Ram system and knock-out ram assembly for processing containers

Abstract

Disclosed is a knock-out ram assembly that includes a bushing and a knock-out ram extending through the bushing. The knock-out ram is configured to translate relative to the bushing. The knock-out ram assembly further includes a die coupled to the bushing at one end of the knock-out ram assembly, and a knock-out retainer assembly coupled to the knock-out ram at the one end. The knock-out retainer assembly includes a retainer and a filler body. The knock-out ram assembly further includes a knock-out retained against the knock-out ram at the one end by the knock-out retainer assembly. In one or more embodiments, the knock-out ram assembly is combined with a push ram assembly as a ram system for processing containers.

1 . A knock-out ram assembly comprising:
 a bushing;   a knock-out ram extending through the bushing, the knock-out ram being configured to translate relative to the bushing;   a die coupled to the bushing at one end of the knock-out ram assembly;   a knock-out retainer assembly coupled to the knock-out ram at the one end, the knock-out retainer assembly comprising:
 a retainer; and 
 a filler body; and 
   a knock-out retained against the knock-out ram at the one end by the knock-out retainer assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out retainer assembly further comprises a retaining ring and a bias spring, and the retaining ring and the bias spring maintain the filler body biased under tension on the retainer. 
     
     
         3 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the filler body forms an interference fit with the knock-out such that there is no radial gap between the filler body and the knock-out. 
     
     
         4 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 3 , wherein the knock-out retainer assembly weighs about 0.37 kg to about 0.46 kg. 
     
     
         5 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein proximal ends of the knock-out retainer assembly and the knock-out are generally flush. 
     
     
         6 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a tapered nozzle. 
     
     
         7 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 6 , wherein a conduit passes through the knock-out ram and the knock-out retainer assembly to pressurize an area defined by the die, knock-out retainer assembly, and the knock-out during use of the knock-out ram assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 6 , wherein the filler body comprises a taper that complements the tapered nozzle. 
     
     
         9 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out ram includes an inwardly facing threaded portion, and the retainer includes an outwardly facing threaded portion, and the inwardly facing threaded portion engages the outwardly facing threaded portion to couple the knock-out retainer assembly to the knock-out ram. 
     
     
         10 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out comprises an annular groove facing the bushing. 
     
     
         11 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein an outer diameter of the knock-out ram within the bushing is about 34 mm to about 42 mm. 
     
     
         12 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the filler body is formed of a polymer. 
     
     
         13 . The knock-out ram assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the knock-out ram assembly is configured to process containers having a diameter of about 66 mm to about 87 mm, a height of about 88 mm to about 211 mm, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         14 . A ram system comprising:
 a knock-out ram assembly comprising:
 a first bushing; 
 a knock-out ram extending through the first bushing, the knock-out ram being configured to translate relative to the first bushing; 
 a die coupled to the first bushing at one end of the knock-out ram assembly; 
 a knock-out retainer assembly coupled to the knock-out ram at the one end, the knock-out retainer assembly comprising:
 a retainer; and 
 a filler body; and 
 
 a knock-out retained against the knock-out ram at the one end by the knock-out retainer assembly; and 
   a push ram assembly comprising:
 a second bushing; 
 a push ram extending through second first bushing, the push ram being configured to translate relative to the second bushing; and 
 a push plate coupled to the push ram facing the knock-out ram assembly, 
   wherein the knock-out tam assembly and the push ram assembly are configured to cooperate together for retaining and releasing a container.   
     
     
         15 . The ram system of  claim 14 , wherein the push ram is hollow beyond where the push plate connects to the push ram. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein the ram system is configured to process containers having a diameter of about 66 mm to about 87 mm, a height of about 88 mm to about 211 mm, or a combination thereof, and the push ram weighs about 3.9 kg to about 4.8 kg. 
     
     
         17 . The ram system of  claim 14 , wherein the push plate is a single piece. 
     
     
         18 . The ram system of  claim 14 , wherein the filler body forms an interference fit with the knock-out such that there is no radial gap between the filler body and the knock-out. 
     
     
         19 . The ram system of  claim 14 , wherein proximal ends of the knock-out retainer assembly and the knock-out are generally flush. 
     
     
         20 . The ram system of  claim 14 , wherein the retainer comprises a tapered nozzle and the filler body comprises a taper that complements the tapered nozzle.