US1884941A

US1884941A - Machine for forming metal bands

Info

Publication number: US1884941A
Application number: US334536A
Authority: US
Inventors: Magnus E Widell
Original assignee: American Can Co
Current assignee: Primerica Inc
Priority date: 1929-01-23
Filing date: 1929-01-23
Publication date: 1932-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 1949-10-25

Description

Oct. 25, 1932. M. E. WHDELL 1,884,941

MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Filed Jan. 25, 1929 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 mu Wm 623 a A w 2/8 INVENTOR I BY M w 92 fi w M ATTORNEY M. E. WIDELL MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Filed Jan. 23, 1929 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTOR NEY Oct. 25, 1932. M. E. WIDELL 1,884,941

MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Filed Jan. 23, 1929 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR ATTORNEY Get. 25, 1932. M. E. WIDELL MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS 6 Shee'hs sheat Filed Jan.

ATTORNEY ENVENICR (I: BY

M. E. WIDELL 1,884,941

MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Filed Jan. 25, 1929 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 21 m I I N 1 1V," 3 V n M q: T: L

Oct. 25, 1932.

, INVENTOR ATTORNEY Oct. 25, 1932. M, WIDELL 1,884,941

MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Filed Jan. 23, 1929 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 //.2 Z2 LEE 2% I 24 /fl/ 7 El III! I; M

INVENTOR I ATTORNEY patented Oct. 25 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT 0FFIE MAeNUs E. WIDELL, or CINCINNATI, OHIO, AssIGNOR TO AMERICAN CAN COMPANY, on

NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY MACHINE FOR FORMING METAL BANDS Application filed January 23, 1929.

This invention relates to machines for forming metal bands, particularly of that type which are adapted for insertion into the body of a can to form an interior collar band upon which a severed upper portion of the body may be positioned as a temporary closure after being separated by the removal of a tearing strip or in other manner.

A principal object of the present invention, is the provision of a machine which automatically operates directly upon metallic sheets, dividing them into strips of proper outline and size, which forms the strips into annular shape and which overlaps and welds 5 the ends thereof, thereby providing annular metal bands, all of the various operating parts being so related and actuated as to render possible a high rate of production.

Another and very important object of the invention is the provision, in a machine of this character, of notching devices for producing a notched end on a band strip, the strip being subsequently formed into annular shape with its ends lapped and welded together, the notched end being on the inside of ends are welded together.

Another object of the invention is the provision, in a machine of this character, of feeding rollers and locating devices for positioning and holding a sheet for the notching and the strip cutting operations.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Serial No. 334,536.

Referring to the drawingsf Figure 1 is a front elevation of the machine of the present invention, Jarts being broken away;

Fig. 2 is a side elevation, parts being broken away;

Fig. 2a is a sectional detail taken substantially along the line 2a2a in Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation;

Fig. 4; is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along line 4.t in Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial elevation, partial sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary end detail partially in section of the notching mech anism, showing a sheet in its initial notchmg position;

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating a sheet in a different position relative to the notching mechanism;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged longitudinal section taken substantially along line 88 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged transverse sectional view taken substantially along line 9-9 of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 8, parts being broken away;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the separated ends of a strip after the ends nave been embossed;

F lg. 12 is an enlarged side elevation of the two ends of a strip after being brought into overlapping position;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the completed welded metal collar band, and

Fig. 1a is a fragmentary detail of the gearing for driving the feeding and forming rollers of the machine, parts being shown in section.

The present invention relates to a type of machine such as is dlsclosed in my pending application, Serial No. 636,338 filed May 3, p

1923. The present machine is assigned to form a metal band and weld the ends together, whereas in the aforementioned application, a metal band is formed with its ends riveted together.

The'machine of the present invention in a series of feeding and forming operations produces a metal band 21 (as shown in Fig. 13), the band issuing from the discharge end of the machine and being formed from a sheet 22 of tin plate or other suitable sheet material fed into the entrance end of the machine. During the passage of sheets 22 and parts thereof through the machine, notches 23 (Figs. 6, 7 and 11) are first cut in one edge of each sheet 22 after which a strip 24 with one notched end is severed from the sheet. A series of rollers (Fig. 1), then form the strip 24 into annular shape and position it upon a forming mandrel, after which die mechanism (Figs. 8 and 9), operating in conjunction with holding or damp ing devices, embosses the ends of the strip and prepares them for welding. Assembling mechanism (Fig. 10) then overlaps the ends of the strip and the embossed portions thereon are brought into Contact with each other after which electrodes engage and clamp the overlapped ends of the strip. The held strip ends are then welded together by an electric welding current properly controlled by an improved switch device.

The principal parts of the apparatus are supported by a frame 25 (Figs. 1 and on which is mounted a bed or table 26. Uperating power for the machine is supplied from a suitable source through the medium of a pulley 27 carried by a drive shaft 28, journalled in bearings 29 formed in frame 25. A pinion 31 secured to shaft 28 meshes 1 with a gear 32 carried on a main cam shaft 33 ournalled in bearings 34 formed in frame 25. i

Sheets 22 are introduced into the machine in suitable manner, each sheet being positioned vertically adjacent one face of a retaining plate 35 (Figs. 1 and 3) formed integrally with brackets 36 carried by and projecting upwardly from the table 26. The sheet is moved downwardly along the plate 35 in a step by step movement, more fully described hereinafter and during such movement the side edges of the sheet pass along slots or grooves formed in

end members

37 and 38 positioned adjacent plate 35. End member 37 is secured by bolts 40 to the plate 35, and end member 38 is adjustable transversely of the plate 35 to vary the distance betweenthe grooves in the end members for accommodation of sheets of different width. Movement of member 38 from one position to another is accomplished by means of an adjusting screw 39 having a bearing in a bracket 41 carried by one of the brackets 36, screw 39 having threaded engagement with a T-block 42 (Fig. 4), positioned in a guideway 43 formed transversely of plate 35. The block 42 carries a threaded stud 30 which projects through member 38, the.

end of the stud'being threadedly engaged by a lock nut clamping against the face of said member 38. When the described parts are in locked position the head of block 42 is clamped against walls of the guideway 43 and end member 38 is clamped against the face of plate 35, this being a common form of adjusting and clamping construction. The screw 39 is operated by a thumb nut head. It will be manifest that the construction just described permits the positioning of the adjustable member 38 at any point within the limits of the screw 39.

Rods 44 extend upwardly from the upper side of plate 35 and form extensions of the latter to assist in retaining the sheets in vertical'position. A stop plate 45 (Fig. l) is provided adjacent member 37 and facilitates the positioning of the sheets within the grooves of the

end members

37 and 38.

When a sheet is inserted into the machine (Fig. 4), the lower edge thereof rests upon movable fingers 56, a said finger being pro vided near each side of the plate 35 and each finger extending through an aperture 57 cut through the retaining plate 35. This holds the sheet in position for the'first notching operation, to be described later. Each finger. 56 is carried in an arm 58 mounted upon a rock shaft 59 journalled in the brackets 36. Setscrews 61 extending through arms 58 engage the back of plate 35 and limit the movement in one direction of both arms 58 and rock shaft 59. A rod 62 is mounted in one arm 58 between its finger 56 and the shaft 59 and carries a weight 63 slidably secured thereto, the weight tending to rock the shaft 59 to project the fingers 56 through.

their respective apertures 57. lVith the sheet resting upon these fingers 56 in its first notch ing position (Fig. 6), one edge thereof is engaged by a pair of notching die units cut-, ting V notches 23 in the sheet, a half notch at the corner and a full notch at an interval therefrom and just above the half notch. The center of the upper or full notch is lo-. cated along a line substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the sheet, this line being a line of severance when the first strip is cut from the sheet in a subsequent operation. The notching die mechanism and the cutting mechanism will be hereinafter fully described.

After notching, fingers 56 are withdrawn from beneath the sheet which is thereon moved downwardly into the cutting mecha; nism. The mechanism (Fig. 4), for withdrawing fingers 56 comprises an arm 69 pivoted at 71 to a bracket 72 secured to the frame 25. This arm is reciprocated by connection with a reciprocating part of the cut-' ting mechanism.

Arm 69 at its upper end carries a dog 7 5 loosely mounted on a pivot pin 7 6. A stop. pin 77 secured to the arm 69 limits the movement of dog 75 in one direction, and an outwardly extending pin 78 carried by the dog 75 constitutes a weightfor normally hold.- ing the lower part of the dog against the stop pin. As arm. 69 is moved toward the left (Fig. 4), an inclined face 79 formed in the upper part of dog 7 5 strikes against incline 81 formed in one face of the weight 63. These inclined faces sliding on each other force weight 63 upwardly, dog 7:" being held in non-rotating position by engagement with the stop pin 77. This lifting of weight 63 causes a corresponding movement of arms 58 accompanied by a rocking of shaft 59 and fingers 56 are thereby withdrawn from the positioned sheet 22. The act-ions of the lifting of weight- 63 and the withdrawing fingers 56 from their forward osition are only momentary but during such a time sheet 22 is lowered into its second position. lh hen weight 63 is released by the passing f dog 75 from beneath, as arm 69 continues its movement toward the left, fingers tend to again move through their slots 57 but are prevented by the sheet 22 then extending across the slots.

It should be evident, therefore, that the fingers 56 only move through their respective slots to support a sheet at its initial notch forming operation and prior to the in all shearing operation. At other times while the sheet is passing through the machine, the forward ends of the fingers 56 rest against the rear surface of the sheet and even though tne weight 63 is lifted several times during this passage the heet, no effect takes place upon the fingers 56. However, sheets 2:2 are fed into the machine in processional order and after one sheet has been moved downwardly and passed the said fingers 56 they will move forward under the action of weight "I 63 and will thus rest in the path of the sucstriking againstweight 63 rotates about j with and are mounted upon s ceeding sheet and support the same it moves into its initial notching position.

Upon each return movement of arm (being toward the right in Fig. l), dog

)iVOt Din 76 against the action of wei ht '5 L g n slots of

end members

37 and 38 Figs. 1 and 4) by feed rollers 47 which frictionally uone face of the sheet, the opposite race of the sheet eing in contactwith and mo in along the plate 35.

iormed on the en 37 and Shait 51 carries sh which operates a rope belt 52 13551 sheave 54 carried by drive shaft 2 a connection rollers 47 are constantly ol tated but they effect only an interru ted fears ing f sheet 22 which is held from moraine. during certain restperiods, the rollers moving idly against the sheet at such times.

Clamping devices assist in holding snee t3 1 48 is pivotally connected c an arm extending from one side wall of a snc g bed member 67 moving over table 2 endin within nidewa s 55 formed in is J the table.

" by cam controlled mechanism com- -""slr91 i I f prising 1 ins sGr PHOEQC to toe ieai end 0 the bed and connecting with arms 202 ex- 'las. MW .11 1V 7 3 '11 centric-lg up, ai o y mom a sieeie 2O osci at- 20 i mounted in brackets 5 carried by the table 26. Sleeve 263 also fi s an arm 1266 pivota a tached to one of a connecting rod 207, the other end he ca r a cam yolre 268 3) slid in g over shalt 3S and being moved back rth by a cam 209 cooperating with a cam roller 08 (see also Fig. 2a) carried by he cam 209 being also mounted upon so oil.

t is l movement of bee 67 that is comin to the arm 69 previously de soil-bed. Ir linl: 73 (Fig. 4) forms the proper connection by being pivotally attached to pivot yoke 7% carried by bed 67 and being also pivotally attached its opposite end to arm 69.

The notching die units, (higs. 5, 6 and 7) comprise a '3 air of metal punches 6 L adjust ably mounted in a cross head 66 carried by the bed 6?. Upon each forward reciprocati n of bed 67 the punches pass tnrough one 3 +1 C I'Ji' 1 1 ll 1 t edge or no anew ant enter viu 1m coopera ing die members carried in the bottom part or the nlate This co-action of members 67 65 forms the notches 23 in the sheet, the metal clips removed from the sheet passii co channels 60 formed in plate 35. The no'lzching punches are slidably supported in an extension 80 of end member 37 (see also The first notching operation performed upon a sheet takes place while the bottom edge rests upon the fingers 56 as shown in Fig. Fingers 56 are then withdrawn and the sheet is moved downwardly, by the mechanisms just described, coming to rest with its bottom edge resting in a groove 82 (Fig. l), cut in the upper surface of a slide 83, this position of th sheet being shown in Fig. 7. T he sheet so positioned is ready for the second notching operation and the first strip severing operation.

Upon the next forward movement of bed 67 the notching die units again cooperate to notch the edge of the sheet and simultaneously a shear blade 68 mounted upon the forward end of bed 67 cooperates with a fixed shear blade secured to bracket 36, (Fig. 4), and severs the first strip 24 from the sheet. The blade 68 pushes against the top of the strip as it is detached from the sheet and the same rocks about its lower edge, which is loosely confined within the groove 82 of the slide 83, and falls into a horizontal position upon the slide. In this position it is adjacent a stop shoulder 86 formed in the slide. Following this first cutting operation and following each subsequent cutting operation the remaining part of sheet 22 is lowered, each time by the feeding devices previously described, until its bottom edge rests within groove 82 and upon slide 83.

It will be evident by reference to Figs. 6 and 7, that the distance of travel of sheet 22 from its first notching position to its second notching position is greater than its distance of travel between subsequent notching positions. After the second notching operation is performed, and ust prior to the first cutting operation, there are four notches 23 in the edge of the sheet. The severing of a strip 24 from the sheet, removes only a strip whose width is equal to the distance between the two notching die units. Just prior to the third and subsequent notching operations, and following the placing of the remaining part of the sheet in lowered position, the top notch is in top register with the lower notching die

parts

64 and 65. The said punch 64 thereupon passes through the notch without performing any operation upon the sheet. For the third and all subsequent notching operations therefore, on any particular sheet only the upper notch is out until the sheet has been passed entirely through the notching mechanism.

Strip 24 resting upon the slide 83 is moved longitudinally of its length first by a shifting of the slide 83 and then by feeding and forming rollers. These rollers remove the strip from the slide and position it about a forming mandrel. The slide moving mechanism will now be described.

Slide 83, (Fig. 4) rests upon and moves back and forth over the upper surface of a bracket 85 adjustably bolted in fixed position upon a wall of table 26. A tongue and groove connection 84 between the slide 83 and the bracket 85 permits relative longitudinal movement and at the same time retains the slide in its proper path of travel.

Slide 83 (Fig. 3) is moved back and forth by connection with shaft 33, this mechanism comprising an extension 211 formed in one end of slide 83 and pivotally connected to an adjustable link 212 which in turn is pivotally connected to an arm 213 secured to a rock shaft 214 journalled in frame25. An arm 215 is also secured to rock shaft 214 and carries a cam following roller operating within the cam groove of a barrel cam 220' carried by shaft 33. The cam 220 operating through the described mechanism holds slide 83 sta tionary during the feeding of the bottom edge of sheet 22 into the groove 82 and during the following shearing operation just described, and moves the slide 83 over the surface of bracket 85 during the feeding of the forward end of the strip into the feeding rollers.

There are two pairs of feeding and forming rollers the first pair comprising cooperating rollers 87 mounted on parallel shafts 216 rotating within a bracket 217 carried on table 26, see Figs. 1 and 14. The lower shaft 216 carries a spur gear 218 which meshes with a gear 91 secured to a horizontal shaft 219 journalled in table 26. Shaft 219 also carries a sprocket 221 over which operates a drive chain 92 passing over a sprocket 93 mounted upon a horizontal shaft 94 journalled in bear ings 96 formed in frame 25, see also Fig; 2. Sprocket 93 is connected to shaft 94 through a friction slip clutch 95 which causes normal turning of the sprocket 93 during rotation of shaft 94. In the event of any abnormal condition arising at the feeding rollers 87 the slip clutch 95 will permit stopping of the sprocket 98 without affecting the rotation of the shaft 94. Shaft 94 carries a Initre gear 97 meshing with a corresponding gear 98 se cured to the horizontal shaft 28.

Rollers 87, (Fig. 14) engage the forward edge of a strip 24 as it is moved by the slide 83 and advance the strip to a second pair of rollers 88'. These latter rollers constitute forming rollers and are mounted upon parallel shafts 222, the upper shaft rotating with in a horizontal forming mandrel 89, the lower shaft being journalled within a block 223 carried by table 26. Shafts 222 carry cooperating pinions 224 the lower pinion engaging the teeth of gear 91. Rotation of the said gear 91, therefore, causes a corresponding rotation of the forming rollers 88. Both sets of

rollers

87 and 88 are the same diameter and rotate at the same speed the former set smoothin or ironing out any burrs or irregularlties that might exist in the strip 24. Either pair of

rollers

87 or 88 may also slight ly bend or curl the edges of the strip as at19 (Fig. 13) where this is desirable.

As the strip 24, (Figs 1 and 14) moves through rollers 88, it is directed against a deflecting plate 225 secured to the block 223. The forward edge of said plate is rounded and serves to directthe strip about the end of the mandrel 89 and at the same time shapes it into annular form. During this movement around the mandrel the strip passes along the inner faces of retaining blocks 229 and 231, each pivoted to the bed 26-, and being held in strip retaining position by springs 232, see Fig. 1.

Mandrel 89' is supported on bed 26 throughout a major part of its length and the strips '24, after being brought to annular form there'- upon are advanced with an intermittent mo- 2). and 9) is attached to a rod 118 extending tion along said mandrel by means of the usual sliding bar type of feeding devices. These devices comprise four feed bars 101, (Figs. 1, 2 and 9) positioned in longitudinal grooves formed in the manorel 89. The outside faces of the bars are flush with the outside surface 'of the mandrel. The bars move back and forth within their grooves, and inside of the annular strips or bands 24 resting on the mandrel. Each bar 101 carries the usual spaced spring-pressed dogs 103 which engage the formed bands and move them forward with the forward movement of the bars.

The bars 101 extend backwardly beyond the end of the mandrel 89 and are secured to a disc 102, connected by a link 105 with a lever arm 104 formed integrally with a sleeve 90 mounted on a shaft 106 held in brackets 107 depending from the under side of table 26. Sleeve 90 is provided with a depending arm 100 connected by a rod 108 with a cam yoke 109, (Fig. 3) provided with a cam following roller which operates within a groove formed in a cam 111 secured to shaft 33.

the spring dogs 103 on the feed bars 101.

The band passes alon the mandrel through a number of idle stations and finally comes to rest at the embossing station. It

is engaged during its rest period by a clamping bar 112 (Fig. 8) which is positioned di rectly above the mandrel.

Bar 112 is yieldin gly held. inst the mandrel at its rear end by a spring 116 positioned about a bolt 117 secured to a portion of the bracket 36, (Fig. The other end of the bar, (Figs. 2. 8

through a bearing formed in a yoke 119 mounted upon frame 25. The upper end of the rod 118 IS y1eldingly connected with a cross arm 121 adjustably secured to the up per en d of a vertical rod 122 passing through a bearing in yoke 119 and connecting at its lower end to a cross head 123.

Cross head 123 15 attached to a connecting rod 152 (Figs. 2 and which is adjustably secured to a lever 153 pivoted about a shaft 160. Lever 153 carries a cam following rollor 154 engaging a cam groove formed in a face cam 155, carried by shaft hen lever 153 is moved downwardly, rod 122 is correspondingly lowered and the cross arm 121 compressing the spring at the top of rod 118, forces the latter downwardly. This clamps bar 112 against band 24 and holds it on the top of the mandrel 89.

lVith the annular band, at the embossing station, so clamped, it is next engaged by side wings 113, (Fig. 9) which bring the ends of the band into operative relationship with embossing die units. Each side wing 113, is supported by a pair of parallel arms comprising a straight arm 125 and a bell crank 124 pivoted respectively upon

shafts

120 and 126 ournalled in bearings 127 formed in yoke 119. The lower end of each bell crank 124 (Figs. 2 and 3), is pivotally connected to a rod 128 secured to a plate 131, which carries a rod 195 yieldingly connected through a spring 157, with a cross head 196 formed integrally with an. extension 156 secured at its bottom end to cross-head 123. Rods 128 are thus raised and lowered and side wings 113 are moved into and out of band engaging position, the engagement being of a yielding nature by reason of the spring connection.

The embossing die units (Figs. 8 and 9), comprise a female die 132 and a male die 133 inserted within the mandrel 89. These die parts cooperate respectively with a male die 134 and a female die 135 inserted in the upper end of a slide bar 136 operating within grooves formed in a block 139 secured to frame 25. Block 139 is slotted at 140 to clear cross head 196 (see Fig. 2). Bar 136 is raised and lowered by pivotal connection with an adjustable link 137 which is pivoted at its lower end to a lever 138 in turn pivoted about the shaft 160. Lever 138 carries a cam following roller 141 resting at all times upon a cam 142 secured to shaft 33. A spring 143 extending between the outer end of lever 138 and a bracket fixed to frame holds this roller 141 against its cam 142. Rotation of cam 142 raises and lowers lever 138 and the

die members

134 and 135 carried by the bar 136.

As bar 136 reaches its uppermost position, dies 134 and 135 pressing against the metal of the ends of the band resting upon mandrel 89, force the metal against the corresponding dies 132 and 133 and thus emboss the ends of the band 24. It will be evident that the displaced metal in one end extends on the inside of the annular band while the displaced metal of the other end extends outwardly, this providing a preferred type of embossed end for the subsequent welding operation. As disclosed in the drawings the

die parts

132 and 134 form the embossed portions on the notch end of the band while the dies 133 and 135 form the parallel ridges at the square end of the strip.

Following the embossing operati on the annular band 24 is released by lowering of bar 136, by outward movement of the wings 113 and by a lifting of clamping bar 112. Bar

112 is raised by a mechanism disclosed in Figs. 2, 3 and 8, which comprises a link 197 pivoted to the forward end of the bar 112 and connected at its upper end to an arm 198 secured to a rock shaft 199 journalled in bearings formed in yoke 119. Shaft 199 also carries an arm 190 connected, by a link 200, with the upper end of a lever 239 pivoted in a bracket 2 10 carried by frame 25. Lever 239 carries a cam following roller 2 11 engaged'during the unlamping of bar 112, by a cam segment 242 attached to the outer periphery of cam 209. Band 2 1 thus unclamped and resting at the embossing station, is thereupon moved by the feeding mechanism to the welding station.

The welding station is located in an auxiliary mandrel 158, (Figs. 8 and 10) bolted to the forward end of the forming mandrel 89. Mandrel 158 is of smaller diameter than the forming mandrel and is of the expanding and contracting type commonly used in can bodv forming machines. It comprises a fixed central portion 161 and movable side sections 159 interengaged by the usual tongue and groove construction.

Sections 159 are pressed outwardly into expanded position, to form a complete cylindrical horn by means of a wedge rod 162 aovin axially within the mandrel and operating upon cam parts connected with the sections 159 in the usual manner. The mechanism for moving rod 162 comprises a lever 163 (Figs. 2 and 8), pivotally connected therewith, and rocking about a shaft 170 carried by frame 25. The lower end of lever 163 is pivotally connected by an adjustable link 1641, to a cam yoke 165 sliding over shaft 33, (Fig. 3), the yoke carrying a cam following roller operating within a cam groove formed in a cam 166 secured to shaft 33.

Auxiliary mandrel 158 (Figs. 2 and 8) is fully expanded as the band 24 is positioned at the welding station and the latter is clamped upon the mandrel by a clamp bar 1141 pivotally secured at its rear end to the bar 112. The forward end of the clamp bar 114 is fixed to an upwardly extending rod 144 which passes through a bearing formed in yoke 119, (Fig. 3). The upper end of rod 1 1% is yieldingly attached to a cross arm 145 adjustably positioned about a rod 1 16 extending through a bearing in yoke 119 and connecting at its lower end to cross head 123. l Vhen cross head 123 is moved downwardly by the cam mechanism previously described the forward end of bar 1141 is clamped under the spring pressure of rod 144; while its rear end, being connected with bar 112 is also clamped under spring pressure through rod 118.

lVith band 24; clamped at the welding stw tion a pair of side wings 115 (Fig. 10) engages the band and overlaps its lower ends. clamping the same in welding position. Each of the side win s 115 is supported by a pair of parallel arms comprising a straight arm 148 and a bell crank 147 pivoted respectively upon the

shafts

120 and 126.. The lower arm of each bell crank 147 is pivotally connected to a rod 151 extending downward- 1y into threaded connection with the plate 131. As plate 131 is lowered the bell cranks 1517 are rocked and the side wings 115 are moved into the band clamping position.

The embossed portions on one of the overlapped ends of a clamped band 24 at the welding station engage the corresponding embossed portions on the other end in a series of contact points. These band ends at that time (Figs. 8 and 10) are directly beneath an upper welding electrode 167' adjustably secured within the bottom part of the auxiliary mandrel 158 by means of a bolt 169, threaded into the forward end of a copper 2 bar 171 passing through openings formed in mandrel 89 the bar being clamped to a part of the mandrel by U bolts 129. This bar 171 forms a path for the welding current which is conveyed thereto by a conductor lead 172 hereinafter more fully described. An adjusting bolt 168 threaded into electrode 167 with its head resting against a part of the fixed member 161 permits easy and accurate vertical adjustment of the electrode.

A lower welding electrode 173 is positioned dir ctly beneath the overlapped ends of the band 24; and is held in a block 176 insulated from but attached by bolts 1"5 to a sliding bar 1745 operating in grooves formed in the block 17 1 is pivotally connected, through an adjustable link 14-9 with the outer end of the lover 138 (Fig. 2). It will be t bar 174- moves upwardly to poelectrode 173 into contact 1 or .pped 011(5; of band 24 at the welding station at the same time that bar 136 moves the embo sing dies into contact with the ends of another band 24 positioned at the embossing station. A copper lead 177 is bolted to the block 176 and forms a part of the path of travel for the electrical welding current.

As the lower electrode 17 3 en gages the overlapped ends of ban d 24 and forces the same aga inst the upper electrode 167 a welding current flows through the electrodes and the contacting points of the embossed portions of the overlapped ends of a hand are raised in temperature sufficient to provide a welded bond at those points. As illustrated in Fig. 13. four welded spots are thus created there being two embossed portions on each end of the baud. these contacting each other at four points. The number and position of the welded spots is determined by the number. shape or position of the embossed portions of the band ends. the band illustrated showing one preferred. welded bond.

Provision is made in the welding circuit for timing the electrical impulse used in the weldin goperation. This comprises aswitchmechanism (Fig. 2), which controls the timing of the welding operation, the associated clamping mechanism being synchronized to permit the parts to cool before the welded band is removed from the mandrel. The switch mechanism also reduces arcing of the current during operation of the switch. The copper leads 172 and 177 connecting with the

electrodes

167 and 173 as just described, are in the secondary circuit of any suitable type of electric welding apparatus, the switch mechanism referred to being connected in a primary welding circuit.

Part of the leads for the primary circuit adjacent the switch mechanism (Fig. 2), are indicated by the numerals 179 and 181 leading to a pair of spaced contact blocks 182 secured within but insulated from a housing 183 attached to a bracket 178 secured to frame 25, (see also Fig. The switch for the primary circuit comprises a laminated spring contact bar 184 supported by and moving vertically with a cross nead 185, having sliding movement within the housing 183. Cross head 185 carries auxiliary spring pressed contact pins 186 extending slightly beyond the ends of the contact bar 184 and when the cross head 185 is lowered they come into contact with the blocks 182 11'101' to contact of the bar 184 therewith. In like manner, as cross head 185 is raised, contact pins 186 hold their contacts with blocks 182 after the connection has been broken between the bar 184 and the blocks 182. This arrange ment reduces arcing between bar 134 and blocks 182.

Cross head 185 (Fig. 2), is supported from above by a pair of vertical bolts 187 threaded therein and extending through an insulated auxiliary plate 191 secured to and held in a horizontal position by housing 183. The upper ends of bolts 187 pass through and are held in a head member 188 and are surrounded by coil springs 189 interposed between the head member and the auxiliary plate 191. Springs 189, resting on the fixed plate 191 and forcing the head member 188 upwardly, thus tend to hold contact bar 184 in raised position, this being the open position of the switch mechanism. Head member 188 is formed with an upwardly extending stem 192 which projects through the top wall of the housing 183, and which carries a cam roller 193 positioned beneath a cam 194 secured to and rotating with the shaft 33. Stem 192 is properly insulated from roller 193 and housing 183 by means of a bakelite or other suitable section 233. The cam 194 is formed in part by a movable plate 234 mounted on shaft 33 and adjustable relative to the fixed part of the cam. This permits a changing of the cam shape and gives an exact adjustment for the timing of the switch, which is closed when cam 194 depresses stem 192 and cross head 185 and parts carried thereby, this movement being against the action of springs 189.

It is thought that the invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim:

1. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination of means for notching one edge only of a sheet, devices for cutting strips of desired size from said sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel with their ends overlapped, and means for securing the lapped strip ends together with said notched edge arranged on the inside of the lap to form annular metal bands.

2. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination of means for notching one edge of a sheet, devices for cutting strips of desired size from said sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel with their ends overlapped, and means for welding the lapped strip ends together to form annular metal bands.

3. In a. machine for forming metal bands, the combination of means for notching one edge only of a sheet, devices for cutting strips of desired size from said sheet along spaced lines of severance passing through said notches, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel with their ends overlapped with said notched edge arranged on the inside f the lap, and means for securing the lapped strip ends together to form annular metal bands.

4. In a machine for fo "ming metal bands, the combination of devices for cutting strips of desired size from a sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel, means for embossing the ends of the st ip, devices for overlapping the embossed ends of the strips, and means for securing the lapped strip ends together to form annular metal bands.

5. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination of devices for cutting strips of desired size from a sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel, means for embossing th ends of the strips, and means for welding the embossed ends together to form annular metal bands.

6. In amachine for forming metal bands, the combination of devices for cutting strips of desired size from a sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed the embossed portions of one end of each strip into engagement with the embossed por tions of the other end, and means for Welding the engaged, embossed ends together to form annular metal bands.

7. A machine for forming metal bands, comprising in combination. a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging strips upon said mandrel, meansfor emboiissing the ends of the strigs while in position upon said mandrel, devices for overlapping the embossed ends of the strip, and welding means for securing the lapped, embossed ends together to form annular metal bands.

8. A machine for for ling comprising in combination a man drel, mechanism for arranging ips upon said mandrel, means for embossing the ends of the strips while in positi n upon mandrel, devices for overlapping the embossed ends of the strip, means for welt ing the embossed ends together, and instrumentalities for automatically controlling the flow of welding current through said welding means.

9. A machine for forming metal bands, comprising in combination a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging strips upon said mandrel, means for embossing the ends of the strips, said means comprising lined embossing dies positioned Within said mandrel and movable exterior embossing dies, said fixed and exterior dies operating upon the strips while in position upon said mandrel, devices for overlapping the embossed ends of the strip, and welding means for securing the lapped, embossed ends together to form annular metal bands.

10. In a machine for forming metal bands,

the combination of means for notching one edge of a sheet, devices for cutting strips of desired size from the sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said. mandrel, means for embossing the ends or" the strip, devices for overlapping the embossed ends of the strips, and means for securing the lapped strip ends together to form annular metal bands. L 11. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination 01" means for notching one edge of a sheet, devices for cutting strips or desired size from the sheet, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel, means for embos ing the ends of the strip, and means for Welding the embossed ends together to form annular metal bands.

12. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination of notching means, a form ing mandrel, mechanism for arranging strips upon said mandrel, embossing means providing the said notched end oi each strip with embossed portions extending parallel With its bands,

notched edges and also providing the unnotched straight end oi said strip with embossed portions extending parallel with its end edge, devices for overlapping the ends of the strips and bringing the embossed portions of the straight end of each strip into engagement with the embossed portions of its corresponding notched end, and means for welding the ends together at the points of contact of the embossed portions thereof to form annular metal bands.

13. In a machine for forming metal bands, the combination of notching means, a forming mandrel, mechanism for arranging strips upon said mandrel at the same time flanging the edges thereof, devices for overlapping the ends or" each strip and bringing the ends-of the flanged edges of its straight, unnotched end into tie notches of its notched end, and means for welding the overlapped ends together to form annular metal bands.

14. A machine for forming metalbands, comprising the combination of devices for cutting band strips from sheet stock, including a shearing element movable transversely to the sheet, a forming mandrel, means for arranging the severed strips upon said mandrel with their ends overlapped, and means for welding the overlapped strip ends together to form annular metal bands.

15. A machine for forming metal bands, comprising the combination of a sheet holder, feeding rollers for successivelymoving sheets through the holder and into notching positions, means for notching one edge of a sheet while so held, and locating devices for holding each sheet in an initial notching po sition, and means for rendering said locating devices inoperatve relative to the sheet when in subsequent notching positions.

16. A machine for forming metal bands, comprising the combination of a sheet holder, feeding rollers for successively moving sheets through the holder and into notching positions, means for notching one edge of a sheet While so held, locating devices for holding each sheet in an initial notching position, and means for rendering said locating devices inoperative relative to the sheet when in subsequent notching positions, and devices for cutting band strips of desired size from said sheets.

17. A machine for forming a can part, comprising in combination, a sheet shearing mechanism, means for feeding a sheet of tin plate to said sheet shearing mechanism, a mandrel about which a sheared portion of said sheet is adapted to be progressively wrapped, and a transfer mechanism for transferring individual sheet parts from said sheet shearing mechanism to said mandrel, and cooperating therewith Welding means for uniting the ends of said sheared and wrapped sheet-portion. I

18. A machine for forming a blank for a cylindrical can part, comprising a sheet shearing mechanism, means for feeding a sheet of tin plate to said sheet shearing mechanism, and a device operating in advance of said sheet shearing mechanism for performing a blank shaping operation, and cooperating therewith Welding means for uniting the ends of said sheared and wrapped sheet-portion.

MAGNUS E. WIDELL.