Michael E Atkinson

US Patent:

7073365, Jul 11, 2006

Filed:

May 30, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/515552

Inventors:

Jeffrey Edward Geho - Aurora IL, US
Harold Cook, Jr. - Evergreen CO, US
Christopher J. Olson - Superior CO, US
Michael L. Atkinson - Lafayette CO, US
William Kennedy - Sunnybank Hills, AU

Assignee:

Novelis, Inc. - Toronto, Ontario

International Classification:

B21D 41/04

US Classification:

72352, 7237002, 413 69

Abstract:

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming metal containers. The method involves introducing a knockout element () into the container body through the open end, providing a forming die shaped to reduce the diameter of the sidewall of the container body () when the open end of the container body () is forced therein to produce a neck portion of reduced diameter on the container body, driving the open end of the container body into the forming die (), retracting the knockout element through the neck portion as the neck portion is formed, and removing the container body () from the forming die () and knockout element (). In the invention, the driving of the open end of the container body into the forming die and/or the movements of the knockout element are carried out under computer numerical control, preferably employing linear motor drives, thereby enabling the driving or movement to be optimized for the container body and the neck portion formed thereon.

US Patent:

7942028, May 17, 2011

Filed:

Jan 16, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/015480

Inventors:

Kevin Gillest - Arvada CO, US
Andrew Le - Westminster CO, US
Harold Cook, Jr. - Evergreen CO, US
Michael L. Atkinson - Lafayette CO, US

Assignee:

Stolle Machinery Company, LLC - Centennial CO

International Classification:

B21B 19/14
B21D 15/04

US Classification:

72105, 72 96, 72124

Abstract:

Disclosed is a device and method for forming a curl in a closable container. A process of forming a pre-curl is used, which is followed by a second separate step of forming the completed curl. The two-step process provides for higher tolerances with respect to the shape of the curl that allows the curl to be used as a sealing surface for a recloseable metal bottle. A three-step process provides for even greater tolerances and reduces longitudinal forces by completing the curl using lateral forces.

US Patent:

8096156, Jan 17, 2012

Filed:

Oct 29, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/980283

Inventors:

Christopher J. Olson - Superior CO, US
Harold Cook, Jr. - Evergreen CO, US
Michael Atkinson - Lafayette CO, US
Randy Worwag - Arvada CO, US
Peter Kubisa - Littleton CO, US
Chris Reynolds - Parker CO, US
Larry Patchen - Brighton CO, US

Assignee:

Crown Packaging Technology, Inc. - Alsip IL

International Classification:

B21D 51/26
B21J 11/00

US Classification:

72 94, 7240503

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for forming (e. g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

US Patent:

20120042708, Feb 23, 2012

Filed:

Aug 22, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/215055

Inventors:

Evan D. Watkins - Evergreen CO, US
Michael Atkinson - Lafayette CO, US

International Classification:

B21D 43/00
B21K 21/12

US Classification:

723794, 72419

Abstract:

A machine may include a plurality of stations, e.g., for performing progressive die-necking of open-ended container bodies. A conveyer may be provided to index the open-ended container bodies in a linear manner through the machine from station to station.

US Patent:

20120326372, Dec 27, 2012

Filed:

Dec 19, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/329617

Inventors:

Christopher J. Olson - Superior CO, US
Harold Cook, JR. - Evergreen CO, US
Michael Atkinson - Lafayette CO, US
Randy Worwag - Arvada CO, US
Peter Kubisa - Littleton CO, US
Chris Reynolds - Parker CO, US
Larry Patchen - Brighton CO, US

International Classification:

B23Q 1/64
B21D 51/26

US Classification:

269 57, 413 69

Abstract:

Apparatus and method for forming (e.g. die necking) open ends of open-ended metal container bodies. An exemplary embodiment provides a number of movable holders for container bodies that move the container bodies along a path extending through the apparatus. A motor advances the holders and container bodies along the path in steps with pauses between each step. Each step advances one or more container bodies (and preferably two or more). One or more groups of work stations positioned adjacent to the path provides tool sets for carrying out a forming operation on one (and preferably two or more) container bodies simultaneously. Individual container bodies, or more preferably groups of two or more, are subjected to one or more forming operations during passage along the path (preferably the periphery of one or more star wheels).

US Patent:

6162764, Dec 19, 2000

Filed:

Jun 1, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/323863

Inventors:

Michael Atkinson - Thornton CO
Randall Worthley - Greeley CO

Assignee:

Platte Chemical Company - Greeley CO

International Classification:

A01N 6300

US Classification:

504118

Abstract:

A stable premixture composition which remains soluble or emulsifiable prior to mixing with pesticides includes an aliphatic solvent, an emulsifier, a phosphate ester water conditioner and/or a polyacrylate dispersant, an antifoam agent and a polyacrylamide drift reduction agent. A preferred formulation includes a petroleum distillate, Tallowamine, Good-Rite K-752, a silicone foam control agent, water and a polyacrylimatePolytex 363. A preferred technique for application to agricultural acreage at a rate of 10 gallons per acre, involves the addition of 3 quarts of the composition of the present invention to 200 gallons of water, followed by the addition of 3 quarts of Roundup. TM. or other weak acid herbicide (such as, for example, Touchdown. RTM. , 2-4,D's, sulfonyl urea, imizazolone), followed by water to 300 gallons.

US Patent:

44034938, Sep 13, 1983

Filed:

Nov 30, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/325693

Inventors:

Michael L. Atkinson - Arvada CO

Assignee:

Ball Corporation - Muncie IN

International Classification:

B21D 2200

US Classification:

72356

Abstract:

The present invention relates to methods for reducing the open end of drawn and ironed containers such as beverage cans (20). It is desirable to provide a maximum reduction in diameter of the open end (36) in order to reduce the quantity of material in the lid (24); but previous forming methods have resulted in localized buckling in the reduced diameter portion (58) and/or crumpling of the transition portion (60). The present invention has solved the localized buckling and crumpling problems by a step wherein both the reduced diameter portion (58) and the transition portion (60) are reformed within controlled limits to provide a new reduced diameter portion (82) and a new curvilinear transition portion (84). Principal uses include the manufacture of beverage cans.

US Patent:

D2624397, Dec 29, 1981

Filed:

Apr 5, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/026888

Inventors:

Michael L. Atkinson - Lakewood CO
Edward C. Miller - Broomfield CO

Assignee:

Ball Corporation - Muncie IN

International Classification:

D0903

US Classification:

D 9351