Patent Description:
Metallic containers (e.g., cans) for holding products such as, for example, food and beverages, are typically provided with an easy open can end on which a pull tab is attached (e.g., without limitation, riveted) to a tear strip or severable panel. The severable panel is defined by a scoreline in the exterior surface (e.g., public side) of the can end. The pull tab is structured to be lifted and/or pulled to sever the scoreline and deflect and/or remove the severable panel, thereby creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can. Hereinafter, a twelve ounce beverage can will be used as an example. It is understood, however, that the disclosed and claimed concept is not limited to twelve ounce beverage cans.

As used herein, a "can end" consists of a "shell" and "tab. " As used herein, a "shell" is the portion of a "can end" that is structured to be, and is, coupled to a "can body" wherein the "can body" defines a generally enclosed space. The "tab" is the construct coupled to the shell and which is structured to be, and is, lifted and/or pivoted relative to the shell at a location adjacent a scoreline whereby the scoreline is severed creating an opening for dispensing the contents of the can.

In an exemplary embodiment, the shell and the tab are made in separate presses. The shell is created by cutting out and forming a blank from a coil of sheet metal product (e.g., without limitation, sheet aluminum; sheet steel). For the exemplary beverage can shell, the blank is generally planar and generally circular. For such a beverage can shell, the shell press forms an annular countersink adjacent the periphery of the blank as well as a seaming panel that is structured to be, and is, coupled to a can body. In one exemplary embodiment, additional constructs associated with a beverage can shell such as, but not limited to, a scoreline defining a deflectable tear panel, are also formed in the shell press. In another exemplary embodiment, the additional constructs are formed in the conversion press, discussed below. Further, the tabs are typically formed in the conversion press immediately prior to staking, i.e., coupling, the tabs to the shells.

Generally, the shell press, and the conversion press, include a ram press and a tooling assembly with a movable upper tooling and a stationary lower tooling. That is, as used herein, the "ram press" is an assembly that is being identified as a component of the conversion press as opposed to the other way around. This is because a ram press is typically sold as a complete unit to which the tooling and other components are added so as to form the shell/conversion press.

In addition to the ram press, a shell press and/or conversion press includes a housing or frame assembly, a tooling assembly and a number of die sets. The tooling assembly includes a number of upper tooling assemblies and number of lower tooling assemblies. As is known, a ram press includes an elongated ram body through which force is transferred. The upper tooling assemblies are coupled to, and operatively engaged by, the ram body. The upper and lower tooling assemblies include a number of mounting devices to which a plurality of dies are coupled. These mounting devices are hereinafter identified as a "die shoe. " Thus, the upper tooling assembly moves between a spaced, upper position, wherein the upper tooling assembly (and therefore the upper die shoe and dies) is spaced from the lower tooling assembly (and therefore the lower die shoe and dies), and, a lower/forming, second position, wherein the upper tooling assembly is a forming distance from the lower tooling assemblies whereby the dies contact and form the blanks. The reciprocal motion wherein the upper tooling assembly moves from the first position to the second position and then returns to the first position is, as used herein, a "cycle.

In a shell press, each die shoe supports shell die set (and in a conversion press a die shoe supports a shell die set and/or a tab die set). As used herein, a "die set" means a plurality of dies that are structured to be, and are, disposed in series wherein each die forms a portion of the shell, or tab, when the upper tooling assembly is in the second position. As used herein, each "die set" inherently includes "upper dies" and "lower dies. " Thus, following an introduction of a "die set" it is understood that there are inherently "die set upper dies" and "die set lower dies. " Thus, as used herein, following an introduction of a "die set," the "die set upper dies" and "die set lower dies" do not have to be specifically introduced as they are inherently introduced as part of the "die set. " A die set forms a "lane" through which blanks/shells travel. That is, as used herein, a "lane" is a path defined by a die set through which a shell moves as it is being formed. In a conversion press there is one "die set" for the tabs and a plurality of "die sets" for the shells. Further, the shell die sets are substantially similar to each other. That is, in an exemplary embodiment, each die set includes substantially similar dies that are disposed in the same sequence. Thus, as the blanks/shells move through the conversion press, each "lane" forms one shell into a substantially similar "can end.

Each shell die set is structured to and does, perform a number of forming operations on the blank/shell. In an exemplary embodiment, an individual die performs one forming operation on the blank/shell. It is understood that each upper die has an associated lower die whereby the upper die and lower die operate cooperatively to accomplish the forming operation. In this configuration, each die is identified as a "station. " As used herein, a "station" is a location on the tooling and/or the lane that includes a forming die, or, which is a location for an "idle" station. An "idle" station is a location without a die or wherein no forming operations occur.

Further, the blanks are "indexed" through the tooling assembly. As used herein, to "index" means that the blank or a strip of metal is moved intermittently through the tooling assembly a predetermined/set distance during each cycle of the ram press/tooling assembly. As is generally known, as the upper tooling is moving from the second position to the first position, the blanks/shells are moving between stations. In some presses, the blanks/shells are also moving as the upper tooling moves toward the second position. Before the upper tooling moves fully into the forming, second position, and while the upper tooling is in the forming, second position, the blanks/shells stop moving at a "station. " Thus, as the blanks move through the tooling assembly, the blanks/shells are progressively formed into shells.

The tabs are formed in a similar manner but are generally formed directly in a sheet of metal. That is, the tabs are not initially cut into separate blanks that are individually formed. Instead, tabs are produced by feeding in a continuous sheet of metal through a tab die and the tabs are substantially formed while coupled to the sheet. The tab die set forms one row of tabs in the strip for each shell lane. That is, if there are three shell lanes, the tab die forms three rows of tabs. As used herein, a "row" of tabs is a series of tabs extending along a line generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the strip of material from which the tabs are formed (hereinafter, "tab strip"). The final formation step typically couples the tab to a shell while cutting the tab from the sheet. In an exemplary embodiment, the tab tooling assembly is directly adjacent and/or is part of the conversion press.

The shells, and in some embodiments the tabs, are conveyed to a conversion press. As used herein, a "conversion press" is an assembly including a ram press and number of die assemblies or die sets and which is structured to couple a tab to a shell thereby creating a can end. The number of forming operations performed on the shell by the shell press affects the number of forming operations performed on the shell by the conversion press. That is, either the shell press or the conversion press is, or can be, structured to perform certain operations such as, but not limited to, creating a score for a tear panel. In an exemplary embodiment, the conversion press stations form the paneling, score and integrated rivet on the shell. The rivet on the shell is the element/formation to which the tab is coupled. It is, however, understood that in another embodiment, the rivet is formed in the shell press. Thus, in general, at the conversion press, the blank/shell is fed onto a transfer belt which indexes through an elongated, die set defining a number of lanes.

That is, a downstacker feeds individual shells onto a transfer belt having cavities or recesses sized to accommodate a single shell. In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer belt includes a number of "columns" of recesses. Thus, as used herein, a "column" of recesses means a series of recesses wherein the center of each recess in the "column" is disposed substantially along a line extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transfer belt. In an exemplary embodiment, each transfer belt includes two columns of recesses.

At the same time the shells are moving through the conversion press, the tabs are also being formed, either in a press adjacent the conversion press or in the conversion press, and are moved generally perpendicular to the direction of motion of the shells. Stated alternately, the longitudinal axes of the tab die rows are disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the shell dies lanes. As noted above, the tabs are formed from a strip of generally planar sheet material. The tab strip extends through the tab die and, as such, extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transfer belts. Moreover, the tab strip extends over the transfer belts and the shells therein. This configuration is notable as discussed in detail below.

Generally, conversion presses included three single shell lanes or two double shell lanes. Thus, during each cycle of the ram press, the conversion press produced either three or four can ends. Such conversion presses are identified as a "three-out" or "four-out" conversion press. It is desirable to increase the number of can ends produced by a conversion press. This is accomplished by increasing the speed of the conversion press and/or increasing the number of shell lanes on the conversion press. To this end, "six-out" conversion presses, i.e., a conversion press with six shell lanes, have been introduced. Some of the six-out conversion presses operate at a higher speed than known conversion presses.

As noted above, the tab die forms tabs in rows in the strip of material. Thus, the tab strip is sufficiently wide enough to accommodate the appropriate number of rows of tabs. That is, for a three-out conversion press, the tab strip was wide enough to form three rows of tabs and for a four-out conversion press, the tab strip was wide enough to form four rows of tabs. The tabs are configured to be manipulated by human fingers and have a width of about <NUM> (<NUM>/<NUM> inch). Thus, a tab strip for a three-out conversion press was about <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide and tab strip for a four-out conversion press was about <NUM> (<NUM> inches wide). Further, for a beverage can, the shell is about <NUM> (<NUM><NUM>/<NUM> inches) in diameter. The columns of recesses on the transfer belts are disposed about <NUM> (<NUM> inch) apart (measured centerline to centerline). Further, the recesses of the transfer belt are slightly offset longitudinally. That is, a line extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a transfer belt does not cross the center of more than one shell/recess.

These dimensions are notable due the configuration of the transfer belt columns and the tab strip rows discussed above. That is, <FIG> shows an exemplary configuration of a tab strip <NUM> and two transfer belts <NUM>, described below, at the time an upper tooling assembly is in the second position, i.e., when a tab <NUM> is being coupled, or "staked," to a shell <NUM>. As shown, a tab strip <NUM> extends generally perpendicularly over transfer belts <NUM> (two shown). The intersection of the tab strip <NUM> and a transfer belt <NUM> is, as used herein, a "crossover. " Given the width of the tab strip <NUM>, the width of a transfer belt <NUM>, the diameter of the shells <NUM>, and the offset configuration of the recesses <NUM>, described below, as a tab <NUM> is being staked, the tab strip <NUM> partially covers a cluster of four shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM>. As shown, the tabs are staked at the lower two recesses <NUM> on the left transfer belt <NUM> and at the upper two recesses <NUM> on the transfer belt 80R on the right. As can be seen, the tab strip <NUM> partially covers the subsequent (upstream) shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM> of the left transfer belt <NUM> and the prior (downstream) shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM> of the right transfer belt 80R. These locations are, as used herein, the "covered stations. " In this configuration, the four covered stations are idle stations. That is, because the tab strip is in the way, it is impossible for a die to perform forming operations on most areas of the shells <NUM> in the covered stations. As no forming operation occur at an idle station, there are no dies acting upon the shells <NUM> at the covered station. Due to vibrations and other forces created during forming operations, the shells <NUM> at the idle stations, if not retained, would be able to shift or become askew in the recesses <NUM>.

Because of this, the tooling assemblies typically included retaining pins at the covered stations. The retaining pins moved with the upper tooling assemblies and engaged the shells <NUM> at the covered stations as tabs <NUM> were being coupled to the shells <NUM> at the adjacent stations. That is, the retaining pins moved to engage the shells <NUM> at the idle stations as the upper tooling assembly moved from the first position to the second position. When the upper tooling assembly was in the second position, the retaining pins fully engaged the shells <NUM> at the idle stations and maintained the shells <NUM> within the recesses <NUM>. This is possible because the tab strip <NUM> only partially covered a 2X2 cluster of shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM>. That is, if a shell <NUM>/recess <NUM> was fully covered by the tab strip <NUM>, then the retaining pin could not contact the shell <NUM>. Thus, with a tab strip sized to accommodate four rows of tabs <NUM>, the shell <NUM> at an idle station adjacent a staking station is partially accessible and is engaged by a retaining pin.

For a six-out conversion press, the tab strip must have a sufficient width to accommodate six rows of tabs. A six row tab strip has a width that covers more than a 2X2 cluster of shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM>. In this configuration, shells disposed near the middle of the tab strip <NUM> are wholly covered. Thus, retaining pins cannot access the shells <NUM> at the idle stations adjacent the staking stations. This is problem. That is, if the shells <NUM> are not retained, the shells <NUM> may shift or become askew in the recesses <NUM> due to vibration and other forces created during the forming process. This is a problem.

There is, therefore, a need for a retainer assembly in a six-out conversion press wherein the retainer assembly is structured to maintain shells within the recesses of a transfer belt at the crossover. There is a further need for a retainer assembly that is operative with existing conversion press elements.

These needs, and others, are met by at least one embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept according to claim <NUM> which provides a conversion press comprising a retainer assembly including a retaining member assembly and a motion assembly. The retaining member assembly is structured to selectively retain at least one shell in a transfer belt assembly belt recess. The retaining member assembly includes a retaining member. The motion assembly is structured to move the retaining member between a first position, wherein the retaining member is spaced from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member is disposed a retaining distance from the transfer belt assembly transfer belt.

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:.

It will be appreciated that the specific elements illustrated in the figures herein and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples solely for the purpose of illustration. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, assembly, number of components used, embodiment configurations and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered limiting on the scope of the disclosed concept.

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.

As used herein, the singular form of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

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. As such, as used herein, "structured to [verb]" recites structure and not function. Further, as used herein, "structured to [verb]" means that the identified element or assembly is intended to, and is designed to, perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb but which is not intended to, and is not designed to, perform the identified verb is not "structured to [verb].

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.

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.

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 or threaded bore. Further, a passage in an element is part of the "coupling" or "coupling component(s). " For example, in an assembly of two wooden boards coupled together by a nut and a bolt extending through passages in both boards, the nut, the bolt and the two passages are each a "coupling" or "coupling component.

As used herein, a "fastener" is a separate component structured to couple two or more elements. Thus, for example, a bolt is a "fastener" but a tongue-and-groove coupling is not a "fastener. " That is, the tongue-and-groove elements are part of the elements being coupled and are not a separate component.

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. As used herein, "adjustably fixed" means that two components are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to each other while being able to move in a limited range or about a single axis. For example, a doorknob is "adjustably fixed" to a door in that the doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in a single position relative to the door. Further, a cartridge (nib and ink reservoir) in a retractable pen is "adjustably fixed" relative to the housing in that the cartridge moves between a retracted and extended position, but generally maintains its orientation relative to the housing. 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. 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.

As used herein, the phrase "removably coupled" or "temporarily coupled" means that one component is coupled with another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that the joining or separation of the components is easy and would not damage the components. For example, two components secured to each other with a limited number of readily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are "removably coupled" whereas two components that are welded together or joined by difficult to access fasteners are not "removably coupled. " A "difficult to access fastener" is one that requires the removal of one or more other components prior to accessing the fastener wherein the "other component" is not an access device such as, but not limited to, a door.

As used herein, "operatively coupled" means that a number of elements or assemblies, each of which is movable between a first position and a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled so that as the first element moves from one position/configuration to the other, the second element moves between positions/configurations as well. It is noted that a first element may be "operatively coupled" to another without the opposite being true.

As used herein, "functionally coupled" means that a number of elements or assemblies are coupled together so that a characteristic and/or function of one element/assembly is communicated or useable by the other element/assembly. For example, a characteristic of an extension cord is the ability to communicate electricity. When two extension cords are "functionally coupled," the two extension cords are coupled so that electricity is communicable through both extension cords. As another example, two wireless routers, which have the characteristic of communication data, are "functionally coupled" when the two routers are in communication with each other (but not physically coupled to each other) so that data is communicable through both routers.

As used herein, the statement that two or more parts or components "engage" one another means that the elements exert a force or bias against one another either directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Further, as used herein with regard to moving parts, a moving part may "engage" another element during the motion from one position to another and/or may "engage" another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements, "when element A moves to element A first position, element A engages element B," and "when element A is in element A first position, element A engages element B" are equivalent statements and mean that element A either engages element B while moving to element A first position and/or element A either engages element B while in element A first position.

As used herein, "operatively engage" means "engage and move. " That is, "operatively engage" when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a movable or rotatable second component means that the first component applies a force sufficient to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver may be placed into contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is merely "temporarily coupled" to the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver is pressed against the screw and "engages" the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver "operatively engages" the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Further, with electronic components, "operatively engage" means that one component controls another component by a control signal or current.

As used herein, "temporarily disposed" means that a first element(s) or assembly (ies) is resting on a second element(s) or assembly(ies) in a manner that allows the first element/assembly to be moved without having to decouple or otherwise manipulate the first element. For example, a book simply resting on a table, i.e., the book is not glued or fastened to the table, is "temporarily disposed" on the table.

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 to fit "snugly" together. 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. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two, or more, "corresponding" surfaces, shapes, or lines have generally the same size, shape, and contours.

As used herein, a "path of travel" or "path," when used in association with an element that moves, includes the space an element moves through when in motion. As such, any element that moves inherently has a "path of travel" or "path. " Further, a "path of travel" or "path" relates to a motion of one identifiable construct as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not move relative to the body (another object) of the automobile. That is, the wheel, as a whole, does not change its position relative to, for example, the adjacent fender. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the automobile. Conversely, the air inlet valve on that wheel (an identifiable construct) does have a "path of travel" or "path" relative to the body of the automobile. That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion, the air inlet valve, as a whole, moves relative to the body of the automobile.

As used herein, the word "unitary" means a component that 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.

As used herein, the term "number" shall mean one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase "a number of elements" means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term "a 'number' of [X]" includes a single [X].

As used herein, in the phrase "[x] moves between its first position and second position," or, "[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and second position," "[x]" is the name of an element or assembly. Further, when [x] is an element or assembly that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun "its" means "[x]," i.e., the named element or assembly that precedes the pronoun "its.

As used herein, a "radial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side/surface that extends about, or encircles, the center thereof or a height line passing through the center thereof. As used herein, an "axial side/surface" for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane extending generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center of the cylinder. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the "radial side/surface" is the generally circular sidewall and the "axial side(s)/surface(s)" are the top and bottom of the soup can. Further, as used herein, "radially extending" means extending in a radial direction or along a radial line. That is, for example, a "radially extending" line extends from the center of the circle or cylinder toward the radial side/surface. Further, as used herein, "axially extending" means extending in the axial direction or along an axial line. That is, for example, an "axially extending" line extends from the bottom of a cylinder toward the top of the cylinder and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

As used herein, "generally curvilinear" includes elements having multiple curved portions, combinations of curved portions and planar portions, and a plurality of planar portions or segments disposed at angles relative to each other thereby forming a curve.

As used herein, a "planar body" or "planar member" is a generally thin element including opposed, wide, generally parallel surfaces, i.e., the planar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surface extending between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used herein, it is inherent that a "planar" element has two opposed planar surfaces. The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generally straight portions, e.g., as on a rectangular planar member, or be curved, as on a disk, or have any other shape.

As used herein, for any adjacent ranges that share a limit, e.g., <NUM>% - <NUM>% and <NUM>% -<NUM>, or, <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch) and <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), the upper limit of the lower range, i.e., <NUM>% and <NUM> (<NUM> inch) in the lower range of the examples above, means slightly less than the identified limit. That is, in the example above, the range <NUM>% - <NUM>% means <NUM>% - <NUM>% and the range <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch) means <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch).

As used herein, "upwardly depending" means an element that extends upwardly and generally perpendicular from another element.

As employed herein, the terms "can" and "container" are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container, which is structured to contain a substance (e.g., without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance), and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and beverage cans, as well as food cans.

As used herein, a "can body" includes a base and a depending, or upwardly depending, sidewall. The "can body" is unitary. In this configuration, the "can body" defines a generally enclosed space. Thus, the "can body," i.e., the base and sidewall, also include(s) an outer surface and an inner surface. That is, for example, a "can body" includes a sidewall inner surface and a sidewall outer surface.

As used herein, to "form" metal means to change the shape of a metal construct.

As used herein, a "forming distance" is a distance between two dies that is sufficiently narrow that at least a portion of the die(s) contacts and forms the material between the dies.

As used herein, "about" in a phrase such as "disposed about [an element, point or axis]" or "extend about [an element, point or axis]" or "[X] degrees about an [an element, point or axis]," means encircle, extend around, or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or in a similar manner, "about" means "approximately," i.e., in an approximate range relevant to the measurement as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, an "elongated" element inherently includes a longitudinal axis and/or longitudinal line extending in the direction of the elongation.

As used herein, "generally" means "in a general manner" relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "substantially" means "for the most part" relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "at" means on and/or near relevant to the term being modified as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, "a line of action substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis" means that the line of force and the longitudinal axis are substantially co-extensive.

As described below, blanks <NUM>, shells <NUM>, and/or a tab strip <NUM> move through lanes <NUM> in a conversion press <NUM>, described below. As used herein, the location whereat the blanks <NUM>, shells <NUM>, and/or a tab strip <NUM> enter the conversion press <NUM> is the "upstream" end of a lane. Conversely, the "downstream" end is where the can ends <NUM> or the scrap from the tab strip <NUM> exit the lane.

As used herein, a "beverage" can/container means a container structured to contain a beverage such as beer or carbonated beverages, i.e., a "soda" or "pop. " As is known, some such containers are known to contain about <NUM> ounces of liquid, but other, similar volumes are known as well. Such containers are structured to be held in a human hand and contain one or two servings. Thus, a gallon container for milk or a coffee samovar, while containing beverages, are not, as used herein, "beverage" containers. Further, "beverage" is used as an adjective; thus, for example, a "beverage" can conversion press means a conversion press structured to make can ends for a "beverage" can.

As used herein, a "six-out conversion press" means a conversion press including a single tab strip having a width sufficient to accommodate six rows of tabs.

As used herein, a "2X2 cluster" of shells and/or shell recesses in a transfer belt means an area having a length and a width wherein the length is defined by the most upstream edge and the most downstream edge of the shells/shell recesses in a transfer belt wherein the centers of the shells/shell recesses are disposed in a generally rectangular or trapezoidal pattern and wherein the shells/shell recesses are disposed immediately adjacent each other, i.e., without other shells/shell recesses disposed therebetween. It is understood that the shells/shell recesses are, in an exemplary embodiment, offset from each other. That is, as used herein with respect to shells/shell recesses, "offset" means a line extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a transfer belt does not cross the center of more than one shell/recess.

As shown in <FIG>, a conversion press <NUM>, and in an exemplary embodiment, a beverage can conversion press <NUM>, is structured to form metal blanks <NUM> and/or a metal sheet (not shown) into can ends <NUM>. The following disclosure uses generally circular blanks <NUM>, which are formed into generally circular can ends <NUM>, as an example. It is understood that this shape is exemplary only and the blanks <NUM>/can ends <NUM> can be of any shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the blanks <NUM> are initially cut from a sheet of metal such as, but not limited to aluminum, steel, or alloys of aluminum and/or steel. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, the blanks <NUM> are formed, or partially formed into "shells" <NUM>. As is known, and as used herein, a "shell" means a blank that has certain formations such as, but not limited to, a center panel and a countersink, but which does not include a tab <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, shells <NUM> are provided to the conversion press <NUM>. In another embodiment, not shown, the conversion press <NUM> cuts blanks <NUM> from a metal sheet and forms the blanks into shells <NUM>. As used herein, when a shell <NUM> has a tab <NUM> coupled thereto, the shell <NUM> becomes a "can end" <NUM>.

The conversion press <NUM> includes a housing/frame assembly <NUM> (hereinafter, "housing assembly" <NUM>), a ram press <NUM> (<FIG>), a tooling set <NUM>, and a transfer belt assembly <NUM>. The housing assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, support the other elements of the conversion press <NUM>. Generally, the specific details of the ram press <NUM> are not relevant to this disclosure other than to note that the ram press <NUM> includes an elongated ram body <NUM> (<FIG>), that is structured to move in a reciprocal motion and to apply a force sufficient to form metal at a plurality of forming stations, as described below. As is known, the ram press <NUM> applies the force through the ram body <NUM>. Thus, the ram body <NUM> is structured to, and does, apply a force along a line of action substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the ram body <NUM>. Further, the ram body <NUM> is structured to be, and is, coupled (indirectly in an exemplary embodiment) to a number of tooling assemblies <NUM> and, in an exemplary embodiment, an upper die assembly <NUM>, as described below. In the exemplary configuration, the ram body <NUM> is disposed generally above the tooling assemblies <NUM> and moves the upper die assemblies <NUM> downwardly into a second position, as described below.

That is, the nomenclature as used herein is as follows: the "tooling set <NUM>" includes a number of upper die shoes <NUM>, a number of lower die shoes <NUM>, and a number of "tooling assemblies <NUM>. " That is, the "tool set" means, essentially, all the elements that are, or can be, swapped out on the ram press <NUM> when the conversion press <NUM> is configured to form a different type of can end <NUM>. Each "tooling assembly <NUM>" includes an "upper tooling assembly <NUM>" and a "lower tooling assembly <NUM>. " Each upper/lower die assembly <NUM>, <NUM> includes the upper/lower dies in a "die set" <NUM>. In the embodiment disclosed herein, each "upper tooling assembly <NUM>" is movably coupled to the housing assembly <NUM> and operatively engaged by the ram press <NUM> and is structured to move between a first position, wherein the "upper tooling assembly <NUM>," and elements coupled thereto, are spaced from an associated "lower tooling assembly <NUM>" and elements coupled thereto, and, a second position, wherein the "upper tooling assembly <NUM>," and elements coupled thereto, are disposed a forming distance from the associated "lower tooling assembly <NUM>" and elements coupled thereto. Further, each "upper tooling assembly <NUM>" includes one of the upper die shoes <NUM> and an upper die assembly <NUM>. Similarly, each "lower tooling assembly <NUM>" includes one of the lower die shoes <NUM> and a lower die assembly <NUM>. That is, as used herein, the upper die shoes <NUM> and the lower die shoes <NUM> are identified collectively as part of the tooling set <NUM> and individually as part of an upper tooling assembly <NUM>/lower tooling assembly <NUM>. Further, each upper die assembly <NUM> has an associated lower die assembly <NUM>, i.e., the upper and lower die assemblies that are disposed in opposition to each other are associated and are also identified collectively herein as a "die set <NUM>," as discussed below.

In an exemplary embodiment, the tooling set upper mounting <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the ram press <NUM>/the ram body <NUM> and moves therewith. Stated alternately, the ram body <NUM> operatively engages the upper die assembly <NUM>. The tooling set lower mounting <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the housing assembly <NUM> and is substantially stationary. Each upper die shoe <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the tooling set upper mounting <NUM> and moves therewith. Each lower die shoe <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the tooling set lower mounting <NUM> and is substantially stationary. Each upper die assembly <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to an upper die shoe <NUM> and moves therewith. Each lower die assembly <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to a lower die shoe <NUM> and is substantially stationary. Thus, the tooling set <NUM>, the tooling assemblies <NUM>, and the die sets <NUM> (discussed below), are structured to, and do, form the blanks <NUM>/shells <NUM>. In this configuration, the upper die assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, move between a first position, wherein the upper die assembly <NUM> is spaced from an associated lower die assembly <NUM>, and, a second position, wherein the upper die assembly <NUM> is disposed a forming distance from the associated lower die assembly <NUM>. It is understood that when the upper die assembly <NUM> is in the second position, the pairs of opposed dies <NUM>', <NUM>" are spaced by a forming distance and that a blank <NUM> therebetween has a forming operation performed thereon.

The tooling set <NUM> includes a plurality of shell die sets <NUM> and a tab die set <NUM>. Each tooling assembly <NUM> structured to form shells <NUM> includes a number of shell die sets <NUM> wherein each shell die set <NUM> defines at least one elongated shell lane <NUM>. As used herein, a "shell lane" <NUM> means a series of dies <NUM>', <NUM>" (discussed below) disposed in series and through which a blank <NUM>/shell <NUM> passes and is formed. The tooling set <NUM> also includes one tooling assembly <NUM> that is structured to, and does, form tabs. This is the tab tooling assembly <NUM>' and includes a tab upper tooling assembly <NUM>' and a tab lower tooling assembly <NUM>', and a tab die set <NUM>. The tab die set <NUM> includes a tab upper die assembly <NUM>' and lower tab die assembly <NUM>'. The tab dies set defines an elongated tab lane 34T.

Further to the definition set forth above, as used herein, a "die set" <NUM> includes a plurality of pairs of opposed dies <NUM>", <NUM>", i.e., an upper die <NUM>' and a lower die <NUM>", wherein each pair of dies <NUM>', <NUM>" defines a forming station <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of pairs of opposed dies <NUM>', <NUM>" are disposed in series and in a substantially straight line.

Further, each forming station <NUM> performs a number of forming operations on blank <NUM>/shell <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, each forming station <NUM> performs a single forming operation on blank <NUM>/shell <NUM>. Further, one forming station <NUM> is structured to, and does, stake a tab <NUM> to each shell <NUM>. Hereinafter, this station is identified as the "staking station <NUM>. " Further, adjacent each staking station <NUM> is an idle station <NUM> wherein no forming activity occurs to the shell <NUM>, tab <NUM> or can end <NUM>. The idle station(s) <NUM> are located upstream, downstream or both relative to a staking station <NUM>.

As noted above, each tooling assembly <NUM> includes an upper tooling assembly <NUM> and a lower tooling assembly <NUM>. Each upper tooling assembly <NUM> includes one of the upper die shoes <NUM> and an upper die assembly <NUM>, <NUM>'. Each lower tooling assembly <NUM> includes one of the lower die shoes <NUM> and a lower die assembly <NUM>, <NUM>'. As is known, each upper die assembly <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or temporarily coupled to an upper die shoe <NUM>, and, each lower die assembly <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, fixed or temporarily coupled to a lower die shoe <NUM>. Further, the dies <NUM>', <NUM>" are coupled, directly coupled, fixed, or temporarily coupled to an upper die shoe <NUM>/a lower die shoe <NUM>, respectively.

The transfer belt assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, move a plurality of blanks <NUM>/shells <NUM> through the tooling set <NUM>/the tooling assemblies <NUM>. That is, the transfer belt assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, move a plurality of shells between each upper tooling assembly <NUM> and a lower tooling assembly <NUM>. The transfer belt assembly <NUM> includes an indexing drive assembly <NUM> and a number of transfer belts <NUM>. The indexing drive assembly <NUM> includes an output shaft <NUM> that is operatively coupled to each transfer belt <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, all transfer belts <NUM> are driven by a single indexing drive assembly <NUM>. As noted above, an "indexing" motion means that indexing drive assembly <NUM> rotates the output shaft <NUM>, and therefore moves the transfer belts <NUM>, a predetermined/set distance during each cycle of the ram press <NUM>/tooling assembly <NUM>. That is, generally, the indexing drive assembly <NUM> rotates the output shaft <NUM> and the transfer belts <NUM> move. In an exemplary embodiment, the operation of the indexing drive assembly <NUM> and the motion of the transfer belts <NUM> is limited to the time when the upper die assembly <NUM> is moving from the second position to the first position. That is, the transfer belts <NUM> move as the upper die assembly <NUM> is moving away from the lower tooling assembly <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, operation of the indexing drive assembly <NUM> and the motion of the transfer belts <NUM> occurs during the initial motion of the upper die assembly <NUM> from the first position toward the second position. In all embodiments, the operation of the indexing drive assembly <NUM> and the motion of the transfer belts <NUM> stops before, and during, the time the upper die assembly <NUM> is in the second position. Thus, the blanks <NUM>/shells <NUM> are not moving during forming operations.

In an exemplary embodiment, there are three transfer belts <NUM>; a lateral, first transfer belt 80A, a central, second transfer belt 80B and a lateral, third transfer belt 80C, as discussed below. The transfer belts <NUM> are substantially similar and a generic transfer belt <NUM> is described immediately below. The transfer belt <NUM> includes an elongated body <NUM> with ends (not numbered) that are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to each other so that the transfer belt body <NUM> forms an elongated loop. That is, the transfer belt body <NUM>, even when formed into a loop, has a centerline or longitudinal axis <NUM> (hereinafter "longitudinal axis" <NUM>). In an exemplary embodiment, each transfer belt <NUM>, i.e., each transfer belt body <NUM>, is made from a resilient material such as, but not limited to, neoprene rubber. The transfer belt body <NUM> includes a plurality of recesses <NUM>. Each transfer belt body recess is sized and shaped to correspond to the blanks <NUM>/shells <NUM> and, hereinafter, the blanks <NUM>/shells <NUM> are considered to be the same size. That is, one shell <NUM>/blank <NUM> fits within each recess <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> are disposed in a number columns <NUM> that extends generally parallel to the transfer belt body longitudinal axis <NUM>. Hereinafter, and as used herein, the collective term "column[s] of recesses <NUM>" means the "column" and the proper reference number to follow the term "recess" is "<NUM>" rather than "<NUM>. " That is, reference number "<NUM>" identifies an individual recess <NUM> whereas reference number "<NUM>" identifies a column of recesses <NUM>. According to the invention, each transfer belt <NUM> includes a limited number of columns of recesses <NUM>. That is, each transfer belt <NUM> includes two columns of generally adjacent pairs of recesses <NUM> with each column of recesses <NUM> disposed on opposed sides of the transfer belt body longitudinal axis <NUM>. As shown in the figures, and in an exemplary embodiment, the recesses <NUM> in the two columns are longitudinally offset from each other. As used herein, a pair of recesses <NUM> in this configuration is identified as "an offset adjacent pair of transfer belt assembly transfer belt recesses" <NUM>.

As is known, a strip of material, such as, but not limited to an aluminum sheet, passes through the tab die set <NUM> wherein the tab die set forms rows of tabs <NUM> therein. The strip of material has substantially the same width as the tab die lane 34T and hereinafter the width of the tab die lane 34T and the width of tab strip <NUM> are considered the same. The longitudinal axis of the strip of material, i.e., the tab strip <NUM>, extends, and moves, generally perpendicular to each transfer belt body longitudinal axis <NUM>. Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the tab strip <NUM> is disposed over/above each transfer belt body <NUM>. In this configuration, the tab strip <NUM> creates a "crossover," as defined above. In a six-out conversion press <NUM>, the area of each crossover is larger than a 2X2 cluster of shells <NUM>/recesses <NUM>.

In this configuration, and at the time a tab <NUM> is staked to a shell <NUM>, at least two shells <NUM> (other than the shells being staked) on each transfer belt <NUM> will be under the tab strip <NUM> at the crossover. As noted above, in this configuration, no retaining pin, or similar construct, that extends downwardly from an upper tooling assembly <NUM> is able to engage a shell <NUM> at an idle station <NUM> adjacent a staking station <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a retainer assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, selectively retain at least one shell <NUM> in a transfer belt recess <NUM> at an idle station <NUM> adjacent a staking station <NUM>. The retainer assembly <NUM> includes a retaining member assembly <NUM> and a motion assembly <NUM>. The retaining member assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, selectively retain at least one shell <NUM> in a transfer belt recess <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown, the retaining member assembly <NUM>, and therefore the retainer assembly <NUM>, is structured to retain one, or in another embodiment, two, shell(s) <NUM> each in a transfer belt recess <NUM>. That is, there is one shell <NUM> retained in each transfer belt recess <NUM> and the retaining member assembly <NUM> retains each shell <NUM> in an associated transfer belt recess <NUM>. The motion assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, move a retaining member <NUM>, discussed below, between a first position, wherein the retaining member <NUM> is spaced from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>, and, a second position, wherein the retaining member <NUM> is disposed a retaining distance from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. As used herein, a "retaining distance" means a distance sufficiently small so that a shell <NUM> or can end <NUM> disposed in a transfer belt recess <NUM> would contact the retaining member <NUM> if the shell <NUM> or can end <NUM> were to move out of, or become askew relative to, the transfer belt recess <NUM>.

The retaining member assembly <NUM> includes a retaining member <NUM> and a leveling assembly <NUM>. According to the invention, the retaining member <NUM> is an elongated idle bar <NUM>. The idle bar <NUM> has a body <NUM> with a length sufficient to extend perpendicularly, i.e., laterally, across at last one transfer belt <NUM>. The idle bar body <NUM> has a first end <NUM> and a second end <NUM>. The idle bar body <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly <NUM>. The idle bar <NUM>, and/or the idle bar body <NUM>, is structured to, and does, move between an upper, first position, wherein the idle bar <NUM> is spaced from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>, and, a second position, wherein the idle bar <NUM> is disposed a retaining distance from a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. Further, idle bar <NUM> is structured to, and does, extend generally perpendicularly across at least one transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the idle bar <NUM> is structured to, and does, extend across an adjacent pair of transfer belt assembly transfer belt recesses <NUM>. Further, in another exemplary embodiment, the idle bar <NUM> is structured to, and does, extend across an offset adjacent pair of transfer belt assembly transfer belt recesses <NUM>.

The leveling assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, level the retaining member <NUM>. That is, the leveling assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, maintain the idle bar body <NUM> in a generally horizontal orientation, i.e., the longitudinal axis of the idle bar body <NUM> remains generally horizontal. The leveling assembly <NUM> includes a first elongated member <NUM> and a second elongated member <NUM>. The leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM> move with the retaining member <NUM>. Thus, the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM> move between an upper, first position and a lower, second position.

The leveling assembly first member <NUM> includes an elongated body <NUM> that is structured to be, and is, disposed adjacent to, and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. Similarly, the leveling assembly second member <NUM> includes an elongated body <NUM> structured to be disposed adjacent to, and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of, a transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. The leveling assembly first elongated member <NUM> and the leveling assembly second elongated member <NUM> are disposed on opposite sides of the transfer belt assembly transfer belt <NUM>. The idle bar first end <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly first elongated member <NUM>. The idle bar second end <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly second elongated member <NUM>. The leveling assembly first elongated member <NUM> is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to at least one motion assembly lower assembly member <NUM> (discussed below). Similarly, the leveling assembly second elongated member <NUM> is also coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to at least one motion assembly lower assembly member <NUM>.

The motion assembly <NUM>, in an exemplary embodiment, includes an upper assembly <NUM> and a lower assembly <NUM>. The motion assembly upper assembly <NUM> is structured to be, and is, coupled to and moves with the upper tooling assembly <NUM>. As shown, the motion assembly upper assembly <NUM> includes a number of elongated members <NUM> that are structured to, and do, downwardly depend from the upper tooling assembly <NUM>. That is, the motion assembly upper assembly members <NUM> are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the upper tooling assembly <NUM>. The motion assembly upper assembly members <NUM> are disposed so that, as the upper tooling assembly <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position, the motion assembly upper assembly members <NUM> operatively engage the motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> and/or an associated leveling member <NUM>, <NUM>.

The motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> is structured to be, and is, movably coupled to the lower tooling assembly <NUM>. It is understood that, as used herein, when elements of an assembly are movably coupled to another element, it is said that the assembly is movably coupled to another element. The motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, move between an upper first configuration and a lower second configuration. In the first configuration, the motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, position the leveling assembly first elongated member <NUM> and the leveling assembly second elongated member <NUM> in the first position. In the second configuration, the motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> is structured to, and does, position the leveling assembly first elongated member <NUM> and the leveling assembly second elongated member <NUM> in the second position.

In an exemplary embodiment, the motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> includes a number of elongated members <NUM> and a number of biasing devices <NUM>. As shown, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> are springs <NUM>. The motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> are disposed in pockets (not numbered) in the lower tooling assembly <NUM>. That is, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the lower tooling assembly <NUM>. The motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> are structured to be engaged by an associated motion assembly lower assembly biasing device <NUM>. The motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> are, in an exemplary embodiment, elongated rods <NUM> having a flange (not shown) or other spring mounting. The motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> also move between an upper, first position and a lower second position.

That is, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> are disposed in the pockets. The motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> are movably disposed in the pocket with the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> between the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> and the pockets. In this configuration, the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> operatively engage and bias the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> to the first position. The motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> are coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, as shown, there are four motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> with two coupled to each of the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM> move with the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> and are biased to their first position. Further the retaining member <NUM>, and as shown the idle bar <NUM>, is coupled, directly coupled, or fixed to the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>. Thus, the retaining member <NUM> is also biased to its first position.

In operation, the motion assembly upper assembly members <NUM> are aligned with the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> and/or the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>. In this configuration, and as the upper tooling assembly <NUM> moves from the first position to the second position, the motion assembly upper assembly members <NUM> operatively engage the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> and/or the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM>, causing the motion assembly lower assembly <NUM> to move from the first configuration to the second configuration. As the upper tooling assembly <NUM> moves from the second position to the first position, the bias of the motion assembly lower assembly biasing devices <NUM> bias, and move, the motion assembly lower assembly members <NUM> and/or the leveling assembly first and second members <NUM>, <NUM> to their first position. Thus, the retaining member <NUM> cycles between the first and second positions as the upper tooling assembly <NUM> cycles between its first and second positions.

Claim 1:
A conversion press (<NUM>) comprising: an upper tooling assembly (<NUM>), a lower tooling assembly (<NUM>), and a transfer belt assembly (<NUM>), wherein said upper tooling assembly (<NUM>) is structured to move between a first position, wherein said upper tooling assembly (<NUM>) is spaced from said lower tooling assembly (<NUM>), and a second position, wherein said upper tooling assembly (<NUM>) is disposed a forming distance from said lower tooling assembly (<NUM>), said upper tooling assembly (<NUM>) and said lower tooling assembly (<NUM>) defining a plurality of end lanes (<NUM>) and a tab lane (34T), said end lanes (<NUM>) extending generally parallel to each other, said tab lane (34T) extending generally perpendicular to said end lanes (<NUM>), said transfer belt assembly (<NUM>) being structured to move a number of shells (<NUM>) through each said end lane (<NUM>), said transfer belt assembly (<NUM>) including a number of transfer belts (<NUM>), each transfer belt assembly transfer belt (<NUM>) defining a number of columns (<NUM>) of recesses (<NUM>), each recess (<NUM>) corresponding to a shell (<NUM>), each transfer belt assembly transfer belt (<NUM>) moving through an end lane (<NUM>), said tab lane (34T) having
a width greater than the length of a 2X2 cluster of shell recesses (<NUM>); and a retainer assembly (<NUM>), wherein the retainer assembly (<NUM>) comprises:
a retaining member assembly (<NUM>) structured to selectively retain at least one shell (<NUM>) in a transfer belt assembly belt column (<NUM>) of recesses (<NUM>);
said retaining member assembly (<NUM>) including a retaining member (<NUM>);
and characterized in that:
the retaining member (<NUM>) includes an elongated idle bar (<NUM>); and
said idle bar (<NUM>) is structured to extend generally perpendicularly across at
least one transfer belt assembly transfer belt (<NUM>);
with the retaining member assembly (<NUM>) further comprising a motion assembly (<NUM>) structured to move said retaining member (<NUM>) between a first position, wherein said retaining member (<NUM>) is spaced from said transfer belt assembly transfer belt (<NUM>), and a second position, wherein said retaining member (<NUM>) is disposed a retaining distance from said transfer belt assembly transfer
belt (<NUM>).