CN111491789A - Adjustable crankshaft eccentric for stroke change of ram of can making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A can bodymaker (10) includes a rotating crankshaft (600) with an offset crank (602), and an adjustable eccentric assembly (620) includes an eccentric housing assembly (630). An eccentric housing assembly (630) is operatively coupled to a crank (602) of the crankshaft. The master link (300) is operatively coupled to an eccentric housing assembly (630). The ram assembly (12) is operatively coupled to the master link (300). The ram assembly (12) includes an elongated ram. In this configuration, the ram reciprocates on a stroke that is dependent on the orientation of the eccentric housing assembly (630). Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly (12) is configured to adjust the range of ram body (30) stroke without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

Description

Adjustable crankshaft eccentric for stroke change of ram of can making machine

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No.15/850,414 entitled "adjustable crank eccentric FOR BODYMAKER RAM stroking change (ADJUSTAB L E CRANKSHAFT ECCENTRIC FOR RAM STROKECHANGE)" filed on 21/12/2017.

Technical Field

The disclosed and claimed concept relates to a ram assembly and, more particularly, to a ram assembly configured to adjust a ram body stroke range through a mold package without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

Background

Typically, cans (such as, but not limited to, aluminum or steel cans) are initially sheet metal from which circular blanks are cut. In the following, the can will be described as being made of aluminium, but it should be understood that the choice of material does not limit the claims. The blank is formed into a "cup". As used herein, a "cup" includes a bottom and a depending sidewall. Further, while the cup and resulting can body may have any cross-sectional shape, the most common cross-sectional shape is generally circular. Thus, the following description describes the cup, can, punch, etc. as being generally circular, although it should be understood that the cup and resulting can have any cross-sectional shape.

The cups are fed into a can bodymaker which includes a reciprocating ram and a number of dies. The elongate ram includes a ram at a distal end. The cup is set on a punch and travels through a die that thins and elongates the cup. That is, the hammer moves between a rearward first position and a forward second position. The cup is initially positioned in front of the ram during each forward stroke of the ram. A cup is provided on the front end of the ram, more specifically on the punch at the front end of the ram. The cup is then advanced through dies that further form the cup into a can body. The first mold is a redraw mold. I.e. the diameter of the cup is larger than the diameter of the resulting can. The redraw die reconstructs the cup so that the cup has a diameter that is about the same as the diameter of the resulting can body. Redrawing the mold does not effectively reduce the thickness of the cup sidewall. After traveling through the redraw die, the ram moves through a kit having a number of ironing dies. As the cup travels through the ironing die, the cup is elongated and the sidewall thins. More specifically, the die pack has a plurality of spaced apart dies, each of which has a substantially circular opening. Each die opening is slightly smaller than the next adjacent upstream die.

Thus, when the punch draws the cup through the first die, the redraw die, the aluminum cup deforms on the substantially cylindrical punch. As the cup moves through the redraw die, the diameter of the cup (i.e., the diameter of the cup's bottom) decreases. Because the openings in subsequent dies in the die pack each have a smaller inside diameter (i.e., smaller openings), the aluminum cup (and more specifically, the sidewall of the cup) thins as the ram moves the aluminum through the remaining die pack. The thinning of the cup also elongates the cup.

Further, the distal end of the punch is concave. The "dome" is located at the maximum extension of the ram. The dome has a generally convex dome and a shaped perimeter. When the ram reaches its maximum extension, the bottom of the cup engages the dome. The bottom of the cup is deformed into a dome and the bottom periphery of the cup is shaped as desired; the bottom of the cans are typically sloped inward to increase the strength of the can bodies and to allow stacking of the resulting cans. After the cup travels through the final ironing die and contacts the dome, the cup becomes a can body.

On the return stroke, the can body is removed from the punch. That is, as the ram moves rearward through the tool pack, the can contacts a stationary stripper that prevents the can from being pulled rearward into the tool pack and effectively removes the can from the punch. In addition to the extractor, a small burst of air may be introduced through the inside of the punch to assist in the removal of the can body. After the ram moves back to the initial position, a new cup is positioned in front of the ram, and the cycle is repeated. After other finishing operations (e.g., trimming, cleaning, printing, etc.) are performed, the can is transferred to a filler, which fills the can with product. The top is then coupled to the can body and sealed against the can body, thereby completing the can.

One type of can bodymaker includes a generally horizontal ram. That is, the hammer body extends and moves generally horizontally. In this configuration, the first end of the ram body is coupled to the drive assembly and the ram is disposed at the second end. The forming operation described above typically occurs near or at the second end of the ram body. To complete the forming operation, the die pack, the dome assembly, the cup feed assembly, the extractor assembly, the can body extraction assembly, and other elements are coupled to the can bodymaker by a front mount assembly.

It will be appreciated that due to the speed of the bodymaker and the narrow tolerances between the die and ram, the ram body must be precisely aligned with the die pack. Similarly, other elements coupled to the front mount assembly must be precisely positioned relative to other elements of the can bodymaker. Otherwise, the ram/punch would contact the die pack or other components, damaging all components involved in the impact.

Typically, the front mount assembly includes a cradle element in which the mold package is disposed. Two support arms are coupled to the front end of the carrier element. The support arm supports the dome assembly. To ensure proper positioning of the carriage element relative to the ram, the coupling surfaces on the carriage element and the support arm (i.e., where the elements mate) are machined to a particular size. Mounting the carrier element on the can bodymaker includes an alignment process. I.e. mounting the carrier element and performing the selected measurement. If the carrier elements are not properly aligned, shims or similar structures are installed at the coupling surfaces. The measurements are re-taken to determine if proper alignment has been achieved. If not, the alignment process is repeated. Typically, this alignment process is repeated a number of times before the carrier elements are properly aligned. Once the carrier is installed, the support arm is also coupled to the carrier element. That is, the machined coupling surface of the support arm is coupled to the machined coupling surface of the carrier element. The mounting of the support arm also requires an alignment process. Typically, this alignment process is also repeated multiple times.

Furthermore, it is known to change the output characteristics of can makers by replacing selected elements. For example, the size and/or shape of the can body produced by the can bodymaker is changed by replacing selected forming elements (such as, but not limited to, ram body and die pack). I.e. the profiled element is replaced by another constitutive element having, for example, a different diameter. In some cases, replacing the molded elements also requires replacing the non-molded elements. For example, different sized forming elements require adjustment of the range of the ram body.

In known can makers, adjusting the range of the ram body requires replacing the coupling shaft between the link and the ram assembly. That is, the drive assembly includes a rotating shaft or flywheel, a master link operatively coupling the rotating shaft/flywheel to a pivoting or swinging swing link. The swing link is pivotally coupled at a first end to the can bodymaker frame. The master link is movably, rotatably, or slidably coupled to the intermediate portion of the swing link. In this configuration, movement of the master link causes the swing link to reciprocally pivot (i.e., swing back and forth) between a rearward first position and a forward second position. An auxiliary link arm is rotatably coupled to the pendulum rod second end and the ram assembly. The auxiliary link arm moves the ram between its first and second positions as the rocker reciprocates between the first and second positions.

The configuration of the link coupling assembly affects the extent to which the punch body moves with it. For example, in one embodiment, the diameter of the shaft of the link coupling assembly is one inch and the range of the ram body (penetrating beyond the end of the die assembly) is four inches. If the one inch shaft of the link coupling assembly is replaced with a two inch shaft, the range of the ram body would be increased to four and a half inches. That is, the addition of the link coupling assembly shaft changes the final position of the ram body distal end relative to the die pack.

In addition, the ram assembly is also rotatably coupled to the auxiliary link second end by another link coupling assembly. That is, the ram assembly (and in the exemplary embodiment the ram assembly bracket) defines a fork having two spaced fork arms with aligned openings. A shaft travels through the ram assembly bracket fork and the auxiliary link second end opening to rotatably couple the auxiliary link to the ram assembly.

The removal and replacement of the connecting rod coupling assembly shaft and bearings and other related components is a time consuming process that requires the bodymaker to be out of service for long periods of time. Furthermore, if the bearings are damaged during removal of the connecting rod, coupling assembly shaft, a completely new auxiliary connecting rod assembly is required. This is a problem.

Disclosure of Invention

The disclosed and claimed concept addresses these problems and provides an adjustable eccentric assembly for a can bodymaker. That is, the can bodymaker includes a rotating crankshaft having an offset crank and the eccentric assembly includes an eccentric housing assembly. The eccentric assembly is operatively coupled to the crankshaft crank. The master link is operatively coupled to the eccentric assembly. A ram assembly is operatively coupled to the master link. The ram assembly includes an elongated ram. In this configuration, the ram reciprocates on a stroke that depends on the orientation of the eccentric assembly. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the ram assembly is configured to adjust the ram body stroke range through the die pack without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

Drawings

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

fig. 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a can bodymaker.

Fig. 2 is an isometric view of the front assembly.

Fig. 3 is a side view of the front assembly.

Fig. 4 is a top view of the front assembly.

Fig. 5 is a front view of the front assembly.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of the front assembly.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the integrated front mount assembly.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the integrated front mount assembly.

Fig. 9 is an isometric view of a mold package seat door assembly.

Fig. 10 is a front view of a mold package seat door assembly.

Fig. 11 is an isometric view of a can bodymaker.

Fig. 12 is an isometric view of the rocker assembly.

Fig. 13 is a side view of the rocker assembly.

Fig. 14 is a front view of the rocker assembly.

Fig. 15 is an isometric view of a link coupling assembly.

FIG. 16 is a side cross-sectional view of the link coupling assembly.

FIG. 17 is a side view of the link coupling assembly.

Fig. 18 is a first isometric view of the swing link.

Fig. 19 is a first isometric view of the swing link.

FIG. 20 is a side view of a rocker having a shape settable seat lug disposed in a first orientation and a rocker body first end pivot coupling in the first orientation.

FIG. 21 is a side view of a rocker having a shape settable seat lug disposed in a second orientation and a rocker body first end pivot coupling in the first orientation.

FIG. 22 is a side view of the rocker having the shape settable seat lug disposed in the second orientation and the rocker body first end pivot coupling in the second orientation.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart illustrating a method of pre-installation components.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating another method of pre-installation assembly.

Fig. 25 is a flow chart illustrating a method of installing a mold package in a mold package holder.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart illustrating a method of adjusting a stroke range of a bodymaker ram assembly.

FIG. 27A is a partial side view of a can bodymaker showing ram stroke.

FIG. 27B is a partial side view of the can bodymaker showing the ram stroke.

Figure 28 is a partial isometric view of the punch assembly.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an eccentric assembly.

FIG. 30 is an exploded isometric view of the eccentric assembly.

FIG. 31 is a flow chart illustrating another method of adjusting the stroke range of a bodymaker ram assembly.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept and are provided as non-limiting examples and are for illustration purposes only. Hence, specific dimensions, orientations, components, numbers of parts used, embodiment configurations, and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosed concept.

Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upward, downward 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 described below, can bodymaker 10 includes an elongated reciprocating ram assembly 12 and a dome assembly 18. As used herein, the dome assembly 18 is disposed at a "front" end of the can bodymaker 10. As used herein, ram assembly 12 is at the "front" end of its stroke when ram assembly 12 is adjacent to dome assembly 18. As used herein, the "rear" or "back" end of the bodymaker 10 is opposite the "front" end. Further, as used herein, can bodymaker 10 has a "longitudinal" direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of ram assembly body 30, as described below, and a "transverse" direction that is generally horizontal and perpendicular to the "longitudinal" direction.

As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, "configured to [ verb ]" means that the identified element or component has a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, coupled, and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is "configured to move" is movably coupled to another element and includes an element that moves the member, or is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. Thus, as used herein, "construct [ verb ]" describes a structure and not a function. Further, as used herein, "configured to [ verb ]" means that the identified element or component is intended and designed to execute the identified verb. Thus, an element that is only capable of executing the identified verb but is not intended and not designed to execute the identified verb is not "construct [ verb ]".

As used herein, "associated" means that the elements are part of the same component and/or operate together, or interact/interact with each other in some manner. For example, a car has four tires and four hubcaps. While all of the elements are coupled as part of the vehicle, it should be understood that each hubcap is "associated with" a particular tire.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "coupled" shall mean that the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., connected through one or more intermediate parts or components), so long as joining occurs. As used herein, "directly coupled" means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used herein, "fixedly coupled" or "fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move integrally while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Thus, when two elements are coupled, all portions of the elements are coupled. However, describing a particular portion of a first element coupled to a second element (e.g., the shaft first end coupled to the first wheel) means that the particular portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than other portions thereof. Furthermore, an object that rests on another object held in place only by gravity is not "coupled" to the underlying object unless the overlying object is otherwise substantially held in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled to the table, but a book glued to the table is coupled to the table.

As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component configured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener," but a tongue and groove joint is not a "fastener. That is, the tongue and groove elements are part of the elements being joined rather than separate components.

As used herein, the phrases "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" refer to one component being coupled to another component in a substantially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled such that the components are easily connected or separated and the components are not damaged. For example, two components secured to one another with a limited number of easily accessible fasteners (i.e., non-accessible fasteners) are "removably coupled," whereas two components welded together or connected by non-accessible fasteners are not "removably coupled. A "hard-to-access fastener" is a fastener that requires removal of one or more other components prior to access of the fastener, where the "other components" are not a passage device (such as, but not limited to, a door).

As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that one or more first elements or components rest on one or more second elements or components such that the first elements/components are allowed to move without having to disengage the first elements or otherwise manipulate the first elements. For example, only books that rest on the table (i.e., books that are not glued or otherwise secured to the table) are "temporarily placed" on the table.

As used herein, "operatively coupled" refers to coupling a number of elements or assemblies, each element or assembly being movable between a first position and a second position or between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when a first element is moved from one position/configuration to another position/configuration, a second element is also moved between the positions/configurations. It should be noted that a first element may be "operatively coupled" to another element, and vice versa.

As used herein, a "coupling assembly" includes two or more coupling or coupling components. The coupling or components of the coupling assembly are typically not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of the "coupling assembly" may not be described at the same time in the following description.

As used herein, a "coupling" or "coupling component" is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, the coupling assembly includes at least two components configured to be coupled together. It should be understood that the components of the coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap-in socket, the other coupling component is a snap-in plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, the other coupling component is a nut.

As used herein, "corresponding" means that two structural components are sized and shaped similar to each other and can be coupled with a minimal amount of friction. Thus, the opening "corresponding to" a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member can travel through the opening with a minimal amount of friction. This definition is modified if two components are to be fitted "snugly" together. In that case, the difference between the sizes of the components is even smaller, so that the amount of friction increases. The opening may even be slightly smaller than the part inserted into the opening if the element defining the opening and/or the part inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material. With respect to surfaces, shapes and lines, two or more "corresponding" surfaces, shapes or lines typically have the same size, shape and contour.

As used herein, a "planar body" or "planar member" is a generally thin element that includes opposing broad, generally parallel surfaces (i.e., the planar surfaces of the planar member), and a thinner edge surface extending between the broad, parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a "planar" element has two opposing planar surfaces. The outer periphery, and thus the edge surface, may comprise a substantially straight portion (e.g. as on a rectangular planar member) or be curved (as on a disc) or have any other shape.

As used herein, a "travel path" or "path" when used in conjunction with a moving element includes the space through which the element moves when in motion. Thus, any moving element inherently has a "travel path" or "path".

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components are "engaged" with each other shall mean that the elements exert force or bias directly on each other or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with respect to moving components, a moving component may "engage" another element during movement from one location to another and/or a moving component may "engage" another element once in that location. Thus, it should be understood that the statements "element a engages element B when element a is moved to the first position of element a" and "element a engages element B when element a is in the first position of element a" are equivalent statements, meaning that element a engages element B when moved to the first position of element a and/or element a engages element B when element a is in the first position of element a.

As used herein, "operatively engaged" refers to "engaged and moved. That is, when used with respect to a first component configured to move a movable or rotatable second component, "operatively engaged" means that the first component exerts a force sufficient to move the second component. For example, a screwdriver may be placed in contact with the screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver only "couples" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver presses against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operatively engages" and rotates the screw. Further, with respect to electronic components, "operatively engaged" means that one component controls the other component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, the word "unitary" refers to a component that is created as a single device or unit. That is, a component that includes a device that is created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a "unitary" component or body.

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

As used herein, the phrase "[ x ] moving between its first and second positions" or "[ y ] is configured such that [ x ] moves between its first and second positions," [ x ] is the name of an element or component. Further, when [ x ] is an element or component that moves between multiple positions, the pronoun "it" refers to "[ x ]", i.e., the element or component named before the pronoun "it".

As used herein, "around" in phrases such as "disposed about [ element, point or axis ] or" extending about [ element, point or axis ] [ X ] degrees "means encircling, extending about or measuring around. When used with reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" means "about," i.e., within an approximate range associated with the measurement, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, a "radial side/surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends around or around its center or a height line through its center. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" of a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane that extends generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center. That is, typically, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side/surface" is a substantially circular side wall and the "axial side/surface or sides/surfaces" are the top and bottom of the soup can.

As used herein, the terms "can" and "container" are substantially interchangeable and refer to any known or suitable container configured to contain a substance (such as, but not limited to, a liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly include, but are not limited to, beverage cans (such as beer and soda cans) and food cans.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes an element having a plurality of curved portions, a combination of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at an angle relative to one another so as to form a curve.

As used herein, "contour" refers to a line or surface that defines an object. That is, for example, when viewed in cross-section, the surface of a three-dimensional object is reduced to two dimensions; thus, a portion of the three-dimensional surface profile is represented by a two-dimensional line profile.

As used herein, "peripheral portion" refers to an area at the outer edge of a defined area, surface, or contour.

As used herein, "generally" refers to "in a general manner" in relation to the modified term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "substantially" refers to "a majority" in relation to the modified term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "at ….. means located on or near in relation to the modified term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As shown in fig. 1, the bodymaker 10 is configured to convert a cup 2 into a can body 3. As will be described below, it is assumed that the cup 2 is substantially circular. However, it should be understood that the cup 2, and consequently the can 3 and the element interacting with the cup 2 or the can 3, may have a shape other than substantially circular. The cup 2 has a base member and a depending sidewall defining a substantially enclosed space (not shown). The end of the cup 2 opposite the bottom is open. In the exemplary embodiment, can bodymaker 10 includes a housing or frame assembly 11 (hereinafter "frame assembly" 11), a reciprocating elongated ram assembly 12, a drive mechanism 14, a redraw assembly 15, a die pack 16, a dome assembly 18, a cup feeder 20 (shown schematically), an extractor assembly 22 (shown schematically), and a take-out assembly 24. As used herein, the die pack 16, the dome assembly 18, the cup feeder 20, the extractor assembly 22, and the take-out assembly 24 are collectively defined as a "coupled component" 26. That is, as used herein, "coupled components" 26 are those elements and assemblies that are identified above and that are coupled, directly coupled, fixed, movably coupled, or temporarily coupled to forward assembly 48, as described below. The frame assembly 11 has a front end 13. Drive mechanism 14 is coupled to frame assembly 11 and operatively coupled to ram assembly 12. Drive mechanism 14 is configured to and does impart reciprocating motion to ram assembly 12 such that ram assembly 12 reciprocates in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of ram assembly 12 or along the longitudinal axis of ram assembly 12.

As is known, in the exemplary embodiment, ram assembly 12 includes a number of elements not relevant to the present disclosure, such as a guide assembly and a cooling assembly (not shown). For purposes of this disclosure, the elements of ram assembly 12 include an elongated ram assembly body 30, a carriage 31, and a ram 38. That is, ram assembly 12 includes an elongated, substantially circular body 30 having a proximal end 32, a distal end 34, and a longitudinal axis 36. A ram 38 is coupled, directly coupled or secured to the distal end 34 of the ram assembly body. Ram assembly body 30 is coupled to drive mechanism 14 as described in detail below.

As is known, cup feeder 20 positions cups 2 in front of die pack 16 with the open ends facing ram assemblies 12 during each cycle. When the cup 2 is in place in front of the die pack 16, the redraw assembly 15 biases the cup 2 against the redraw die (not shown). Drive mechanism 14 provides reciprocating motion to ram assembly body 30, thereby moving ram assembly body 30 back and forth along its longitudinal axis 36. That is, the hammer body 30 is configured to reciprocate between a retracted first position and an extended second position. In the retracted first position, ram assembly body 30 is spaced from mold package 16. In the extended second position, ram assembly body 30 extends through mold package 16. Thus, reciprocating ram assembly 12 advances forward (to the left as shown), travels through redraw assembly 15 and engages cup 2. The cup 2 moves through a redraw die 42 and a number of ironing dies (not referenced) within the die pack 16. The cup 2 is converted into a can body 3 in the mold package 16. Stripper assembly 22 removes can body 3 from punch 38 when ram assembly 12 moves toward the first position, i.e., when ram assembly 12 moves toward drive mechanism 14. The stripper assembly 22 is configured and does remove the can body 3 from the punch 38 on the return stroke. The actuator piston is disabled so that the stripper fingers close around the punch 38 to disengage the can body 3 from the punch 38. As shown in fig. 2-6, the takeout assembly 24, shown as a rotary turret 40, is configured and operative to engage the can body 3 as soon as, and indeed at the same time as, the can body 3 is removed from the punch 38. The take-out assembly 24 removes the canister 3 from the path of the ram assembly 12. It should be understood that as used herein, "cycling" refers to cycling of ram assembly 12, beginning with ram assembly 12 in the retracted first position.

Front assembly 48 includes coupled components 26 and an integral front mount assembly 50. That is, a number of coupled components 26 are coupled to the can maker frame assembly 11 by the integrated front support assembly 50. In the exemplary embodiment, integral front mount assembly 50 includes an integral front mount body 52. As used herein, a "one-piece front mount body" is a one-piece body as defined above that includes a mount or direct coupling for at least the die pack 16 and the dome assembly 18. In the exemplary embodiment, mold package seat door assembly 82, stripper bulkhead assembly seat 74, turret sub-assembly seat 76, dome door assembly seat 72, and cup loading station assembly seat 78 are portions of unitary front seat body 52.

In the exemplary embodiment, unitary front mount body 52 includes a bracket portion 54, a first support arm portion 56, and a second support arm portion 58. The bracket portion 54 includes a front side 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64, and a left side 66. The first support arm portion 56 is disposed on the bracket portion right side 64. The second support arm portion 58 is disposed on the bracket portion left side 66. As used herein, the "cradle portion" 54 is a portion of the unitary front mount body configured to support the die pack 16, as described below. As used herein, the "first support arm portion" 56 is a portion of the unitary front mount body configured to support or partially support the dome assembly 18. As used herein, a "second support arm portion" 58 is a portion of the unitary front mount body 52 configured to support or partially support the dome assembly 18. In an exemplary embodiment, the unitary front mount body 52 is one of a cast body or a printed body. As used herein, "cast unitary body" refers to a ductile, non-toxic, soft metal that is a conductor of heat and electricity. That is, as used herein, "cast body" defines the properties of the body and does not describe "a product by machining". In the exemplary embodiment, integral front carrier body carrier portion rear side 62, carrier portion 54, and support arm portions 56, 58 are a cast integral body 52. As used herein, "print body" refers to a body that includes a number of laminae. That is, as used herein, the "printed body" defines the characteristics of the body and does not describe the "product by processing". Note that because the unitary front mount body 52 is a unitary body, there are no machined coupling surfaces between the various parts. Further, it is not necessary to couple the respective portions to each other, or to perform an alignment process on the respective portions. In other words, no spacer is provided between the bracket portion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58. This solves the above-mentioned problems.

The integral front mount body 52 includes one and, in the exemplary embodiment, all of the following: mold package support 70, dome gate assembly support 72, stripper bulkhead assembly support 74, turret sub-assembly support 76, or cup loading station assembly support 78. Generally, each "mount" 70, 72, 74, 76, 78 is configured to support an element or component that modifies the term "mount".

In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket portion 54 defines a die pack support 70. In an exemplary embodiment, the mold package support 70 includes an elongated generally concave table 80 (fig. 7 and 8) and an elongated movable door assembly 82 (fig. 9 and 10, described in more detail below). As used herein, "die pack abutment station" refers to a body having a contour or partial contour configured to substantially correspond to the outer contour of the die pack 16. That is, the "package holder stand" is shaped and contoured so that the package 16 can be placed on the stand in a single orientation. In the exemplary embodiment, die pack support table 80 includes an orientation feature 81, such as a spacer support 83. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, die pack holder 70 includes a spacer (not shown) that is coupled, directly coupled, or secured to die pack holder table 80 and configured to orient die pack 16 with respect to ram assembly 12.

A mold package seating gate assembly 82 is movably coupled to the mold package seating stand 80 and moves between an open first position and a closed second position. When the mold package holder gate assembly 82 is in the first position, the mold package holder 70 is substantially open and provides access to the mold package holder table 80. When the mold package seat gate assembly 82 is in the second position, the mold package seat gate assembly 82 is disposed above the mold package seat table 80. Further, when the mold package holder gate assembly 82 is in the second position, the mold package holder 70 defines a generally cylindrical cavity 84 having an inner surface 86 generally corresponding to the outer surface of the mold package 16. As described below, the die pack 16 is disposed in the die pack holder cavity 84 and is coupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to the die pack holder cavity 84. In other words, the die pack 16 is disposed in the bracket portion 54 and is coupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to the bracket portion 54.

Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, bracket portion 54 defines a plurality of internal cooling fluid passages 88. As described below, the carriage section fluid passage 88 is in fluid communication with the die pack seating table coolant passage 262, as described below. In this configuration, there is no need to have and therefore no hose inlet coupling in the bracket portion 54.

Before discussing dome door assembly mount 72, it should be noted that, in the exemplary embodiment, dome assembly 18 includes: a generally planar seat plate (hereinafter "dome assembly door" 110); and a generally tubular housing assembly 112 (hereinafter "dome assembly housing" 112). Dome assembly housing 112 is open at one end (the end facing ram assembly 12) and closed at the other end (not numbered). As is known, the inner surface of the dome assembly housing 112 defines a convex dome (not shown). As shown, the dome assembly housing 112 extends through the dome assembly door 110, wherein an axis of the dome assembly housing 112 is substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the dome assembly door 110. Dome assembly housing 112 is coupled, directly coupled, or secured to dome assembly door 110 at this location. In the exemplary embodiment, dome assembly door 110 includes a lateral first coupling tab 114 and a lateral second coupling tab 116. Dome assembly door tabs 114, 116 are provided on lateral sides of dome assembly door 110 and include coupling members such as, but not limited to, passages (not shown) for fasteners or other coupling members 118 (hereinafter "dome assembly door coupling" 118).

With dome assembly 18 and dome assembly door 110 in this configuration, first support arm portion 56 and second support arm portion 58 define dome door assembly seat 72. As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the first and second support arm portions 56, 58 extend from the bracket portion front side 60 a distance of between about 6.0 inches and 18.0 inches or a distance of about 12.0 inches. Thus, the first and second support arm portions 56, 58 each have a proximal end 90, 92 and a distal end 94, 96, respectively. Each support arm portion distal end 94, 96 defines a cavity 98, 100 (hereinafter "support arm dome assembly door cavity" 98, 100) sized and shaped to correspond to an associated dome assembly door tab 114, 116. That is, each support arm dome assembly door cavity 98, 100 is configured to receive an associated dome assembly door tab 114, 116. Further, each support arm portion distal end 94, 96 defines a coupling feature (not shown) such as, but not limited to, a threaded hole (not shown) corresponding to the dome assembly door coupling 118. Accordingly, as described below, first and second support arm portions 56, 58 are configured to support dome assembly door 110 (fig. 2 and 4), and as such, dome door assembly mount 72 in the exemplary embodiment, and thus dome assembly 18 is coupled, directly coupled, or temporarily coupled to both first and second support arm portions 56, 56.

In the exemplary embodiment, extractor assembly 22 includes a substantially planar diaphragm member 120. Stripper assembly spacer member 120 includes a number of coupling components such as, but not limited to, fasteners or other passages through which coupling components (neither shown) extend. For this embodiment, unitary front mount body 52 defines an extractor diaphragm assembly mount 74. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, extractor diaphragm assembly mount 74 is a cavity 122 disposed at bracket portion front side 60 and extending between first support arm portion 56 and second support arm portion 58. The stripper assembly 22, or a portion thereof, is configured and positively fits within the stripper bulkhead assembly seating cavity 122. The surfaces of the bracket portion front side 60, the first support arm portion 56 and the second support arm portion 58 that define the stripper diaphragm assembly seating cavity 122 include coupling features such as, but not limited to, threaded holes (not referenced). In this configuration, stripper bulkhead assembly mount 74 is integral with integral front mount body 52. Accordingly, there is no need to couple extractor diaphragm assembly mount 74 to other components. This solves the above-mentioned problems.

As noted above, in one embodiment, the take-out assembly 24 includes a rotating turntable 40. Turntable 40 must be disposed adjacent the travel path of ram assembly 12. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, first support arm portion 56 defines a turret sub-assembly mount 76. That is, the first support arm portion 56 includes a substantially cylindrical surface 130 or a surface provided with a bearing (not shown) having a substantially cylindrical surface. The rotary turntable 40 comprises a substantially cylindrical inner surface (not denoted by reference numerals). The rotary turntable 40 is rotatably coupled to the first support arm portion 56. In this configuration, the turret sub-assembly mount 76 is integral with the one-piece front mount body 52 and thus solves the above-described problems. That is, there is no need to couple and align the turret sub-assembly mount 76 with the integral front mount body 52, thereby solving the above-described problem.

In the exemplary embodiment, integral front mount body 52 also includes a cup feed housing plate 126. That is, the cup feed housing plate 126 is integral with the cradle portion 54. As previously mentioned, the integration of the unitary front mount body 52 including the cup feed housing plate 126 solves the above-described problems. That is, as part of the unitary front mount body 52, there is no need to assemble and align the cup feed housing plate 126, thereby solving the above-described problem. In the illustrated embodiment, the cup feed housing plate 126 includes a generally planar member 128 disposed at the cradle portion rear side 62 and adjacent the redraw assembly 15. The plane of cup feed housing plate planar member 128 is generally orthogonal (i.e., perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis of ram assembly 12. The cup feed housing plate 126 is configured to and positively support the cup feeder 20. Thus, the integrated front seat body 52 and, in this embodiment, the cup feed housing plate 126 define the cup loading station assembly seat 78.

In the exemplary embodiment, integral front mount body 52 and a number of coupled components 26 are assembled as an "aligned front module" 150. As used herein, "aligned front module" refers to an assembly in which a number of coupled components 26 are coupled to and aligned relative to selected points on the unitary front mount body 52. Further, the "aligned front module" 150 is a specific structure and not a structure made by a selected process. Further, as used herein, "aligned with respect to a selected point on the unitary front mount body" means that a number of the coupled components 26 need not be further aligned with respect to other elements of the can bodymaker 10 (including the ram assembly 12) after the unitary front mount body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11. Further, as used herein, a "complete aligned front module" 152 is similar to the "aligned front module" 150, but the coupled components 26 include the mold package 16, the dome assembly 18, the cup feeder 20, the extractor assembly 22, and the take-out assembly 24.

Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, can bodymaker 10 includes frame assembly 11, ram assembly 12, drive mechanism 14, and aligned front module 150. That is, the unitary front mount body 52 and the number of coupled components 26 are configured as an aligned front module 150. The aligned front module 150 is coupled, directly coupled, removably coupled, or secured to the frame assembly front end 13. It should be appreciated that the aligned front module 150 is aligned with ram assembly 12 during installation. However, thereafter, a number of coupled components 26 need not be, and therefore are not, aligned or adjusted to be aligned with ram assembly 12 or any other element of the can bodymaker. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, aligned front module 150 is a complete aligned front module 152.

The front assembly 48 is mounted by a different method as described below. The first disclosed method does not include an aligned front module 150. That is, in a first method, which is described in detail below, the integrated front mount body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11 before a number of coupled components 26 are coupled to the frame assembly 11. The second method disclosed below utilizes an aligned front module 150. Initially, however, it was noted that the above problems were solved by eliminating various steps required in the prior art. Accordingly, a certain number of the disclosed and claimed portions of the method include the absence of selected procedures. That is, as shown in fig. 23, the method of mounting the front assembly 48 on the bodymaker frame assembly 11 includes the steps of: step 1000 provides an integral front mount body 52 comprising: a cradle portion 54 having a front side 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64, and a left side 66, a first support arm portion 56 disposed at the cradle portion right side 64, and a second support arm portion 58 disposed at the cradle portion left side 66 (hereinafter "step 1000 provides the integrated front mount body 52"); step 1002 providing a number of coupled parts 26, the number of coupled parts 26 selected from the group consisting of a mold package 16, a dome assembly 18, a cup feeder 20, an extractor assembly 22, and a take-out assembly 24; step 1004 coupling the integrated front mount body 52 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11; step 1006 prepares the integral front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled component 26; step 1008 couples at least one of the coupled components 26 to the unitary front mount body 52.

Step 1004 coupling the integrated front mount body 52 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 includes: step 1010 aligns the unitary front carrier body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12. Step 1010 aligning the integrated front carrier body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12 includes step 1012 mounting a number of shims (not shown) between the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 and the integrated front carrier body 52. It should be noted that in the prior art, a bracket (not shown) is coupled to the can maker frame assembly 11 and a support arm (not shown) is coupled to the can maker frame assembly 11. Such support arms are aligned using shims or similar structures. However, by providing a unitary front mount body 52, the disclosed and claimed method does not include aligning its components with shims. Thus, step 1006 prepares the unitary front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled component 26 does not include aligning the bracket portion 54 and either the first support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58 relative to one another. As used herein, any statement that "does not include" means that the recited action occurs neither as part of the identified action nor during any other action of the installation process. Thus, for example, "step 1006 prepares the unitary front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled component 26" does not include "such that the bracket portion 54 and either of the first or second support arm portions 56, 58 are aligned relative to one another" means that the bracket portion 54 and either of the first or second support arm portions 56, 58 are aligned relative to one another at no time during the mounting process. Similarly, step 1004 coupling the integrated front mount body 52 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 does not include mounting any shims between the bracket portion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58.

In the exemplary embodiment, integral front mount body 52 includes a cup feed housing plate 126. Thus, providing the unitary front mount body 52 at step 1000 includes providing 1020 the cup feed housing plate 126 for the unitary front mount body. In this embodiment, step 1004 coupling the integrated front mount body 52 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 does not include aligning the bracket portion 54 with the cup feed housing plate 126. Similarly, step 1004 coupling the integrated front mount body 52 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 does not include mounting any shims between the bracket portion 54 and the cup feed housing plate 126.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the method of mounting the front assembly 48 on the can bodymaker frame assembly 11 provides the front assembly 48 as an aligned front module 150 or a complete aligned front module 152. In this embodiment, assembling the aligned front module 150 and assembling the aligned front module 150 at a location remote from the bodymaker 10 solves the above-described problems.

This embodiment includes the following: step 2000 providing an integral front mount body 52 comprising a bracket portion 54 having a front side 60, a rear side 62, a right side 64 and a left side 66, a first support arm portion 56 disposed at the bracket portion right side 64, and a second support arm portion 58 disposed at the bracket portion left side 66 (hereinafter "providing the integral front mount body 52" at step 2000); step 2002 provides a number of coupled parts 26, the coupled parts 26 selected from the group consisting of a mold package 16, a dome assembly 18, a cup feeder 20, an extractor assembly 22, and a take-out assembly 24; step 2004 preparing the integral front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled component 26; step 2006 assembles the aligned front module 150; and step 2008 coupling the aligned front module 150 to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11.

In this embodiment, step 2006 assembles the aligned front module 150 comprising: step 2020 provides an assembly cart 6 (shown schematically); step 2022 positions the aligned front module 150 on the assembly cart 6; step 2024 couples at least one of the coupled components 26 to the unitary front mount body 52; and step 2026 aligns any of the coupled components 26 with respect to a reference position of the unitary front mount body 52. It should be noted that once the coupled component 26 is coupled to the unitary front mount body 52 and aligned relative to the reference position of the unitary front mount body 52, the unitary front mount body 52 and the coupled component 26 form the aligned front module 150. That is, it should be understood that "aligned relative to a reference position," as used herein, means that the coupled member 26 is positioned such that when the integral front mount body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11, the coupled member 26 is aligned with the ram assembly 12 or otherwise properly positioned relative to the ram assembly 12. Further, assembling 2006 the aligned front module 150 does not include mounting any shims between the bracket portion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58.

As used herein, an "assembly cart" is a cart configured to support the unitary front mount body 52. In an exemplary embodiment, the assembly cart 6 includes a support bracket 7 and a number of alignment tools 8 (fig. 2, shown schematically). The assembly cart support bracket 7 is configured to support the integrated front mount body 52 in the mounting direction (i.e., the orientation of the integrated front mount body 52 when the integrated front mount body 52 is coupled to the frame assembly 11). The assembly cart alignment tool 8 is the tool required to align the coupled component 26 in the desired alignment relative to the selected point of the unitary front mount body 52.

Further, in one embodiment, coupling 2024 at least one of the coupled components 26 to the integral front mount body 52 includes coupling 2025 all of the coupled components 26 to the integral front mount body 52. In this embodiment, the aligned front module 150 is a complete aligned front module 152.

Step 2008 coupling the aligned front module 150 to the bodymaker frame assembly 11 includes step 2010 aligning the unitary front mount body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12. Step 2010 aligning the integral front mount body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12 includes step 2012 installing a number of shims between the bodymaker frame assembly 11 and the integral front mount body 52 (not shown). It is noted that in the prior art, a bracket (not shown) is coupled to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11, and a support arm (not shown) is coupled to the can bodymaker frame assembly 11. Such support arms are aligned using shims or similar structures. However, by providing a unitary front mount body 52, the disclosed and claimed method does not include aligning other configurations with shims. Thus, step 2010 aligning the unitary front mount body 52 relative to the ram assembly 12 does not include installing any shims between the bracket portion 54 and either of the first support arm portion 56 or the second support arm portion 58.

In the exemplary embodiment, integral front mount body 52 includes a cup feed housing plate 126. Thus, the step 2000 of providing the unitary front mount body 52 includes the step 2030 of providing the cup feed housing plate 126 for the unitary front mount body. In the present embodiment, step 2004 prepares the integral front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled component 26 does not include aligning the bracket portion 54 and the cup feed housing plate 126. Similarly, step 2004 prepares the integrated front mount body 52 for mounting the coupled components 26 does not include mounting any shims between the bracket portion 54 and the cup feed housing plate 126.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, step 2006 assembling the aligned front module 150 occurs at a remote location. As used herein, a "remote location" is a location that is not adjacent to the can maker frame assembly 11. That is, the aligned front module 150 is assembled elsewhere (e.g., a studio). This means that the space around the bodymaker 10 is not taken up by the technician assembling the integral front mount body 52 and coupled component 26. This solves the above-mentioned problems. Further, in this embodiment, the step 2006 assembling the aligned front module 150 includes the step 2040 transporting the aligned front module 150 from a remote location to the can bodymaker 10.

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, die pack holder 70 is configured to provide a workspace in which die pack 16 is in a "maintenance configuration". As used herein, "maintenance configuration" refers to when an element or component is supported above a floor or other substrate by more than 38.0 inches, and wherein the element or component is typically exposed (i.e., typically not enclosed) such that a technician has easy access to most portions of the element or component. In the exemplary embodiment, a mold package seating gate assembly 82 is movably coupled to the mold package seating station 80 and is configured and positively movable between an open first position, in which the mold package seating gate assembly 82 is configured to support the mold package 16 in the maintenance configuration, and a closed second position, in which the mold package seating gate assembly 82 secures the mold package 16 in a selected position. In other words, the mold package support gate assembly 82 is movable between a first position and a second position.

As shown in fig. 11, the can bodymaker 10 has a "power take off side" 200 and an "operator side" 202. Typically, the worker intends to work on the "operator side" 202 of the bodymaker 10, rather than on the "power take off side" 200 of the bodymaker 10. The "power take-off side" 200 refers to the side of the bodymaker 10 that includes a protected flywheel or similar covered moving element. The "operator side" 202 is the side of the bodymaker 10 that includes controls, displays or other elements with which an operator interacts. The "power take off side" 200 and the "operator side" 202 are located on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis of the bodymaker 10 that is coextensive with a longitudinal axis of the ram assembly 12. The designations "power take-off side" 200 and "operator side" 202 also apply to other elements of the can bodymaker 10, for example, the frame assembly 11 has a "power take-off side" 200 and an "operator side" 202.

In the exemplary embodiment and as shown in fig. 7, the die pack seating station 80 also has a "power take off side" 210 and an "operator side" 212. The mold package support station 80 includes a mold package support hinged first member 220 disposed on the mold package support station operator side 212. As shown, a mold package support hinge first member 220 is disposed on an upper side of the mold package support station operator side 212. As shown in fig. 9 and 10, the mold package support door assembly 82 includes a mold package support articulating second member 222, the mold package support articulating second member 222 configured to be movably/rotatably coupled to and movably/rotatably coupled to the mold package support articulating first member 220. When coupled, the mold package support hinge first member 220 and the mold package support hinge second member 222 form a mold package support hinge assembly 224. The axis of rotation of the die pack holder hinge assembly 224 is substantially parallel to the ram longitudinal axis.

In this configuration, the moldbag holder gate assembly 82 is disposed on the moldbag holder station operator side 212 when the moldbag holder gate assembly 82 is in the second position. That is, the mold package support gate assembly 82 is not disposed on the mold package support station power take off side 210 and is positioned to serve as a table configured to support the mold package 16 prior to insertion of the mold package 16 into the mold package support 70. That is, in this configuration, the mold package seat gate assembly 82 is configured to support the mold package 16 in the maintenance configuration. This solves the above-mentioned problems.

In the exemplary embodiment and when viewed along the longitudinal axis of ram assembly 12, die pack receptacle 70 has a generally hexagonal shape. In this embodiment, the mold package seat door assembly 82 defines two sides of a hexagon. That is, the mold package support door assembly 82 includes a body 230 having a generally planar, generally rectangular first portion 232 and a generally planar, generally rectangular second portion 234. The mold package seating door assembly body 230 also has a front side 233 and a back side 235. In the exemplary embodiment, the mold package seating door assembly body 230 is a one-piece body. The first mold package seating door assembly body portion 232 and the second mold package seating door assembly body portion 234 share a common longitudinal side. The plane of the first portion 232 of the mold package seating door assembly body and the second portion 234 of the mold package seating door assembly body are at an angle of approximately 60 degrees.

Further, the mold package seating door assembly body 230 and the mold package seating door assembly body first portion 232 have an inner side 236 and an outer side 238 (i.e., as used herein, reference numerals 236 and 238 collectively identify the inner/outer sides of both the mold package seating door assembly body 230 and the mold package seating door assembly body first portion 232). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the mold package seating door assembly body first portion inner side 236 is the side facing the mold package seating stand 80 or the side facing generally downward when the mold package seating door assembly 82 is in the second position. When the mold package holder door assembly 82 is in the first position, the mold package holder door assembly body first portion inner side 236 has rotated approximately 180 ° relative to the second position. Thus, when the mold package seating door assembly 82 is in the first position, the mold package seating door assembly body first portion inner side 236 is generally facing upward and the plane of the mold package seating door assembly body first portion 232 is generally horizontal. As noted above, in this configuration, the mold package seat door assembly 82 is configured to support the mold package 16 in the maintenance configuration.

In the exemplary embodiment, mold package 16 has an outer profile. As used herein, the "outer profile" of the die pack 16 is the general profile of the body of the die pack 16 and does not include any localized protrusions or directional features. In the illustrated embodiment, the die pack 16 has a generally cylindrical outer profile. In the exemplary embodiment, at least one of a mold package seating door assembly body inner side 236 or a mold package seating door assembly body outer side 238 includes a service profile. As used herein, a "service profile" is a portion of the mold package seating gate assembly 82 that is shaped to substantially correspond to the exterior profile of the mold package 16. Further, as used herein, a "maintenance profile" does not include a substantially flat or planar surface. Thus, if the outer profile of the die pack 16 is substantially flat, the "maintenance profile" includes a recess or cavity sized and shaped to correspond to the outer profile of the die pack 16. Thus, when the mold package 16 is placed on the "maintenance profile," the mold package 16 is held in place by gravity and lateral forces cannot slide the mold package 16 out of the "maintenance profile.

In the exemplary embodiment, mold package seat door assembly 82 includes a resilient member 250. As shown, the resilient member 250 of the mold package seating door assembly is disposed on the mold package seating door assembly body inner side 236. Further, the resilient member 250 of the mold package seating door assembly defines a maintenance profile. Thus, for example, if the outer profile of the mold package 16 is generally cylindrical, the resilient member 250 of the mold package seating door assembly defines an arcuate service profile having a curvature that substantially corresponds to the generally cylindrical outer profile of the mold package 16. It should be noted that when the mold package holder gate assembly 82 is in the second position, the resilient member 250 of the mold package holder gate assembly is configured to and does bias the mold package 16 against the mold package holder table 80 and any orientation elements, such as spacers (not shown).

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, mold package seat door assembly 82 does not include any fluid fittings. As used herein, a "fluid accessory" is a coupling device configured to be coupled to a fluid conduit or hose. The mold package seat door assembly 82 and, as shown, the mold package seat door assembly body 230 define a number of coolant channels 260. As is known, the package seat door assembly body coolant channel 260 is configured to provide fluid communication with a coolant channel (not shown) in the package 16. To avoid the use of fluid fittings on the pod holder gate assembly 82, the pod holder table 80 also defines a number of coolant channels 262 (fig. 7). Each of the package seat door assembly body coolant channel 260 and the package seat table coolant channel 262 has an inlet 270 and an outlet 272. That is, reference numerals 270 and 272 generally identify an inlet 270 or an outlet 272 for the associated coolant passage 260, 262. Each mold package seating door assembly body coolant channel outlet 272 is disposed on the mold package seating door assembly body inner side 236.

As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, a number of mold package holder door assembly body coolant channels 260 extend in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the mold package holder hinge assembly 224. In this configuration, a number of mold package seating door assembly body coolant channel inlets 270 are provided on the surface of the mold package seating door assembly body 230 that abuts the mold package seating table 80. In addition, a number of the mold package seat table coolant channel outlets 272 are positioned such that each mold package seat table coolant channel outlet 272 is in fluid communication with an associated mold package seat door assembly body coolant channel inlet 270 when the mold package seat door assembly 82 is in the second position. In this configuration, coolant can flow through the bale seat table coolant passage 262, through the bale seat door assembly body coolant passage 260, and into the bale 16 without passing through the fluid fittings on the bale seat door assembly 82. This solves the above-mentioned problems.

As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, the mold package seating door assembly body coolant channel 260 is formed by machining or drilling a substantially straight channel into the mold package seating door assembly body 230. In this configuration, the mold package seat door assembly 82 also includes a machined orifice 276. As shown, the machined orifice 276 of each mold package seating door assembly is sealed by a mold package seating door assembly plug 278. That is, the mold package seating door assembly 82 includes a number of plugs 278, and each plug 278 is disposed in an associated coolant channel machining orifice 276. It should be understood that the mold package holder door assembly 82 may be created without the mold package holder door assembly machining apertures 276 (embodiments not shown) using other manufacturing techniques, such as, but not limited to, 3D printing and lost wax processes.

Further, as shown in fig. 25, the method of installing the die pack 16 in the die pack holder 70 or the can bodymaker 10 includes: step 3000 provides a can bodymaker having a mold package pedestal 70, the mold package pedestal 70 including a mold package pedestal 80, a mold package pedestal door assembly 82, the mold package pedestal door assembly 82 movably coupled to the mold package pedestal 80, wherein the mold package pedestal door assembly 82 is movable between an open first position in which the mold package pedestal door assembly 82 is configured to support a mold package 16 in a maintenance configuration, and a closed second position in which the mold package pedestal door assembly 82 secures the mold package 16 in a selected position; step 3002 provides a mold package 16; step 3004 positioning the mold package holder door assembly 82 in the first position; step 3006 positioning the mold package 16 on the mold package seating gate assembly 82; step 3008 prepares the mold package 16 for installation; and step 3010 installs the mold package in the bodymaker 10. Further, step 3010 installing the mold package in the can bodymaker 10 does not include coupling the fluid hose to the mold package seat door assembly 82. As used herein, a "hose" is a conduit defined by a flexible body that is independent of other elements of the bodymaker 10. That is, the conduit defined by the rigid elements of the bodymaker 10 (such as, but not limited to, the integral front mount body 52) is not a "hose".

Further, in the exemplary embodiment, ram assembly 12 is configured to adjust the extent of ram assembly body 30 (i.e., the maximum penetration extent of ram assembly body 30 (or punch 38) through die pack 16) without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components. That is, as used herein, the "range" of the ram assembly body refers to the maximum penetration range of the ram assembly body (or punch) through the die pack, i.e., the distance the distal end of the ram assembly body 30 (or punch 38) moves past the end of the die pack 16. That is, as used herein, the "range" of ram assembly body 30 does not imply the distance that the ram assembly body travels as it reciprocates.

In this embodiment, the elements of drive mechanism 14 are also considered to be elements of ram assembly 12. That is, as is known, the drive mechanism 14 includes rotating elements such as, but not limited to, an output shaft, a crankshaft 600 (described below), and/or a flywheel (not referenced). Ram assembly 12 includes a main link 300 (fig. 1), an elongated rocker 302 (note that rocker 302 is an assembly, as described below), and an auxiliary link 304 (which may also be referred to hereinafter as "link" 304). The drive mechanism 14 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the master link 300. The master link 300 is rotatably and operatively coupled to a swing link 302. The rocker 302 is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the rocker 302 includes an elongated unitary body 308 (discussed in detail below), the unitary body 308 having a first end 310, an intermediate portion 312, and a second end 314. The rocker 302 extends generally vertically relative to a rocker body first end 310, which first end 310 is a lower end. The pendulum body first end 310 is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly 11, wherein the axis of rotation of the pivotal coupling extends generally perpendicular to the ram assembly body longitudinal axis 36. Thus, the pendulum body first end 310 defines a pivot link 316. The master link 300 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the rocker body intermediate portion 312. Thus, the pendulum body intermediate portion 312 defines a rotational coupling 317. As the master link 300 moves, the master link 300 imparts a reciprocating pivoting or oscillating motion to the swing link 302. That is, the rocker 302 moves between a retracted first position and a forward second position.

The pendulum body second end 314 defines a fork 319, the fork 319 having two aligned openings 320 that are part of the rotational link. That is, as used herein, "fork" refers to a configuration that includes two spaced apart elements, each spaced apart element including an opening and wherein the openings are aligned about a common axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the rocker body second end fork 319 includes a first side prong 322 and a second side prong 324, the first side prong 322 and the second side prong 324 having openings 326, 328, respectively (hereinafter referred to as "rocker body second end fork openings" 326, 328).

Auxiliary link 304 includes a body 330 having a first end 332 and a second end 334. Each of the first and second ends 332, 334 of the auxiliary link body defines an opening 336, 338, respectively. Ram assembly carriage 31 also defines a fork with two aligned openings, which are rotational couplings 340 (fig. 1), and a ram assembly body mount 342. The pendulum body second end 314 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the auxiliary link first end 332 by a first link rotation coupling assembly 350 (hereinafter "link coupling assembly" 350). Similarly, auxiliary link second end 334 is rotatably and operatively coupled to ram assembly carriage 31 by a second link rotation coupling assembly 350A. The following description discusses the second link coupling assembly 350 between the pendulum body second end 314 and the auxiliary link first end 332. However, it should be understood that the same description may apply to second link coupling assembly 350A between auxiliary link second end 334 and ram assembly carriage 31. It should also be understood that each of the auxiliary link openings 336, 338 and the fork openings 320, 340 are also part of the link coupling assemblies 350, 350A.

Second link coupling assembly 350A is configured to and does adjustably couple ram assembly 12 to drive mechanism 14. As used herein, "adjustably coupled" means that the range of ram assembly body 30 can be changed without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components. As used herein, "not to decouple a number of substantial components" means that the elements coupled by second link coupling assembly 350A are not fully decoupled; that is, the bearing assembly 372 discussed below is not completely removed from the auxiliary link 304.

The rocker body second end 314 further defines a shape settable seat first member 360 at the fork 319. As used herein, "shape-settable support [ ] component" refers to a support that includes a component having a "rotationally congruent shape. As used herein, "rotationally congruent shape" means that it can be rotated less than 360 degrees about an axis and take on the same shape as the original orientation. For example, an equilateral triangle in a first orientation can be rotated 120 degrees about its center to a second orientation that assumes the same orientation as the first orientation. All "rotationally congruent shapes" have a center. In an exemplary embodiment, the shape settable support first member 360 includes a number of cavities 362, each cavity having a rotationally congruent shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the settable shape seat first member 360 is part of the fork 319 and the settable shape seat first member cavity 362 is disposed around the pendulum body second end fork openings 326, 328. In other words, each rocker body second end fork opening 326, 328 has an associated shape settable seat first member cavity 362. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaped seat first member cavity 362 is shallow as compared to the rocker body second end fork openings 326, 328. In addition to being part of the pendulum body second end 314, it is possible to configure the cradle first member 360 as part of the link coupling assembly 350.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 15-17, the connecting rod coupling assembly 350A further includes a settable shaped seat second member 370 and a bearing assembly 372. The shape settable support second component 370 includes a transverse major axis 374. As used herein, the "major transverse axis" is a line extending horizontally and perpendicular to a line extending parallel to ram assembly body longitudinal axis 36 and through the center of the shape settable support second member 370. Bearing assembly 372 includes a main body 380 having a substantially cylindrical outer surface 382 and a central axis 384. The bearing assembly body central axis 384 is offset relative to the settable shape support second component main axis 374. As used herein, "offset" refers to being substantially parallel but not collinear. Furthermore, an "offset" element configured to be positioned in a different configuration relative to another element is an "eccentric" element. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the bearing assembly 372 is configured to be positioned in a different configuration relative to the pendulum body second end 314 and is therefore an "eccentric" element. Further, it should be understood that the shape settable support first member 360 and the shape settable support second member 370 have corresponding rotationally congruent shapes. That is, if the shape settable support first member 360 is triangular, the shape settable support second member 370 is also triangular.

In this configuration, the bearing assembly body 380 is configured to be positioned at different locations relative to the shape settable support first member 360. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, the shape settable support first member 360 and second member 370 have a "+" shape. In this configuration, the shape can be set to seat second component major axis 374 at the apex of the line of intersection. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, support assembly body 380 is disposed adjacent a distal tip of one of the wires. Thus, bearing assembly body central axis 384 is misaligned with shape settable support second member main axis 374. Further, in the first orientation, the bearing assembly body 380 is disposed at the uppermost end of the "+" shape. The settable shape seat second member 370 may be rotated ninety degrees so that the bearing assembly body 380 is disposed at the far left end of the "+" shape. Thus, the position of bearing assembly body 380 is configured to be "set" relative to and relative to the settable shape seat second component major axis 374. Thus, as used herein, "set" means that the position of an element (e.g., bearing assembly body 380) is selectable relative to another element (e.g., a settable shape to seat second component major axis 374). Thus, "settable," as used herein, means configured to "set.

In the exemplary embodiment wherein the pendulum body second end 314 defines a fork 319, the first settable shape seat member 360 includes two first settable shape seat member cavities 362; one on each side of the fork. Thus, there is a shape settable support first member first cavity 362A and a shape settable support first member second cavity 362B, with one cavity disposed on each side of the pendulum body second end 314, i.e., each cavity 362A, 362B is disposed on each branch of the fork. In this embodiment, the shape settable seat second member 370 includes a first ledge 390 and a second ledge 392 (collectively referred to as "shape settable seat ledges" 390, 392). Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the shaped carrier lugs 390, 392 are substantially planar. In this embodiment, the plane of each shape settable seat boss 390, 392 extends generally parallel to ram assembly body longitudinal axis 36.

Further, the linkage coupling assembly 350 is under stress when the can bodymaker 10 is in operation. In this way, thin elongated elements such as "+" shaped pivotable congruent branches are more susceptible to wear and tear; this is a problem. Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the shaped carrier tabs 390, 392 are regular convex polygons, such as, but not limited to, triangles, squares, pentagons, hexagons, heptagons, octagons, and decagons. Such a shape solves the problem regarding wear and tear of the thin element. As described above, the shape settable shape seat first component cavity 362 corresponds to the shape of the shape settable shape seat lugs 390, 392; thus, the shape of the shape holder first member cavity 362 can be set to a regular convex polygon, such as, but not limited to, a triangle, a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, and a decagon. It should be understood and as used herein that the "shape" of the abutment lugs 390, 392 and the shape settable shaped abutment first component cavity 362 refers to the cross-sectional shape of the element in a plane perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the abutment lugs 390, 392 into the settable shaped abutment first component cavity 362.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 15, the linkage coupling assembly 350 includes two octagonal generally planar, settable-shaped carrier lugs 390, 392 disposed in spaced relation by the carrier 400. That is, the shape settable support second member 370 comprises a support 400. In this embodiment, the support mount includes a first portion 402 and a second portion 404 in the exemplary embodiment. The settable shape support second component support first portion 402 is an elongated generally cylindrical member 406. The longitudinal axis of the bearing support first part-cylindrical member 406 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shape settable support first lug 390. Settable shape seat second component support seat second portion 404 is also an elongated generally cylindrical member 408. The longitudinal axis of the bearing support second part-cylindrical member 408 extends substantially perpendicular to the plane of the shape settable support second lug 392. The bearing assembly body 380 is rotatably coupled to the bearing support 400.

That is, in the exemplary embodiment, first portion 402 of the settable shape seat second component support seat defines a channel 410 and second portion 404 of the settable shape seat second component support seat defines a threaded aperture 412. Further, the shape settable support second member 370 includes a threaded fastener 414. A threaded fastener 414 is partially disposed in the passageway 410 of the first portion of the shape settable bracket second component support and is threaded into the threaded aperture 412 of the second portion of the shape settable bracket second component support. Thus, the shape settable bracket lugs 390, 392 are coupled by the shape settable bracket second component fastener 414. Further, the bearing assembly body 380 is coupled or rotatably coupled to a bearing support 400 that can shape support a second member. That is, the bearing assembly body 380 is disposed over the shape settable seat second component bearing seat first portion 402 and/or the shape settable seat second component bearing seat second portion 404 before the shape settable seat lugs 390, 392 are coupled by the shape settable seat second component fastener 414.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 20-22, the pendulum body first end pivot coupling 316 further comprises an eccentric shaft or bearing assembly 377. That is, the pendulum body first end pivot coupling 316 is shown with the non-settable shaped seat first member 371, i.e., the generally circular lug 373. It should be appreciated that the generally circular lug 373 has a center 375. Further, the pendulum body first end pivot coupling 316 includes a bearing assembly 377 that is offset or eccentric with respect to the circular lug center 375. That is, the longitudinal axis of the pendulum body first end pivot link support assembly 377 is offset or eccentric with respect to the center 375 of the circular lug.

In this configuration, the position of the bearing assembly body 380 is configured to be adjustable and adjustable relative to a particular point on the swing link 302. That is, as shown in fig. 20-22, the shape settable bracket bosses 390,392 and the pendulum body first end pivot link 316 are selectively orientable relative to the pendulum 302. In fig. 20, the shaped carrier lugs 390, 392 are oriented such that the bearing assembly 372 is disposed on the left (as shown). Conversely, as shown in fig. 21 and 22, the shaped carrier lugs 390, 392 are oriented such that the bearing assembly 372 is disposed on the right (as shown). It should be understood that with other orientations of the shape settable carrier lugs 390, 392, the bearing assembly 372 will be in different positions. Additionally, the pendulum body first end pivot link 316 may also be selectively oriented relative to the pendulum 302. In fig. 20 and 21, the pendulum body first end pivot coupling 316 is oriented such that the pendulum body first end pivot coupling support assembly 377 is disposed on the left (as shown). In fig. 22, the pendulum body first end pivot coupling 316 is oriented such that the pendulum body first end pivot coupling bearing assembly 377 is disposed on the right (as shown). Further, as shown in fig. 20-22, the ram stroke, i.e., the distance traveled by the ram assembly body 30 relative to a fixed point on the frame assembly 11, such as the axial center (as shown) of the drive mechanism 14, varies depending on the orientation of the link coupling 350 and pendulum body first end pivot coupling support assembly 377.

Thus, as described above, the pendulum body second end 314 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the auxiliary link first end 332 via the link coupling assembly 350. In this manner, the position of the bearing assembly body 380 relative to the rocker body second end 314 changes the range of the ram assembly body 30. That is, if the die pack 16 is disposed on the left side of fig. 20-22, the ram assembly body 30 will have a first extent when the shape settable seat lugs 390, 392 are oriented such that the support assembly 372 is on the left side (fig. 22). Conversely, when the shape settable seat lugs 390, 392 are oriented such that the bearing assembly 372 is disposed on the right (fig. 20), the ram assembly body 30 will have a different second range, which in this case is less than the first range.

Accordingly, as shown in fig. 26, a method of adjusting a stroke range of a can bodymaker ram assembly includes: step 4000 provides a can bodymaker, including: a reciprocating rocker having a pivoting first end and a moving second end, the second end of the rocker including a shape settable seat first member; a ram assembly including an elongated ram assembly body; a carriage; and a link, the ram assembly body including a distal end, the carriage including a rotational link and a ram assembly body mount, the ram assembly body being secured to the ram assembly body mount of the carriage, the link including a first end and a second end, the link first end including a first rotational link, the link second end including a second rotational link, the second rotational link of the link second end being rotatably coupled to the carriage rotational link; a link coupling assembly including a shape settable seat second component; and a bearing assembly, the shape settable support second member having a lateral major axis, the bearing assembly comprising a bearing assembly body comprising a generally cylindrical outer surface and a central axis, wherein the bearing assembly body central axis is offset relative to the shape settable support second member major axis, the link coupling assembly adjustably coupling the link first end first rotational coupling to the pendulum second end; and step 4002 adjusting a stroke distance of the ram assembly body without decoupling a number of substantial components.

In an exemplary embodiment, step 4002 adjusting the stroke distance of the ram assembly body without decoupling a number of substantial components comprises: step 4010 decouples the first and second members of the shape settable support; step 4012 rotating the second member of the shape settable support relative to the first member of the shape settable support; step 4014 re-couples the shape settable support first component and second component. That is, in the above-described embodiment and assuming that the link coupling assembly 350 is in an operative or installed configuration, step 4002 adjusts the stroke distance of the ram assembly body to adjust the range of the ram assembly body 30 without decoupling a number of substantial components. Step 4020 unfastens the settable shape setting second member fasteners 414, i.e., unfastens the settable shape setting second member fasteners 414 from the threaded bores 412, step 4022 removes the settable shape setting lugs 390, 392 from the associated settable shape setting cavities 362; step 4024 rotates the shape settable support second member 370 and support member assembly 372 to a different orientation; and step 4026, tightening the settable shape stand second member fastener 414. Therefore, the bearing assembly body 380 is never decoupled from the swing link 302. This method solves the above problems.

As described above, the rocker 302 is a component (and is also referred to herein as the "rocker component 302"). In the exemplary embodiment and as described above, rocker assembly 302 includes an elongated, unitary body 308 having a first end 310, a middle portion 312, and a second end 314. The swing link assembly 302 further includes a cooling system 450 and a number of supports 452. In the present embodiment, the rocker assembly 302 includes a limited number of components. That is, "a limited number of components" means less than sixty components and subassemblies. The limited number of components reduces the number of components and subassemblies that need to be manufactured and maintained and solves the problems described above. Further, as used herein, elements and subassemblies used to couple the swing link assembly 302 to other elements of the can bodymaker are included in the swing link assembly 302 and are identified as "mounting members". The "mounting components" include the coupling, the bearing 452, the spacer, and the washer, and do not include the elements of the pendulum main body 308 and the cooling system 450. In an exemplary embodiment, there is a "limited number of mounting components". As used herein, "limited number of mounting components" refers to less than fifty mounting components and subassemblies. Further, in another exemplary embodiment, the mounting component does not include a shim.

In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in fig. 12-14, the rocker assembly body 308 defines two sides (i.e., a first side wall 440 and a second side wall 442) and a transverse wall 444. A rocker assembly body transverse wall 444 extends from and is located between the peripheries of the rocker assembly body first and second side walls 440, 442. In this configuration, the rocker assembly body transverse wall 444 maintains a space between the rocker assembly body first side wall 440 and the second side wall 442. That is, in the exemplary embodiment, the rocker assembly body 308 is generally hollow. The rocker assembly body transverse wall 444 includes a main link aperture 446 and an auxiliary link aperture 448. The master link aperture 446 is sized to allow the master link 300 to pass through and travel on its path of motion when the can bodymaker 10 is in use. Similarly, auxiliary link aperture 448 is sized to allow auxiliary link 304 to pass through the auxiliary link aperture and travel in its path of motion when can bodymaker 10 is in use.

The first end 310 of the rocker assembly body defines a cradle 456. That is, the first end of the rocker assembly body is generally solid between the collar bodies 464, as described below. However, the rocker assembly body first end mount 456 further defines a coolant passage 458 configured to allow coolant fluid, and in the exemplary embodiment coolant liquid, to travel through the rocker assembly body first end mount 456 to the inner surface of the collar body 464.

In the exemplary embodiment, the rocker body first end pivot coupling 316 includes a number of elongated collars 460, 462 (hereinafter referred to as "rocker body first end pivot coupling collars" 460, 462). That is, the pendulum assembly (unitary) body 308 includes an elongated tubular body 464 (hereinafter "collar body" 464) that extends generally horizontally and generally transversely. Further, a pivot support 470 is provided in each collar body 464. Each pivot support 470 includes a generally cylindrical inner surface. The frame assembly 11 or drive mechanism 14 includes a generally cylindrical shaft lug (not shown) sized and shaped to correspond to the inner surface of the pivot support 470. When the axle ears are disposed in the pivot supports 470, the rocker assembly 302 is pivotally coupled to other elements of the can bodymaker 10 and/or the frame assembly 11, and the rocker assembly body 308 is configured to pivot between a retracted first position and a forward second position.

The rocker assembly body intermediate portion 312 defines a fork 480. That is, the rocker assembly body intermediate portion 312 includes two openings 482, 484 provided in the first and second side walls 440, 442 of the rocker assembly body. The rocker assembly body intermediate bifurcated shaped portion openings 482, 484 are part of the rocker body intermediate portion 312 rotational coupling 317. The rocker assembly body intermediate bifurcated openings 482, 484 are generally horizontally aligned. The rocker assembly body intermediate bifurcated portion 480 is configured to be rotatably coupled to and rotatably coupled to the master link 300. In the exemplary embodiment, the rocker assembly 302 includes a master link support 486 that is disposed in the rocker assembly body intermediate crotch 480 and is further coupled to the master link 300.

The rocker assembly body intermediate portion 312 also includes an inner support collar 490. As used herein and with reference to the pendulum body 308, "interior" refers to within the hollow space defined by the unitary pendulum body 308. That is, the rocker assembly body intermediate portion 312 includes a collar 490 disposed about the rocker assembly body intermediate bifurcated openings 482, 484. The rocker assembly body intermediate portion support collar 490 is configured and does substantially center the main link support 486 between the first and second side walls 440, 442 of the rocker assembly body.

The rocker assembly body second end 314 also includes an inner support collar 500. That is, the rocker assembly body second end 314 includes a collar 500 disposed about the rocker assembly body second end fork openings 326, 328. The rocker assembly body second end support collar 490 is configured and configured to substantially center the link coupling assembly bearing assembly 372 between the rocker assembly body first side wall 440 and the second side wall 442.

In another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, an adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is coupled to crankshaft 600. As used herein, "adjustable" means that an element is to be configured and configured in a plurality of orientations or positions, and that the element is such that a different effect or configuration is caused or created in the other element due to the orientation/position of the first element. As used herein, "eccentric assembly" refers to an assembly or element that defines an inner radius portion and an outer radius portion, wherein the centers of the two radius portions are offset from each other, and wherein a line passing through the centers and generally orthogonal to a plane defined by the radius portions is generally parallel. As used herein, a generally radial surface "defines an [ inner/outer ] radius. That is, as described below, in the exemplary embodiment, housing assembly 630 has a radially inner surface 648 that defines an "inner radius" 632 and a radially outer surface 650 that defines an "outer radius" 634. In another embodiment, not shown, the outer surface of the circular stem defines an "inner radius" and the offset disc having a larger radius coupled to the stem defines an "outer radius". Thus, as used herein, "inner" and "outer" are terms that define the relative position of the radius portion, and do not limit the type of structure/surface that defines the radius portion. Furthermore, there must be a surface defining the radius. That is, as a simplified example, a square sheet of paper does not define a radius portion, as a circle may be drawn on or cut from the sheet of paper. Thus, as used herein, a parallelepiped does not define a "radial surface" because the disc may be cut out of the parallelepiped or identified as a portion of the parallelepiped. In other words, a body that can define a radial surface but does not actually define a radial surface cannot define an inner radius or an outer radius.

In the exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 28, drive mechanism 14 includes a rotating crankshaft 600 having an offset crank 602 (FIG. 27). That is, crankshaft 600 includes a substantially circular main shaft 604, main shaft 604 having an axis of rotation passing through the center of the cylinder defining main shaft 604. The crank 602 includes a substantially cylindrical journal 606, wherein a line extending through the center of the crankshaft journal 606 cylinder and substantially parallel to a radial surface of the crankshaft journal 606 cylinder is substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft main shaft 604.

As shown, in the exemplary embodiment, crankshaft 600 also includes a number of crank supports 608, 609 that are configured to enclose crank 602. In exemplary embodiments, the crank supports 608, 609 are solid or substantially solid. As shown, there are crank supports 608, 609 on either side of the journal 606. In the exemplary embodiment, each crank support 608, 609 defines a number of alignment key holes 607, one alignment key hole being shown. As shown, the alignment key hole 607 is an exposed cavity in each crank support 608, 609.

As is known and as used herein, the crankshaft 600 inherently has a "throw," which refers to the distance between the center of the crankshaft main shaft 604 and the center of the journal 606. The "stroke" of the journal 606 is shown in fig. 27A and 27B. That is, the location of the center of the journal 606 varies relative to a fixed point, such as, but not limited to, any location on the frame assembly 11. As is further known, "stroke" directly affects the length of the stroke of ram body 30. Further, as described below, there is a ratio relating to the stroke and the stroke of the hammer body 30. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the stroke to the stroke of the hammer body 30 is about 1: 4. thus, for example, if the stroke is about 6.5 inches, the ram body 30 stroke is about 26.0 inches.

As described above, ram assembly 12 includes a main link 300 (fig. 27), an elongated rocker 302, and an auxiliary link 304. The drive mechanism 14 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the master link 300. The master link 300 is rotatably and operatively coupled to a swing link 302. The swing link 302 is pivotally coupled to the frame assembly 11. Thus, the pendulum body first end 310 defines a pivot link 316. The master link 300 is rotatably and operatively coupled to the pendulum body intermediate portion 312. As the master link 300 moves, the master link 300 provides a reciprocating pivoting or rocking motion to the swing link 302. That is, the rocker 302 moves between a retracted first position and a forward second position. Further, as described above, adding an adjustable eccentric element to the rotational coupling of the drive link allows the stroke of the hammer body 30 to be changed. In this embodiment, an adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is provided at the rotational coupling between the crank 602 and the master link 300, which is hereinafter referred to as crank rotational coupling 610 (fig. 27).

That is, as shown in fig. 27, the master link 300 includes a main body 612 having a first end 614 and a second end 616. As described above, the main link body second end 616 is rotatably coupled to the rocker body 308. The main link body first end 614 defines a substantially cylindrical cavity 618 that is part of the crank rotational coupling 610.

Adjustable eccentric assembly 620 (shown installed in fig. 28, and shown generally in fig. 29 and 30) is configured to be and is coupled, directly coupled, temporarily coupled, or secured to crank 602 (i.e., journal 606). In the exemplary embodiment, adjustable eccentric assembly 620 includes an eccentric housing assembly 630 and a number of alignment keys 700 (FIG. 28), one of which is shown. As an "adjustable" eccentric assembly 620, the eccentric assembly 620 is configured to selectively vary the crankshaft stroke. Further, as an "eccentric assembly," eccentric assembly 620, and as shown, housing assembly 630, includes: a generally circular inner surface 648 (also referred to herein as "housing assembly inner surface" 648) defining inner radius 632; and a substantially circular outer surface 650 (also referred to herein as "housing assembly outer surface" 650) defining outer radius 634. In an exemplary embodiment, the center of inner radius portion 632 is offset from the center of outer radius portion 634 by between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches, or about 1.0 inches.

That is, the housing assembly 630 includes a body assembly 640, the body assembly 640 including an eccentric annular portion 642 having a first axial surface 644 and a second axial surface 646. As shown, first and second axial surfaces 644, 646 are each on a flange (not numbered) extending radially from housing assembly body assembly 640. Eccentric annular portion 642 defines an inner radius portion 632 and an outer radius portion 634. That is, the eccentric annular portion 642 includes a radially inner surface 648 and a radially outer surface 650. As used herein, an "eccentric torus" refers to a shape in which the inner surface is created by a line rotating about a first axis and the outer surface is created by a line rotating about a second axis spaced from the first axis.

In the exemplary embodiment, housing assembly body assembly 640, or generally housing assembly 630, includes a primary eccentric section 660, a secondary eccentric section 662, and a number of alignment pins 664. The primary eccentric section 660 includes a generally semi-circular body 670 having a first end 672 and a second end 674. The main eccentric section body first end 672 defines a first clevis 676. The main eccentric section body second end 674 defines a second clevis 678. The secondary eccentric segment 662 includes a generally semi-circular body 680 having a first end 682 and a second end 684.

The secondary eccentric segment body first end 682 defines a first clevis bar 686. The secondary eccentric segment body second end 684 defines a second clevis bar 688. As used herein, a "clevis bar" is a body configured to correspond to the profile of a clevis. That is, the "clevis bar" fits or fits snugly within the clevis prongs/ears. Thus, when the primary and secondary eccentric sections 660, 662 couple, directly couple, or secure the first clevis rod 686 disposed in the first clevis 676 and the first clevis rod 686 disposed in the second clevis 678, the housing assembly body assembly 640 forms an eccentric annular portion 642. As shown, the alignment pin 664 extends through openings (not numbered) in the primary and secondary eccentric sections 660, 662. In the exemplary embodiment, alignment pin 664 extends through openings in first clevis 676, first clevis bar 686, second clevis 678, and second clevis bar 688. In the exemplary embodiment, housing assembly body assembly 640 also includes coupling components, such as, but not limited to, fasteners (not numbered) that also extend through openings in first clevis 676, first clevis bar 686, second clevis 678, and second clevis bar 688.

The housing assembly main body assembly first axial surface 644 and the housing assembly main body assembly second axial surface 646 (also referred to herein as "housing assembly first axial surface" 644 and "housing assembly second axial surface" 646, or simply "first axial surface" 644 and "second axial surface" 646) include a number of alignment keyways 690. Broadly speaking, the housing assembly 630 includes a number of alignment key slots 690. The alignment key hole 607 and the alignment key slot 690 are sized to correspond to a portion of the alignment key 700. The alignment key 700 includes a body 702, and as shown, the body 702 is a generally parallelepiped lug sized and shaped to collectively correspond or snugly correspond to the alignment key hole 607 and the alignment key slot 690. That is, a portion of the alignment key body 702 is configured to be disposed and disposed in the alignment key hole 607, and another portion of the alignment key body 702 is configured to be disposed and disposed in the alignment key slot 690. Further, as shown, the alignment key 700 includes coupling components such as, but not limited to, channels and fasteners (not numbered). In the exemplary embodiment, crank support 608 includes a second component of the alignment key coupling assembly, such as, but not limited to, a threaded hole not referenced, to which the alignment key coupling assembly fastener is configured to couple.

In an exemplary embodiment, the number of alignment key slots 690 is a plurality of alignment key slots 690. In an exemplary embodiment, the alignment key slot 690 is configured and/or positioned to allow for selected variations in ram stroke. For example, if crankshaft 600 has a fixed stroke of approximately 6.5 inches and adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is configured to provide four different four ram strokes, four alignment keyways are required. In this example, a fixed crankshaft throw of about 6.5 inches achieves a mid-range stroke of about 26 inches (26 inches for a ratio of 6.5 inches x 1: 4). In this example, the housing assembly 630 has an eccentric annular portion 642 with a one inch eccentricity. When the housing assembly 630 is configured such that the eccentric annular portion 642 is fully forward on the crankshaft journal 606, a ram stroke of 30 inches is achieved. That is, the housing assembly 630 in this configuration increases travel by approximately one inch, and thus travel is 7.5 inches. The ratio of the stroke to the stroke of the hammer body 30 is about 1: in case 4, the ram body 30 stroke is about 30.0 inches ((6.5 inches +1.0 inches) x 1: 4 ratio of 30 inches). In contrast, the housing assembly 630 is configured such that the eccentric annular portion 642 is fully rearward on the crankshaft journal 606, achieving a 22 inch ram stroke. That is, the housing assembly 630 in this configuration reduces travel by approximately one inch, and thus travel is 5.5 inches. The ratio of the stroke to the stroke of the hammer body 30 is about 1: in case 4, the ram body 30 stroke is about 22.0 inches ((6.5 inches-1.0 inches) x 22 inches ratio of 1: 4). Alignment key slots 690 are positioned on housing assembly body assembly first axial surface 644 and housing assembly body assembly second axial surface 646 such that the desired variation in travel of housing assembly 630, and therefore the stroke of ram body 30, is achieved. In the exemplary embodiment, alignment key slots 690 are not rotationally symmetric about crankshaft journal 606. That is, "each alignment key slot is positioned to provide a selected ram body stroke," as used herein, means that each alignment key slot 690 is disposed at a location around the crankshaft journal 606 such that the ram body 30 stroke is a predetermined and selected stroke. In an exemplary embodiment, there are four alignment keyways 690 positioned to allow ram body 30 strokes selected from the group consisting of or consisting essentially of: a ram body 30 stroke of about 22 inches, a ram body 30 stroke of about 24 inches, a ram body 30 stroke of about 26 inches, and a ram body 30 stroke of about 30 inches.

In another embodiment, the plurality of alignment keys 690 includes a number of alignment keys 690 that divides 360 degrees (i.e., 360 °) in whole. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, a plurality of alignment keyways 690 are evenly spaced apart on substantially circular axial surface 644. Thus, if there are three key slots 690, the key slots 690 are 120 ° apart. If there are four key slots 690, the key slots 690 are spaced apart by 90 °, if there are five key slots 690, the key slots 690 are spaced apart by 72 °, if there are six key slots 690, the key slots 690 are spaced apart by 60 °, and so on.

Adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is assembled as follows. The primary and secondary eccentric segments 660, 662 are connected to each other by disposing the first clevis rod 686 in the first clevis 676 and the second clevis rod 688 in the second clevis 678 and the alignment pin 664 in the alignment pin opening. In addition, fasteners are used to secure the primary and secondary eccentric sections 660, 662 in a coupled configuration. In the coupled configuration, the primary eccentric section 660 and the secondary eccentric section 662 form the housing assembly 630.

The housing assembly 630 is disposed on the crankshaft offset crank 602, i.e., on the crankshaft journal 606. That is, the surface defining the inner radius portion 632 is coupled, directly coupled, temporarily coupled, or secured to the crankshaft journal 606. It should be appreciated that outer radius portion 634 is eccentric relative to inner radius portion 632, and thus the orientation of housing assembly 630 determines how outer radius portion 634 affects the operative engagement between crankshaft 600 and main connecting rod 300, which in turn affects the length of stroke of ram body 30. Accordingly, the orientation of the housing assembly 630 is selected by aligning one of the alignment keys 690 with the alignment key hole 607. The aligned alignment key slot 690 and the alignment key hole 607 form a substantially continuous cavity in which the alignment key 700 is disposed. The alignment key 700 is coupled, directly coupled, temporarily coupled, or secured to the crank support 608. In this configuration, the housing assembly 630 is coupled, directly coupled, temporarily coupled, or secured to the crankshaft offset crank 602. That is, the housing assembly 630 is secured to the crank support 608 when the alignment key 700 is disposed in both the alignment key hole 607 and the alignment key slot 690.

Further, in this configuration, the crank throw varies relative to the throw of crankshaft 600. Further, the stroke of the crankshaft 600 is selectively varied by rotating the housing assembly 630 relative to the crankshaft offset crank 602, such as by aligning different alignment key slots 690 with the alignment key holes 607. In other words, housing assembly 630 is configured to selectively vary the stroke of crankshaft 600. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the change in crankshaft stroke to the change in ram stroke is between about 1: 3.5 to about 1: 4.5, or about 1: 4. in one embodiment, the maximum change in stroke of crankshaft 600 caused by adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is about 2.0 inches. When housing assembly 630 is oriented such that the maximum positive change in crankshaft 600 (i.e., the maximum offset between inner radius portion 632 and outer radius portion 634) is disposed at the front side of crankshaft 600, the ram assembly travels approximately 4.0 inches farther than the ram assembly 12 stroke in the absence of adjustable eccentric assembly 620 when ram body 30 is at the front end of the ram assembly 12 stroke. In addition, the negative variation in the stroke of crankshaft 600 is substantially the same. In the exemplary embodiment, the minimum change in crankshaft 600 stroke caused by adjustable eccentric assembly 620 is approximately 0.0 inches. That is, housing assembly 630 is configured to have no effect on the stroke of crankshaft 600. Further, as described above, the stroke of crankshaft 600 directly affects the ram body 30 stroke. Thus, ram assembly 30 reciprocates on a stroke that depends on the orientation of eccentric assembly 620.

Accordingly, as shown in fig. 31, another method of adjusting the stroke of a can bodymaker ram assembly includes: step 5000 provides a can bodymaker 10, the bodymaker 10 including a rotating crankshaft 600, an adjustable eccentric assembly 620, a main connecting rod 300, and a ram assembly 12, the rotating crankshaft 600 including an offset crank 602 and a number of alignment keyholes 607, each crankshaft alignment keyhole 607 disposed adjacent the crank 602, the eccentric assembly 620 including an eccentric housing assembly 630 and a number of alignment keys 700, the eccentric housing assembly 630 including a number of alignment keyways 690, the housing assembly defining an inner radius portion and an outer radius portion, wherein a center of the inner radius portion is offset between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches relative to a center of the outer radius portion, the eccentric assembly 620 operatively coupled to the crank 602, the main connecting rod 300 operatively coupled to the eccentric assembly 620, the ram assembly 12 operatively coupled to the main connecting rod 300, the ram assembly 12 including an elongated ram body 30, step 5002 positioning the housing assembly on the crank in a first orientation, step 5004 aligns the first housing component alignment key slot with the crank key hole, step 5006 disposes the alignment key in the first housing component alignment key slot and the crank key hole, step 5008 removes the alignment key from the first housing component alignment key slot and the crank key hole, step 5010 positions the housing component on the crank in the second orientation, step 5012 aligns the second housing component alignment key slot with the crank key hole, and step 5014 disposes the alignment key in the second housing component alignment key slot and the crank key hole. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the method includes: step 5016 adjusts the length of stroke of the ram assembly without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components. That is, the stroke length is adjusted by rotating the housing assembly 630 on the crankshaft offset crank 602 without removing the housing assembly 630. Thus, as defined above, the length of stroke of ram assembly 12 is adjusted "without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

Further, in one embodiment, wherein the number of alignment keys 690 includes a plurality of alignment keys 690, and wherein each alignment key 690 is positioned to provide a selected ram body 30 stroke, then positioning the housing assembly on the crank in the second orientation at step 5010 includes rotating the housing assembly 630 a set amount at step 5030. As used herein, "a selected amount" means that the housing assembly 630 is rotated such that the resulting ram body 30 stroke is one of about 22 inches of ram body 30 stroke, about 24 inches of ram body 30 stroke, about 26 inches of ram body 30 stroke, about 30 inches of ram body 30 stroke. It should also be noted that in this configuration, the length of stroke of ram assembly 12 is changed without changing the position of the pivot point on rocker 302.

Further, in one embodiment, wherein the number of alignment keys 690 comprises a plurality of alignment keys 690, and wherein the plurality of alignment keys is an integer divisible number 360, then the step 5010 positioning the housing assembly in the crank in the second orientation comprises the step 5031 rotating the housing assembly a set amount. As used herein, "set amount" refers to a quantity that is divisible by 360 °. It should also be noted that in this configuration, the length of the stroke of ram assembly 12 is changed without changing the position of the pivot point on rocker 302.

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 the invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.

Claims (20)

1. An adjustable eccentric assembly (620) for a can bodymaker (10), said bodymaker (10) including a rotating crankshaft (600) and a main connecting rod (300), said can bodymaker crankshaft (600) including an offset crank (602), said adjustable eccentric assembly (620) comprising:

an eccentric housing assembly (630);

the housing assembly (630) is configured to be operatively coupled to a crank (602) of the crankshaft; and is

The housing assembly (630) is configured to be operatively coupled to the master link (300).

2. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly (630) is configured to selectively vary a stroke of a crankshaft (600).

3. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 2, wherein:

the housing assembly (630) defines an inner radius (632) and an outer radius (634); and is

Wherein a center of the inner radius portion is offset from a center of the outer radius portion (634) by about 0.5 inches to about 1.5 inches.

4. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 1, wherein the crankshaft (600) comprises a number of crankshaft alignment key holes (607), each crankshaft alignment key hole (607) being disposed adjacent to the crank (602), the adjustable eccentric assembly (620) further comprising:

a number of alignment keys (700);

the housing assembly (630) includes a number of housing assembly alignment key slots (690);

the housing assembly (630) defines an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

each of the housing assembly alignment key slots (690) is configured to align with a crankshaft alignment key hole (607);

each of the alignment keys (700) is partially configured to be disposed in a crankshaft alignment key hole (607) and a housing assembly alignment key slot (690); and is

Wherein the housing assembly (630) is configured to be temporarily secured to the crank (602).

5. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 1, wherein:

the housing assembly (630) includes a first axial surface (644) and a second axial surface (646); and is

The housing assembly alignment keyway (690) is disposed on at least one of the eccentric housing assembly first axial surface (644) or the eccentric housing assembly second axial surface (646).

6. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 5, wherein:

the number of housing assembly alignment key slots (690) comprises a plurality of alignment key slots (690);

wherein the number of the plurality of alignment key slots (690) is divisible 360; and is

Wherein the plurality of alignment key slots (690) are evenly spaced.

7. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of alignment keyways (690) comprises four keyways.

8. The adjustable eccentric assembly (620) according to claim 7, wherein:

the eccentric housing assembly (630) includes a primary eccentric section (660), a secondary eccentric section (662), and a number of alignment pins (664);

the primary eccentric section (660) comprises a generally semi-circular primary eccentric section body (670) having a first end (672) and a second end (674);

a first end (672) of the main eccentric segment body defines a first clevis (676);

the second end (674) of the main eccentric segment body defines a second clevis (678);

the secondary eccentric segment (662) includes a generally semi-circular secondary eccentric segment body (680) having a first end (682) and a second end (684);

the first end (682) of the secondary eccentric segment body defines a first U-shaped clamping bar (686);

the second end (684) of the secondary eccentric segment body defines a second clevis bar (688);

the primary eccentric segment (660) and the secondary eccentric segment (662) are coupled by disposing the first clevis bar (686) in the first clevis (676) and the second clevis bar (688) in the second clevis (678); and is

The alignment pin (664) extends through the first clevis bar (686) and the first clevis (676), and through the second clevis bar (688) and the second clevis (678) that are provided.

9. A can bodymaker (10) comprising:

a rotating crankshaft (600) comprising an offset crank (602);

an adjustable eccentric assembly (620) comprising an eccentric housing assembly (630);

the adjustable eccentric assembly (620) is operatively coupled to a crank (602) of the crankshaft;

a master link (300) operatively coupled to the adjustable eccentric assembly (620);

a ram assembly (12) operatively connected to the master link (300), the ram assembly (12) comprising an elongated ram; and is

Wherein the ram reciprocates on a stroke that is dependent upon the orientation of the adjustable eccentric assembly (620).

10. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 9 wherein said adjustable eccentric assembly (620) is configured to selectively vary crankshaft (600) stroke.

11. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 10 wherein a ratio of a change in crankshaft (600) stroke to a change in ram stroke is between about 1: 3.5 to about 1: 4.5.

12. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 10 wherein:

a housing assembly (630) of the adjustable eccentric assembly defining an inner radius portion (632) and an outer radius portion (634);

wherein a center of the inner radius portion (632) is offset relative to a center of the outer radius portion (634) between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches.

13. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 9 wherein:

the adjustable eccentric assembly (620) includes a number of alignment keys (700);

the eccentric housing assembly (630) includes a number of eccentric housing assembly alignment key slots (690);

the eccentric housing assembly (630) defines an inner circumference and an outer circumference;

the crankshaft (600) includes a number of crankshaft alignment key holes (607), each of the crankshaft alignment key holes (607) disposed adjacent to the crank (602);

each eccentric housing assembly alignment key slot (690) is aligned with a crankshaft alignment key hole (607);

each of the alignment keys (700) being partially disposed in the crankshaft alignment key hole (607) and the eccentric housing assembly alignment key slot (690); and is

Wherein the eccentric housing assembly (630) is temporarily secured to the crank (602).

14. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 9 wherein:

the housing assembly (630) includes a first axial surface (644) and a second axial surface (646); and is

The eccentric housing assembly alignment keyway (690) is disposed on at least one of the housing assembly first axial surface (644) or the housing assembly second axial surface (646).

15. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 14 wherein:

the number of key slots (690) includes a plurality of key slots (690);

wherein each alignment key slot (690) is positioned to provide a selected ram body stroke.

16. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 15 wherein said plurality of alignment keyways includes four keyways.

17. The can bodymaker (10) of claim 14 wherein:

the eccentric housing assembly (630) includes a primary eccentric section (660), a secondary eccentric section (662), and a number of alignment pins (664);

the main eccentric section (660) comprises a generally semi-circular main eccentric section body (670) having a first end and a second end (674);

a first end (672) of the main eccentric segment body defines a first clevis (676);

the second end (674) of the main eccentric segment body defines a second clevis (678);

the secondary eccentric segment (662) includes a generally semi-circular secondary eccentric segment body (680) having a first end (682) and a second end (684);

a first end (682) of the secondary eccentric segment body defining a first U-shaped clamping bar (686);

the second end (684) of the secondary eccentric segment body defines a second clevis bar (688);

the primary eccentric segment (660) and the secondary eccentric segment (662) are coupled by disposing the first clevis bar (686) in the first clevis (676) and the second clevis bar (688) in the second clevis (678); and is

The alignment pin (664) extends through the first clevis bar (686) and the first clevis (676) and through the second clevis bar (688) and the second clevis (678) that are provided.

18. A method of adjusting a stroke of a ram assembly (12) of a can bodymaker, the method comprising:

providing (5000) a can bodymaker (10) including a rotating crankshaft (600), an adjustable eccentric assembly (620), a main connecting rod (300), and a ram assembly (12), the rotating crankshaft (600) including an offset crank (602) and a number of crankshaft alignment keyholes (607), each of the crankshaft alignment keyholes (607) disposed adjacent to the crank (602), the eccentric assembly (620) including an eccentric housing assembly (630) and a number of alignment keys (700), the eccentric housing assembly (630) including a number of alignment keyholes (690), the eccentric housing assembly (630) defining an inner radius portion (632) and an outer radius portion (634), wherein a center (632) of the inner radius portion is offset between about 0.5 inches and about 1.5 inches relative to a center of the outer radius portion (634), the eccentric assembly (620) operatively coupled to the crank (602) of the crankshaft, the master link (300) operatively coupled to the eccentric assembly (620), the ram assembly (12) operatively connected to the master link (300), the ram assembly (12) including an elongated ram;

positioning (5002) the eccentric housing assembly (630) on the crank (602) in a first orientation;

aligning (5004) the first housing component alignment key slot (690) with the crank alignment key hole (607);

disposing (5006) an alignment key (700) in the first housing component alignment keyway (690) and the crank alignment keyhole (607);

removing (5008) the alignment key (700) from the first housing component alignment key slot (690) and the crank alignment key hole (607);

positioning (5010) the eccentric housing assembly (630) on the crank (602) in a second orientation;

aligning (5012) a second housing assembly alignment key slot (690) with the crank alignment key hole (607); and is

Disposing (5014) an alignment key (700) in the second housing assembly alignment keyway (690) and the crank alignment key hole (700).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein:

the number of alignment key slots (690) comprises a plurality of alignment key slots;

wherein each alignment keyway (690) is positioned to provide a selected ram; and is

Wherein positioning (5010) the eccentric housing assembly in a second orientation on the crank comprises rotating the eccentric housing assembly (630) a selected amount.

20. The method as recited in claim 18, further comprising adjusting (5016) a length of stroke of a ram assembly (12) without substantially decoupling a number of substantial components.

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