ADJUSTABLE SEAL PACK

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed concept relates generally to seal pack arrangements and, more particularly to adjustable seal pack arrangements for use in can bodymakers for producing can bodies used in the food and beverage packaging industries. The disclosed concept further relates to can bodymakers employing such adjustable seal pack arrangements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, an aluminum can begins as a sheet of aluminum from which a circular blank is cut. The blank is formed into a “cup” having a bottom and a depending sidewall. The cup is fed into a can bodymaker which passes the cup through a toolpack that thins and elongates the cup, thus forming a can body. That is, the cup is disposed on a punch mounted on an elongated ram. The ram is structured to reciprocate and pass the cup through the toolpack which (re)draws and irons the cup. That is, on each forward stroke of the ram, a cup is passed through the toolpack which forms the cup into the can body. Near the start of the return stroke, the now elongated can body is removed from the ram prior to the punch passing backward through the toolpack. A new cup is disposed on the punch prior to the punch passing forward again through the toolpack. Following additional finishing operations, e.g., trimming, washing, printing, etc., each can body is sent to a filler which fills the can body with product. A top is then coupled to, and sealed against, the can body, thereby completing the can.

Seals made of a polymer material are used on a bodymaker to prevent cross contamination of coolant and oil. A barrier called a bulkhead separates the metal forming area from the drivetrain. The metal forming area utilizes a water-based detergent referred to as “coolant” to aide in the metal forming process. The drivetrain area contains a gear oil that can become acidic if oversaturated with water. The elongated ram and pushrods are in both areas simultaneously and the seals occupy the circumference of the ram and pushrods to stop cross contamination between the metal forming area and the drivetrain. If not centered correctly, the seals can swell causing premature wear and cross contamination which ultimately leads to premature component wear and oil loss. Additionally, when the seals are off center, they cause can cause the ram to drift which brings the punch off center with the toolpack resulting in an inconsistent or failed metal forming process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the disclosed concept address shortcomings in the art by providing arrangements which align the seal pack with the ram body in a can bodymaker. As a first aspect of the disclosed concept, an adjustment arrangement for selectively adjusting a seal pack positioned about a ram body in a can bodymaker is provided. The adjustment arrangement comprises: a primary housing structured to have the seal pack fixedly coupled thereto; a secondary housing structured to be fixedly coupled to a bulkhead of the can bodymaker separating a forming area of the can bodymaker from a drivetrain area of the can bodymaker; and a number of adjustment elements engaged with both the primary housing and the secondary housing, each adjustment element being selectively moveable to adjust the relative positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.

The number of adjustment elements may comprise a plurality of adjustment elements. The plurality of adjustment elements may comprise: a first adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a first axis; and a secondary adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.

The adjustment arrangement may further comprise a number of lockdown elements, each lockdown element being structured to selectively fix the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.

Each adjustment element may comprise: a cylindrical body positioned within a cooperatively sized aperture defined through the primary housing, the cylindrical body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; an engagement arrangement positioned at the first end of the cylindrical body and structured to be engaged for rotating the cylindrical body within the aperture with respect to the primary housing; and an offset portion positioned at the second end of the cylindrical body and fixedly coupled therewith, the offset portion positioned within a groove defined in the secondary housing, wherein the offset portion is structured to engage the groove in a manner such that: rotation of the cylindrical body in a first rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing in a first linear direction with respect to the secondary housing, and rotation of the cylindrical body in a second rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.

Each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements may comprise an actuator. The actuator of each adjustment element may be one of an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic actuator. The adjustment arrangement may further comprise a controller in communication with the actuator of each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements, and the controller may be structured to selectively operate each actuator. The adjustment arrangement may further comprise a number of sensors in communication with the controller, the number of sensors being structured to detect a positioning of the ram body with respect to the bulkhead, and the controller may be structured to receive position data from the number of sensors regarding the positioning of the ram body and, responsive thereto, control the actuator of each adjustment element to selectively position the primary housing and thus the seal pack coupled thereto with respect to the ram body.

Each adjustment element of the plurality of adjustment elements may comprise an electromagnetic arrangement structured to magnetically engage the primary housing with the secondary housing.

As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a can bodymaker is provided. The can bodymaker comprises: a frame; a forming area defined by the frame, the forming area housing a number of components for forming a can body; a drivetrain area defined by the frame, the drivetrain area housing a drivetrain; a bulkhead coupled to the frame, the bulkhead positioned to separate the forming area from the drivetrain area; an elongate ram body coupled to the drivetrain and extending from the drivetrain area into the forming area through a seal pack; and an adjustment arrangement for selectively adjusting a seal pack positioned about a ram body in a can bodymaker, the adjustment arrangement comprising: a primary housing having the seal pack fixedly coupled thereto; a secondary housing fixedly coupled to the bulkhead; and a number of adjustment elements engaged with both the primary housing and the secondary housing, each adjustment element being selectively moveable to adjust the relative positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.

The adjustment arrangement of the can bodymaker may further comprise a number of lockdown elements, each lockdown element being structured to selectively fix the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.

Each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements may comprise an actuator. The actuator of each adjustment element may be one of an electric, a hydraulic, a pneumatic, or a magnetic actuator. The adjustment arrangement may further comprise a controller in communication with the actuator of each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements, and the controller may be structured to selectively operate each actuator. The adjustment arrangement of the can bodymaker may further comprise a number of sensors in communication with the controller, the number of sensors being structured to detect a positioning of the ram body with respect to the bulkhead, and the controller may be structured to receive position data from the number of sensors regarding the positioning of the ram body and, responsive thereto, control the actuator of each adjustment element to selectively position the primary housing and thus the seal pack coupled thereto with respect to the ram body.

Each adjustment element of the plurality of adjustment elements may comprise an electromagnetic arrangement structured to magnetically engage the primary housing with the secondary housing.

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 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 partially schematic top view of a portion of a can bodymaker in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the portion of the can bodymaker of FIG. 1 as indicated at A-A of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detail elevation view of the adjustment arrangement and seal pack of the bodymaker of FIGS. 1 and 2 as indicated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 as indicated at B-B of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is another sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 3 as indicated at C-C of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 4 as indicated at D-D of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 4 as indicated at E-E of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a detail elevation view, similar to that of FIG. 3, of an adjustment arrangement and seal pack in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the arrangement of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a detail elevation view, similar to that of FIGS. 3 and 8, of an adjustment arrangement and seal pack in accordance with yet a further example embodiment of the disclosed concept; and

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 10 as indicated at F-F of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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.

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, “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).

As used herein, “normal operation” of a bodymaker shall mean operating the bodymaker in a full production mode over an extended period of time with the intention of producing an optimum volume of can bodies for the particular bodymaker over such time.

As used herein, two elements that are “cooperatively sized” are sized so as to allow one of the elements to fit within the other element in a manner such that the elements may move with respect to each other but with minimal tolerance.

As used herein, an “electromagnetic adjustment arrangement” is an arrangement for adjusting the positioning of an element or elements that utilizes controlled electromagnetic forces to control/adjust the positioning of the element or elements.

FIG. 1 shows a partially schematic top view of a portion of a can bodymaker 10 in accordance with an example embodiment of the disclosed concept. As general components of a can bodymaker and operation thereof are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, only components closely related to the disclosed concept will be discussed in detail herein. The can bodymaker 10 includes: a frame 12 and a bulkhead 14 coupled thereto that together generally define a forming area, shown generally at 16, and a drivetrain area, shown generally at 18. The forming area 16 houses a number of components for forming a can body, e.g., forming dies, domer, etc., while the drivetrain area 18 houses a drivetrain, e.g., operating mechanism 20 (shown schematically), and components related thereto. The bulkhead 14 is positioned to separate the forming area 16 from the drivetrain area 18.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 1, and additionally to FIGS. 2 and 3, the can bodymaker 10 further includes an elongate ram body 22, coupled to the drivetrain (i.e., operating mechanism 18) and extending from the drivetrain area 18 into the forming area 16 through a seal pack 24 which provides support to the ram body 22 and as discussed in the Background section serves to prevent cross contamination of coolant and oil between the forming and drivetrain areas 16 and 18. Seal pack 24 may be formed from a number of seals made from a polymer, or any other suitable material(s)/arrangement without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 and 3, and additionally FIGS. 4-7, the can bodymaker 10 further includes an adjustment arrangement 30 for selectively adjusting the seal pack 24 positioned about the ram body 22. The adjustment arrangement 30 includes: a primary housing 32 having the seal pack 24 fixedly coupled thereto/therein; a secondary housing 34 fixedly coupled (e.g., via bolts or other suitable arrangement) to the bulkhead 14; and a number of adjustment elements 40, each engaged with both the primary housing 32 and the secondary housing 34. The primary housing 32 is generally disc-shaped with a central aperture/housing (not numbered) in which the seal pack 24 is disposed. The secondary housing 34 is generally ring-shaped and positioned generally between the primary housing 32 and the bulkhead 14. Each adjustment element 40 is selectively moveable to adjust the relative positioning of the primary housing 32 with respect to the secondary housing 34, and thus adjust the positioning of the seal pack 24 with respect to the bulkhead 14 and the ram body 22. In the example embodiment shown in the Figures, the adjustment arrangement 30 includes two adjustment elements 40, one (i.e., the one on the right-hand side of FIG. 3) to adjust the positioning of the primary housing 32 (and thus the seal pack 24) with respect to the secondary housing 34 (and thus the bulkhead 14) along a first axis H (e.g., in the horizontal direction), and a second (i.e., the one positioned near the top of FIG. 3) to adjust the positioning of the primary housing 32 (and thus the seal pack 24) along a second axis V (e.g., in the vertical direction) orthogonal to the first axis H.

In the example shown in FIGS. 4-7, each adjustment element 40 includes a cylindrical body 42 disposed about a longitudinal axis 43 and positioned within a cooperatively sized aperture 44 defined through the primary housing 32. The cylindrical body 42 has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, with an engagement arrangement 46 positioned at the first end of the cylindrical body 42 and an offset portion 48 positioned at the second end. The engagement arrangement 46 is structured to be engaged for rotating the cylindrical body 42 about the longitudinal central axis 43 within the aperture 44 with respect to the primary housing 32. In such example embodiment each engagement arrangement 46 has a hexagonal head which may be selectively engaged with a socket or other suitable tool to perform manual adjustments. The offset portion 48 is fixedly coupled to the cylindrical body 42, and in an example embodiment is integrally formed therewith. As shown in FIG. 7, the offset portion 48 is positioned within a groove 50 defined in the secondary housing 34 and is structured to engage the groove 50 in a manner such that rotation of the cylindrical body 42 (about the longitudinal axis 43) in a first rotational direction R1 via engagement with the engagement arrangement 46 results in movement of the primary housing 32 in a first linear direction D1 with respect to the secondary housing 34; and rotation of the cylindrical body 42 in a second rotational direction R2 via engagement with the engagement arrangement 46 results in movement of the primary housing 32 with respect to the secondary housing 34 in a second linear direction D2 opposite the first linear direction. By changing the orientation of the arrangement of the adjustment element 40 and the groove 50, movement of the primary housing 32 with respect to the secondary housing 34 can be configured for any desired direction. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each of the adjustment elements 40 and grooves 50 are oriented 90° with respect to each other, thus providing for horizontal and vertical adjustability of primary housing 32 with respect to secondary housing 34. It is to be appreciated, that one or more of the quantity, positioning, and/or mechanism(s) of adjustment elements 40 may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment arrangement 30 further includes a number of lockdown elements 60, with each lockdown element 60 being structured to selectively fix the positioning of the primary housing 32 with respect to the secondary housing 34. In such example, each lockdown element 60 is a threaded bolt having a hexagonal head which may be selectively engaged with a socket or other suitable tool. Each bolt extends through an oversized aperture defined through the primary housing 32 and threadingly engages a threaded aperture formed in the secondary housing 34. In operation, each lockdown element 60 is loosened, desired adjustments are made using the adjustment element(s) 40, and then each lockdown element 60 is retightened to fix the positioning of the primary housing 32 with respect to the secondary housing 34 (and thus the seal pack 24 with respect to the bulkhead 14). It is to be appreciated, that one or more of the quantity, positioning, arrangement, and/or operation of lockdown elements 60 may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, an adjustment arrangement 30′ in accordance with another example embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown. Adjustment arrangement 30′ is of a similar arrangement as adjustment arrangement 30 previously discussed except adjustment arrangement 30′ provides for automated adjustment of the positioning of seal pack 24. Accordingly, adjustment arrangement 30′ includes a number of actuators 70, with each actuator being positioned and structured to move/operate a corresponding one of adjustment elements 40. In such arrangement 30′, each actuator 70 may be structured to work with an otherwise manually operable adjustment element 40, or may work in conjunction with a specially designed adjustment element that is only intended for automated operation and thus is not structured for manual operation. Each actuator 70 may be an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, magnetic, or any other suitable actuator without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept. In order to control such actuators 70, adjustment arrangement 30′ may further include a controller 72 in communication with each actuator 70. The controller 72 is a processing system designed/configured to perform the data analysis and component control operations required to operate each actuator 70. The controller 72 may be, for example and without limitation, a local microcontroller, a remote server, or any other suitable device and/or devices. In order to provide information regarding the positioning of the ram body 22 the adjustment arrangement 30′ further includes a number of sensors 74 in communication with the controller 72, the number of sensors 74 being structured to detect a positioning of the ram body 22 with respect to the bulkhead 14 (or other known element). In such arrangement the controller 72 is structured to receive position data from the number of sensors 74 regarding the positioning of the ram body 22 and, responsive thereto, control the actuator 70 of each adjustment element 40 to selectively position the primary housing 32 and thus the seal pack 24 coupled thereto concentric to the ram body 22. Such operation(s) can be carried out during normal can body making operations carried out be can bodymaker 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, an adjustment arrangement 30″ in accordance with yet a further example embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown. Similar to adjustment arrangements 30 and 30′, adjustment arrangement 30″ includes a primary housing 32′ and a secondary housing 34′ that serve similar functions as primary and secondary housings 32 and 34 previously discussed, just in a differing arrangement. As opposed to mechanical adjustment elements such as adjustment elements 40 previously discussed, adjustment arrangement 30″ utilizes magnetic forces to selectively control the positioning of primary housing 32′ with respect to secondary housing 34′. Accordingly, adjustment arrangement 30″ includes a plurality of adjustment elements 40′ in the form of electromagnets coupled to the secondary housing 34′ and spaced circumferentially about the primary housing 32′ and the seal pack 24. Each adjustment element 40′ is in communication with a controller (such as controller 70 previously discussed) to control the electromagnets and thus the positioning of primary housing 32′ and tool pack 24. It is to be appreciated that such arrangement of electromagnets (if sufficiently scaled for such application) may be used to selectively adjust the positioning of ram body 22 as well tool pack 24 to improve alignment of ram body 22 with the tool pack of the can bodymaker 10. While eight evenly spaced adjustment elements 40′ are shown in the example embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, it is to be appreciated that one or more of the quantity and/or positioning/spacing of such elements 40′ may be varied without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

From the foregoing examples it is thus to be appreciated that the disclosed concepts provide for arrangements that improve upon existing arrangements by providing for adjustability of the tool pack through which the ram body of a can bodymaker extends.

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 a 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. In any device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain elements are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination.

Claims

1. An adjustment arrangement for selectively adjusting a seal pack positioned about a ram body in a can bodymaker, the adjustment arrangement comprising: a primary housing structured to have the seal pack fixedly coupled thereto;a secondary housing structured to be fixedly coupled to a bulkhead of the can bodymaker separating a forming area of the can bodymaker from a drivetrain area of the can bodymaker; anda number of adjustment elements engaged with both the primary housing and the secondary housing, each adjustment element being selectively moveable to adjust the relative positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.
2. The adjustment arrangement of claim 1, wherein the number of adjustment elements comprises a plurality of adjustment elements.
3. The adjustment arrangement of claim 2, wherein the plurality of adjustment elements comprises: a first adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a first axis; anda secondary adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
4. The adjustment arrangement of claim 1, further comprising a number of lockdown elements, each lockdown element being structured to selectively fix the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.
5. The adjustment arrangement of claim 1, wherein each adjustment element comprises: a cylindrical body positioned within a cooperatively sized aperture defined through the primary housing, the cylindrical body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;an engagement arrangement positioned at the first end of the cylindrical body and structured to be engaged for rotating the cylindrical body within the aperture with respect to the primary housing; andan offset portion positioned at the second end of the cylindrical body and fixedly coupled therewith, the offset portion positioned within a groove defined in the secondary housing,wherein the offset portion is structured to engage the groove in a manner such that: rotation of the cylindrical body in a first rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing in a first linear direction with respect to the secondary housing, androtation of the cylindrical body in a second rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
6. The adjustment arrangement of claim 1, wherein each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements comprises an actuator.
7. The adjustment arrangement of claim 6, wherein the actuator of each adjustment element is one of an electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or magnetic actuator.
8. The adjustment arrangement of claim 6, further comprising a controller in communication with the actuator of each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements, wherein the controller is structured to selectively operate each actuator.
9. The adjustment arrangement of claim 8, further comprising a number of sensors in communication with the controller, the number of sensors being structured to detect a positioning of the ram body with respect to the bulkhead, and wherein the controller is structured to receive position data from the number of sensors regarding the positioning of the ram body and, responsive thereto, control the actuator of each adjustment element to selectively position the primary housing and thus the seal pack coupled thereto with respect to the ram body.
10. The adjustment arrangement of claim 2, wherein each adjustment element of the plurality of adjustment elements comprises an electromagnetic arrangement structured to magnetically engage the primary housing with the secondary housing.
11. A can bodymaker comprising: a frame;a forming area defined by the frame, the forming area housing a number of components for forming a can body;a drivetrain area defined by the frame, the drivetrain area housing a drivetrain;a bulkhead coupled to the frame, the bulkhead positioned to separate the forming area from the drivetrain area;an elongate ram body coupled to the drivetrain and extending from the drivetrain area into the forming area through a seal pack; andan adjustment arrangement for selectively adjusting a seal pack positioned about a ram body in a can bodymaker, the adjustment arrangement comprising: a primary housing having the seal pack fixedly coupled thereto;a secondary housing fixedly coupled to the bulkhead; anda number of adjustment elements engaged with both the primary housing and the secondary housing, each adjustment element being selectively moveable to adjust the relative positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.
12. The can bodymaker of claim 11, wherein the number of adjustment elements comprises a plurality of adjustment elements.
13. The can bodymaker of claim 12, wherein the plurality of adjustment elements comprises: a first adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a first axis; anda secondary adjustment element structured to adjust the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis.
14. The can bodymaker of claim 11, wherein the adjustment arrangement further comprises a number of lockdown elements, each lockdown element being structured to selectively fix the positioning of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing.
15. The can bodymaker of claim 11, wherein each adjustment element comprises: a cylindrical body positioned within a cooperatively sized aperture defined through the primary housing, the cylindrical body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end;an engagement arrangement positioned at the first end of the cylindrical body and structured to be engaged for rotating the cylindrical body within the aperture with respect to the primary housing; andan offset portion positioned at the second end of the cylindrical body and fixedly coupled therewith, the offset portion positioned within a groove defined in the secondary housing,wherein the offset portion is structured to engage the groove in a manner such that: rotation of the cylindrical body in a first rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing in a first linear direction with respect to the secondary housing, androtation of the cylindrical body in a second rotational direction via engagement with the engagement arrangement results in movement of the primary housing with respect to the secondary housing in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.
16. The can bodymaker of claim 11, wherein each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements comprises an actuator.
17. The can bodymaker of claim 16, wherein the actuator of each adjustment element is one of an electric, a hydraulic, a pneumatic, or a magnetic actuator.
18. The can bodymaker of claim 16, wherein the adjustment arrangement further comprises a controller in communication with the actuator of each adjustment element of the number of adjustment elements, and wherein the controller is structured to selectively operate each actuator.
19. The can bodymaker of claim 18, wherein the adjustment arrangement further comprises a number of sensors in communication with the controller, the number of sensors being structured to detect a positioning of the ram body with respect to the bulkhead, and wherein the controller is structured to receive position data from the number of sensors regarding the positioning of the ram body and, responsive thereto, control the actuator of each adjustment element to selectively position the primary housing and thus the seal pack coupled thereto with respect to the ram body.
20. The can bodymaker of claim 12, wherein each adjustment element of the plurality of adjustment elements comprises an electromagnetic arrangement structured to magnetically engage the primary housing with the secondary housing.

ADJUSTABLE SEAL PACK

Information

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CPC

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Abstract

Description

Claims