Abstract:
An actuator for a redraw sleeve that operates independently of the ram drive mechanism is provided. The actuator utilizes an eccentric journal coupled to a drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is structured to provide its output shaft with a variable rotation speed so as to accommodate the need for the redraw sleeve to be in selected locations at specific times. Further, the redraw sleeve includes a collapsing redraw cylinder to allow the redraw sleeve to dwell in a forward position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The disclosed concept relates generally to a can bodymaker and, more specifically, to a can bodymaker having a redraw assembly actuated by an eccentric journal. 
         [0003]    2. Background Information 
         [0004]    Generally, an aluminum can begins as a disk of aluminum, also known as a “blank,” that is punched from a sheet or coil of aluminum. The blank is fed into a cupper. The cupper performs a blank and draw process to create a cup. That is, the blank is formed into a cup having a bottom and a depending sidewall. The cup is fed into one of several bodymakers, which perform a redraw and ironing operation. More specifically, the cup is disposed in a can forming machine at the mouth of a die pack having substantially circular openings therein. The cup is held in place by a redraw sleeve, which is part of the redraw assembly. The redraw sleeve is a hollow tubular construct that is disposed inside the cup and biases the cup against the die pack. More specifically, the first die in the die pack is the redraw die, which is also a part of the redraw assembly. The cup is biased against the redraw die by the redraw sleeve. Other dies, the ironing dies, are disposed behind, and axially aligned with, the redraw die. The ironing dies are not part of the redraw assembly. An elongated, cylindrical ram having a punch at the forward, distal end is aligned with, and structured to travel through, the openings in the redraw die and the ironing dies. At the end of the die pack opposite the ram is a domer. he domer is a die structured to form a concave dome in the bottom of the cup/can. 
         [0005]    Thus, in operation, a cup is disposed at one end of the die pack. The cup, typically, has a greater diameter than a finished can as well as a greater wall thickness. The redraw sleeve is disposed inside of the cup and biases the cup bottom against the redraw die. The opening in the redraw die has a diameter that is smaller than the cup. The ram, with the punch as the forward, distal end, passes through the hollow redraw sleeve and contacts the bottom of the cup. As the ram continues to move forward, the cup is moved through the redraw die. As the opening in the redraw die is smaller than the original diameter of the cup, the cup is deformed and becomes elongated with a smaller diameter. The wall thickness of the cup typically remains the same as the cup passes through the redraw die. As the ram continues to move forward, the elongated cup passes through a number of ironing dies. The ironing dies each thin the wall thickness of the cup causing the cup to elongate. The final forming of the can body occurs when the bottom of the elongated cup engages the dourer ;  creating a concave dome in the cup bottom. At this point, and compared to the original shape of the cup, the can body is elongated, has a thinner wall, and a domed bottom. The can body is ejected from the ram, and more specifically the punch, for further processing, such as, but not limited to trimming, washing, printing, flanged, inspected and placed on pallets, which are shipped to the filler. At the filler, the cans are taken off of the pallets, filled, ends placed on them and then the filled cans are repackage in six packs and/or twelve packs cases etc. 
         [0006]    The ram moves in a cycle many times each minute. Thus, for each cycle, a cup must be positioned in front of the die pack and clamped by the redraw sleeve. That is, as noted above, the redraw assembly includes the stationary redraw die and the movable redraw sleeve. The redraw sleeve must move forward and back for each cycle. Moreover, the redraw sleeve must “dwell” in the forward location, i.e. clamping the cup, while the ram passes therethrough and moves the cup into the redraw die. That is, the motion of the redraw sleeve includes a forward motion, a dwell, and a backward motion. The redraw sleeve is, typically, moved by a circular cam disposed about the redraw sleeve. The circular cam is a continuous ridge extending inwardly from an outer sleeve, or “outer casing,” disposed about a carrier for the redraw sleeve. The cam, i.e. the continuous ridge, encircles the inner surface of the outer sleeve with portions that are angled forward, not angled (or not substantially angled), and angled backward. The carrier for the redraw sleeve has a cam follower. As the outer sleeve rotates, different portions of the cam engage the cam followers. 
         [0007]    Thus, as the portion of the cam that is angled forward engages the cam followers, the redraw sleeve carrier, and thus the redraw sleeve, moves forward; this is the motion that moves the redraw sleeve into the cup and biases the cup against the redraw die. At this point, a non-angled portion of the cam engages the cam followers; this causes the redraw sleeve to dwell in the forward position, i.e. clamping the cup. Continued rotation of the redraw sleeve carrier causes the angled backward portions of the cam to engage the cam followers and the redraw sleeve carrier, and thus the redraw sleeve, moves forward. It is noted that the backward motion of the redraw sleeve occurs, essentially, as soon as the cup is moved into the redraw die and while the ram is extending through the redraw sleeve. Once the ram is withdrawn from the redraw sleeve, a new cup is moved into position in front of the redraw die and the cycle begins again. A device that performs these operations is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,160, which is incorporated by reference. 
         [0008]    The outer sleeve upon which the cam is disposed is heavy. This sleeve is actuated by cams, or other mechanical links, that are coupled to the drive mechanism for the ram. In this manner, the motion for the redraw sleeve is linked to the motion of the ram. The components forming the linkage between the ram drive mechanism and the cam must be robust, including being heavy, in order to accommodate the multiple cycles that occur every minute. Because the outer sleeve and other linkage components are heavy, the drive mechanism for the ram must be structured to provide more energy than is required to simply move the ram. Further, all the mechanical linkages from the ram drive mechanism to the redraw sleeve are prone to wear and tear. There is, therefore, a need for an improved actuator for a redraw sleeve. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The disclosed and claimed device provides for an actuator for a redraw sleeve that operates independently of the ram drive mechanism. The actuator utilizes an eccentric journal coupled to a drive shaft of a servomotor. The servomotor is structured to provide its output shaft with a variable rotation speed so as to accommodate the need for the redraw sleeve to be in selected locations at specific times. Further, the redraw sleeve includes a collapsing redraw cylinder to allow the redraw sleeve to dwell in a forward position. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    A full understanding of the invention can be gained from the following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is side view of a bodymaker 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a redraw sleeve actuator. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of a redraw sleeve and redraw sleeve actuator. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a redraw sleeve actuator. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an axial view of an eccentric journal on a shaft. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 6-9  are partial cross-sectional side views of the redraw sleeve and redraw sleeve actuator with the eccentric journal assembly in different positions. In  FIG. 6 , the eccentric journal is in a first, rearward position, or 3:00 o&#39;clock position. In  FIG. 7 , the eccentric journal is in a medial position, or 6:00 o&#39;clock position. In  FIG. 8 , the eccentric journal is in a second, forward position, or 9:00 o&#39;clock position. In  FIG. 9 , the eccentric journal is in another medial position, or 12:00 o&#39;clock position. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Directional phrases used herein, such as, for example, clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, top, bottom, upwards, downwards 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. 
         [0018]    As used herein, the singular form of “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
         [0019]    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., through one or more intermediate parts or components, so long as a link occurs. As used herein, “directly coupled” means that two elements are directly in contact with each other. As used herein, “fixedly coupled” or “fixed” means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. Further, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not “coupled” to the lower object unless the upper object is otherwise maintained substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled thereto, but a book glued to a table is coupled thereto. Accordingly, when two elements are coupled, all portions of those elements are coupled. A description, however, of a specific portion of a first element being coupled to a second element, e.g., an axle first end being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific portion of the first element is disposed closer to the second element than the other portions thereof 
         [0020]    As used herein, “engage,” when used in reference to gears or other components having teeth, means that the teeth of the gears interface with each other and the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to rotate as well. When used in reference to components other than gears, “engage” means that two or more parts or components exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. 
         [0021]    As used herein, the word “unitary” means a component is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes pieces that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unitary” component or body. 
         [0022]    As used herein, the term “number” shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). 
         [0023]    As used herein, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or other component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description. 
         [0024]    As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more component(s) of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a coupling assembly are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a snap socket, the other coupling component is a snap plug, or, if one coupling component is a bolt, then the other coupling component is a nut. 
         [0025]    As used herein, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same assembly and/or operate together, or, act upon/with each other in some manner. For example, an automobile has four tires and four hub caps. While all the elements are coupled as part of the automobile, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire. 
         [0026]    As used herein, “correspond” indicates that two structural components are sized and shaped to be similar to each other and may be coupled with a minimum amount of friction. Thus, an opening which “corresponds” to a member is sized slightly larger than the member so that the member may pass through the opening with a minimum amount of friction. This definition is modified if the two components are said to fit “snugly” together or “snuggly correspond.” In that situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller whereby the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and/or the component inserted into the opening are made from a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. This definition is further modified if the two components are said to “substantially correspond.” “Substantially correspond” means that the size of the opening is very close to the size of the element inserted therein; that is, not so close as to cause substantial friction, as with a snug fit, but with more contact and friction than a “corresponding fit,” i.e., a “slightly larger” fit. Further, with regard to a surface formed by two or more elements, a “corresponding” shape means that surface features, e.g. curvature, are similar. 
         [0027]    As used herein, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or assembly has a structure that is shaped, sized, disposed, coupled and/or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or assemblies. 
         [0028]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a can body maker  10  is structured to convert a cup  2  into a can body  3 . As described below, the cup  2  is assumed to be substantially circular. It is understood, however, that the cup  2 , as well as the resulting can body  3  and elements that interact with the cup  2  or can body  3 , may have a shape other than substantially circular. A cup  2  has a bottom member with a depending sidewall defining a substantially enclosed space (none shown). The end of the cup  2  opposite the bottom is open. The can body maker  10  includes a reciprocating ram  12 , a drive mechanism  14 , a die pack  16 , a redraw assembly  18  and a cup feeder  20  (shown schematically). As is known, in each cycle the cup feeder  20  positions a cup  2  in front of the die pack  16  with the open end facing the ram  12 . When the cup  2  is in position in front of the die pack  16 , a redraw sleeve  40 , described below, biases the cup  2  against a redraw die  42 , described below. The ram  12  has an elongated, substantially circular body  30  with a proximal end  32 , a distal end  34 , and a longitudinal axis  36 . The ram body distal end  34  includes a punch  38 . The ram body proximal end  32  is coupled to the drive mechanism  14 . The drive mechanism  14  provides a reciprocal motion to the ram body  30  causing the ram body  30  to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis  36 . That is, the ram body  30  is structured to reciprocate between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. In the first, retracted position, the ram body  30  is spaced from the die pack  16 . In the second, extended position, the ram body  30  extends through the die pack  16 . Thus, the reciprocating ram  12  advances forward (to the left as shown) passing through the redraw sleeve  40  and engaging the cup  2 . The cup  2  is moved through the redraw die  42  and a number of ironing dies (not shown) within the die pack  16 . The cup  2  is converted into a can body  3  within the die pack  16  and then removed therefrom. It is understood that, as used herein, a “cycle” means the cycle of the ram  12  which begins with the ram  12  in the first, retracted position. 
         [0029]    As shown n  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the redraw assembly  18  includes a movable redraw sleeve  40  and a redraw die  42  ( FIG. 3 ). The redraw die  42  is disposed within the die pack  16  adjacent the redraw sleeve  40 . That is, the redraw die  42  is the first die in the die pack  16 . The redraw die  42  has a circular opening  44  with a central axis  46  ( FIG. 3 ). The ram longitudinal axis  36  is substantially aligned, meaning substantially on the same line, with the redraw die central axis  46 . The redraw die circular opening  44  has a smaller diameter than the cup  2 . The cup  2  is clamped in place by the redraw sleeve  40 . 
         [0030]    That is, the redraw sleeve  40  is a hollow circular tube with an outer diameter sized to fit within the cup  2  enclosed space. The redraw sleeve  40  inner diameter is sized to allow the ram body  30  to pass therethrough. That is, the radius of the ram body  30 , and more specifically the punch  38 , is smaller than the redraw sleeve  40  inner diameter by a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the material forming the cup  2 . Thus, as the ram body  30 , and more specifically the punch  38 , forces the cup  2  through the redraw sleeve  40 , the cup  2  is elongated and resized to have a smaller diameter; the cup  2  wall thickness, however, remains substantially unchanged. 
         [0031]    The redraw sleeve  40  is structured to move between a first position, wherein the movable redraw sleeve  40  is spaced from the redraw die  42 , and a second position, wherein the movable redraw sleeve  40  is disposed immediately adjacent the redraw die  42 . In the second position, the redraw sleeve  40  biases, i.e. clamps, the cup  2 , and more specifically the cup bottom, against the redraw die  42 . The cup  2  is further positioned so that the center of the cup  2  is disposed substantially on the redraw die central axis  46 . The redraw sleeve  40  is moved between the first and second positions by an actuator assembly  50 . 
         [0032]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the actuator assembly  50  includes a servomotor  52 , an eccentric journal assembly  54 , and a connecting rod assembly  56 . The servomotor  52  includes a rotating output shaft  58 . The servomotor  52  produces a selectable rotational speed in the servomotor output shaft  58 . That is, as used herein, a “selectable rotational speed” means that the speed of rotation of the servomotor output shaft  58  may be varied within a single rotation and, more specifically, the speed of rotation of the servomotor output shaft  58  may be varied within a single cycle. For example, the servomotor  52  has a maximum rotational speed of between about 700 rpm and 500 rpm, and, a minimum rotational speed of between about 250 rpm and 50 rpm. In another embodiment, the servomotor  52  has a maximum rotational speed of about 540 rpm and a minimum rotational speed of about 125 rpm. The use of the selectable rotational speed of the servomotor output shaft  58  is discussed below. 
         [0033]    The eccentric journal assembly  54  is coupled to the servomotor output shaft  58 . More specifically, the eccentric journal assembly  54  includes a shaft  60  and an eccentric journal  62 . The eccentric journal assembly shaft  60  has an axis of rotation  64 . The eccentric journal  62  is substantially circular and, therefore, has a center  66 . The eccentric journal  62  is coupled to the eccentric journal assembly shaft  60  with the eccentric journal center  66  spaced from the eccentric journal assembly shaft axis of rotation  64 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The journal assembly shaft  60  is supported by supports  68 . That is, as is known, supports  68  include openings through which journal assembly shaft  60  extends. A bearing is, in an exemplary embodiment, disposed between the journal assembly shaft  60  and the supports  68 . 
         [0034]    In this configuration, the eccentric journal  62  has a maximum radius from the eccentric journal assembly shaft axis of rotation  64 . The location of the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius moves about the eccentric journal assembly shaft axis of rotation  64 . 
         [0035]    Thus, there is a configuration wherein the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius is vertically above the eccentric journal assembly shaft axis of rotation  64  and another configuration wherein the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius is vertically below the eccentric journal assembly shaft axis of rotation  64 . The eccentric journal assembly  54  is at least horizontally spaced from the redraw sleeve  40 . Thus, there is a configuration wherein the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius is disposed at a location farthest from the redraw sleeve  40 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . As used herein, this location is the eccentric journal assembly “first, rearward position.” Conversely, there is a configuration wherein the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius is disposed at a location closest to the redraw sleeve  40 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . As used herein, this location is the eccentric journal assembly “second, forward position.” Further, as used herein, when the eccentric journal assembly  54  is in the “first, rearward position,” the eccentric journal assembly  54  is in a “first, rearward position.” Similarly, as used herein, when the eccentric journal assembly  54  is in the “second, forward position,” the eccentric journal assembly  54  is in a “second, forward position.” Finally, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , during the revolution of journal assembly shaft  60  the eccentric journal  62  maximum radius is also disposed either below the journal assembly shaft  60  ( FIG. 7 ) or above the journal assembly shaft  60  ( FIG. 9 ). 
         [0036]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the connecting rod assembly  56  includes an elongated connecting rod  70  having a first end  72  and a second end  74 . The connecting rod first end  72  includes a bearing assembly  76 . The connecting rod first end bearing assembly  76  defines an opening  78  sized to correspond with the eccentric journal  62 . Thus, the eccentric journal  62  may be disposed within the connecting rod first end bearing assembly opening  78 . As the eccentric journal  62  rotates, bias is applied to the connecting rod first end bearing assembly  76 . Thus, the connecting rod first end bearing assembly  76  is structured to engage the eccentric journal  62 . The connecting rod second end  74 , and therefore the connecting rod  70 , is structured to be coupled to the redraw sleeve  40 . More specifically, the connecting rod assembly  56  is structured to be coupled to an oscillating shaft assembly  80 , described below, which is further coupled to the redraw sleeve  40 . The connecting rod second end  74  includes a rotational coupling  79 , as discussed below. 
         [0037]    As noted above, the ram  12  travels through the redraw sleeve  40 . As such, the actuator assembly  50  cannot be disposed along the path of travel for the ram  12 . Thus, the actuator assembly  50  may include an oscillating shaft assembly  80  that is coupled to both the redraw sleeve  40  and the connecting rod assembly  56 . Movement of the connecting rod assembly  56  causes the oscillating shaft assembly  80  to oscillate which, in turn, moves the redraw sleeve  40  between its first and second positions. The oscillating shaft assembly  80  includes a pivot shaft  82 , a drive arm  84 , a pivot arm assembly  86 , and a base  88 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the eccentric journal assembly  54  may be coupled, or directly coupled, to the base  88 . In one embodiment, the base  88  includes two upwardly extending and spaced flanges  90 ,  92  ( FIG. 2 ). The pivot shaft  82  is rotatably coupled to the base  88 , e.g. between the spaced flanges  90 ,  92 . 
         [0038]    Before discussing the drive arm it is noted that, as used herein, a “rotational coupling” is one element of a “rotational coupling assembly.” As used herein, a “rotational coupling assembly” is an assembly that allows components to be rotatably coupled. For example, a “rotational coupling assembly” may include one component defining a circular opening and the other component being a circular rod. When the circular rod is disposed in the circular opening, the two components are rotatably coupled. As shown in the Figures, “rotational couplings” are either components defining a circular opening or circular rods. It is understood, however, that the location of these components may be reversed and still create a “rotational coupling assembly.” Thus, hereinafter, the elements of a “rotational coupling assembly” shall be identified as a “rotational coupling” without identifying the shape of a specific component. 
         [0039]    The drive arm  84  includes a first, proximal end  100  and a second, distal end  102 . The drive arm first end  100  is coupled, and in one embodiment fixed, to the pivot shaft  82 . The drive arm second end  102  has a rotational coupling  104 . The drive arm second end rotational coupling  104  is rotatably coupled to the connecting rod second end rotational coupling  79 . As shown, in one embodiment, the drive arm  84  is coupled to the lower side of the pivot shaft  82 , generally opposite the pivot arm assembly  86 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the pivot arm assembly  86  is disposed near the top of the pivot shaft  82 . The pivot arm assembly  86  includes at least a first elongated pivot arm  112  and, as shown, a second pivot arm  114 . The first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  form a yoke, as discussed below. The first pivot arm has a first end  116  and a second end  118 . The second pivot arm  114  has a first end  117  and a second end  119 . Each first pivot arm first end  116 ,  117  is coupled, and in one embodiment fixed, to the pivot shaft  82 . Each pivot arm  112 ,  114  extends substantially upwardly. Each pivot arm second end  118 ,  119  includes a rotational coupling  130 ,  132 , respectively. Each pivot arm second end rotational coupling  130 ,  132  is structured to be coupled to the movable redraw sleeve  40 . 
         [0041]    When assembled, the servomotor output shaft  58  is coupled, and in one embodiment fixed, to the eccentric journal assembly shaft  60 . Thus, the eccentric journal assembly shaft  60  rotates at the same speed as the servomotor output shaft  58 . Rotation of the eccentric journal assembly shaft  60  causes the eccentric journal  62  to rotate through the first, rearward position and the second, forward position. The connecting rod first end bearing assembly  76  is disposed about the eccentric journal  62  and the connecting rod  70  extends toward the oscillating shaft assembly  80 . The connecting rod second end  74 , and more specifically the connecting rod second end rotational coupling  79 , is rotatably coupled to the drive arm second end  102 , and more specifically to the drive arm second end rotational coupling  104 . 
         [0042]    In this configuration, rotation of the servomotor output shaft  58  causes the eccentric journal  62  to rotate through the first, rearward position and the second, forward position. This shifting of the offset eccentric journal  62  causes the connecting rod  70  to move between a first, rearward position and a second, forward position corresponding to the eccentric journal assembly first and second positions. That is, the connecting rod  70  is disposed either close to, or spaced from, the oscillating shaft assembly  80  and the redraw sleeve  40 . More specifically, as the eccentric journal  62  moves from its first, rearward position toward its second, forward position, the connecting rod  70  moves toward the oscillating shaft assembly  80  and the redraw sleeve  40 . As the eccentric journal  62  moves from its second, forward position toward its first, rearward position, the connecting rod  70  moves away from the oscillating shaft assembly  80  and the redraw sleeve  40 . As noted above, the eccentric journal  62  may be disposed above or below the eccentric journal assembly shaft  60 . As the connecting rod  70  extends toward the oscillating shaft assembly  80 , the vertical offset of the eccentric journal  62  causes the connecting rod first end  72  to move vertically, but does not substantially effect the position of the connecting rod  70  relative to the oscillating shaft assembly  80  and the redraw sleeve  40 . 
         [0043]    As the connecting rod  70  moves toward and away from the oscillating shaft assembly  80 , the pivot shaft  82  moves, and more specifically rocks, between a first position and a second position. Thus, the upwardly extending first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  rock between a first, rearward position and a second, forward position. The first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  first and second positions correspond to the eccentric journal  62  first and second positions. That is, when the eccentric journal  62  is in its first position, the first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  are in their first position, and, when the eccentric journal  62  is in its second position, the first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  are in their second position. Thus, the first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  move generally forward and back at a speed corresponding to the speed of the servomotor  52 . 
         [0044]    The first and second pivot arms  112 ,  114  are coupled to the redraw sleeve  40 . Thus, the redraw sleeve  40  moves generally forward and back at a speed corresponding to the speed of the servomotor  52 . That is, the redraw sleeve  40  moves between its first and second positions at a speed corresponding to the speed of the servomotor  52 . As noted above, the redraw sleeve  40  only needs to be in the second, forward position while clamping the cup  2 . Thus, it is desirable to move the redraw sleeve  40  toward its first, rearward position as soon as the ram  12  passes therethrough. The redraw sleeve  40 , however, must move into the second, forward position as soon as a new cup  2  is positioned in front of the die pack  16 . To accomplish this, the servomotor  52  must operate at different speeds during different parts of the cycle. Generally, the redraw sleeve  40 , and therefore the eccentric journal  62 , must move faster when moving between the first, rearward position and the second, forward position, and slower when moving between the second, forward position and the first, rearward position. 
         [0045]    The change in the speed of the servomotor  52 , in one embodiment, occurs just before the eccentric journal  62  is in either of the first or second positions. That is, the eccentric journal  62  is disposed in an “acceleration position” just before it enters the first, rearward position. As used herein, the “acceleration position” is the position of the eccentric journal  62  just as it starts to accelerate. The exact location of the acceleration position depends upon many factors such as, but not limited to, the size of the cup  2 , the length of the stroke of the ram  12 , the diameter of the punch  38 , the retract position of the punch  38  to the redraw die  42  and, the speed of the cup  2  feeding into position. Further, the eccentric journal  62  is disposed in an “deceleration position” just before it enters the second, forward position. As used herein, the “deceleration position” is the position of the eccentric journal  62  just as it starts to decelerate. The exact location of the deceleration position also depends upon factors set forth above. By selecting the speed of the servomotor  52 , the positioning of the redraw sleeve  40  may be timed so as to move the redraw sleeve  40  into the proper position for each cycle of the ram  12 . 
         [0046]    As noted above, the redraw sleeve  40  must dwell in the forward position as the ram  12  passes therethrough and engages the clamped cup  2 . As the components of the actuator assembly  50  have fixed dimensions, and as existing servomotors  52  may not be stopped and started rapidly enough, the redraw sleeve  40  is, in one embodiment, a collapsing redraw sleeve  140 . A collapsing redraw sleeve  140  includes a stationary slide housing  142  and a collapsing redraw cylinder  144 . The collapsing redraw cylinder  144  is slidably disposed in the stationary slide housing  142  and is structured to move between a first, retracted position and a second, extended position. Further, the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  is structured to change between a first elongated configuration and a second collapsed configuration. 
         [0047]    In operation, when the collapsing redraw sleeve  140  is moved toward the forward position, the collapsing redraw sleeve  140  engages, i.e. clamps the cup  2  just prior to the eccentric journal  62  reaching the second, forward position. As the eccentric journal  62  moves into the second, forward position, the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  collapses, i.e. the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  changes between the first elongated configuration to the second collapsed configuration. As the eccentric journal  62  moves past the second, forward position, the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  changes between the second collapsed configuration and the first elongated configuration. In other words, the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  is structured to change between the first elongated configuration to the second collapsed configuration, and, then to change between the second collapsed configuration to the first elongated configuration, while the collapsing redraw cylinder  144  is in the second, extended position. Thus, the cup  2  remains clamped against the redraw die  42  before, during, and after the eccentric journal  62  is in the second, forward position. Thus, this configuration creates a dwell time where the collapsing redraw sleeve  140  is clamping the cup  2  while the rigid components of the actuator assembly  50  remain in motion. An example of a collapsing redraw cylinder  144  is disclosed n U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,915. 
         [0048]    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 invention which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and any and all equivalents thereof.