Novelis, Inc.

William Kennedy

Harold Cook, Jr

Michael Atkinson

Jeffrey Edward Geho

Christopher J Olson

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.

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Sunnybank Hills, Australia

William Kennedy