Abstract:
An improved cap, and apparatus and a method for making such cap, including tooling for the first station are provided. The improved cap has a central button feature in its top panel that can move slightly upward or downward with respect to the remainder of the cap. When a container is filled, liquid Nitrogen is added just before the cap is applied. The liquid Nitrogen turns into gas and creates pressure in the container, causing the button to rise. When a consumer opens the cap, the gas is released and the button returns to its normal (down) position, or if pressure is accidentally lost the button returns to its normal (down) position. Thus indicating loss of pressurization and possible resulting spoilage, or will indicate that the container has been open, and may contain only partial product.
Abstract:
In a ram press for manufacturing shells for can ends, a relatively flat shell is transferred from a tooling station to a destination. The shell is supported at the first station from the upper tooling work surface, from which it is propelled in edgewise fashion into a transfer path. The transfer path is at least partially enclosed and extends from an entrance adjacent the first station tooling toward the shell destination. An air assist mechanism is provided for acting upon the shell moving into and along the path, and includes an outlet conduit connected to a supply of air under pressure. The conduit includes an open outlet end. A valve is disposed the outlet conduit for controlling flow of air along said conduit. The outlet conduit is disposed with its outlet end at one side of the entrance to the transfer path, with the end positioned in a direction into the path, whereby air is directed along said path in the direction of movement of the object. The air facilitates movement of the shell along the path.
Abstract:
A seal and method of forming a seal for a reclosable container includes a removable cap that is selectively received over a pour opening formed in a can body. The method includes applying a plastisol to an interior surface of the cap, curing the plastisol at an elevated temperature in the cap, and cold-forming the cap containing the cured plastisol therein. In another arrangement, an EVA seal material is extruded into the cap and the seal is subsequently cold-formed in the cap.
Abstract:
A palletizing mechanism (PP, WB, HB1-1, HB-2) supplies a pallet and a length of wrapping paper for receiving successive rows of bags until a full pallet load is prepared. The palletizing apparatus can be mated to the bagger apparatus, and operated synchronously therewith under the management of a common programmable controller. The palletizer apparatus receives each stick of can ends in a predetermined orientation, and maintains the orientation vis-a-vis all sticks in a pallet load. The sticks are placed sequentially into a row of predetermined number of sticks, then that row is loaded onto the top of a layer of wrapping, the first row being supported on a suitable empty pallet, then the wrap is passed over the last placed row. This operation proceeds with the wrap supply following a to-and-fromotion until the desired number of rows is automatically built up on a pallet.
Abstract:
An improved can end bagging system comprises four subassemblies: (1) the end gathering and stick assembly apparatus, (2) the bag feeding, opening, and loading apparatus which places a predetermined number of stacked can ends into an open end bag, (3) the vertical positioner apparatus for moving the bagged sticks into a folding device, and (4) the bag folding, closing and transfer apparatus. The loading mechanism includes a servo controlled pusher which is driven with controlled acceleration and deceleration to avoid tipping of the ends making up a stick, to avoid bursting of the bags during filling, and to assure complete and uniform filling of each bag. Sponginess which results primarily from variations in compression of the rims of the ends pressing against each other in the gathering and counting process is avoided. Once the closed stick is sealed, it is prepared for transfer into a gathering mechanism in a palletizer, maintaining a predetermined orientation of the bag, while a desired number of bags are assembled for making up horizontal rows on a pallet.
Abstract:
A control for a press and system for making can ends includes a programmable controller (PLC) which incorporates unique control software interconnecting the PLC and the press mechanisms. The PLC and its software in turn interfaces with a programmable interface device, such as a commercially available Smart Screen interface (SSI) which includes a keyboard and color monitor for operator input/output. The interface includes its own software which interfaces with the PLC software, the keyboard, the monitor, and a programmable CAD package which allows a designer to create and store various interactive and/or passive displays as unique software files related to conditions and operations of the can end making press system coupled to the PLC. A unique set of such programmed displays is disclosed, certain of which are directly interactive with parts and/or transducers fitted to the press and its related tooling. Some displays are continually interactive with the PLC control, others are interactive upon command, and still others are prompt and assist instruction types of display. These displays allow the system operator to operate the system through various set-up, jog, and run modes, maintenance functions, and also to indicate and identify incipient and actual error conditions, and to record data associated with the press operation. Records can be temporary or more permanent, as desired.
Abstract:
A can or container reformed from an existing open ended can adds additional volume and integral thread portions to form a reclosable can. An existing can is inverted, drawn to increase the volume, an end wall pierced and reformed into an outwardly curled lip, thread portions formed along a perimeter portion of the can body adjacent a first end, and a new end seamed to the original open, second end of the can. A cap with thread lugs cooperates with the thread portions on the external perimeter of the reformed can to originally and subsequently reseal the can once the can has been opened.
Abstract:
An apparatus for forming a reclosable metal can includes a flexible bladder that receives pressure from at least one end. The bladder is received in movable dies that selectively open and close about the bladder, and more particularly about a metal body received between the bladder and die. The die preferably includes thread or lug profile cavities for forming circumferentially spaced thread lugs in the can body.
Abstract:
A can or container reformed from an existing open ended can adds additional volume and integral thread portions to form a recloseable can. An existing can is inverted, drawn to increase the volume, an end wall pierced and reformed into an outwardly curled lip, thread portions formed along a perimeter portion of the can body adjacent a first end, and a new end seamed to the original open, second end of the can. A cap with thread lugs cooperates with the thread portions on the external perimeter of the reformed can to originally and subsequently reseal the can once the can has been opened.
Abstract:
A method, and apparatus for performing the method, is provided for the purpose of forming and inserting seal pieces into a container cap of a type which comprises an integral cup-like member having a top panel, a skirt depending from the top panel, and a plurality of cap lugs formed in the rim and extending partially inward from the rim. A quantity of such caps is supplied onto a surface, preferably with the caps inverted resting on their top panels. The caps are gathered into a plurality of rows and forwarded to screw conveyor mechanisms for advancing the caps to seal inserting stations located substantially coplanar with said assembly surface. The screw conveyor mechanism includes a table with at least two slots therein and conveyor screws extending beneath and along the slots and carrying caps along the table to a discharge location where the caps are temporarily located. A supply strip of flexible seal material is directed into proximity to the inserting stations and precisely cut seal pieces from the strip are inserted into the caps.