Patent attributes
A can shaping process in which container preforms (F) are mounted on a table (16) which is rotated so a preform is moved from an initial loading station (P1) to a molding station (P4). A molding unit (20) includes a two-part mold (20a, 20b) split vertically in half, with inner surfaces (56) of the respective mold halves shaped to produce a desired container profile. Once the preform is in place, a pressurization unit (102) is lowered into place from above the mold onto an open, upper end of the preform. The mold is then closed and pressurized air is introduced into the preform. The air pressure forces the sidewall of the preform outwardly against the inner surface of the mold to conform the shape of the container to a desired profile. After the shaping operation is complete, the pressurized air is withdrawn from the container, the mold halves are moved apart from each other, opening the mold. The pressurization unit is then removed and the table is rotated to an off-loading station (P7) where the shaped container is removed from the table and conveyed to the next operating location. As the table moves the contoured container to the off-loading station, another container preform is loaded into the mold.
