the upper edge of the frustum conical wall segment, and a collar extending inwardly from the wall segment. A method of manufacturing the side plate having an integrally formed boss includes providing a continuous sheet of predetermined width, drawing a portion of the sheet into a first cup-shaped feature, reducing the diameter of the first cup-shaped feature, drawing a portion of the first cup-shaped feature into a second cup-shaped feature, reducing the diameter of the second cup-shaped feature, reverse drawing the first cup-shaped feature in the direction opposite the prior drawing step of the first cup-shaped feature, and forming a hole through the second cup-shaped feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Fisher Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Cecil A. Collins
  • Publication number: 20030121305
    Abstract: A drive for use in the manufacture of cans comprises a hydraulically powered guide pod to which a can bodymaker is attached. The guide pod slides along a guide rod which is fixed in the bodymaker. Forward and rear hydraulic chambers are defined between the pod and the guide rod by means of bushings and a seal. Passage of fluid through ports to and from the chambers causes the pod and bodymaker to move forwards and backwards. The length of the stroke can be set by the distance between the ports. A rotary valve is used to control the timing of the drive and control flow of hydraulic fluid, which is typically obtained from the bodymaker coolant supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Scholey
  • Patent number: 6550302
    Abstract: In metal stamping dies, by taking advantage of improved material flow by selectively warming the die, flat sections of the die can contribute to the flow of material throughout the workpiece. Local surface heating can be accomplished by placing a heating block in the die. Distribution of heating at the flat lower train central regions outside of the bend region allows a softer flow at a lower stress to enable material flow into the thinner, higher strain areas at the bend/s. The heating block is inserted into the die and is powered by a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan
    Inventor: Amit K. Ghosh
  • Patent number: 6474126
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for deep drawing a heavy gage workpiece into a drawn part. A lower die section includes a die cavity therein and a base mounting surface thereon, and further includes a die radius defined between the base mounting surface and the die cavity. Riser blocks mount to the base mounting surface of the die for supporting the workpiece at a predetermined elevation above the base mounting surface of the die. A punch having an end face is capable of reciprocating past the riser blocks and into and out of the die cavity. The workpiece is located on the riser blocks over the die cavity. The punch is advanced from a retracted position into the die cavity, wherein the end face of the punch contacts the workpiece such that the punch and the riser blocks cooperate to pre-form the workpiece therebetween as the punch moves toward the die, but before the workpiece enters the die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert H. Webster
  • Publication number: 20020148272
    Abstract: The invention is directed to apparatus and a method of using the apparatus to draw a blank into a product. The apparatus includes a die having a cavity to receive the blank being drawn into the product, a clamp adapted to apply an adjustable force against the blank during the drawing operation, and a mandrel comprising a plurality of nested tool segments, the tool segments independently extendable to engage and draw different portions of the blank into the desired product within the cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Bethlehem Steel Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Jroski
  • Publication number: 20020083756
    Abstract: In order to provide a deep-drawing method, with which a drawn part is arranged in a deep-drawing die between a first deep-drawing die part and a second deep-drawing die part and is formed by way of relative movement of the deep-drawing die parts in relation to one another, which—particularly for carrying out several consecutive drawing processes—is more time and energy saving than the known deep-drawing methods it is suggested that a pressure variable with time during the drawing process be generated selectively at a limited pressure section of one of the deep-drawing die parts, this pressure pressing a section of the drawn part abutting on the pressure section against the respectively other deep-drawing die part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: BLANCO GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Josef Hautzinger, Torsten Krachhudel, Franz Kaderabek
  • Patent number: 6393889
    Abstract: A color cathode ray tube comprises (i) a glass bulb comprising a substantially rectangular panel, on which phosphors of a plurality of colors are arranged, a funnel that is connected to a rear side of the panel, and a neck portion formed at a rear side of the funnel, in which an in-line electron gun for emitting an electron beam is arranged; (ii) a substantially rectangular shadow mask having a plurality of apertures that are arranged in correspondence with the phosphors on the panel; and (iii) a substantially rectangular mask frame having a wall portion that supports opposing skirt portions of the shadow mask. The surface of the shadow mask with the apertures is convex towards the panel. A central portion of the opposing skirt portion is convex in a direction of the tube axis on the side of the electron gun. Processing warps such as wrinkles in the skirt portions of the shadow mask are avoided, and a color cathode ray tube with good color rendition is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsumi Mitsuda, Hiroo Terada
  • Patent number: 6389866
    Abstract: A mounting cup for an aerosol container having radially outward extending dimples on the body portion of the mounting cup and radially inward extending indents in the skirt portion of the mounting cup; both the dimples and the indents being aligned with the longitudinal axis of the mounting cup. In the preferred form of the mounting cup, three aligned dimples and indents are spaced equidistant about the circumference of the body portion and the skirt portion, respectively. Additionally, the method of this invention comprises forming a mounting cup having dimples and indents aligned with the longitudinal axis of the mounting cup, wherein the indents are formed in the last stage of a progressive die stamping operation through displacement of the metal of the mounting cup into a recess in the outer surface of the pilot tool during the formation of the skirt portion of the mounting cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Precision Valve Corporation
    Inventor: Charles S. Radtke
  • Patent number: 6370932
    Abstract: A folding apparatus (10) includes a pair of dies (20) defining a recess (20M) therebetween, a cushion pad (30) vertically movable in the recess, a pair of support blocks (40), a pair of pivoting blocks (50) rotatable about the dies, and a vertically movable punch (60). The thickness of each pivoting block is substantially equal to the distance between the cushion pad and each die. Each pivoting block defines a groove (52) in an inner surface, for shifting the center of gravity outwardly. Each support block includes a horizontal portion (42) secured under the cushionpad, an inclined portion (46), and a shoulder (44) between the horizontal portion and the inclined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yao-Tser Liu
  • Patent number: 6339949
    Abstract: There is provided a method of deep drawing magnesium material, which material is superior in environmental compatibility and energy saving properties. The deep drawing method of the invention uses a die having a male mold 1 with a convex portion, and a female mold having a concave surface. In the method of the invention, a mounting table is placed between the male mold and the female mold for supporting a magnesium plate, and a layer of a plurality of thin resin films is placed on the magnesium plate. Further, a central portion of the magnesium plate is kept in contact with the convex portion 12 of the male mold, and the concave surface of the female mold is moved to cooperate with the convex portion of the male mold so that deep draw forming of the magnesium plate is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Inventor: Tutomu Takamatu
  • Publication number: 20010022103
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing cold formed shaped packaging having at least one recess made from a metal-plastic laminate 20. Examples of such shaped forms of packaging are the base parts of push-through packs or blister packs. The process is such that the laminate 20 is held between a retaining tool 5 and a die 1. The die 1 exhibits at least one opening 8 and a stamping tool 6 is driven into the die opening 8 causing the laminate to be shape-formed into the said packaging and, correspondingly, exhibiting one or more recesses. The die 1 and the retaining tool 5 exhibit facing edge regions 11, 12, and within the edge region 11 the die 1 exhibits a shoulder region 13 that surrounds the die opening 8 or openings 8. The surface of the shoulder region 13 lies 0.01 to 10 mm lower than the surface of the edge region 11 of the die 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Applicant: ALUSUISSE TECHNOLOGY & MANAGEMENT LTD.
    Inventors: Patrik Zeiter, Heinz Oster
  • Patent number: 6269671
    Abstract: Process for manufacturing cold formed shaped packaging having at least one recess made from a metal-plastic laminate 20. Examples of such shaped forms of packaging are the base parts of push-through packs or blister packs. The process is such that the laminate 20 is held between a retaining tool 5 and a die 1. The die 1 exhibits at least one opening 8 and a stamping tool 6 is driven into the die opening 8 causing the laminate to be shape-formed into the said packaging and, correspondingly, exhibiting one or more recesses. The die 1 and the retaining tool 5 exhibit facing edge regions 11,12, and within the edge region 11 the die 1 exhibits a shoulder region 13 that surrounds the die opening 8 or openings 8. The surface of the shoulder region 13 lies 0.01 to 10 mm lower than the surface of the edge region 11 of the die 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Alusuisse Technology & Management Ltd.
    Inventors: Patrik Zeiter, Heinz Oster
  • Patent number: 6244091
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular tapered relief area extending from its clamping surface to an annular wall of a central opening formed in the draw pad for reducing the clamping force which is exerted on a peripheral edge of the disk blank as the draw horn advances into the die opening of the blank and draw die to form the cup-shaped member. The angle of taper of the relief area is generally in the range of 4° and 10°. This tapered area reduces excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Can Industry Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. McClung, Manuel P. Rubalcava
  • Patent number: 6223579
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a core plug from a core blank having an outer rim, a top surface and a bottom surface. The method comprises positioning the core blank into a stamping apparatus. Subsequently, a recess is stamped into the outer rim of the bottom surface of the core blank. Next, the bottom surface of the core blank is positioned in a blank accepting region of a second die member of a core die formation apparatus. The core blank is then propelled through an opening extending through the second die member, and, the outer rim is deformed inward and upward, thus forming the core plug. The deformation does not affect the recessed region of the resulting core plug. The invention additionally comprises a core plug manufactured by the foregoing method and a core die formation apparatus used in conjunction with the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Mercury Products Corporation
    Inventor: Jerome Splitt
  • Patent number: 6205831
    Abstract: Cathode cans for use in air depolarized cells, and cells made with such cans. The side wall is stronger than the bottom wall, and has a smoother outwardly-disposed surface than the respective bottom wall surface. Strength, and thus hardness, of the side wall relates to strength, and thus hardness, of the bottom wall, as hardness of 130-185 relates to hardness of 93-117, on the Vickers scale. Preferred hardness of the side wall is about 130 to 185; and of the bottom wall is about 93 to 117. The side wall is drawn, and an outwardly-disposed surface of the side wall is ironed. As ironed, the surface finish is related to surface finish of the bottom wall, at the same stage, as surface finish RA of less than 2, preferably about 0.5 to about 1.5, microinches, is related to surface finish RA of about 2 to about 5, preferably about 2.5 to about 4.5, microinches. Thickness of the side wall is generally up to about 85 percent as great as thickness of the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Rayovac Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Adey, John David Burns, John Edward Oltman
  • Patent number: 6153286
    Abstract: A sound-absorbing cellular component is produced in multiple-chamber array, using a grid of spaced elongate rods, and by engaging to the rods of said grid a foil of deformable sheet material which is then drawn by deformation through spaces between rods, to thereby define adjacent partition walls of adjacent chambers. Various embodiments are described, involving retention and/or removal of the rods, and/or involving application of one or more insulating or finishing materials continuously over outwardly facing bottoms of the chambers of the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Assignee: Faist Automotive GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Pfaffelhuber, Gerhard Kock, Stefan Lahner
  • Patent number: 6014883
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped metal members from a flat metal sheet in a press having a ram which moves a cut edge, draw horn and draw pad towards a base holding a blank and draw die. The draw pad is formed with an annular outer rib which engages an opposed clamping surface of the die upon the peripheral edge of a disc blank moving around an inner radius of the die and into a cup forming cavity to maintain a space between the clamping surfaces of the draw pad and die of between 50% and 95% the thickness of the metal sheet to reduce excess pinching of the peripheral edge of the disk blank as it moves around the die radius as the draw horn draws the disk blank into the cup-shaped member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Can Industry Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. McClung
  • Patent number: 6009783
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sheet metal work center and a method for fabricating sheet metal therefrom. In the sheet metal work center, a locking arrangement is placed between the upper tool and a releaser, and the transfer device is arranged to consist of two parts. The sheet metal work center is adaptable to work in either a passive or active mode. In the passive mode, the releaser is positioned at a certain distance from the surface of the sheet, and the movements of the upper tool and the releaser are made with the locking arrangement locked and either part of the transfer device used. In the active mode, the releaser is positioned to be in contact with the sheet, and the movements of the upper tool and releaser are made with the locking arrangement locked and either part of the transfer device used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Lillbacka Jetair Oy
    Inventors: Jorma Taijonlahti, Mikael Ollikainen
  • Patent number: 5970775
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming cup-shaped container bodies in a press by blanking a disk shaped metal blank from a flat metal sheet by a cutting die and forcing the disk blank through a blank and draw die by movement of a draw horn to form a generally cylindrical-shaped can body. Next, the cylindrical shaped body is moved by pressurized air through the bore of a cylindrical-shaped cup drop sleeve. The cup drop sleeve has an inner diameter just slightly larger than the outer diameter of the just formed cylindrical metal body thereby reducing the amount of spring back in the metal and setting the metal in the formed body to reduce distortion and maintain roundness thereof as the body is being ejected through the open bottom of the drop sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Can Industry Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. McClung
  • Patent number: 5953951
    Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing a bent product by press bending a malleable material. The bent product is bent along the lengthwise axis and has a bottom wall and at least one sidewall in cross section. The apparatus preferably includes a die having within its surface a recess. The recess is bent along the lengthwise axis. The apparatus also includes a punch that may be inserted into the recess of the die. The die and the punch substantially correspond to each other such that the die and the punch include a first portion having a first bend radius corresponding to a lengthwise bend in the bent product and a second portion having a second bend radius corresponding to a linear region of the bend product. If the first bend radius is smaller than the second bend radius, chamfered faces formed in the die and punch are shallower and narrower in the first bend radius than the second bend radius.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Fujimoto, Takeo Muro
  • Patent number: 5901601
    Abstract: In a method and apparatus for press bending a metal plate, a punch is inserted into a recess of a die to bend a plate. The punch has a first edge formed away from a die and a second edge formed near the die. A corner of the recess of the die opposed to the punch is chamfered. The chamfered face has a third edge formed at the border of the top side of the die at the chamfered recess. In a first half of the press bending, the plate is bent with the first and third edges serving as lines of contact. Subsequently, the plate is further bent with the second edge serving as a line of contact. A portion of the punch between the first and second edges is held in a non-contact state with the plate throughout steps of press bending the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Fujimoto, Takeo Muro
  • Patent number: 5898244
    Abstract: A novel duel directional electromagnetic actuator includes a case, a core, an electrical current conductive coil and a field coil. The case includes a first case end, a second case end, and an interior wall extending between the first and second case ends. A chamber is defined by the interior wall. An electrical current conductive coil is disposed in the chamber coextensively adjacent the interior wall. The conductive coil has a first coil end disposed proximate the first case end, a second coil end disposed proximate the second case end, and a midpoint. The core has a first core end, a second core end, and an exterior wall extending between the first and second core ends. The exterior wall has a first region adjacent the first core end and a second region spaced from the first region and adjacent the second core end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Aura Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Panajiotis Kotsianas, Stuart Reh Stampke, Ethan Howard King, Richard Van Allen, Fernando B. Morinigo, Keith Stuart
  • Patent number: 5778722
    Abstract: A method of producing seamless cans wherein a blank holder 2 is inserted in a metal cup 5 coated with an organic film 12, a punch 1 is advanced into a cavity 7 in a die 3 while pushing the bottom 5a of the metal cup onto the flat surface portion 3a of the die by the blank holder 2, so that the side wall 5b of the metal cup 5 is brought into intimate contact with the flat surface portion 3a of the die and with the working corner 3b having a small radius of curvature, thereby to reduce the thickness of the side wall 5b by bend-elongation. Moreover, the portion to be subjected to the necking is ironed at an ironing ratio of not smaller than 5% by the punch 1 in cooperation with the front end 3b.sub.1, of the working corner 3b, or by the front end 3b.sub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihito Saiki, Katsuhiro Imazu, Akira Kobayashi, Tomomi Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5749258
    Abstract: A die (104) for forming a blank (14) into a container body (26) having an open end provides an annular undulated shaping surface (106) of substantially uniform radius. The container body (26) is formed by moving the blank through the shaping die (104), with the result that the undulations (106) laterally redistribute metal in the sidewall of the container body, as well as iron the sidewall during the forming process. The die enables the use of a blank (14) of noncircular geometric shape, such as a hexagon, by redistributing metal from the points of the hexagon to the area of the flats in order to produce an end product without excessive earing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Elmer D. Werth
  • Patent number: 5742993
    Abstract: A method for making hollow workpieces such as beverage containers with a circular die in which an aluminum alloy is strip cast whereby the alloy is solidified rapidly without substantial precipitation. Thereafter, the aluminum alloy is formed into a cup which is drawn and passed through one or more dies to iron the walls of the cup and thereby lengthen the side walls thereof using at least one circular die having a die angle of less than about 6 degrees and a chamfer angle of less than 35 degrees. It has been found that the use of such die angles prevents or minimizes galling and tearoffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Tyzh-Chiang Sun
  • Patent number: 5740692
    Abstract: An apparatus, for forming a container body from a sheet metal component, comprises a punch 31, an annular die 10, axially aligned with the punch, and an annular blankholder 32 surrounding the punch so arranged that relative motion as between the blankholder 32 and an end face 12 of the die restrains the periphery of the sheet metal component as the punch enters the annular die; the die 10 has a spherical bearing surface 17 centered on the longitudinal punch axis, and a die holder 20 has an arcuate surface 22 to co-operate with the spherical surface 17 of the die to impose a restraining force on sheet metal between the die face 12 and the blankholder, 32.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Carnaudmetalbox (Holdings) USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Robert Dunwoody
  • Patent number: 5735165
    Abstract: A mechanical bodymaker drive system for an under drive type vertical punch including a scotch yoke mechanism utilized to drive the punch. Two counterrotating cranks with counterweights are geared together to balance inertial forces on the scotch yoke driven slide. The scotch yoke mechanism, employing a slider block and slide, eliminates second harmonic inertia forces acting on the machine and allows counterrotating counterweights to totally balance inertia forces throughout the stroke. The punch is additionally hydrostatically attached to the scotch yoke mechanisms to compensate for deflections and thermal stress during operation. The hydrostatic pads eliminates the clearance between the face of the punch and the scotch yoke yet permits small lateral movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: The Minster Machine Company
    Inventors: Robert L. Schockman, Roderick A. Lavy
  • Patent number: 5718145
    Abstract: A high speed stamping and forming machine (10) is provided having a ram (34) capable of sustained high speed operation. The ram (34) is pivotally attached to a connecting rod (36) which is eccentrically coupled to a drive shaft by means of an eccentric (40) and hydrostatic bearing (50). The drive shaft (30) is journaled in hydrostatic bearings (84, 86) in the frame (12) of the machine. The ram reciprocates toward and away from a bolster plate (20) within a ram bearing (138) having hydrostatic bearings therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: The Whitaker Corporation
    Inventor: Dimitry Grabbe
  • Patent number: 5689992
    Abstract: Draw processing flat-rolled sheet metal substrate preselectively precoated on each surface with organic coating and draw lubricant into one-piece can bodies ready for assembly into sanitary can packs free of any requirement for applying organic coating or adding organic coating for repair purposes after fabrication and before such direct usage. Cupping of precoated flat-rolled sheet metal can stock using preselected tooling configurations and clearance avoids any increase in side wall metal thickness gage. Tension elongation during redraw is controlled over side wall height by clamping solely between planar clamping surfaces, tooling configurations and preselected clearances to decrease thickness gage uniformly over side wall height between flange metal open end of can body and curved transition zone at closed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Weirton Steel Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Saunders, deceased, William H. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 5687605
    Abstract: A bodymaker that transforms shallow metal cups into elongated can bodies includes a reciprocated ram which, during its forward stroke, drives the cups through a set of graduated circular dies. Ring shaped wipers engage the outer cylindrical surface of the ram and are arranged so that a first of the wipers scrapes tool coolant from the ram as the latter moves rearward and a second of the wipers scrapes hydraulic bearing fluid from the ram as the latter moves forward. The wipers are provided with flexible flaps that are in relatively low pressure frictional engagement with the ram resulting in only a very low temperature rise for the wipers to increase operating life thereof at production rates of approximately 400 per minute for cans of 21/2 inch diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Sequa Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph Main
  • Patent number: 5650087
    Abstract: A metal mould for making a frozen confectionery product is made of a titanium-containing materials, the mould being produced by cold-working a sheet-formed blank, either by deep-drawing or by pressing two half shells which are subsequently welded together. By using titanium for the ice lolly moulds, it is possible to avoid the use of poisonous inhibitors, without any risk of corrosion on the moulds. There is a considerable risk of corrosion on the moulds as the moulds used in the production of frozen confectionery products are subjected to freezing baths with strong saline solutions. When using titanium material for making the metal moulds, it is further possible to perform stress-relieving annealing at a lower temperature than was formerly possible when the moulds were made of stainless steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Gram A/S
    Inventor: Klaus Gram
  • Patent number: 5634366
    Abstract: A sheet of metal is blanked by an annular blank die to form a disk, and a peripheral portion of the disk is gripped between the blank die and an air pressurized lower sleeve. The peripheral portion is shifted downwardly relative to a center portion of the disk to start the forming of a center panel within the disk between an annular nose portion of an air pressurized die center and an air pressurized panel punch. The peripheral portion is also gripped between an air pressurized lower die core ring and an air pressurized upper sleeve which cooperate to form a crown and a depending lip. The center panel is shifted downwardly by the die center against the panel punch for forming a chuckwall against the die core ring and to start a countersink by wrapping the metal around the nose portion of the die center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Ralph P. Stodd
  • Patent number: 5626049
    Abstract: Draw processing flat-rolled sheet metal substrate preselectively precoated on each surface with organic coating and draw lubricant into one-piece can bodies ready for assembly into sanitary packs free of any requirement for washing, organic coating or repair of organic coating after fabrication and before such direct usage. Selective organic precoating includes embodying a blooming compound which is made available as draw lubricant responsive to heat and/or pressure of draw forming; also, surface application of a draw lubricant after curing of the organic coating. Combined lubricant on each surface is verified before start of fabricating. Draw-forming of tensile strength sheet metal is controlled over side wall height by clamping solely between planar clamping surfaces and by interruption of draw to establish a flange at the open end of cup-shaped work product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Weirton Steel Corporation
    Inventor: William T. Saunders
  • Patent number: 5626046
    Abstract: A ram that is utilized in high speed apparatus for forming elongated one piece metal can bodies from shallow cups is constructed by metallurgically bonding either a nose piece to a body or a tail piece to a body, the body constructed from a single integral piece having an elongated thin walled tube section with either a tail piece section or a nose piece section for connection to a drive means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 6, 1997
    Assignee: Sequa Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph Main
  • Patent number: 5605069
    Abstract: A metal drawn and ironed container body having a sidewall, an annular neck integrally formed with the sidewall and extending upwardly and inwardly from an upper end of the sidewall, and a bottom integrally formed with and diposed adjacent a lower end of the sidewall. The bottom includes an annular convex support, an annular transition wall interconnecting the lower end of the sidewall to the convex support, and a generally concave center panel extending upwardly and inwardly relative to the convex support. The transition wall includes a first convex annular portion extending generally downwardly and inwardly from the lower end of the sidewall, a first concave annular portion extending generally downwardly and inwardly from the first convex annular portion, a second convex annular portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the first concave annular portion, and a second concave annular portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the second convex annular portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventor: K. Reed Jentzsch
  • Patent number: 5590558
    Abstract: Draw processing flat-rolled sheet metal substrate preselectively precoated on each surface with organic coating and draw lubricant into one-piece can bodies ready for assembly into sanitary can packs free of any requirement for applying organic coating or adding organic coating for repair purposes after fabrication and before such direct usage. Cupping of precoated flat-rolled sheet metal can stock using preselected tooling configurations and clearance avoids any increase in side wall metal thickness gage. Tension elongation during redraw is controlled over side wall height by clamping solely between planar clamping surfaces, tooling configurations and preselected clearances to decrease thickness gage uniformly over side wall height between flange metal open end of can body and curved transition zone at closed end. Surface area of the cavity entrance zone for each die is fabricated about multiple radii forming sharp edge about which coated can stock is drawn into each die cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Weirton Steel Corporation
    Inventors: William T. Saunders, deceased, William H. Dalrymple
  • Patent number: 5555761
    Abstract: A bodymaker tool pack including a plurality interleaved ironing and spacer rings through which a ram or punch forces a workpiece to redraw a metal can body. Hydrostatic pads are created between the punch and spacer rings to effectively guide the punch through the tool pack. Additionally, the ironing and spacer rings are themselves supported by hydrostatic pressure pads formed within the tool pack housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Roderick A. Lavy
  • Patent number: 5546785
    Abstract: An improved can body maker apparatus has a drive system for reciprocating a ram. The drive system includes a crank having a first half and a second half, both being adapted for rotational movement about a first axis in the can body maker apparatus. A brake disk is fixedly mounted on the crank first half. A crank arm is mounted on the crank second half. The brake disk and the crank arm define therebetween a second axis. A connecting rod is supported for rotational movement about the second axis. The connecting rod is adapted for mechanical communication with the body maker ram. The brake disk and the crank arm define in combination at least one additional second axis, wherein the rotation of the crank arm about the additional second axis changes the throw of the connecting rod for each revolution of the drive system crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Grayeme E. Platt, Robert D. Anderson, P. Michael Mueller
  • Patent number: 5544517
    Abstract: A predrawn can made of a metal sheet coated with an organic film is subjected to a process which reduces its diameter and thins its walls by a high thinning ratio. The thinning is achieved by a blank holder (1), a redrawing die (3) and an ironing die (4), the reduction ratio for the ironing die being defined by ##EQU1## wherein T.sub.2 equals the thickness of the can before ironing and T.sub.3 equals the thickness after ironing, wherein the reduction ratio for the ironing die is in the range of 10 to 50%. The wall at the top end portion of the can is maintained thicker than the rest of the can wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: Toyo Kohan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Keiichi Shimizu
  • Patent number: 5497646
    Abstract: In a can body maker apparatus including ram means for the forming of a can body mounted for reciprocal motion within a can body maker frame, an improved pressurized air delivery system is incorporated into the ram system to accomplish the air strip of the formed can body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Stephen C. Roberts, Frank L. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 5485736
    Abstract: A method of forming a seamless cylinder shell in which a layer of nickel is electroplated on a steel sheet so that a composite sheet is formed. The composite sheet is then preferably cut into a circular blank before further processing. The circular blank is subjected to an oxalic acid pretreatment for the nickel side and a zinc phosphate pretreatment for the steel side to retain a lubricant on the two opposed surfaces thereof and is thereafter lubricated with the lubricant. The circular blank is preferably cupped, relubricated, and drawn into the seamless cylinder shell. The seamless cylinder shell can be finished into a seamless gas cylinder by spinning one end of the cylinder into a cylinder head, internally threading the formed cylinder head, and then heat treating the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Collier, Richard Hogle, James G. Marsh, Prakash Thomas
  • Patent number: 5477722
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improved materials for fabricating can bodies. In particular, the present invention relates to can tooling components fabricated from whisker-reinforced silicon nitride having from about 5 to about 15 weight percent whiskers with an average diameter of at least about 0.75 micrometers. The material preferably has a thermal expansion coefficient of less than about 3.5.times.10.sup.-6 per .degree.C. and a friction coefficient of from about 0.20 to about 0.24. The present invention also provides a method for reducing the trim height of can bodies formed using a can tooling apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Golden Technologies Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Chester J. Dziedzic, Andre Ezis, Roblee L. Talbott
  • Patent number: 5477723
    Abstract: Fluidic regulating device intended to be placed between a blank-holder and the sliding member serving to displace the blank-holder. It comprises for example a body (11) intended to be mounted on the abovementioned sliding member (4) in such a way as to be driven by the latter, said body (11) accommodating at least one compact fluidic jack (12) and comprising at least one pipe (13) for feeding a pressurized fluid into the jack or jacks (12), the piston (15) of each jack being attached to a movable member (16) intended to work in conjunction with and displace the blank-holder (3) with respect to said body (11), in such a way that, when the displacement of the abovementioned sliding member is stopped by a stop (18), before the blank-holder (3) has come into contact with a blank placed on or against the die (2), the force exerted by the blank-holder on said blank is determined by the pressure of the fluid injected into said jack (12) and can vary during the stamping cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Recherche et Development Groupe Cockerill Sambre
    Inventor: Richard Kergen
  • Patent number: 5465602
    Abstract: A press die assembly is efficiently produced by: fabricating a press die pattern having therein grooves extending along concave corner portions thereof corresponding to concave corner portions of a product forming surface in the die of the press die assembly; fabricating a cast blank of the die by a full-mold method by using the press die pattern; and machining and finishing the product forming surface of the cast blank by utilizing the grooves as clearance space for the machining and finishing tools to obtain the finished die. In the press forming operation of the press die assembly, the grooves permit the sheet blank being press formed to slip thereby to eliminate local stretching, whereby high-quality pressed products are obtained. The grooves enables an easy machining by a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Hashimoto, Toshio Maehara, Yasuo Imaizumi, Tetsuo Asai
  • Patent number: 5465601
    Abstract: A ram (40,50) of a press comprises metal sleeve (41,51), a hollow core (42, 58), a first end piece 42A, 52 attached to one end of the rod and a second end piece 46, 54 attached to the other end 47 of the ram to support a tool, the hollowcore being made of a material lighter than that of the sleeve. The benefit is a ram of reduced weight to minimize inertia forces arising during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Carnaudmetalbox plc
    Inventors: Frederick W. Jowitt, Paul Simms
  • Patent number: 5437094
    Abstract: A collar-swaging die includes two portions which are slidable relative to each other for alignment of the collar onto the exposed end of the bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1995
    Assignee: Electroimpact, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter B. Zieve, John L. Hartmann, Peter W. Janicki, Michael D. Assadi, Scott C. Tomchick
  • Patent number: 5433099
    Abstract: A draw-forming method in which a disc-like metal sheet having an organic film or a cup made of a metal sheet having an organic film is held by an annular holder member and a drawing die, and a drawing punch and the drawing die are moved in mesh with each other and relative to each other, the drawing punch being so provided as to move into or cut of the holder member in concentric with the holder member and the drawing die, wherein at least either one of the annular holder member or the drawing die that had been pushing a residual flange portion is so moved as to discontinue the pushing just before the draw forming is finished in said drawing step, and the flange portion is drawn while liberating the rear end of the flange portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Imazu Katsuhiro, Akira Kobayashi, Tomomi Kobayashi