Robert B Heffner

US Patent:

39570053, May 18, 1976

Filed:

Jun 3, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/475442

Inventors:

Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Alcoa Center PA

International Classification:

B21D 5144
B21D 2221

US Classification:

113 1F

Abstract:

A metal can end and method for making the same wherein the can end includes a body portion of substantially uniform metal thickness and a peripheral flange of reduced metal thickness to minimize the weight and quantity of material required for the can end. The can end is formed from relatively thin sheet material, such as aluminum sheet or the like, by punching or shearing a blank or disc from the sheet and forming the disc into a cup which is subjected to an ironing operation to reduce the thickness of the peripheral portion thereof and increase its projecting length. The ironed cup is then subjected to mechanical pressing, or magnetic discharge forming, to shape the peripheral portion into a curvilinear flange which is adapted to be double seamed to the can body.

US Patent:

44002513, Aug 23, 1983

Filed:

Jun 5, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/270612

Inventors:

Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA
John J. Davidson - New Kensington PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C25D 1304
C25D 1314

US Classification:

204181R

Abstract:

A method and apparatus are provided for electrocoating the interior and exterior of a metal container using a dual flow system. The interior and exterior surfaces of the metal container may be coated with the same or different coating weights. An electrically conductive probe, including a nozzle, is inserted into a metal container and an electrically conductive housing is enclosed around the container to seal the container therein. Two separate passageways are provided such that one passageway supplies coating material about the container between the container exterior and the outer housing and a second passageway is formed by the hollow probe and the interior of the container. Electrocoating material is caused to flow into each of the passageways. As flowing electrocoating material floods the container interior and exterior in separate transient baths, an electrical potential is impressed between the container and the probe-nozzle to electrocoat the interior of the container, and between the container and the outer housing to electrocoat the exterior of the container. The interior and exterior of the container can be coated simultaneously.

US Patent:

45806926, Apr 8, 1986

Filed:

May 29, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/738975

Inventors:

Robert L. La Barge - Ben Avon Borough PA
Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B65D 5300

US Classification:

220240

Abstract:

A snap-type cap for sealing against escape of gases through an opening in an end closure of a container having contents therein which dissociate a gas therefrom. The cap includes a seal portion to engage with a sealing lip around the opening in the container end to provide an initial low pressure seal and a second high pressure seal as progressively higher pressures within the container exceed the sealing limit of the initial low pressure seal. The cap may further include an opening portion adapted for contacting an opening panel in the container end and effecting an opening in the container by applying pressure against the opening panel through the opening portion. An improved easy open container end having a smooth sealing lip for cooperating with the cap for resealing and a method of making such an end are also disclosed.

US Patent:

46485287, Mar 10, 1987

Filed:

Oct 28, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/792106

Inventors:

Robert L. LaBarge - Ben Avon PA
Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B65D 5300

US Classification:

220240

Abstract:

A closure for closing the open end of a container having contents therein which dissociate a gas therefrom. The closure is adapted to provide an opening for access to the contents. The opening is adapted for a snap assembly with a plastic cap to effect a substantially gas-tight seal of the opening under high pressures to enable resealing of the container after dispensing a portion of the contents.

US Patent:

45444757, Oct 1, 1985

Filed:

Jun 27, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/625178

Inventors:

Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA
John J. Davidson - New Kensington PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

C25D 1314

US Classification:

204300EC

Abstract:

An electrocoating apparatus for electrocoating a plurality of metal containers through coordinated cycling of a plurality of electrocoating cells, preferably in unison, through the requisite electrocoating operating cycle and including transfer means for moving the metal container to and from the respective electrocoating cells on a pass line through the apparatus.

US Patent:

46858490, Aug 11, 1987

Filed:

Aug 4, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/892796

Inventors:

Robert L. LaBarge - Ben Avon PA
Robert E. Heffner - Lower Burrell PA

Assignee:

Aluminum Company of America - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

B21D 5142

US Classification:

413 22

Abstract:

A closure for closing the open end of a container having contents therein which dissociate a gas therefrom. The closure is adapted to provide an opening for access to the contents. The opening is adapted for a snap assembly with a plastic cap to effect a substantially gas-tight seal of the opening under high pressures to enable resealing of the container after dispensing a portion of the contents.