Abstract: A process for the shaping of the side surface of a metal body or container (10) such as an aerosol or a beverage bottle for food or technical use, obtained by progressive deformation operating steps of its side surface carried out in sequence on a machine having an intermittent rotating table, an opposite alternate translatory motion plate, a loading drum, gripping pliers of the bodies, deformation and possibly embossing and/or debossing tools and an unloading drum of the same bodies, the process including the steps: feeding the bodies (10) on the machine provided with an intermittent rotating table and of an opposite translatory motion plate; gripping the bodies along a limited area (12) between 10.0 and 35.0 mm, of their side surface from the bottom with a fixed or an axially rotating gripping plier; carrying out a broad deformation (18) on the side surface of the bodies (10) with tools working from the inner and/or outer part of the same bodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for conditioning metal container ends and for removing particles and accumulated dust. The apparatus, in a preferred form, comprises a minimum of two and preferably three shafts, each shaft being rotatable about a longitudinal axis of rotation and each shaft having a helical groove extending around the shaft at an outer surface thereof. A drive rotates the shafts about their axes of rotation. The shafts are aligned and positioned to receive therebetween container ends introduced into the apparatus from an entrance and convey them to an exit with the peripheries of the container ends engaged in the grooves of the shafts such that rotation of the shafts causes the grooves to release particles from the peripheries. Associated dust removal equipment then removes the particles so that dust is not generated in downstream equipment for the utilization of the container ends.

Abstract: A cooling mechanism is provided to control the direction of flow of cooled air in an apparatus used to manufacture metallic containers, wherein machinery wear is reduced and the tolerance of the finished factory container height is maintained within a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a curl on a top edge of a can comprises a forming head; and a forming turret with a push ram to load the can into the forming head. The forming head includes a plurality of independent rollers mounted on a common head. The plurality of rollers includes a first set of rollers configured to form an inner portion of a curl and a second set of rollers configured to form an outer portion of the curl.

Abstract: Beverage can manufacturing apparatus is provided in the form of a set of N necking stations S1, S2 . . . SN for progressively necking a beverage can body having a diameter greater than or equal to 2.8 inches to result in an open end designed to receive a first standard end. The necking stations are constructed such that a subset of the necking stations Si . . . Sj, where 1?i<j<N, progressively neck the beverage can body to result in an open end designed to receive a second standard end for the beverage can. The diameter of the first standard end is less than the diameter of the second standard end. For example, the first standard end is say a 202 standard end and the second standard end is a 209, 204, or a 206 standard end. Alternatively, for example, the first standard end could be a 206 end and the second standard end could be a 209 standard end.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus to expand a diameter of a can or other article comprises a forming turret that includes a stop plate and a forming tooling. The stop plate is configured to be adjacent a dome-end of a can to restrict motion of the can; the stop plate is axially movable relative to a turret axis of rotation. The forming tooling includes a plate and an expansion tool axially movable relative to the turret axis of rotation. The plate includes an opening through which the tool passes. The expansion tool is configured to move into an open end of the can to expand the diameter of the can.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a curling assembly for curling metal shells. The curling assembly has a shell support member having a flange extending from a foundation of the shell support member with the flange having a first aperture and a second aperture passing through the flange. An outer curler segment is coupled to the shell support member. An adjustment screw passes through the first aperture of the flange with the adjustment screw being structured to engage the outer curler segment. Actuation of the adjustment screw would position the outer curler segment. The second aperture of the flange is structured to receive a fastener for coupling the shell support member to a base of a curling unit. A curling unit for curling metal shells is also provided. A press in combination with a curling unit for curling metal shells is also provided.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a curl on a top edge of a can comprises a forming head; and a forming turret with a push ram to load the can into the forming head. The forming head includes a plurality of independent rollers mounted on a common head. The plurality of rollers includes a first set of rollers configured to form an inner portion of a curl and a second set of rollers configured to form an outer portion of the curl.

Abstract: A flexible bushing for a cam follower, comprising a substantially rigid inner sleeve including an inner cam follower engaging surface, a length of the inner sleeve being greater than a thickness of a ram into which the flexible bushing is inserted, a substantially rigid outer sleeve including an outer ram engaging surface, a length of the outer sleeve being substantially equal to the thickness of the ram, the inner and outer sleeves being substantially concentric, and a shock absorbing flexible material disposed between the inner and outer sleeves.

Abstract: A flange forming process uses first and second stages. The first stage produces a partially formed flange on an article. The second stage forces the partially formed flange into a die so a stepped surface of a knockout punch that is disposed in the die, produces a predetermined can height such as the FFCH (Factory Finished Can Height) while the retaining die limits the outside diameter of the flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to a forming machine at least provided with a clamping device for clamping a hollow workpiece having at least one open end and a first forming tool which can be placed into contact with the outer surface of the workpiece and with which the workpiece can be deformed. The clamping device can be rotated about a first axis and moved with respect to this first axis. Thus, the forming machine can be of relatively straightforward design and operate at high rotational speeds, even when a tool head equipped with a relatively large number of rollers is being used. The invention further pertains to a method wherein the clamping device can be moved with respect to the said first axis.

Abstract: A can body is fitted to an inner shaping tool rotatable adjacent a freely rotatable outer shaping tool outside the can body. An arm having an outer end rotatably carrying the outer shaping tool and an inner end is pivotal about its inner end. The inner tool and the can body fitted thereto are rotated to entrain and rotate the outer tool. A motor controlledly pivots the arm and thereby moves the outer shaping tool toward and away from the inner shaping tool. A position detector connected to arm senses the angular position thereof and the relative spacing of the inner and outer tools. A controller including a memory controls the motor in accordance with a sensed angular position of the arm.

Abstract: A thin walled body such as a container (1) is gripped at a holding station and tooling (10) is engaged to deform the wall of the body at a predetermined zone. The predetermined wall zone is co-aligned with the tooling (10) by means of coordinated movement of the tooling (10) (typically by means of rotation about a tooling axis) prior to engagement with the wall zone.

Abstract: A thin walled body such as a container is gripped at a holding station and tooling is engaged to deform the wall of the body at a predetermined zone. The predetermined wall zone is co-aligned with the tooling by means of co-ordinated movement of the tooling (typically by means of rotation about a tooling axis) prior to engagement with the wall zone.

Abstract: There is provided a mandrel for spin forming that has a backing plate with removably attached mandrel portions and mandrel spacers, such that the mandrel is adaptable to numerous configurations. The various configurations of the mandrel are used to provide different spin forming contour surfaces upon which metal sheets or other spin formable materials can be spin formed. The adaptable mandrel also provides the ability to create a desired spin formed product from either a single metal sheet or multiple metal sheets joined by friction stir welding or other suitable processes. A spin formed welded metal sheet may also undergo a trimming process to remove the portions of the welded metal sheet having sufficiently different material properties resulting from the weld process, including the weld joint.

Abstract: A flexible bushing for a cam follower, comprising a substantially rigid inner sleeve including an inner cam follower engaging surface, a length of the inner sleeve being greater than a thickness of a ram into which the flexible bushing is inserted, a substantially rigid outer sleeve including an outer ram engaging surface, a length of the outer sleeve being substantially equal to the thickness of the ram, the inner and outer sleeves being substantially concentric, and a shock absorbing flexible material disposed between the inner and outer sleeves.

Abstract: A preferred method for closely coupling a first and a second necking machine comprises removing an input module from the second necking machine, removing end portions of a bearing support plate and a base of the second necking machine, and fixing a cover plate to the base of the second necking machine. The presently-preferred method also comprises positioning the first and second necking machines end to end so that a drive gear of the discharge module of the first necking machine meshes with a drive gear of the necking module of the second necking machine, and the necking module of the second necking machine is adapted to receive the can body from the discharge module of the first necking machine.

Abstract: A method of cold forming a capped cylinder with geometrically spaced torsional engagement radial projections on an exterior side of the capped cylinder is provided. The method includes the step of striking a generally flat blank to form a drawn part having a first capped portion and a second cylindrical portion adjacent an open end of the capped cylinder, placing the drawn part with the capped portion into a die with a cylindrical cavity portion having a first diameter with radial projections extending to a second diameter greater than said first diameter; inserting into the drawn part open end a mandrel, and rotating said mandrel with respect to the drawn part to plastically deform the drawn part cylindrical portion radially outward into the die cylindrical portion to cold form the radial projections on the exterior side of the second cylindrical portion of the capped cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for fixed-rolling radii or recesses on main (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or connecting rod bearings (1′, 2′, 3′, 4′) of crankshafts (6) by means of fixed rollers and supporting rollers on the respective main (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) or connecting rod bearings (1′, 2′, 3′, 4′) to support the rolling force exerted on the crankshaft (6) by the fixed rollers. A device is provided for applying an additional external load (12) in the direction of the load on the crankshaft (6) that arises during operation while fixed-rolling the radii or recesses.

Abstract: The invention includes an air manifold comprising at least one port adapted for receiving high pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for receiving low pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for bleeding high pressure air from a container, at least one port adapted for reusing high pressure bleed air. The port for reusing high pressure air receiving high pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding high pressure air. The air manifold also includes at least one port adapted for bleeding low pressure air from a container and at least one port adapted for reusing low pressure bleed air. The port for reusing low pressure air receiving low pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding low pressure air. The present invention also includes an air distribution system and a necking machine which include the manifold as well as a method of necking a can.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the base profile of a can by using the difference in rotational speed of concentric shafts (A, B) to move a roller (5) radially into contact with the can base. A cam (10) is fixed to one (B) of the shafts and a pair of cam followers (12, 14) is mounted on a support block (6) which is connected to the other shaft (A) via linear bearings (7, 8). The support block also carries the reform roller and causes it to rotate around the can base.

Abstract: An electronic parts-mounting apparatus including a rotating vertical shaft and at least one mounting head arranged around the vertical shaft has a lift cam mechanism that operates to lift and lower an associated one of the at least one mounting head as each mounting head is rotated with the vertical shaft. The lift cam mechanism includes a cylindrical cam having an annular protruding portion concentrically disposed with respect to the vertical shaft that provides upper and lower cam surfaces. Upper and lower rolling cam followers are arranged respectively on the upper and lower cam surfaces of the protruding portion to sandwich the protruding portion therebetween. One end of a support member has one of the upper and lower cam followers mounted thereon and the other end of the support member has the associated one of the at least one mounting head connected thereto.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for diametrically expanding a desired part of a metal shaft which can be a rod or a pipe, wherein the apparatus includes a driving rotary section (4) and a driven rotary section (6) arranged at a predetermined distance (D), each of the rotary sections (4) and (6) including a holder for holding a work, a pressing device (8) for pressing the work held by the holders along the length of the apparatus, and a biasing device (7) for declining the axis of the work, so that the work held by the holders at the distance (D) is rotated around its axis, and one of the holders is forced by the pressing device toward the other to carry out the diametral expansion, and then the work is bent back and straightened up.

Abstract: The invention includes an air manifold comprising at least one port adapted for receiving high pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for receiving low pressure air from a compressor, at least one port adapted for bleeding high pressure air from a container, at least one port adapted for reusing high pressure bleed air. The port for reusing high pressure air receiving high pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding high pressure air. The air manifold also includes at least one port adapted for bleeding low pressure air from a container and at least one port adapted for reusing low pressure bleed air. The port for reusing low pressure air receiving low pressure air from the port adapted for bleeding low pressure air. The present invention also includes an air distribution system and a necking machine which include the manifold as well as a method of necking a can.

Abstract: A system for performing sequential operations on a can body, such as necking the open end of the can body, in which two or more machines, such as die necking machines are, are coupled by a transfer module. The transfer module comprises a multi-pocket wheel that receives can bodies from a multi-pocket discharge wheel of the first necking machine and discharges them to a multi-pocket input wheel of the second die necking machine. The drive motor of one of the necking machines is eliminated, while the drive motor on the other machine is enlarged. A gear on the transfer module couples the gear trains on the first and second necking machines into a common gear train. Thus, the transfer module gear train transfers power from the necking machine having the enlarged drive motor to the necking machine for which the drive motor was eliminated. This enables a single drive motor to entire drive train for both machines.

Abstract: A crimping apparatus, comprising a revolving turret supporting a plurality of crimping heads, each crimping head operative to engage a closure on a container to create a crimp in the closure. The crimping head includes a cam follower riding on a stationary cam. The movement imparted by the cam profile to the cam follower is communicated to a crimping tool that engages the closure. The cam defines a plurality of cam follower receiving positions, each position establishing a different profile. The cam can be selectively displaced relative to the revolving turret to alter the position at which the cam follower engages the cam and thus the profile followed by the cam follower.

Abstract: A method of controlling a dispensing system, having a robot that moves along a motion segment and applies a material to a workpiece, automatically determines a backup distance for the robot after an error has occurred during the dispensing of a first portion of the material. The backup distance is based on an operational speed of the robot. The robot is relocated to a backup position based on this backup distance to ensure that the robot reaches the operational speed at least by a time that the robot reaches a re-application position. The re-application position is at or near where the application of the first portion of the material ended. Therefore, gaps, overlaps, and puddles in the material on the workpiece are prevented.

Abstract: A system for performing sequential operations on a can body, such as necking the open end of the can body, in which two or more machines, such as die necking machines are, are coupled by a transfer module. The transfer module comprises a multi-pocket wheel that receives can bodies from a multi-pocket discharge wheel of the first necking machine and discharges them to a multi-pocket input wheel of the second die necking machine. The drive motor of one of the necking machines is eliminated, while the drive motor on the other machine is enlarged. A gear on the transfer module couples the gear trains on the first and second necking machines into a common gear train. Thus, the transfer module gear train transfers power from the necking machine having the enlarged drive motor to the necking machine for which the drive motor was eliminated. This enables a single drive motor to entire drive train for both machines.

Abstract: An improved curling apparatus for curling the outer peripheries of container shells includes a plurality of inner rings vertically stacked and a plurality of outer ring-segments vertically stacked. Each of the inner rings have an outer surface and a groove in the outer surface which extends the entire periphery of the inner ring. Each of the outer ring-segments has an inner surface and a groove in the inner surface which extends the length of the outer ring-segment. The outer ring-segments partially encircle the inner rings with the inner ring grooves facing the outer ring-segment grooves. Each of outer ring-segments preferably has a unitary length extending about 240 degrees and an eccentric groove. The curling apparatus also includes a plurality of adjustment devices adapted to selectively move the outer ring segments relative to the inner rings to adjust a distance between the inner ring groove and the outer ring-segment groove at a desired location along the outer ring-segment groove.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an embossed can body with a pattern printed on an outer surface of a cylindrical can barrel includes a plastic working step for forming a flange portion and a neck portion at an opening peripheral edge of the can barrel, and an embossing step for forming an embossed portion on at least a part of the pattern while aligning with the pattern. Thus, the pattern and the embossed portion can be aligned easily and accurately. Also, a stopping mark and a confirmation mark are formed on the can barrel, and a first sensor corresponding to the stopping mark and a second sensor corresponding to the confirmation mark are used. When the respective first and second sensors detect the stopping mark and the confirmation mark, it can be confirmed that the pattern on the can barrel is oriented in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An electronic component mounting apparatus includes a plurality of pickup nozzles (1) which are attached to the periphery of a rotary table, that intermittently rotates. The apparatus also includes a cylindrical cam (105) having a cam groove (106, 107a, 107b) which allows the pickup nozzles (1) to move up and down. A first roller (5) is attached to a first slide portion (4a), which is equipped with the pickup nozzles 1. The first roller runs within the cam grooves (106, 107a, 107b) to make the pickup nozzles 1 move up and down. A second roller (6) is attached to a second slide portion 4b, which is attached to the pickup nozzles (1). The second roller runs within the cam grooves (106, 107a, 107b) to make the pickup nozzles move up and down together with the first roller. Also, springs (9) are provided for biasing the first and second rollers (5, 6) into contact with the two side surfaces, respectively, of the cam grooves (106, 107a, 107b).

Abstract: A system for performing sequential operations on a can body, such as necking the open end of the can body, in which two or more machines, such as die necking machines are, are coupled by a transfer module. The transfer module comprises a multi-pocket wheel that receives can bodies from a multi-pocket discharge wheel of the first necking machine and discharges them to a multi-pocket input wheel of the second die necking machine. The drive motor of one of the necking machines is eliminated, while the drive motor on the other machine is enlarged. A gear on the transfer module couples the gear trains on the first and second necking machines into a common gear train. Thus, the transfer module gear train transfers power from the necking machine having the enlarged drive motor to the necking machine for which the drive motor was eliminated. This enables a single drive motor to entire drive train for both machines.

Abstract: A high production multiple station endforming machine mounts a plurality of work stations upon an indexable rotary head whereby rotation of the head permits the work stations to be indexed between loading, operational and unloading positions. The workpieces are locked in jaw members operated by an over-center linkage wherein the position of the linkage is controlled by expansible chamber motors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a portion of a workpiece. At least one roller is supported on a rotatable member rotatable about a main axis to be radially moved to and from the main axis. The workpiece is supported so that a central axis of the portion to be processed is aligned with one of a plurality of forming target axes. A plurality of forming target axes are provided on the basis of a plurality of target processed portions of the workpiece changed from the unprocessed portion to a final target changed diameter portion of the workpiece with a central axis thereof being at least one of offset from, oblique to and skewed from a central axis of the unprocessed portion. Then, at least one of the work piece and the roller is driven to be rotated relative to each other about each forming target axis, while the roller is moved radially toward each forming target axis of the plurality of forming target axes, with the roller being in substantial contact with a surface of the portion to be processed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a portion of a workpiece. At least one roller is supported on a rotatable member rotatable about a main axis to be radially moved to and from the main axis. The workpiece is supported to position a central axis of the portion to be processed at least one of offset from and oblique to a forming target axis overlapping the main axis. Then, at least one of the workpiece and the roller is driven to be rotated relative to each other about the forming target axis, while the roller is moved radially toward the forming target axis, with the roller being in substantial contact with a surface of the portion to be processed. As a result, the portion to be processed is formed into a changed diameter portion having the forming target axis.

Abstract: A machine for the forming of the body member of two-piece metal cans uses a carrier upon which are mounted six or more pairs of ram assemblies. The rams are driven by cam action on a fixed track and the rams each carry a pair of wheels which ride on the track. Each of the rams is rectangular in cross-section, to counteract centrifugal force, and is an aluminum alloy coated with a Teflon-ceramic coating so that the ram is light in weight and does not require a liquid lubricant.

Abstract: A linking apparatus and method for connecting two can making and processing machines. The linking arrangement includes a coupling arrangement synchronously connecting the respective drive arrangements for the two machines, and a transfer member for sequentially transferring can bodies between the two machines. The coupling arrangement includes a first gear drivingly connected to a first one of the machines, a second gear drivingly connected to a second one of the machines, and an intermediate gear interengagingly connected between the first and second gears. The transfer member includes a vacuum star-wheel driven by the intermediate gear.

Abstract: A can-making necker machine to form the bottom and neck of two-piece metal cans has pusher rams. Each pusher has a cam follower which follows a track or groove. The cam follower is not lubricated but instead has rolling surfaces which are coated with a low-friction high-impact diamond film.

Abstract: A system for performing sequential operations on a can body, such as necking the open end of the can body, in which two or more machines, such as die necking machines are, are coupled by a transfer module. The transfer module comprises a multi-pocket wheel that receives can bodies from a multi-pocket discharge wheel of the first necking machine and discharges them to a multi-pocket input wheel of the second die necking machine. The drive motor of one of the necking machines is eliminated, while the drive motor on the other machine is enlarged. A gear on the transfer module couples the gear trains on the first and second necking machines into a common gear train. Thus, the transfer module gear train transfers power from the necking machine having the enlarged drive motor to the necking machine for which the drive motor was eliminated. This enables a single drive motor to entire drive train for both machines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an end portion of a cylindrical member or cylinder includes at least one roller supported on a main shaft to be radially moved to and from the main shaft. The cylinder is supported to position the central axis thereof on the plane including the main shaft. Then, at least one of the cylinder and the roller is driven to be rotated relative to each other about an oblique axis inclined against the central axis of the cylinder, while the roller is moved radially toward the oblique axis, with the roller being in substantial contact with the outer surface of the one end portion of the cylinder. As a result, the one end portion of the cylinder is formed into a reduced diameter portion such as a tapered portion having the oblique axis.

Abstract: There is provided a lift cam mechanism for an electronic parts-mounting apparatus including a vertical shaft and at least one mounting head arranged around the vertical shaft. The lift cam mechanism operates to lift and lower an associated one of the at least one mounting head as each mounting head is moved about the vertical shaft. A cylindrical cam is concentrically disposed with respect to the vertical shaft. The cylindrical cam has a protruding portion formed on a peripheral surface thereof in a manner such that the protruding portion has a generally annular shape and provides upper and lower cam surfaces. A pair of upper and lower cam followers are arranged respectively on the upper and lower cam surfaces of the protruding portion in a manner such that the pair of upper and lower cam followers sandwich the protruding portion therebetween in a manner rollable thereon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming the base of a container such as a can having a domed base. The apparatus comprises independent assemblies for rotating the can and for reforming the base profile. The base reforming assembly uses a torque shaft to twist an eccentric and actuate radial movement of a roll into contact with the can base. A stop prevents movement of this roll beyond a predetermined amount, thereby maintaining consistency of profile depth. By minimizing moving parts of the tooling, wear is limited to that which may arise from the stop alone.

Abstract: Apparatus for re-forming a seaming flange (F) formed on the open end of a can body (B) comprises: a bottom support for supporting the bottom end wall of the can body and a pusher pad (2) including a circular disc (12) having an outer profile adapted to receive and support the open end of the can body with the seaming flange protruding radially outwardly beyond the disc. A push rod (4) moves the pusher pad axially towards and away from the bottom support such that successive can bodies can be held there between whilst the pusher pad and bottom support are driven in rotation about their common axis. One or more rollers (34) are mounted adjacent the outer edge of the pusher pad disc for axial movement with the push rod and the pusher pad (2) is mounted on the push rod (4) for limited axial movement thereon against the action of a spring (38).

Abstract: A die assembly includes spinning pilot rollers for necking-in the open end of a container. The die assembly includes a cylindrical die for engaging the outside surface of a container. A tubular spindle is rotatably mounted along the axis of the die. One or more of rollers are rotatably mounted on the spindle, and each roller is pivotable about an axis which extends parallel to the axis of the die. An actuator is reciprocably mounted within the spindle and is movable between first and second positions for camming the rollers away from the axis of the spindle and toward the inside surface of the die.

Abstract: A method of orienting cans on a continuously rotating machine, in which the machine has a plurality of rotating heads for can bodies (2), each of the heads having a sensor (9) for detecting the orientation of the can body. Each head comprises a mandrel (6), chuck (8) and can carrier (7). In one embodiment, the chuck and mandrel rotate at different speeds. The can body is generally held by the chuck but is transferred to the mandrel in order to impose the required orientation on the can body. In an alternative embodiment, each chuck is driven by an independent motor (15) and orientation is achieved by imposing a motion profile on the chuck to correct any error. An unique mark or series of marks is provided at or around a free edge of the can body so that the sensor can detect the orientation of the can body. Typically these marks are hidden in the finished product by a double seam which joins the can end to the can body.