US2389139A - Square plug flanger - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 20, 1945. E. v. CRANE ET AL SQUARE .PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS. fbkmfio 1/6 20: f fia om/c/r 6191/5? Array/vans.

E. v. CRANE EIAL 2,389,139

SQUARE PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 20, 1945.

6 Sheets-Sheet 3 E. V. CRANE ET AL SQUARE PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1943 Nov. 20, 1945.

INVENTORS.

, M, WL%M M d/66x) AWO/P/V'EK? m A a K m R M E m f M m 0 y M 5 Nov. 20, 1945. E, v CRANE Ef AL 2,389,139

SQUARE PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 NGV. 20, 1945. E. v. CRANE ET AL SQUARE PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1943 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 20, 1945. E. v. CRANE ET AL 2,389,139

SQUARE PLUG FLANGER Filed Feb. 1, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Q 80K 7 U U k d Patented Nov. 20, 1945 SQUARE PLUG FLAN GER Edward V. Crane and Frederick G. Auer, Brooklyn, N. Y., assignors to E. W. Bliss Company, Brooklyn, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application February 1, 1943, Serial No. 474,262

15 Claims.

The present invention relates to container making machinery and more particularly to a machine for flanging the ends of container bodies which are other than cylindrical .in crosssection. The flanging operation is preparatory to securing the end in place and requires the deformation of the ends of the can body, generally by bending the same outwardly.

When a cylindrical body is subjected to a flanging operation, the fact that all points at which the body intersects a plane normal to th axi of the can and at which the flanging tool engages the body are equidistant from the axis enables a flanging operation to be performed without the use of holding dies and without undesirable bending of the body out of round. On the other hand, when any other can body, as for instance a square can, is to be flanged, parts of the surface to be deformed are closer to the axis than the other parts. are provided to hold the can in shape it will tend to assume .a cylindrical cross-section where the fianging die is forced into the body. Thi is due to the stretch imparted to the metal during flanging.

Flanging machines have been built which are provided with gripping jaws to Jholdthe can and retain it in shape while the fianging dies enter the can body and bend the can edges outwardly to the desired position. It has also been common practice to provide feeding motion for advancing the can body in timed relation'to the flanging and edging operations.

The various motions employed were of necessity timed in order to provide the proper sequence of operations. This was done by the use of cam mechanisms, using the dwells on the cams to im sure the desired timing action. Such constructions were expensive to build and the operation of the cams in the region of the dwells required more power than was desirable.

The general object of the present invention has been to provide an improved driving mechanism to impart such motions to the parts. A further object has been to incorporate in such driving mechanism a plurality of linkage means including a series of toggle levers to provide dwells where two or more links move through a region of aligmnent. This means that period when between two links which are in alignment with each other and are moving through arcs about their pivot points the least motion of one link toward or away from the other is taking place. By the judicious use of these dwells the Unless gripping jaws speed and sequence of the various motions can 5 be controlled. Likewise, the time interval for various movements, or the time when there is no movement, can be controlled.

One of the advantages of a machine constructed as herein disclosed is that the use of toggle mechanisms of predetermined coordinated dwells permits of the operation of the machine at higher production rates than neretofore attained and without the resulting shock and wear characteristic of prior structures wherein cams and cranks were used. When attempts.were made to increase the speed of such prior art machines the violence of reversal of cam action, etc, at such higher speeds resulted in rapid depreciation as Well as disruption in the precision of coordination acquired. Furthermore, it has been found that a machine as herein disclosed can be manufactured at considerably less cost than the manufacturingcost of machines heretofore made for like purposes.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and relatedends, said invention, then, consists of the means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims; the annexed drawings and the following description setting forth in detail certain mechanism embodying the invention, such disclosed means constituting, however, but one of various means in which the principle of the invention may be used.

In said annexeddrawings Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the assembled machine;

Fig. 2 i an elevation along lines 22 of Fig. 1 with some parts shown in section and some parts broken away;

Fig. 3 is in part an elevation and in part a sectional view showing the drive connections;

Fig. 4 shows the upper part of the machine in a side view similar to Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale, with some parts broken away;

Fig. 5 in a similar way shows the upper part of Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a more detailed view of the delivery chute and of the mechanism associated therewith;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the parts shown in Figs. 8 to 14 are diagrammatic illustrations of the operating mechanisms, Figs. 8 and 9 showing the gripping mechanism in open and closed position respectively, Figs. 10 and 11 the flanging mechanisms open and closed, and Figs. 12, 13 and 14 different positions of the feeding mechanism.

Referring more particularly to Fig. 1, the ma- 'part of the machine (Fig. 2).

clutch, well known in the art. to connect the crankshaft part 64 to the drive is enclosed in a housing 35.

chine is shown to include a feed chute generally designated by l5, from which the cans l6 are fed to a reciprocating cradle mechanism I! which carries them in the direction of the arrow to a fianging station C.

The flanging station is located in the upper part of the machine within the confines of a frame 29 sitting upon the top of the main machine frame structure. The latter comprises a base 2| and two upright portions 22 and 23 in front and rear.

As shown at the right side of Fig. 1 a casing 25 encloses the drive mechanism, comprising a motor M, a flywheel 21, a gear and pinion mechanism 29, 30 and a clutch 3|, all of which ;will be more fully described below with reference to Fig. 3.

The lower part of the machine frame houses the crankshaft 33. The crankshaft has a crank pin covered by a cap 34 which extends into the brake housing 35, which is secured to plate 23.

Mounted within the machine frame are, furthermore, a number ofjlinkage systems, the'central system being-a system'of toggle levers designated in a general way by 31, said system operating the gripping jaws. A second system of levers, designated by 38, operates the hanging members, two rods, 39 and I 39 respectively, transmitting the movement from the bottom part to the top Finally a system of links serves to actuate the feeding mechanism. The latter system is operated from the crankshaft through a pinion 4| in engagement with'a rack 42 and comprises links 43 to 46.

In Fig. 3 the motor is again shown at the righthand side of the machine mounted in a housing 59 on a pedestal The shaft 52 of motor M carries a pulley 26 which is connected by the usual belting to flywheel 21. The latter is rigidly fastened by means of a bolt 53 to the end of a shaft 23 which is journalled in bearing collars and 56 on parts 55 and 5'! of the machine frame. Mounted for rotation with said shaft 28 is a pinion 29 in mesh with gear 39. The hub of gear 39 is carried in beaing rings 59 and E9 on a cylinder 6| which forms part of a. so-called rolling key Key 62 engages shaft 69 by means of a hand-operated bar 10,

The same bar serves for operating thebrake when-the bar is moved to a different position.

The brake which is applied when it is desired to stop the crank after disengagement of the clutch, The construction of the brake is well known and has, therefore, not been shown in the drawings. It is a toggle brake with a pair of friction pads on shoes encircling the outside of little brake wheels andreleasing the wheels when the toggle is straightened, while being pulled toward said wheelsa nd applying the brake when the toggle is broken,

The crank pin 36 on crankshaft 33 furnishes the drive for all the parts of the machine, that is to say, all the system of toggle levers and other drive transmission means mentioned above with reference to Fig. 1 are coupled to the crank pin 36.

-12 is an inclined portion 13 of the deliverychute for directing a can Is to the above mentioned -cradle mechanism I 1. mounted on channel-shaped feed bars 82. The cradle mechanism is mounted in these bars so as to be reciprocated therewith by the action of the arm 45 and rod 46 which form part of the feed mechanism later to be described. 5 The portion 13 has top surfaces formed at a smaller angle with respect to the horizontal plane than rails 12, whereby a smoother reception of the cans as they leave the chute will be made possible. Pivctally mounted stops l5 and 16 are provided in the path of the cans which block the travel of a can before the cradle can take it to the flanging station and release a can as soon as the preceding one is removed. Stop is mounted on a bell crank lever 7|, which is pivoted at 80 to a chute member and at 89 to a lever 18 linked to the slide members carrying the top clamps, as indicated by reference numeral i9. A spring 8| buffers the thrusts of lever 18 should stop 75 foul on a can body, the action of said lever being timed with the fianging members.

The cradle mechanism comprises a series of troughs 14 M -and 14, which successively receive a can 18, carry it from station to station in 'the fianging mechanism and feed it out from there after the flanging operation is finished. The fianging mechanism is more fully shown in Figs. 4 and 5. Referring more particularl to Fig. 4, a can is shown on arrival from the delivery chute as it is received between two clamping jaws 90 and 9|; The can is held between these jaws untilthe trough 74; which in the drawings is shown in 'midtravel, reaches the extreme left position in vertical alignment with jaw 9|. At this time the jaws open to release the can, which is picked .up through 14 and carried forwardtherein until it reaches a position underneath station A, in which it undergoes its first fianging operation. The lifting mechanism required for moving a can up to the position A is described below.

After a can has been worked upon in station A ityis lowered again to the cradle, received in trough 14 and therein moved on to a position underneath station B. As actually shown in the drawings, cradle I4 is on its way from A to B. After the can has been flanged in station B it is dropped again, received in trough 74. and carried out of the flanging station.

'Ifwo'pairs'of clamping jaws 90, 9| are provided for embracing the entire periphery of a can at each end, to lift the can from the troughs to the clamping stations and to hold it there during the flanging operation. The arrangement which affords relative movement between the upper and lower clamping jaws is best seen from Fig. 5. In this figure vertical r'ods 93are shown which guide apair of slideways 95 comprising integra1 parts of a cross-frame 99. The rods 93, in turn; are supported by the machine frame, as shown in Fig. 5. Carried by said cross-frame are angles 91 to which the lower jaws 9| are rigidly secured by bolts. The upper jaws 99 are bolted ,to angles 96 which are in turn securely fastened to a crossframe 98 carrying members94. The latter are fastened to rods 93- by nuts 83. Thus, as slideways- 95 are reciprocated on rods 93 the lower clamping jaws 9| are moved into and out of engagement with jaws 90 for gripping, lifting, holding and releasing a can respectively.

In Fig. 5 the channel bars 82 are shown to be A'can I6 is shown in position for being flanged by the heads I03 of fianging members arranged for flanging action at both can ends. Details .of the flanges have not been shown because they are of known construction.

The drive mechanism for the gripping jaws and the fianging members will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. From crank 33 a connecting rod IIO leads to a substantially triangular lever II2, hereinafter called the central lever. The lever is pivotally mounted on the machine frame at I I2 and linked to connecting rod I I on a pivot III. As the crankshaft rotates, connecting rod I I0 moves pivot I I I back and forth along a more or less horizontal line, thereby also rocking the central lever. Fastened to said lever at H3 is a link II4 which is pivoted at II5 to a T-shaped lever II6, the latter being pivotally mounted at I26 to the machine frame. One end of lever IIB has a pivot III to which is also linked a portion II8 of an adjustable rod connection, the other part of which is designated by I20. A threaded member I I9 connects portions H8 and I20 making them capable of adjustment. Member I20 is linked at I2I to the lower frame I22 which is part of frame 99 carrying the lower jaws 9i. Fastened to the other end I23 of lever I I6 is a similar adjustable rod connection comprising parts I28, I29 and I30, the latter being pivoted at I33 to a cross-member ISI. This member in turn connects brackets I32 to the two rods 93 which slide in slideways 95 mentioned above. As shown in Fig. 5, the rods 93 are slidably supported in the upper reaches thereof by brackets and by lugs 93 integrally formed on .the machine frame members 22 and 23 to support said rods.

Figs. '8 and 9 are working diagrams which show the operation of the gripping jaws. Fig. 8 shows the open position of jaws 90 and 9I to which the broken position of the to le lever system I I2, I I6, II8 to I20 and I28 to I30 corresponds. connecting rod pulls III to the right, link II4 moves up from the position shown in Fig. 8 to that shown in Fig. 9, pivot II'I of lever H6 is raised and'pivot I23 lowered, moving the rod members II8 to I20 and I28 to I30 to straight up and down positions respectively, and at the same time driving the gripping jaws into operating or closed position. The position of the gripping jaws is the one also shown in Fig. 2.

It will be noted that when the gripping jaws are in closed position there is what we call a threepoint dwell. A dwell is obtained between two pivoted links when they are so moved with respect to each other that their two pivoted points and their common point are substantially in alignment. That means that at this time here is the least tendency of the two links to be pushed apart because their arcs of rocking or swinging are most nearly tangent. The three points of dwell are at a, b and c in Fig. 9.

Reverting once more to Fig. 2, the mechanism for operating the flanging members will now be described. For that purpose two pairs of tog le lever systems are provided, one located in the lower portion of the machine and one on top near the flanging dies proper; the lower and the upper systems on each side of the machine are connected to each other by rods 39 and I39 respectively.

At the left-hand side of the machine is a rock shaft I40 having arms I42 and I42 Arm I42 is connected to triangular lever M2 by link I43. Pin I33 and I42 connects rod 39, which, as mentioned above, leads up to the second toggle lever system. This system comprises a bell crank I53 As the pivoted to the machine frame at I55 and linked to rod 39st I52. The other arm of the bell crank is pivoted at I54 to a link I56 which in turn is pivoted at I5'I to the slidable flanging dies I 56.

An extension of arm I42 is pivotally connected to a rod I46, which extends to the right of the machine in slightly downward direction. At its other end rod I46 is linked to one arm of a bell crank I 50 pivotedidly on the crankshaft 33. The other arm of the bell crank is pivotally mounted on rod I39 which extends to a toggle lever system that is the duplicate of the one described for the left-hand side of the machine.

The operation of the fianging dies will now be described with reference to Figs, 10 and 11. In Fig. 10 the dies are in open position. As lever I I2 moves to the right it pulls link I43 up, themby moving the composite arm I42 into the position shown in Fig. 11. The movement of arm I42 pulls rod I46 to the left, thereby moving bell crank I50 to pull down rod I39. Rods '39 and I39 are moved down simultaneously by the center arm I42 which, during the rocking movement, changes from the up position shown in Fig. 10 to the down position shown in Fig. 11 As both rods 39. and I39 move down they pull cranks I53 down, thereby pushing the dies I53 toward each other.

While the arrangement and operation have been described for one pair of fianging members cooperating in the first flanging action in station A (Fig. 4) it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a duplicate pair of flangers, which serve to complete the two-stage flanging operation in station B, may be actuated in a similar way by sliding die members corresponding to members I58.

In this case there will be a two-point dwell when the dies are in closed position. The respective points are marked 0 and d in Fig. 11.

The drive for the cradle rocking or can feed mechanism is shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 12 to 14. The connecting rod IIO carries an arm I60 to which a rod 40 is connected for vertically reciprocating movement. This rod has its other end linked to a member I6I carryin the rack 42 (Fig. l). Rack 42 is in mesh with a pinion 4|, to which an arm 32, pivotally connected to a link 43 is attached. Pinion M is journalled in a bearing I62 and attached to the machine frame, (Fig. 12).

Line 43 is pivotally connected to arm 44 of a rock shaft 41, provided with a second arm 45. Connecting rod 46 connects arm 45 of the rock shaft with the slide bars 82 for longitudinal reciprocation of the cam cradle II.

As best seen in Figs. 12 to 14 the reciprocating movement of connecting rod IIO moves rod 40 and thereby rack 42 up and down. This causes pinion M to turn alternately to the left and to the right, thus oscillating arm 32. As this oscillation takes place link 43 is moved back and forth and the movement is transmitted over arms 44, 45 to rod 46, which finally causes the reciprocation of the cradle slide 82. Fig. 13 shows the pinion in midstroke of the feeding mechanism, Fig. 14 shows the up end position in which a dwell occurs. Another dwell is reached in the down end position. In one of these positions the cradle is beneath one of the flanging stations; in the other it is in the position to receive a can from the delivery ch'ute.

Other modes of applying the principle of our invention may be employed instead of the one explained, change being made as regards the mechanism herein disclosed, provided the means stated by any of the following claims or the equiv? alent of such stated means be employed. I

We therefore particularly point out and distinctly claim as our invention:

1. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaw in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, 'in combination a central lever pivotally mounted to said frame, means for reciprocating said lever, a T-sh'aped toggle lever linked at one of its pivot points to said central lever a link member, said T-shaped toggle lever being connected at its other pivot point to said link member, both said T-shaped toggle lever and said link being capable of connecting said central lever and said gripping jawsfor moving the latter into and out of clamping engagement with a can to be flanged.

2. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a

cradle mechanism for feedin cans to thc flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination, a system of toggle levers for operating said gripping paws, said system comprising a, central lever having a plurality of connecting points, said central lever being pivotally mounted to said frame, a crankshaft for reciprocating said central lever, a connectin rod for connecting said crankshaft and said central lever and being pivoted to one of said pivot points of said central lever, .T-shaped toggle lever being linked to another of said pivot points of said lever, a connecting member, said T-sh'aped lever being linked at" a second pivot point to said connecting member, said member being capable of connecting said gripping jaws to said central lever for moving said jaws into and out of engagement with a can to be flanged, said toggle lever system having a three-point dwell.

3. In a flanging machine comprising a frame,

mounted to said frame, means for reciprocating r said lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever, a pair of toggle means, one of said pair being linked to one connecting point of said lever and the other one of said pair being linked to one end of a second conecting rod, whose other end is linked to said first mentioned toggle means, means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said toggle means to said means for moving said flanging members.

4. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said fianging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said flanging members, said system comprising a central lever having a pluralityof connecting points, said lever being pivotally mounted to said frame, means for reciprocating said lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever, a pair of toggle means, one of said pairbeing linked to one connecting point of said lever and one of said pair being linked to the other end of a second connecting rod, whose other end is linked to the first mentioned toggle means, a second pair of toggle means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said first mentioned pair of toggle means to said second mentioned pair of toggle means.

5. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for, clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said flanging members, said system comprising a central irregularly shaped lever being pivotally mounted to said frame and having three connecting points, means for reciprocating said lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever at one connecting point of said lever, a pair of toggle means, one of said pair being linked to another connecting point of said lever and the other one of said pair being linked to the other end of a second connecting rod, whose other end is linked to the first mentioned toggle means, a second pair of toggle means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side or the machine, for connecting said first mentioned pair of toggle means to said second mentioned pair of toggle means.

6. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said gripping jaws and said flanging members in timed relationship, said system comprising a central lever being pivotally mounted to said frame and having a plurality of connecting points, means for reciprocating said central lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever at one connecting point of said lever, one toggle means being Iinked to another connecting point on said central lever and adapted to move said gripping jaws into and out of engagement with a can to be flanged, a pair of toggle means, one of said pair being linked to a third connecting point of said central lever and the other one of said pair being linked to one end of a second connecting rod, whose other end is linked to said first mentioned toggle means of said pair means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said pair of toggle means to said means for moving said flanging members.

7. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said gripping jaws and said flanging mem bers in timed relationship, said system compris,

ing acentral lever being pivotally mounted to said frame and having a. plurality of connecting points, means for reciprocating said central lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever at one connecting point of said lever, one toggle means being linked to another connecting point on said central lever and adapted to move said gripping jaws into and out of engagement with a can to be flanged, a pair of toggle means, one of aid pair being linked to a third connecting point of said central lever and the other one of said pair being linked to one end of a second connecting rod, whose other end is linked to said first mentioned toggle means of said pair means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, forconnecting said pair of toggle means to said means for moving said flanging members, said toggle means for actuating th gripping jaws having a three-point dwell and said toggle means for actuating the flanging member having a twopoint dwell.

8. In a flanging mechanism comprising a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system for operating said feeding mechanism, said system comprising a crankshaft, a connecting rod operated b said crankshaft, a rack linked to said connecting rod so as to be moved up and down thereby, a pinion mounted for engagement with said rack as the same is moved up and down by said connecting rod and linkage means operated by said pinion for reciprocating said feeding mechanism,

9. In a flanging mechanism comprising a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system for operating said feeding mechanism, said system comprising a crankshaft, a connecting rod operated by said crankshaft, a rack linked to said connecting rod so as to be moved up and down thereby, a pinion mounted for engagement with said rack to be turned back and forth on said rack as the rack is moved up and down and a plurality of links operated by said pinion for reciprocating said feeding mechanism.

10. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of linkage means for operating said feeding mechanism, said gripping jaws and said flanging members in timed relationship, said system comprising a central lever being pivotally mounted to said frame and having a plurality of connecting points, means for reciprocating said central lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever at one connecting point of said lever, toggle means linked to another connecting point on said central lever and adapted to move said gripping jaws into and out of engagement with a can to be flanged, a pair of toggle means, one of said pair being linked to a third connecting point of said central lever and the other one of said pair being linked to one end of a connecting rod, whose other end isv linked to said first mentioned toggle means of said pair, means. for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said pair of toggle means to said mean-s for moving said flanging members and a plurality of links for operating said feeding mechanism. 7

11. In a flanging mechanism comprising a frame, cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging, station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of linkage means foroperating said feeding mechanism, gripping jaws and flanging members comprising a central lever of irregular shape pivotally mounted in said frame, said lever having a plurality of connecting points for actuation of said gripping and flanging mechanisms from a single center, means for reciprocating said lever, and toggle means for connecting said lever and said gripping jaws, said means being capable of moving said jaws into and out of clamping engagement with a can to be flanged.

12. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding cans to the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges to an arigle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said flanging members, said system comprising a central lever having a plurality of connecting points, said lever being pivotally mounted to said frame, means for reciprocating said lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever, a pair of toggle means, one of said pair being linked to one connecting point of said lever and the other one of said pair being linked to one end of a second connecting rod, whose other end is linked to said first mentioned toggle means, means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said toggle means to said means for moving said flanging members, and a cross-member mounted on opposed gripping jaws so as to extend-between them through the width of the flanging station thereby increasing the resistance of the structure against the action of said flanging members. 1

13. In a flanging machine comprising a frame, a cradle mechanism for feeding a plurality of cans to flanging stations proper, pairs of gripping jaws in said flanging stations for clamping said cans during the flanging action and pairs of flanging members for bending back the can edges to an angle with the can body, in combination a system of toggle levers for operating said flanging members, said system comprising a central lever having a plurality of connecting points, said lever being pivotally mounted to said frame, means for reciprocating said lever comprising a connecting rod having one end pivoted to said lever, a pair of interconnected toggle means, one

of said pair being linked to one connecting point of said lever, means for moving said flanging members into and out of operating position, and two elongated members, one at each side of the machine, for connecting said toggle means to said means for moving said flanging members.

-* 14. In a flanging mechanism comprising a reciprocating cradle mechanism for feeding cansto the flanging station proper, gripping jaws in said flanging station for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members for bending back the can edges on the can body, means for operating said cradle mechanism, gripping jaws and fianging members to provide timed dwells in the respective movements thereof, comprising a single main drive member and linkage means opcessively to said operating stations, gripping jaws in said operating stations for clamping said cans for the flanging action and flanging members in each of said operatingstations for bending back the can edges in a two-stage operation to an angle with the can body, means for actuating said cradle mechanism, gripping jaws and flanging members comprising, a single main drive member; and a system of linkage means operated by said main drive and interconnecting the drive member with said cradle mechanism, said gripping jaws and said flanging members, said linkage means including toggles for providing timed dwells in the respective movements of said cradle mechanism, gripping jaws and flanging members.

EDWARD V. CRANE.

FREDERICK G. AUER.

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