Forming of metal container bodies

US8096156B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Christopher J. Olson · Aliso Viejo, US
• Harold D. Cook · Issaquah, US
• Michael L. Atkinson · Lafayette, US
• Randy Worwag · Arvada, US
• Peter Kubisa · Littleton, US
• Chris Reynolds · Vancouver, US
• Larry Patchen · Brighton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 29, 2007
• Grant date: Jan 17, 2012
• Expiry date: Apr 16, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B21D51/2692
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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).