Inventors:
Geoffrey J. Dean - Lakewood CO
Assignee:
Ball Corporation - Muncie IN
International Classification:
B21D 4300
B65G 2900
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for transferring cylindrical articles in a synchronous manner from a forming ram to a work station for further forming of the articles, the transfer being accomplished by interposing between the forming ram and work station a constantly rotating wheel structure having a plurality of pockets defined therein, each of the pockets being formed of at least two independently programmable and movable sections, the wheel and pockets therein being positioned with the axis of wheel structure parallel to the forming ram with the pockets arranged in a circular configuration which substantially coincides at at least one position with the axis of the ram with a pocket adjacent the ram upon each extension of the ram, displacing newly formed articles axially from the ram into a pocket adjacent thereto with the sections of the pocket in an open configuration, initiating closing of the leading pocket section prior to closing of the trailing pocket section and after the leading pocket section passes the ram, accurately positioning the article in the closed pocket, and carrying the article to a work station such as a trimmer, the wheel structure, work station and forming ram all being interconnected to operate synchronously.