Abstract: A method of making a can body of the type that has at least one axially extending rib formed therein includes a first forming step of creating a preform having a sidewall that has at least one axially extending rib formed therein and a bottom that is coextensive with the sidewall and intersects the sidewall at a rim. This first forming step is performed so that at least a portion of the bottom is recessed by a predetermined depth with respect to the rim. The method further includes a second step of performing a second drawing operation on the preform to form a can body having a bump-up bottom. It is important that the predetermined depth be sufficient to prevent the axially extending rib to be drawn into said bump-up bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the base of a can are described. The base forming apparatus is typically a dome station for forming a dome on the base of a beverage can. The dome station is mountable onto a dome door of a bodymaker press, thereby avoiding the common failure of mounting bolts. A complete polyurethane ring (20) is used to create overtravel force and maintain consistent and symmetrical loading on the tooling. A compact biasing arrangement is used to simplify maintenance of the tooling and reduce the need for accurate alignment.

Abstract: A generally disc-shaped flywheel which is an integral one-piece forged structure formed by forging of a carbon steel blank and consisting of an inner portion having a friction surface and an outer ring gear portion disposed radially outwardly of the inner portion. The flywheel is formed by forging the carbon steel blank to obtain an intermediate product consisting of the inner portion and the outer ring gear portion, hardening the friction surface of the inner portion of the intermediate product, and shot peening the hardened friction surface to form a multiplicity of recesses in the hardened friction surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a container component has a fixed stock plate and cut edge mounted on a base at a first level for forming a disk-shaped blank from a strip of sheet material. A blank and draw die is mounted at a second level which forms the disk-shaped blank into a shallow cup upon advancement of a punch assembly through the die. A profile pad is mounted at a third level on the base and imparts a profile on the bottom wall of the shallow cup as the punch assembly continues a downward stroke. An air stream ejects the profiled container component from the press at the third level.

Abstract: A non-precurled, non-curled shell is transferred to a reform station. The reform station contains a coin die and a coin punch. The coin die has the desired round finished blank diameter machined into its face. The die cavity has a round die wall which stops the outward flow of material during the coining process. The die wall produces the blank's final shape. During the coining process, the coining punch compresses the scalloped blank edge of the non-curled, non-precurled shell. The coined area causes material to flow outward, coming in contact with the die wall, forming the blanks outer perimeter.

Abstract: A device comprising an outer body (6) integral with a guide tube (4) defining on its own a blind ring-shaped cavity (40) axially oriented wherein a piston (3) moves guided by the guide tube (4). The guide tube (4) is produced by impact extrusion. The invention is applicable to motor vehicles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a narrow, tightly radiused annular anti-peaking bead in a can end in a multi-station conversion press. In a first forming station, a metal blank is first drawn into a cup shaped blank having a side panel and then reformed by reversing the action of the drawing tooling so as to fold the side panel into an initial, relatively broad annular bead. The initially beaded can end is then transferred to a second forming station where its periphery is pre-curled and the annular bead is reworked so as to reduce its width and radii of curvature. The reworking of the bead is performed by free drawing a tool over the inner wall of the bead without drawing or bending the interior surface of the bead around a tool so as to avoid cracking or excessive thinning of the metal. The seaming panel of the can end is firmly clamped during the reworking to maintain control over the location of the bead.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for fabricating a one-piece can body, with profiled closed end, from flat rolled steel of selected thickness gauge and tensile strength. Such steel substrate is electrolytically metal plated to facilitate sidewall ironing into an elongated sidewall can body for pressurized beverage packs. An axially-recessed bead is formed in the endwall of a drawn cup by pulling sidewall metal for movement into such endwall. That preformed bead being symmetrically positioned in the drawn cup such that a bodymaker redraw of the drawn cup positions sheet metal of the preformed bead so as to constitute a closed end angled portion, which extends from a circular configuration base support toward contiguous sidewall.

Abstract: A can end is punched from a sheet of material, formed and curled in a single station with a single movement of the punch. An intermediate axial peripheral wall is formed by the blanking punch and a cooperating die core ring. A pressure sleeve surrounding the die core ring has a chamfered inner edge which engages a peripheral edge of the blank at the lower end of the axial peripheral wall. While the formed end is held between the punch and the die, the pressure sleeve moves upward, forcing the peripheral wall outward into a recess, either in the blank punch or the die pressure sleeve, moving the metal outward into the curl. The curl is thus expansion formed rather than compression formed. The formed and curled end is removed from the assemblies by knockout rings.

Abstract: A can bottom having an approximately frustoconical portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the can side wall, an annular nose portion extending downwardly from the approximately frustoconical portion, and a central portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the nose. The nose is formed by inner and outer circumferentially extending frustoconical walls that are joined by a downwardly convex arcuate portion. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose has a radius of curvature adjacent the nose inner wall of at least 0.060 inch. The central portion of the can bottom has a substantially flat disc-shaped central section, having a diameter of at least about 1.40 inches, and an approximately dome-shaped and downwardly concave having a radius of curvature no greater than 1.475 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose is formed by a sector of a circle and has radius of curvature is no greater than about 0.070 inch.

Abstract: The invention includes a novel profile for a container bottom and method of manufacturing the improved bottom. The improvement involves the creation of an additional angled portion in the inner leg area of a container bottom during the formation of the bottom profile during the body making step. Known container bottom profiles have a single portion in the inner leg area after the bodymaking process. The inventive profile includes the following discrete portions starting at the nose of the container bottom and working inwards towards the central axis: a nose, a substantially linear lower leg portion projecting upwards from the nose, a separate angled portion between the lower leg portion and the dome inclined generally at an angle more towards the longitudinal central axis of the container than the angle of the lower leg portion, and a dome.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow, bullet-shaped article having a strap extending across the normally closed end. The method includes the steps of drawing a metal blank into a cylindrical cup, piercing the bottom of the cup in at least two locations to form a strap, and reducing the diameter of the cup while leaving the length of the strap substantially unchanged so that the strap arcs away from the cup.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming spline teeth on the walls of a press-formed sheet-metal article on which two peripheral walls of different diameters are disposed in a continuous manner via a step portion by means of a die with a plurality of steps of ironing surfaces, and a punch having a plurality of corresponding ironing surfaces. The punch is provided with a first punch and a second punch which are arranged in a split manner. The second punch first irons teeth on the larger diameter peripheral wall. While the first punch is next used to iron teeth on the smaller diameter peripheral wall, at least some of the pressurizing force on the second punch is maintained to avoid the creation of flaws in the step portion of the sheet metal article.

Abstract: A method for producing a connector for a fuel injection nozzle of an internal combustion engine and a method of producing the connector at a reduced cost are disclosed wherein the connector has light weight and exhibits excellent dimensional accuracy. The connector 20 includes a cylindrical fuel injection nozzle fitting portion 21 of which one end is designed to have a flared peripheral surface 23 and of which the other end includes a delivery pipe connecting portion 22 having a diameter smaller than that of the cylindrical fuel injection nozzle fitting portion 21. A plate-shaped position determining portion 24 is formed integral with the flared peripheral surface 23 of the cylindrical fuel injection nozzle fitting portion 21 at a predetermined position. The position determining portion 24 is for determining the position of the connector relative to the fuel injection nozzle and is angularly bent relatively to the injection nozzle fitting portion. The connector is made entirely of a sheet metal.

Abstract: A can bottom having an approximately frustoconical portion extending downwardly and inwardly from the can side wall, an annular nose portion extending downwardly from the approximately frustoconical portion, and a central portion extending upwardly and inwardly from the nose. The nose is formed by inner and outer circumferentially extending frustoconical walls that are joined by a downwardly convex arcuate portion. The inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose has a radius of curvature adjacent the nose inner wall of at least 0.060 inch. The central portion of the can bottom has a substantially flat disc-shaped central section, having a diameter of at least about 1.40 inches, and an approximately dome-shaped and downwardly concave having a radius of curvature no greater than 1.475 inches. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the nose is formed by a sector of a circle and has radius of curvature is no greater than about 0.070 inch.

Abstract: A drawing and coining die for metal containers, comprising: a matrix, which is connected to a base associated with a moving slider of a press and comprises a sliding plate provided with elastic means in contrast with the base; a male element, which is connected to a base associated with a footing of the press and is shaped so as to make contact with an edge of the container; a blank holder, which is slidable in contact with the male element, is provided with movement means and comprises means for resting and centering a disk that constitutes the material to be processed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a ring that has at least one cylindrical end section that ends in a chamfer is disclosed. The process entails providing a flat-shaped article which is formed of a material capable of being deep-drawn. The flat-shaped article is stamped to provide indentations which correspond to the chamfer in the finished product. The flat-shaped article is then punched out to form a preform. The preform is then deep drawn, converting the preform into the shape of the ring. In the step of deep drawing the preform, the indentations form a chamfered section on the ring.

Abstract: A metalworking method, particularly for obtaining lengths of tube of various sizes and for various uses, made of steel having a carbon content between 0.10% and 0.50% with narrow tolerances. The method entails the provision, as initial material, of a round bar of hot-rolled steel, which is then peeled and cut so as to obtain at least one block, which is drilled and subjected to a chemical treatment. The block is then pressed and optionally subjected to final turning and heat treatment so as to obtain a finished product, such as a hydraulic or oleodynamic cylinder or a casing for high-pressure filters or a tube for high pressures, or a bushing, by using a reduced amount of steel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a narrow, tightly radiused annular anti-peaking bead in a can end in a multi-station conversion press. In a first forming station, a metal blank is first drawn into a cup shaped blank having a side panel and then reformed by reversing the action of the drawing tooling so as to fold the side panel into an initial, relatively broad annular bead. The initially beaded can end is then transferred to a second forming station where its periphery is pre-curled and the annular bead is reworked so as to reduce its width and radii of curvature. The reworking of the bead is performed by free drawing a tool over the inner wall of the bead without drawing or bending the interior surface of the bead around a tool so as to avoid cracking or excessive thinning of the metal. The seaming panel of the can end is firmly clamped during the reworking to maintain control over the location of the bead.

Abstract: A drawing and coining die for manufacturing metal containers and the like, comprising: a matrix, which is connected to a lower base adapted to be associated with a footing of a press and is provided with a device for centering a disk that constitutes the material to be processed; and a male element, which is connected to an upper base adapted to be associated with a movable slider of the press and is shaped so as to make contact with an edge of the resulting container.

Abstract: A can end is formed from sheet material in a single acting press by blanking a workpiece and holding the workpiece between a blanking punch and a draw pad. The periphery of the workpiece is worked between a knockout and a crown ring to contour a crown. A bead punch advances into the workpiece to form a shell extending from the crown. The bead punch bottoms out on a bead die and collapses to a predetermined position to form a plurality of beads adjacent the shell by flowing a portion of the shell to form the beads while shortening the shell to less than specifications for the can end. The bead punch returns to an uncollapsed position during upstroke of the press to extend the shell to be within specifications. Apparatus for forming a can end in a press includes a fluidly supported die crown ring having an upper surface defining a can end crown contour. A knockout is aligned with the die crown ring for engaging a workpiece upon downstroke of the press to form a crown in the periphery of the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for forming a profile in an end wall of a drawn or drawn and wall ironed container on a punch. The apparatus includes a shape forming pad for deforming a central portion of the end wall to the desired profile, the shape forming pad being resiliently supported in a housing for limited motion relative to the housing in the direction of travel of the punch. The shape forming pad is preferably fixed to a floor of a hollow inner housing, a side wall of the hollow inner housing having an outwardly directed flange. The housing of the apparatus includes a peripheral flange to permit fixing to a press, and a side wall portion of the housing being closed at one end to contain resilient support means for the shape forming pad. The outwardly directed flange of the hollow inner housing overlaps the peripheral flange of the housing, thereby transmitting impact load on the shape forming pad through the peripheral flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming tapered metal container bodies from relatively hard material having a Rockwell hardness within the range of 73 and 79. A disc-shaped blank is formed into a cup having an integral bottom wall and cylindrical sidewall, wherein the sidewall has an axial height generally equal to one-half the axial height of the desired final container body without thinning the metal. The cup is then redrawn at a first redraw station to form a first stage container body having the desired axial height and bottom wall diameter with the sidewall being cylindrical or having a very slight taper. This first stage container body is then redrawn at a second redraw station to impart a taper of between 2.degree. and 4.degree. to the sidewall without affecting the axial height of the sidewall or the metal thickness thereof. The apparatus includes a draw station and at least two redrawn stations and may include a die for profiling the bottom wall of the final container body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a boss formed on a front cover. The boss is formed by deforming a portion of a front cover material, at a central portion thereof, such that the boss is formed unitarily with the front cover. The boss is further deformed to form a central indentation on an end surface thereof. Further, the cylindrical sides of the boss are machined to form an alignment surface.

Abstract: The dynamic loading on a double action high speed mechanical cupping press is substantially reduced with multiple stage tooling which forms a batch of cups from a strip of sheet metal with each stroke of the press. Each tooling stage includes a plurality of annular draw pads each opposing a corresponding annular blank and draw die. An annular cut edge surrounds each of the draw pads, and a corresponding die center punch is located within each of the draw pads. The tooling stages are positioned at predetermined stepped elevations so that they sequentially blank the sheet metal to form a series of circular disk-like blanks between the cut edges and the corresponding blank and draw dies, sequentially hold the blanks between the draw pads and corresponding blank and draw dies, and sequentially draw the blanks into cups with the die center punches extending into the corresponding blank and draw dies.

Abstract: An impeller shell 40a of a torque converter includes a main portion 41, a connection portion 42 and a stepped portion 43. The main portion 41 has a curved inner peripheral surface 41a carrying impeller blades, and is opposed to a turbine 5. The connection portion 42 has a cylindrical form larger in diameter than an outer periphery of the inner peripheral surface 41a, and is fixed to a front cover 3. The stepped portion 43 couples an end of the main portion 41 near an engine to an end of the connection portion 42 near a transmission. A corner portion formed of the inner peripheral surface 41a and a surface 43a near the engine has a radius set to 4 mm or less by preliminary forming by a press and subsequent finish forming by a press.

Abstract: Stackable drawn sheet-metal pieces have spacer knobs which are drawn in a bead-type manner and are integrated in the drawn piece to rise from a wall of the drawn piece. The walls of the drawn piece situated transversely to a stacking direction have a mutual distance such that the walls, which are situated at an acute angle with respect to the stacking direction of the drawn piece, are at most in a loose contact with one another and reliably engage with one another in a no-lock manner. The spacer knobs are arranged in the stack above one another in the same position have a common axis which extends approximately in the center and is situated parallel to the stacking direction. The spacer knobs have the same construction with respect to their dimensions and alignment and that the diameter of the respective knob opening on at least one partial circumferential area is smaller than the diameter of the knob base.

Abstract: Index-feed deep drawing apparatus comprising a feeding device for intermittently indexing a long-sized work piece, wound in a hoop, in the longitudinal direction, and a plurality of punch/die sets disposed in the feeding direction of the work piece and adapted to sequentially carry out deep drawing at least on the work piece, in which an annealing device adapted to allow the work piece to pass is provided between the deep drawing punch/die sets so as to subject the work piece to intermediate annealing treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a press working process whereby a front cover and an impeller shell are deformed such that corner portions are formed on a blank material whereby the corner portions undergo minimal reductions in thickness. In the press working method, compressive force is applied parallel to the thickness of the blank to circumvent reduction in thickness during the deforming process.

Abstract: A process for further treating a closure end made of sheet material is provided, particularly for beverage cans, in which an annular fringe region is radially coupled between the central panel portion and a radius of curvature coupled to a core groove with an inner leg. The central panel portion is squeezed such that material is displaced (flows) from the fringe region in a substantially radial outward direction towards the radius of curvature. The squeezing is accomplished by a coining tool having a coining surface operable to contact the closure end. The closure surface is pressed against the closure end causing the thickness of the sheet material of the closure end to be reduced in the annular fringe region. The reduction in thickness gradually decreasing in the direction of the radius of curvature. The material displaced by the squeezing flowing towards the radius of curvature.

Abstract: Can bodies are formed typically by drawing and wall-ironing a cup, introducing fluid between punch and dies as the cup exits the dies and then forming the desired base profile. The can bodies formed in the present invention are able to be produced from thin hard material such as double reduced steel and/or have stronger base profiles in terms of tighter radii and deeper countersinks than was hitherto possible without risk of splitting.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a metallic can body that is shaped distinctively in order to enhance its visual presentation to consumers includes, in one embodiment, steps of providing a can body blank that has a sidewall that is of a substantially constant diameter; providing a mold unit that has at least one mold wall that defines a mold cavity that is shaped generally like the can body blank, the mold wall having a pattern formed therein that corresponds to a desired final shape of the can body; positioning the can body blank within the mold cavity; and supplying a pressurized fluid into the mold cavity so that the can body blank is forced by pressure against the mold wall, causing the can body blank to assume the desired final shape of the can body.

Abstract: A die tool monitor and analysis system identifies tooling changes and maintains tooling in an optimal position, thus maintaining the quality of the manufactured product within a desired tolerance band. A die tool force monitor and analysis system identifies changes in the operational conditions within a press. These identified changes are indicative of tooling changes and in conjunction with a thermal control system, facilitate the thermally induced expansion and contraction of a tooling support structure. The expansion and contraction of the supporting structure displaces the tooling member relative to its counterpart tooling member.

Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided for forming a hollow cylinder with a bottom which may be employed in rotary head drums of magnetic recording and reproduction systems such as video tape recorders and digital audio tape recorders.The manufacturing method includes pressing a single circular plate to form the hollow cylinder, thrusting an end of a side wall of the hollow cylinder in a direction substantially parallel to the side wall in a press die so as to adjust the thickness of the side wall to be uniform, and machining an outer surface of the side wall of the hollow cylinder so as to have a given surface roughness and a given roundness.

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.

Abstract: A method of making a knob and ferrule for a captive screw is disclosed, the knob integrally attached to the screw, the ferrule attachable to a panel. The method of making the knob includes providing an aluminum alloy base metal for the knob, pressing by cold-forming the base material into a generally cylindrical cup-shaped article using at least one pressing operation, the cup having a generally cylindrical side wall, removing any base material situated outside the perimeter of the cup-shaped cylindrical article, and providing a hole in the bottom of the cup, coaxial with the hollow cylindrical walls of the cup, thereby forming the knob.

Abstract: A method for ejecting sheet metal parts from a press, the press comprising a stationary core die portion and a movable punching die portion driven during a working stroke towards and during a return stroke away from the core die portion by driving means, a drawing member encircling the movable punching die portion, a circular or annular portion of said movable punching die portion being biased by spring means, ejection means associated with the press between the dead center of the strokes, the ejection being adapted to move a part laterally out of the travel path of the movable punching die portion by a laterally directed force. The method comprises the steps of punching and molding the parts by the cooperation of the movable punching die portion and the core die portion during a working stroke. A part is taken along with the movable punching die portion during the return stroke by a vacuum between the punching die portion and the part.

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 electrical wedge connector having a C-shaped sleeve and a one-piece wedge. The wedge has a generally tubular wedge shape with a hollow interior, a constant wall thickness, and two conductor contacting surfaces for sandwiching conductors against an interior side of the sleeve. The wedge can be formed by deep drawing or tube forming.

Abstract: A mechanical press receives can shell tooling having multiple stages each including a plurality of shell forming stations. Each station has an annular blank die which forms a sheet metal disk, and a peripheral portion of each disk is gripped between the blank die and a lower pressure sleeve. The peripheral portion of each disk 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 of each disk is shifted downwardly by the die center and 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.

Abstract: In manufacturing a yoke for an elastic universal joint, the time required for each step is shortened and the automation of each step is made easy, and by the energy saving and high efficiency of the manufacturing work, a reduction in the cost is achieved. A metallic plate is subjected to working which can be done easily and within a short time by press work such as stamping work, deep drawing work and ironing work, to thereby make a yoke for an elastic universal joint. This can be accomplished because welding work and cutting work which require much working time and which are cumbersome to automate can be eliminated. Investment in facilities may be small.

Abstract: A process for further treating a closure end made of sheet material is provided, particularly for beverage cans, in which an annular fringe region is radially coupled between the central panel portion and a radius of curvature coupled to a core groove with an inner leg. The central panel portion is squeezed such that material is displaced (flows) from the fringe region in a substantially radial outward direction towards the radius of curvature. The squeezing is accomplished by a coining tool having a coining surface operable to contact the closure end. The closure surface is pressed against the closure end causing the thickness of the sheet material of the closure end to be reduced in the annular fringe region. The reduction in thickness gradually decreasing in the direction of the radius of curvature. The material displaced by the squeezing flowing towards the radius of curvature.

Abstract: An improvement in necking apparatus for forming a necked end on a can body wherein during the necking operation pressurized air moves into the interior of a can body being necked through an open end portion of a conduit in a knock out ram which knock out ram is reciprocally mounted in the necking die and wherein valve means are provided to control the amount of pressurized air flowing out through the open end portion and to retain the pressurized air in the conduit after the necking operation has been completed.

Abstract: A food can end or shell is formed from a thin metal sheet by blanking a circular disk from the sheet, gripping a peripheral portion of the disk, pressing a center portion of the disk upwardly relative to the peripheral portion, and forming upwardly projecting concentric beads within an annular portion of the disk. Thereafter, an annular chuck wall, countersink and crown portion are formed within the disk around the concentric beads. A downwardly projecting annular bead is formed within the bottom wall of the countersink and cooperates to resist buckling of the shell.

Abstract: Thin wall metal cans are described having threaded necks for receiving threaded closure to seal contents in the cans. Techniques for forming such threaded cans are also provided.

Abstract: A can of the type having a cylindrical body, has an easy open end seamed on it. The easy open end includes a center panel defined by a scored ring. The scored ring lies under an S-shaped bend formed around a perimeter of the center panel. A process for forming the easy open end includes the steps of: forming a semi-toroidal protuberance on the easy open end; coining a scored ring close to an external edge of the protuberance; and deforming the protuberance through a radial compression and a compression transverse to the radial compression to form the S-shaped bend with three thicknesses of material.

Abstract: Scoreline, profiling and reinforcing features are provided for an easy-access sheet metal end closure (20) and an integral opener (44). An endwall panel (28) is formed so as to substantially eliminate flexing of the sheet metal during rupture of residual metal of scoreline means defining a U-shaped tear strip (30). Such tear strip is oriented with its arcuately-shaped closed end (32) contiguous to the periphery of such endwall panel -with scoreline legs (34, 35) directed toward a portion at its geometric center (26). The opener is fabricated with a chisel-point (92) at its working end (66) to initiate puncture of such arcuate-shaped scoreline by Class I lever action. Rupturing of the scoreline is followed by pivoting of the opener about a pair of fulcrum points, (82, 83) which contact the panel one each external to a, side of opening 62, with movement of the opening about such fulcrum points rupturing the scoreline legs by Class; II lever action.

Abstract: Domer apparatus for forming desired surface contours on the closed end portion of a can body wherein an outer member is mounted for sliding movement in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the domer apparatus and relative to an inner member and wherein the outer member and the inner member are mounted for movement in radial directions in response to forces applied thereto by the closed end portion of the can body to center the outer member and the inner member relative to the closed end portion of the can body.

Abstract: A method for necking an end of a metal container include effecting initial deformation, generally radially inwardly, of an axial portion to establish a necked-in generally convex transition portion and an adjacent portion disposed between the transition portion and the container end which is initially generally cylindrical. Both portions are of reduced diameter with respect to the original can body diameter. Sequentially, through the series of formation steps, the portion to be necked-in is further reduced in diameter to produce an outwardly generally convex portion disposed in underlying relationship with respect to an outwardly concave portion. A generally, radially, outwardly directed flange may be established within the end section of the necked-in portion. Apparatus to perform the foregoing forming steps consists of a plurality of die means which are subjected to relative axial movement and contact and reshape the exterior of the container portion that is to be necked-in.