Patent ID: 6698265
Filing Date: 2004-03-02
Classification: B21D

Abstract:
A method for closely coupling a first and a second necking machine each comprising (i) a base, (ii) a bearing support plate fixedly coupled to the base, (iii) an input module comprising an input feed wheel adapted to receive a can body and a drive gear rotatably coupled to the bearing support plate, (iv) a necking module comprising a necking station adapted to reduce a diameter of an end of the can body and a drive gear rotatably coupled to the bearing support plate, and (v) a discharge module comprising a discharge wheel adapted to discharge the can body from the necking machine and a drive gear rotatably coupled to the bearing support plate, the method comprising:removing the input module from the second necking machine; removing an end portion of the bearing support plate and an end portion of the base of the second necking machine; fixing a cover plate to the base of the second necking machine; and positioning the first and second necking machines end to end so that the drive gear of the discharge module of the first necking machine meshes with the drive gear of the necking module of the second necking machine and the necking module of the second necking machine is adapted to receive the can body from the discharge module of the first necking machine.