the ends. The ends are then fed to a compound station applying a compound sealant to the ends. The ends are then fed to an inspection station and then to a bagging station for packaging the ends and loading on a pallet or other suitable structure.
In another aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing can ends is provided that comprises the steps of introducing a sheet of end material into a press, and feeding the sheet of end material to a series of work stations in the press. The sheet of end material is worked in the series of work stations in a sequence of operations so as to complete the formation of an end in the sheet of end material. In contrast to the prior artapproach described in the Buhrke and Herrmann patents, during the working of the end material the sheet of end material is maintained in a substantially continuous and void-free state. This permits the sheet feed mechanism to provide precise movement of the sheet relative to the work stations, and maintain registry of the sheet relative to the work stations as the sheet is fed through press. The method continues with the step of blanking the end from the sheet after the formation of the end has been completed. The ends are then ejected from the press.
The series of work stations in the press preferably include at least one station for forming a rivet in the sheet, a station for scoring the sheet so as to form an opening feature