VACUUM MANIFOLD HAVING DUAL TIMING ADJUSTABILITY FOR PROCESS TURRET

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed concept relates generally to apparatus for manufacturing containers, such as necker machines for necking can bodies and, more particularly, to vacuum manifold assemblies for use with process turrets of such apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Metal beverage cans are designed and manufactured to withstand high internal pressure-typically 90-100 psi. Can bodies are commonly formed from a metal blank that is first drawn into a cup. The sides of the cup are ironed to a desired can wall thickness and height and the bottom of the cup is formed into a dome. After the can is filled, a can end is placed onto the open can end and affixed with a seaming process.

It has been the conventional practice to reduce the diameter at the top of the can in a process referred to as necking. Cans may be necked in a “spin necking” process in which cans are rotated with rollers that reduce the diameter of the neck. Most cans are necked in a “die necking” process in which cans are longitudinally pushed into dies to gently reduce the neck diameter over several stages. For example, reducing the diameter of a can neck from a conventional body diameter of 2 11/16th inches to 2 2/16th inches (that is, from a 211 to a 202 size) typically requires multiple necking stages, often 12.

Each of the necking stages are typically carried out in a station that includes a main process turret that includes a starwheel for holding the can bodies, a die assembly that includes the tooling for reducing the diameter of the open end of the can, and a pusher ram having a pusher pad which couples to the can via vacuum prior to pushing the can into the die tooling. Each necking stage also typically includes a transfer turret assembly that receives can bodies from a previous or upstream stage and delivers the can bodies to the aforementioned process turret which, after processing, delivers the cans to the transfer turret of an adjacent downstream station.

While the vacuum start and abatement locations for transferring cans to/from a process turret may provide for accurate transfers at a given rotational speed, the capability to operate die necking processes at different speeds has become desirable to control the quantity of can bodies produced over a given period of time. Unfortunately, changing the rotational speed of the process turret can remove the exit and intake pockets from proper operational alignment due to the resulting change(s) in transfer times, which can cause can bodies to be dropped or crushed during operation, and may use the vacuum ineffectively by providing a period during which vacuum force is applied but no can is located near the pusher pad or a period in which vacuum force is applied too long thus inhibiting transfer of the can from the pusher pad.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosed concept address shortcomings in conventional arrangements by providing robust solutions for independently adjusting on and off vacuum timing in a transfer turret for different operating speeds. As one aspect of the disclosed concept, a vacuum manifold assembly for use in a station of a necker machine is provided. The vacuum manifold assembly comprises: a housing of annular shape positioned about a central axis, the housing being structured to be fixedly coupled to a fixed subframe adjacent a rotatable process turret of the station, the housing comprising: a first end face disposed perpendicular to the central axis; an annular trough defined in the housing spaced about the central axis, the annular trough extending a depth into the housing axially along the central axis from a trough top at the first end face to a trough base; and a number of vacuum inlets defined in the housing and opening into the annular trough, each vacuum inlet being structured to communicate a vacuum to the trough from a source of vacuum pressure; a first adjustment member positioned in the trough and adjustably coupled to the housing among a first plurality of positions, the first adjustment member having an end face sized and configured to close off a first portion of the trough; and a second adjustment member positioned in the trough and adjustably coupled to the housing among a second plurality of positions independent of the first adjustment member, the second adjustment member having an end face sized and configured to close off a second portion of the trough, wherein the first end face of the housing is structured to sealingly engage with the rotatable process turret such that the top of the trough is sealed by the rotatable process turret, wherein the end face of the first adjustment member and the end face of the second adjustment member delineate the trough into two portions: an active vacuum zone and an inactive vacuum zone, the active vacuum zone being the portion of the trough between the end face of the first adjustment member and the end face of the second adjustment member having the number of vacuum inlets opening therein, wherein an angular starting point of the active vacuum zone is adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the first adjustment member, and wherein an angular ending point of the active vacuum zone is adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the second adjustment member.

The housing may comprise a backer plate and a manifold plate coupled to the backer plate, the manifold plate may comprise the first end surface and define the trough, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member may be adjustably coupled to the backer plate.

The number of vacuum inlets may open into the base of the trough.

The number of vacuum inlets may comprise a plurality of vacuum inlets circumferentially spaced along the vacuum zone.

The housing may comprise an outward extending flange opposite the first end face, wherein the housing is structured to be fixedly coupled to the fixed subframe of the station via the outward extending flange.

As another aspect of the disclosed concept a station for use in a necker machine is provided. The station comprises: a subframe; a process turret rotatably coupled to the subframe and structured to be rotated about a rotation axis by a drive assembly of the necker machine, the process turret having a plurality of vacuum conduits defined therein, each vacuum conduit extending from a respective opening defined in an end face of the process turret positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis to an arrangement for receiving a can body for processing; and a vacuum manifold assembly comprising: a housing of annular shape positioned about a central axis aligned with the rotation axis of the process turret, the housing fixedly coupled to the subframe adjacent the end face of the process turret, the housing comprising: a first end face disposed perpendicular to the central axis; an annular trough defined in the housing spaced about the central axis, the annular trough extending a depth into the housing axially along the central axis from a trough top at the first end face to a trough base; and a number of vacuum inlets defined in the housing and opening into the annular trough, each vacuum inlet being structured to communicate a vacuum to the trough from a source of vacuum pressure; a first adjustment member positioned in the trough and adjustably coupled to the housing among a first plurality of positions, the first adjustment member having an end face sized and configured to close off a first portion of the trough; and a second adjustment member positioned in the trough and adjustably coupled to the housing among a second plurality of positions independent of the first adjustment member, the second adjustment member having an end face sized and configured to close off a second portion of the trough, wherein the first end face of the housing is sealingly engaged with the end face of the process turret such that the top of the trough is sealed by the process turret, wherein the end face of the first adjustment member and the end face of the second adjustment member delineate the trough into two portions: an active vacuum zone and an inactive vacuum zone, the active vacuum zone being the portion of the trough between the end face of the first adjustment member and the end face of the second adjustment member having the number of vacuum inlets opening therein, wherein an angular starting point of the active vacuum zone is adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the first adjustment member, wherein an angular ending point of the active vacuum zone is adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the second adjustment member, and wherein the respective openings of the vacuum conduits of the process turret aligned with the active vacuum zone communicate the vacuum to the arrangement for receiving the can body for processing associated therewith.

The housing may comprise a backer plate and a manifold plate coupled to the backer plate, the manifold plate may comprise the first end surface and define the trough, and the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member may be adjustably coupled to the backer plate. The number of vacuum inlets may open into the base of the trough. The number of vacuum inlets may comprise a plurality of vacuum inlets circumferentially spaced along the vacuum zone. The housing may comprise an outward extending flange opposite the first end face, the housing may be structured to be fixedly coupled to the fixed subframe of the station via the outward extending flange.

As yet a further aspect of the disclosed concept, a necker machine for use in forming can bodies is provided. The necker machine comprises: a drive assembly; and a plurality of stations, wherein one or more of the plurality of stations comprises a station such as previously described.

These and other objects, features, and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the disclosed concept.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a necker machine in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the necker machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the necker machine of FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a necking station in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept such as for use in a necker machine such as shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 5 is a detail view a portion of the necking station of FIG. 4 shown with a vacuum manifold assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept exploded therefrom;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of an inward facing end of the vacuum manifold assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the vacuum manifold assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an infeed station in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept such as for use in a necker machine such as shown in FIGS. 1-3;

FIG. 9 is a detail view a portion of the infeed station of FIG. 8 shown with a vacuum manifold assembly in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept exploded therefrom;

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an inward facing end of the vacuum manifold assembly of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the vacuum manifold assembly of FIGS. 9 and 10; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the vacuum manifold assembly of FIGS. 9-11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the drawings and described herein are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept. Accordingly, specific dimensions, orientations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards and derivatives thereof, relate to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and are not limiting upon the claims unless expressly recited therein.

As used herein, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. As such, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not “structured to [verb].”

As employed herein, the term “can” refers to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and soda cans, as well as cans used for food.

As used herein, “coupled” means a link between two or more elements, whether direct or indirect, so long as a link occurs. An object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto.

As used herein, “operatively coupled” means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be “operatively coupled” to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are coupled in direct contact with each other.

As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. The fixed components may, or may not, be directly coupled.

As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body.

As used herein, “associated” means that the identified components are related to each other, contact each other, and/or interact with each other. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hubs, each hub is “associated” with a specific tire.

As used herein, “engage,” when used in reference to gears or other components having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface with each other and the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate as well.

As employed herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality).

A necker machine 10, such as shown in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. is structured to reduce the diameter of a portion of a can body 1. Necker machine 10 is of similar construction and operates in a similar manner as necker machines such as, for example, without limitation, described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 11,370,015 and 11,565,303 commonly assigned to the same assignee as the present application except for the vacuum manifold arrangements described herein and components related thereto. Accordingly, only a general overview of major components of necker machine 10 and the general operation thereof is provided herein.

The necker machine 10 includes a plurality of stations including an infeed station 12 having an infeed assembly 14 for receiving can bodies 1 to the necker machine 10, an outfeed station 16 having an outfeed assembly 18 for passing can bodies from the necker machine 10, and a plurality of processing/forming stations 20 positioned therebetween for carrying out processing steps on the can bodies passing along the necker machine 10. The necker machine 10 further includes a transfer assembly 30, and a drive assembly shown generally at 31. Hereinafter, processing/forming stations 20 are identified by the term “processing stations 20” and refer to generic processing stations 20. As is known, the processing stations 20 are disposed adjacent to each other and in series. That is, the can bodies 1 being processed by the necker machine 10 each move from an upstream location starting at the infeed station 12 and through a series of processing stations 20 in the same sequence before exiting via the outfeed station 16. The can bodies 1 follow a path, hereinafter, the “work path 19” (FIG. 3). That is, the necker machine 10 defines the work path 19 wherein can bodies 1 move from an “upstream” location (i.e., closer to the infeed station 12) to a “downstream” location (i.e., closer to the outfeed station 16). Hereinafter, infeed station 12, outfeed station 16, and processing stations 20 are also referred to individually as a “station”, and/or collectively as “stations”, of the necker machine 10. With regard to elements that define the work path 19, each of those elements have an “upstream” end and a “downstream end” wherein the can bodies 1 move from the “upstream” end to the “downstream end.” Thus, as used herein, the nature/identification of an element, assembly, sub-assembly, etc. as an “upstream” or “downstream” element or assembly, or, being in an “upstream” or “downstream” location, is inherent. Further, as used herein, the nature/identification of an element, assembly, sub-assembly, etc. as an “upstream” or “downstream” element or assembly, or, being in an “upstream” or “downstream” location, is a relative term.

Each processing station 20 has a similar width W (FIG. 3) and the can body 1 is processed and/or formed (or partially formed), i.e., “necked”, as the can body 1 moves generally across the width W. Generally, the processing/forming in each processing station 20 occurs in/on a process turret 22 that includes a process shaft 23. The process shaft 23, and thus the process turret 22, is structured to be rotated about a rotation axis 24 by the drive assembly of the necker machine. Each processing station 20 includes a non-vacuum starwheel 25. As used herein, a “non-vacuum starwheel” means a starwheel that does not include, or is not associated with, a vacuum assembly that is structured to apply a vacuum to the starwheel pockets. Further, each processing station 20 typically includes one turret 22 and one non-vacuum starwheel 25.

It is noted that the plurality of processing stations 20 are structured to neck different types of can bodies 1 and/or to neck can bodies in different configurations. Thus, the plurality of processing stations 20 are structured to be added and removed from the necker machine 10 depending upon the need. To accomplish this, the necker machine 10 includes a frame assembly (shown generally at 32) to which the plurality of processing stations 20 and the infeed and outfeed stations 12 and 16 are removably coupled. Alternatively, the frame assembly 32 includes elements incorporated into each of the plurality of processing stations 20 and infeed and outfeed stations 12 and 16 so that the plurality of processing stations 20 and infeed and outfeed assemblies 12 and 16 are structured to be temporarily coupled to each other.

The frame assembly 32 has an upstream end 34 and a downstream end 36. Further, the frame assembly 32 includes elongated members, panel members (neither numbered), or a combination of both. As is known, panel members coupled to each other, or coupled to elongated members, form a housing. Accordingly, as used herein, a housing is also identified as a “frame assembly 32.” Generally, each processing station 20 is structured to partially form (i.e., neck) the can body 1 so as to reduce the cross-sectional area of an open end of a can body 1 a predetermined amount. The processing stations 20 include some elements that are unique to a single processing station 20, such as, but not limited to, a specific die. Other elements of the processing stations 20 are common to all, or most, of the processing stations 20.

The transfer assembly 30 is structured to move the can bodies 1 between adjacent processing stations 20, and typically between process turrets 22 of adjacent processing stations 20. As shown in the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the transfer assembly 30 includes a plurality of transfer turrets 40. Each transfer turret 40 includes a transfer starwheel 42 rotatable about a rotation axis 44. The transfer starwheel 42 is configured to transfer can bodies 1 to/from a given processing station 20 or between processing stations 20 as the starwheel 42 rotates about axis 44 in a direction as shown by arrow 45. Although shown as rotating in a counter-clockwise direction (i.e., a right-handed machine) in the example discussed herein, it is to be appreciated that arrangements of the disclosed concept may be likewise applied to arrangements rotating in a clockwise direction (i.e., a left-handed machine) without varying the scope of the disclosed concept. The transfer starwheel 42 is generally circular in shape and includes a plurality of peripheral pockets 46 disposed about an outer periphery (not numbered) of the transfer starwheel 42. Each pocket 46 is adapted to receive a can body 1 and includes a vacuum port (not numbered) for conveying a vacuum pressure/force to hold a can body 1 in each pocket 46 of the transfer starwheel 42 while each can body 1 is transported by the transfer starwheel 42 from an infeed point IP (shown generally in FIG. 3) of the transfer starwheel 42 wherein a can body 1 is received in a particular pocket from an upstream process turret 22 (or other arrangement), to an outfeed point OP (also shown generally in FIG. 3) wherein the can body 1 previously received in the particular pocket is released/transferred from the pocket to a downstream process turret 22 (or other arrangement).

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, an example processing station 20 in the form of a necking station having a vacuum manifold assembly 100 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept will now be discussed. As previously discussed, processing station 20 includes process turret 22 including the process shaft 23 that is structured to be rotated about the rotation axis 24. More particularly, the process turret 22/shaft 23 is/are rotatably coupled to a subframe 38 of the processing station 20 that is fixedly coupled with the frame assembly 32 (previously discussed) and/or forms a part of the frame assembly 32. The process turret 22 receives can bodies 1 from the transfer starwheel 42 of transfer turret 40. Like other conventional arrangements, during such transfer each can body 1 moves from being held in a pocket 46 of the transfer starwheel 42 by a vacuum arrangement thereof to being held by another vacuum arrangement to a push pad 50 of a pusher assembly 52 (only one is shown in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5) which engages and disengages the can body with a necking die (not numbered) of the processing turret 22. As shown in the detail view of FIG. 5, the process turret 22 includes a plurality of vacuum conduits (not numbered) defined therein, of the process turret 22 that is positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis 24 each vacuum conduit extending from a respective opening 54 defined in an end face 56 to an arrangement for receiving a can body for processing (e.g., push pad 50).

The vacuum manifold assembly 100 receives vacuum pressure from a vacuum source (not numbered) via a number of conduits 102 (e.g., hoses) and controls the angular locations during rotation about the rotation axis 24 that the openings 54 provided in end face 56 (and thus the conduits extending therefrom) are initially subjected to, and when they subsequently are isolated from, vacuum pressure. Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, the vacuum manifold assembly 100 includes a housing 104 of annular shape positioned about a central axis 106. Housing 104 is structured to be fixedly coupled to subframe 38 adjacent rotatable end face 56 of process turret 22 (as discussed further below) with the central axis 106 aligned with the rotation axis 24 of the process turret. Housing 104 is formed from a suitable metal or other rigid material and includes a first (inner) end face 108 disposed perpendicular to the central axis 106 and an opposite second (outer) end face 110. A number of vacuum ports 112 are provided on the second end face 110 for coupling with the conduits 102 previously discussed. Housing 104 further includes an annular trough 114 defined in the housing 104 and spaced about the central axis 106. The annular trough 114 extends a depth d into the housing 104 axially along the central axis 106 from a trough top 116 at the first end face 108 to a trough base 118. Housing 104 further includes a number of vacuum inlets 120 defined in the housing and opening into the annular trough 114. Each vacuum inlet 120 is structured to communicate a vacuum to the trough 114 from a conduit 122 (shown in hidden line in FIG. 7) defined within housing 104 extending from a corresponding vacuum port 112 (which receives vacuum from a vacuum source via a conduit 102 such as previously discussed). In an example embodiment, the number of vacuum inlets 120 open into the tough base 118. In an example embodiment, the number of vacuum inlets 120 comprise a plurality of vacuum inlets circumferentially spaced along a portion of the trough 114.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 6 and 7, vacuum manifold assembly 100 further includes a first adjustment member 130 and a second adjustment member 140. The first adjustment member 130 is positioned in the trough 114 and adjustably coupled to the housing 104 among a first plurality of positions. The first adjustment member 130 includes an end face 132 that is sized and configured to close off (i.e., functions generally as a dam) a first portion of the trough 114. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first adjustment member 130 includes a base portion 134 and an upright portion 136 with the base portion 134 having an elongated arcuate slot 138 defined therein for receiving a fastening element 139 therethough (e.g., an Allen bolt or other suitable fastener) for adjustably coupling the first adjustment member 130 to the housing 104. In such example, the upright portion 136 includes the end face 132. The second adjustment member 140 is positioned in the trough 114 and adjustably coupled to the housing 104 among a second plurality of positions independent of the first adjustment member 130. The second adjustment member 140 includes an end face 142 that is sized and configured to close off (i.e., functions generally as a dam) a second portion of the trough 114. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 the second adjustment member 140 is generally a block of uniform thickness having a first slot 144 and a second slot 146 defined therein for receiving fastening elements 148 and 149 therethough (e.g., Allen bolts or other suitable fasteners) for adjustably coupling the second adjustment member 140 to the housing 104. It is to be appreciated that such particular examples of first and second adjustment members are provided for exemplary purposes only and that variations thereof may be employed without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. It is also to be appreciated that in such example embodiment the housing 104 is a multi-piece assembly including a backer plate 104A, a manifold plate 104B which includes the first end surface 108 and defines the trough 114 and is coupled to the backer plate 104A, and a mounting body 104C which includes an outward extending flange 105 for fixedly coupling the housing 104 to the subframe 38 of the station 20. In such arrangement the first adjustment member 130 and the second adjustment member 140 are adjustably coupled to the backer plate 104A.

When the vacuum manifold assembly 100 is installed on the process station 20 (i.e., when housing 104 is fixedly coupled to subframe 38 adjacent rotatable end face 56 of process turret 22) such as shown in FIG. 4, the first end face 108 of the housing 104 is sealingly engaged with the end face 56 of the process turret 22 such that the top 116 of the trough 114 is sealed by the end face 56 of the process turret 22, thus creating a vacuum manifold in the trough 114 bounded by the first and second end faces 132 and 142 of the first and second adjustment members 130 and 140. In other words, the end face 132 of the first adjustment member 130 and the end face 142 of the second adjustment member 140 delineate the trough 114 into two portions: an active vacuum zone 150 and an inactive vacuum zone 152; the active vacuum zone 150 being the portion of the trough 114 between the end face 132 of the first adjustment member 130 and the end face 142 of the second adjustment member 140 having the number of vacuum inlets 120 opening therein. It is to be appreciated that such arrangement provides for an angular starting point (i.e., end face 132 of first adjustment member 130) of the active vacuum zone 150 to be adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the first adjustment member 130; and for an angular ending point (i.e., end face 142 of the second adjustment member 140) of the active vacuum zone 150 to be adjustable by adjusting the positioning of the second adjustment member 140. During operation of the process turret 22, the respective openings 54 of the vacuum conduits of the process turret 22 that are aligned with the active vacuum zone 150 communicate the vacuum to the arrangement for receiving the can body (i.e., push pad 50) for processing associated therewith, while the respective opening 54 of the vacuum conduits of the process turret 22 that are not aligned with the active vacuum zone 150 and instead are aligned with the inactive vacuum zone do not communicate a vacuum to the arrangement associated therewith.

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate another example of a vacuum manifold assembly 100′ having the same functionality as vacuum manifold assembly 100 employed in conjunction with a waxer arrangement 160 of an infeed station 12 for a necker machine 10 such as previously discussed in regard to FIGS. 1-3.

From the foregoing examples it is thus to be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed concept provide arrangements that allow independent adjustment of both the infeed and outfeed vacuum timing on a process turret on a necker machine to ensure that: can bodies are fully suctioned to the process turret push pad while the can is aligned with the push pad at the transfer point into the process turret, can bodies are fully suctioned to the process turret push pad before the necking process begins, and that can bodies are released from push pad suction in time for proper transfer out of the process turret onto the proceeding transfer turret. As the speed of the necking machine increases, adjustment of vacuum timing allows the effective “on” and “off” time of the vacuum to stay the same relative to the transfer point between the transfer turret and the process turret. Such arrangement ensures consistent performance of the necker machine at various speeds.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word “comprising” or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.