Quick change over apparatus for machine line

{
  "publication_number": "US7454944B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Quick change over apparatus for machine line",
  "abstract": "A machine arrangement includes a plurality of machines arranged to cooperate with each other in a manner which comprises a machine line. This machine line incorporates apparatus which is associated with and/or comprises part of the machines for: at least one of moving, holding, manipulating and shaping cans as they pass from a can infeed to a can discharge of the machine line and move along a path having a predetermined configuration. This apparatus minimizes operations necessary for changing from a set up suitable for modifying a can having a first set of dimensions to a set up suitable for a can having a second set of dimensions.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A machine arrangement comprising: a necking machine for necking cans comprising: a turret arrangement comprising: a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and two opposite engagement portions on the pivotal member, wherein each engagement portion is configured to engage different interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure.",
    "2. A machine arrangement comprising: a necking machine for necking cans comprising: a turret arrangement comprising: a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and two engagement portions on the pivotal member configured to engage interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure, and further comprising a bolt rotatably received in a through bore formed in the pivotal member and configured to thread into a tapped bore formed in one of the turret structure and a clamp mounting bracket secured to the turret structure, the through hole being configured to allow pivotal movement of the bolt in a manner wherein an axis of the bolt is pivotal through an angle which lies on a plane normal to the pivot axis about which the pivotal member is pivotal.",
    "3. A machine arrangement as set forth in claim 2, wherein the engagement portions are arcuate engagement portions.",
    "4. A machine arrangement as set forth in claim 2, wherein the interchangeable machine members are cylindrical members peripheral portions of which are engaged by the arcuate engagement portions.",
    "5. A machine arrangement comprising: a necking machine for necking cans comprising: a turret arrangement comprising: a pivotal clamp member pivotally supported on a turret structure so as to be pivotal about a pivot axis; and two engagement portions on the pivotal member configured to engage interchangeable machine members supported on the turret structure and secure the interchangeable machine members on the turret structure, wherein the interchangeable machine members are cylindrical members peripheral portions of which are engaged by the arcuate engagement portions, and wherein the cylindrical members are can necking dies and the turret structure comprises a die block of the turret of the can necking machine.",
    "6. A machine arrangement as set forth in claim 5, wherein the cylindrical members are disposed adjacent one another.",
    "7. A machine arrangement as set forth in claim 5, further comprising a detent configured to hold the pivotal member in a pivoted position."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "This application is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/126,151, filed May 11, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,404,309, which claims priority to Provisional Application No. 60/628,562 filed Nov. 18, 2004. The entire content of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference\n\nThe present invention relates generally to series of machines or machine units which constitute a machine line, and more specifically to apparatus which forms part of the machines and which enables the line to be quickly switched between a first set-up wherein a first sized product is modified/manufactured and at least one other set-up wherein a different dimensioned product is modified/manufactured.\n\nNecking machines have been used to form the neck on beer and beverage cans and the like for some time. These machines have evolved to the degree that reliable high speed precision necking is reliably realized. However, a drawback is encountered when switching from a run of one sized can to another, in that the downtime tends to be considerable. That is to say, the change-over requires the switching of an extensive number of elements and replacing them with new elements and/or re-adjusting current element to accommodate either the new diameter or length of the next can to be necked. Merely by way of example, with a change in diameter or neck profile, the current series of dies and knockout punches on each of the turrets needs to be changed.",
  "cpc": [
    "B21D 51/2615",
    "B21D 51/2692",
    "Y10T 29/5154"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "B23B 7/04",
    "B21D 37/00"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Belvac Production Machinery Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Joseph G. Schill",
    "Jeffery Lee Shortridge",
    "Christopher D. Shuey",
    "Dennis E. Green"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2007-08-22",
  "publication_date": "2008-11-25",
  "grant_date": "2008-11-25",
  "priority_date": "2004-11-18",
  "application_number": "US-84338307-A",
  "family_id": "36177868",
  "cited_by_count": 22,
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}