Patent ID: 6418608
Filing Date: 2002-07-16
Classification: B21D,B23P,Y10T

Abstract:
A convertible, flange insertion machine for the installation of an internally-threaded flange into a drum head of a shipping container, said convertible, flange insertion machine comprising:a first conveyor for transport of a drum head to a flange insertion station; a second conveyor for transport of a flange to said flange insertion station; a tooling arrangement comprising a portion of said flange insertion station and including an upper tooling portion located on one side of said drum head and a lower tooling portion located on an opposite side of said drum head when said drum head is located at said flange insertion station; wherein at least one of said upper and lower tooling portions is constructed and arranged to move toward said drum head for installation of said flange into said drum head; and said second conveyor including a first side rail which is constructed and arranged to guide said flange to said flange insertion station, said side rail being constructed and arranged to accommodate two different flange styles without the need to make any structural changes to said side rail when converting the machine from a first flange style to a second flange style; wherein the first and second flange styles are structurally and dimension ally different.