Crown Packaging Technology, Inc.

Novelis, Inc.

Omnitech International, Inc.

Christopher J Olson

Harold Cook, Jr

Michael Atkinson

Peter Kubisa

Randy Worwag

Chris Reynolds

Larry Patchen

Jeffrey Edward Geho

William Kennedy

Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

Forming of metal container bodies

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming metal containers. The method involves introducing a knockout element () into the container body through the open end, providing a forming die shaped to reduce the diameter of the sidewall of the container body () when the open end of the container body () is forced therein to produce a neck portion of reduced diameter on the container body, driving the open end of the container body into the forming die (), retracting the knockout element through the neck portion as the neck portion is formed, and removing the container body () from the forming die () and knockout element (). In the invention, the driving of the open end of the container body into the forming die and/or the movements of the knockout element are carried out under computer numerical control, preferably employing linear motor drives, thereby enabling the driving or movement to be optimized for the container body and the neck portion formed thereon.

Linear drive metal forming machine

The disclosed invention describes a container end that can be easily opened and does not rely on a conventional metal tab, riveted onto the end, thereby avoiding the problems and the cost associated with such a tab. The invention utilizes a traditional container end shell with a separate and distinct piece that is formed independently and is inserted into a countersink which is placed on the outer surface of the container end shell. The removal of this separate piece exerts a force or causes a change in the properties of the container wall in the countersink area, initiating and proliferating a discontinuity in the container wall, thereby creating an opening in the container. This change in the properties of the container wall can be mechanical, chemical, thermal or any other modality, which has the ability to influence the integrity of the container wall.

Easy-open container end

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Superior, CO, United States of America

Christopher J Olson