Electromagnetic Induction Can Curing Oven

Abstract

A can curing oven for curing one or more coatings on one or more surfaces of a sidewall of a number of can bodies includes a heating assembly having a number of induction heating units that define a space generally enclosed by the number of induction heating units. Each induction heating unit capable of producing a total effective amount of received heat needed to cure the coating on each can body. The curing oven further includes a conveyance arrangement for supporting and moving a number of can bodies along a workpath through the generally enclosed space among the number of induction heating units.

Description

1 / 26 Electromagnetic Induction Can Curing Oven - Reference to Related Patent Applications

[001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 105,938, filed February 6, 2023, entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC INDUCTION CAN CURING OVEN. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[002] The disclosed concept relates to arrangements for curing coatings on can body surfaces and, more particularly, arrangements for curing coatings that use electromagnetic induction to create the heat used for such curing. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[003] Pin ovens are well known in the art and widely used in industry for drying / curing the coating on the outside of partially completed, open-ended beverage cans (also referred to herein as “can bodies”). A can decorator applies the coating to the outside of the cans. The coating includes, but is not limited to, paint, enamel used to apply the label, a topcoat of lacquer or varnish, or both, a printed label and a topcoat. Such ovens include a number of heaters, typically natural gas heaters, which generate a heated fluid (air). That is, natural gas is burned, thus heating the air. The heated air is usually kept in a heated, enclosed space, through which a conveyor chain follows a generally vertical serpentine path.In other words, for the conveyor belt to have a sufficient length to allow the cans to cure, the enclosed space typically has a volume of approximately 75 m3. This is a problem, since these ovens occupy a large space within a facility. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 9 / 39 2 / 26 processing. In addition, a conveyor that extends along a serpentine path requires complex mechanical assemblies to accommodate the change in direction of the conveyor.

[004] The conveyor chain supports the cans on a number of pins. That is, elongated conveyor pins are fixed to the conveyor chain at spaced intervals along its entire length. Cans with open ends are placed on the extended pins and are transported along a serpentine path through the oven. Nozzles aligned with the chain path direct heated air against the outside of the cans as they move through the enclosed space of the oven. The heated air both holds the cans on the pins and cures the coating. Because the heated air flows are structured to hold and stabilize the cans on the pins, most pin ovens continuously direct heated air against the bottom of the cans. However, the bottom of the cans usually does not have a coating applied to it. Thus, there is a loss or waste of energy when heated air is directed against the bottom of the cans.

[005] Pin furnaces operate at a temperature of approximately 216°C (420°F) and are structured to operate, and do operate, substantially continuously. Thus, pin furnaces are not structured to cool down or heat up rapidly. In this configuration, operators typically leave the pin furnace heaters running, even if the pin furnaces are not in use. That is, for example, if the flow of cans being processed is interrupted due to a problem or routine maintenance on another machine in the can processing line, the pin furnace heaters operate in such a way as to prevent the pin furnace from cooling down. That is, instead of allowing the pin furnace heaters to stop operating, causing the pin furnace to cool below operating temperatures, the Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 10 / 39 3 / 26 operators keep the pin furnace heaters running. Thus, there is wasted energy due to the pin furnace's inability to heat up quickly.

[006] Pin ovens also use fans to move the heated air and to vent the exhaust gases. With the natural gas heaters and exhaust fans in operation, pin ovens are noisy, typically operating at approximately 95 dB. This also constitutes a problem. In addition, energy consumption, both in terms of natural gas used to power the heaters and electricity to operate the exhaust fans, is considerable. Energy cost savings are therefore extremely important. Furthermore, pin ovens, as described above, have reached the practical limits of can drying speeds and capacities. Currently, pin ovens process approximately 2,400 cans per minute (cpm). Other can processing machines, such as, but not limited to, decorators, have exceeded this speed. Thus, pin ovens are a bottleneck in the can processing line.

[007] There is therefore a need for an improved can curing oven. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[008] These needs, and others, are satisfied by at least one embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept, which provides a can curing oven structured to cure a coating on a sidewall surface of a number of can bodies. The can curing oven comprises: a heating assembly that includes a number of induction heating units sized and configured to define a space generally delimited by the number of induction heating units, the number of induction heating units structured to generate a total effective quantity Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 11 / 39 4 / 26 of the heat received is required to cure the coating on each can body; and a structured transport arrangement to support and move a number of can bodies along a working path through the generally enclosed space.

[009] Each induction heating unit may comprise: a heating element; and an induction coil positioned around the heating element, the induction coil structured to be coupled to a controlled AC power source.

[0010] The heating element may comprise a channel length in C.

[0011] The number of induction heating units may include a plurality of induction heating units; and at least two induction heating units of the plurality of induction heating units may be arranged on opposite sides of the working path.

[0012] The number of induction heating units may include a plurality of induction heating units; and at least two induction heating units of the plurality of induction heating units may be arranged on a single side of the working path.

[0013] The can curing oven may also comprise an enclosure that generally encloses the heating assembly.

[0014] The can curing oven may be structured to cure a can body lining in a first configuration and a can body in a second configuration, wherein a can body of the first configuration is different from a can body of the second configuration, and wherein: the casing assembly includes an adjustable mounting assembly; and the adjustable mounting assembly is structured to position each induction heating unit in: a first position, wherein each induction heating unit is structured to generate a proportional effective amount of heat received for a can body Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 12 / 39 5 / 26 of a can in a first configuration, and a second position, in which each induction heating unit is structured to generate an effective amount of heat proportional to that received for a can body of a second configuration.

[0015] Each induction heating unit can be a modular induction heating unit.

[0016] Each induction coil can be structured to be selectively powered by the controlled AC power source when the outer surface of the can body is at an effective distance.

[0017] The transport arrangement may include a plurality of support elements; and each support element of the plurality of support elements may be structured to be coupled to and support a can body.

[0018] At least one induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units may be positioned between two different parts of the working path or between a part of the working path and a part of another working path along which the transport arrangement and / or other transport arrangement is structured to move can bodies of the number of can bodies.

[0019] The number of heating units can be structured to process can bodies at the maximum speed of the can decorator.

[0020] The transport arrangement can be structured to support and move the number of can bodies along a linear working path through the generally enclosed space.

[0021] The transport arrangement can be structured to support and move the number of can bodies along a non-linear working path through the generally enclosed space.

[0022] Another modality of the revealed and claimed concept Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 13 / 39 6 / 26 provides a method for curing a coating on a sidewall surface of each can of a number of can bodies, the method comprising: supplying the number of adjacent can bodies to a number of induction heating units and feeding the number of induction heating units to generate a total effective amount of received heat necessary to cure the coating on the outer sidewall surface of each can body of the number of can bodies.

[0023] Each induction heating unit may comprise: a heating element and an induction coil positioned around the heating element; and powering the number of induction heating units may comprise selectively supplying AC power to the induction coil.

[0024] Feeding the number of induction heating units to generate the total effective amount of heat received may comprise feeding the number of induction heating units from an off state when the outer surface of a tin body of the number of tin bodies is at an effective distance from an induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units.

[0025] Providing the number of tin bodies adjacent to the number of induction heating units may involve providing a plurality of tin bodies adjacent to the number of induction heating units through a transport arrangement.

[0026] Feeding the number of induction heating units to generate the total effective amount of heat received may comprise: feeding the number of induction heating units from an off state when the outer surface of a tin body of the number of tin bodies is at an effective distance from an induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units, and returning the number of induction heating units to Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 14 / 39 7 / 26 state off after the outer surface of another tin body of the number of tin bodies moves away an effective distance from an induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units.

[0027] Providing the number of tin bodies adjacent to a number of induction heating units may involve providing the number of tin bodies along a linear working path adjacent to the number of induction heating units.

[0028] These and other objectives, features and characteristics of the disclosed concept, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related structural elements and the combination of parts and manufacturing economies, will become more evident after analysis of the following description and the appended claims, with reference to the attached drawings, which form part of this specification, in which similar reference numbers designate corresponding parts in the various figures. However, it should be expressly understood that the drawings are provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the concept. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A complete understanding of the invention can be obtained from the following description of preferred embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a partially schematic perspective view of a decorating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the revealed concept; Figure 2 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a tin body according to an exemplary embodiment of the revealed concept; Figure 3 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of a can curing oven heating arrangement of the decorator system of Figure 1, as shown in 3-3 in Figure 1; Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 15 / 39 8 / 26 Figure 4 is a partially schematic perspective view of an inductive heating unit of a heating arrangement according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept; Figure 5 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view, similar to the view in Figure 3, of a heating arrangement of a can curing oven according to another exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, showing the heating arrangement in a first configuration; and Figure 6 is a partially schematic cross-sectional view of the heating arrangement of Figure 5, showing the heating arrangement in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] It will be understood that the specific elements illustrated in the figures in this document and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, which are provided as non-limiting examples for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, specific dimensions, orientations, arrangement, number of components used, embodiment configurations, and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments in this document should not be considered limiting to the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0031] Directional expressions used in this document, such as clockwise, counterclockwise, left, right, up, down, upwards, downwards and their derivatives, refer to the orientation of the elements shown in the drawings and do not limit the claims, unless expressly stated therein.

[0032] As used in this document, the singular form of a, an, or includes plural references, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0033] As used in this document, structured for [verb] means that the identified element or set has Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 16 / 39 9 / 26 a structure that is shaped, sized, arranged, coupled, and / or configured to perform the identified verb. For example, a member that is “structured to move” is movably coupled to another element and includes elements that cause the member to move, or the member is otherwise configured to move in response to other elements or sets. As such, as used in this document, “structured to [verb]” refers to structure and not function. Furthermore, as used in this document, “structured to [verb]” means that the identified element or set is intended to and was designed to perform the identified verb. Thus, an element that is merely capable of performing the identified verb, but is not intended to and was not designed to perform the identified verb, is not “structured to [verb].”

[0034] As used in this document, “associated” means that the elements are part of the same set and / or function together or act upon or with each other in some way. For example, a car has four tires and four hubcaps. Although all the elements are coupled together as part of the car, it is understood that each hubcap is “associated” with a specific tire.

[0035] As used in this document, a “coupling assembly” includes two or more couplings or coupling components. The components of a coupling or coupling assembly are generally not part of the same element or component. As such, the components of a “coupling assembly” may not be described at the same time in the following description.

[0036] As used herein, a “coupling” or “coupling component(s)” is one or more components of a coupling assembly. That is, a coupling assembly includes at least two components that are structured to be coupled together. It is understood that the components of a Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 17 / 39 10 / 26 coupling assemblies are compatible with each other. For example, in a coupling assembly, if one coupling component is a pressure socket, the other coupling component is a pressure plug, or if one coupling component is a screw, the other coupling component is a nut or a threaded hole. Furthermore, a passage in an element is part of the coupling or coupling component(s). For example, in an assembly of two wooden boards coupled together by a nut and a screw that extends through passages in both boards, the nut, the screw, and the two passages are each a coupling or coupling component.

[0037] As used in this document, the statement that two or more parts or components are coupled shall mean that the parts are joined or function together, directly or indirectly, i.e., through one or more intermediate parts or components, provided that a connection exists. As used in this document, directly coupled means that two elements are in direct contact with each other. As used in this document, fixedly coupled or fixed means that two components are coupled in such a way that they move as one, while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. As used in this document, adjustablely fixed means that two components are coupled in such a way that they move as one, while maintaining a constant general orientation or position relative to each other, but being able to move within a limited range or around a single geometric axis.For example, a doorknob is fixed in an adjustable way to a door, insofar as the doorknob is rotatable, but generally the doorknob remains in a single position relative to the door. Furthermore, a cartridge (nib and ink reservoir) in a retractable pen is fixed in an adjustable way relative to the casing, insofar as the cartridge moves between a retracted and an extended position, but... Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 39 11 / 26 generally maintains its orientation relative to the housing. Consequently, when two elements are coupled, all parts of those elements are coupled. However, a description of a specific part of a first element being coupled to a second element, for example, a first end of a shaft being coupled to a first wheel, means that the specific part of the first element is arranged closer to the second element than the other parts of the same. Furthermore, an object resting on another object held in place only by gravity is not coupled to the lower object unless the upper object is held substantially in place. That is, for example, a book on a table is not coupled to it, but a book glued to a table is coupled to it.

[0038] As used in this document, the term removablely coupled or temporarily coupled means that one component is coupled to another component in an essentially temporary manner. That is, the two components are coupled in such a way that joining or separating the components is easy and will not damage the components. For example, two components fastened to each other with a limited number of easily accessible fasteners, i.e., fasteners that are not difficult to access, are removablely coupled, while two components that are welded together or joined by difficult-to-access fasteners are not removablely coupled. A difficult-to-access fastener is one that requires the removal of one or more other components before accessing the fastener, where the other component is not an access device, such as, but not limited to, a door.

[0039] As used in this document, operationally coupled means that a number of elements or sets, each of which is movable between a first position and Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 19 / 39 12 / 26 a second position, or a first configuration and a second configuration, are coupled in such a way that, as the first element moves from one position / configuration to the other, the second element also moves between positions / configurations. It is noted that a first element can be operationally coupled to another without the reverse being true.

[0040] As used in this document, the statement that two or more parts or components engage with each other means that the elements exert a force or pressure against each other, directly or through one or more intermediate elements or components. Furthermore, as used in this document in relation to moving parts, a moving part may engage with another element during movement from one position to another and / or may engage with another element once in the described position. Thus, it is understood that the statements "when element A moves to the first position of element A, element A engages with element B" and "when element A is in the first position of element A, element A engages with element B" are equivalent statements and mean that element A engages with element B while moving to the first position of element A and / or that element A engages with element B while in the first position of element A.

[0041] As used in this document, operational engagement means engaging and moving. That is, operational engagement, when used in relation to a first component that is structured to move a second moving or rotating component, means that the first component applies sufficient force to cause the second component to move. For example, a screwdriver can be placed in contact with a screw. When no force is applied to the screwdriver, it is only temporarily engaged with the screw. If an axial force is applied to the screwdriver, Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 20 / 39 13 / 26 This is pressed against the screw and engages with the screw. However, when a rotational force is applied to the screwdriver, the screwdriver operationally engages with the screw and causes the screw to rotate. Furthermore, in the case of electronic components, operational engagement means that one component controls another component through a control signal or current.

[0042] As used in this document, matching indicates that two structural components have similar sizes and shapes and can be coupled with minimal friction. Thus, an opening that matches a member is slightly larger than the member, so the member can pass through the opening with minimal friction. This configuration is modified if the two components fit perfectly together. In this situation, the difference between the size of the components is even smaller, so the amount of friction increases. If the element defining the opening and / or the component inserted into the opening are made of a deformable or compressible material, the opening may even be slightly smaller than the component being inserted into the opening. With regard to surfaces, shapes, and lines, two or more matching surfaces, shapes, or lines generally have the same size, shape, and contours.

[0043] As used herein, a travel path or route, when used in association with a moving element, includes the space that an element traverses when in motion. As such, any moving element inherently has a travel path or route. Furthermore, a travel path or route refers to the movement of an identifiable construct as a whole relative to another object. For example, assuming a perfectly smooth road, a rotating wheel (an identifiable construct) on an automobile generally does not move relative to the automobile's body (another object). That is, the wheel, as a whole, does not change its position. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 21 / 39 14 / 26 its position relative to, for example, the adjacent bumper. Thus, a rotating wheel does not have a “travel path” or “path relative to the car body.” On the other hand, the air intake valve on that wheel (an identifiable construction) does have a “travel path” or “path relative to the car body.” That is, while the wheel rotates and is in motion, the air intake valve, as a whole, moves relative to the car body.

[0044] As used in this document, the word “unit” means a component that is created as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes parts that are created separately and then coupled together as a unit is not a “unit” component or body.

[0045] As used in this document, the term “number” means one or an integer greater than one (i.e., a plurality). That is, for example, the phrase “a number of elements” means one element or a plurality of elements. It is specifically noted that the term “a ‘number’ of [X]” includes a single [X].

[0046] As used in this document, in the phrase “[x] moves between its first position and the second position” or “[y] is structured to move [x] between its first position and the second position,” “[x]” is the name of an element or set. Furthermore, when [x] is an element or set that moves between a number of positions, the pronoun “its” means “[x],” that is, the named element or set that precedes the pronoun “its.”

[0047] As used in this document, a “radial side / surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is a side / surface that extends around or encircles the center of the body or a height line passing through its center. As used in this document, an “axial side / surface” for a circular or cylindrical body is a side that extends in a plane generally perpendicular to a height line passing through the center of the body. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 22 / 39 15 / 26 through the center of the cylinder. That is, generally, for a cylindrical soup can, the “radial side / surface” is the generally circular side wall and the “axial side(s) / surface(s)” are the top and bottom of the soup can. Furthermore, as used in this document, “radially extending” means extending in a radial direction or along a radial line. That is, for example, a line “that extends radially” extends from the center of the circle or cylinder towards the radial side / surface. Also, as used in this document, “that extends axially” means extending in the axial direction or along an axial line. That is, for example, a line “that extends axially” extends from the bottom of a cylinder towards the top of the cylinder and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal geometric axis of the cylinder.

[0048] As used in this document, “curvilinear generally includes elements with multiple curved parts, combinations of curved and planar parts, and a plurality of planar parts or segments arranged at relative angles to each other, thus forming a curve.

[0049] As used in this document, a “planar body” or “planar member” is a generally thin element that includes opposite, wide, and generally parallel surfaces, that is, the planar surfaces of the planar member, as well as a thinner edge surface that extends between the wide parallel surfaces. That is, as used in this document, it is inherent that a “planar” element has two opposite planar surfaces. The perimeter, and therefore the edge surface, may include generally straight parts, for example, as in a rectangular planar member, or curved parts, as in a disk, or have any other shape.

[0050] As used in this document, “dependent upwards” means an element that extends upwards and generally Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 23 / 39 16 / 26 perpendicular to another element.

[0051] As used in this document, the terms can and container are used substantially interchangeably to refer to any known or suitable container that is structured to contain a substance (for example, without limitation, liquid; food; any other suitable substance) and expressly includes, but is not limited to, beverage cans, such as beer and beverage cans, as well as food cans.

[0052] As used in this document, a can body includes a base and a dependent or upward-dependent side wall. The can body is unitary. In this configuration, the can body defines a generally enclosed space. Thus, the can body, i.e., the base and the side wall, also includes an outer surface and an inner surface. That is, for example, a can body includes an inner surface of the side wall and an outer surface of the side wall.

[0053] As used in this document, around in a phrase such as around [an element, point or axis] or around [an element, point or axis] or [X] degrees around [an element, point or axis], means to encircle, extend around or measured around. When used in reference to a measurement or similarly, around means approximately, i.e., within an approximate range relevant to the measurement, such as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0054] As used in this document, an elongated element inherently includes a longitudinal geometric axis and / or a longitudinal line that extends in the direction of the elongation.

[0055] As used in this document, generally means generally relevant to the term being Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, page 24 / 39 17 / 26 modified, as it would be understood by a technician in the field.

[0056] As used in this document, substantially means mostly relevant to the term being modified, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0057] As used herein, in means about and / or near relevant to the term being modified, as would be understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0058] A partially schematic representation of a decorating system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept is shown in Figure 1. The decorating system 10 is structured to apply, and does apply, a coating to a can body 1 and subsequently cure that coating. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the can body 1 is generally cylindrical and includes a base 2, a side wall 3, and a top opening 4 defined by an upper (unnumbered) portion of the side wall 3 opposite the base 2. As mentioned above, the can body 1 has an inner surface and an outer surface; thus, the side wall 3 of each can body 1 has an outer surface 5 and an inner surface 6. Furthermore, the can body 1, generally cylindrical, includes a longitudinal axis 7 that extends centrally through the bottom 2 and the top opening 4 around which the side wall 3 is arranged.The aforementioned coating (not shown) is normally applied to the outer surface 5 of the side wall 3 of the can body 1, but it can also be applied to the inner surface 6, depending on the specific application.

[0059] Referring again to Figure 1, the decorating system 10 generally includes a decorating assembly 12 (shown schematically) and a can curing oven 20. As is well known, the decorating assembly 12 is structured to apply, and does apply, one or more coatings to one or more areas of the can body 1. Furthermore, as is well known, the decorating assembly 12 Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 25 / 39 The 18 / 26 is structured to process, and does process, more than 2,400 can bodies per minute (hereinafter, cpm). The speed of the decorator assembly in cpm is, as used in this document, the speed of the can decorator. Therefore, as used in this document, a maximum speed of the can decorator is greater than 2,400 cpm. As is well known, the coatings that can be applied include, but are not limited to, paints, varnishes, and lacquers. The decorator system 10 also includes a transfer assembly 14 (also shown schematically) supplied separately, or as part of, the decorator assembly 12. The transfer assembly 14 is structured to move, and does move, one coated, but not yet cured, can body at a time from the decorator assembly 12 to the can curing oven 20.

[0060] The can curing oven 20 includes a transport arrangement 30 and a heating assembly 40. An enclosure assembly (not shown) may generally encompass all, or selected parts of, the can curing oven 20 and / or the decorating system 10. The transport arrangement 30 may be any arrangement suitable for supporting and moving the number of can bodies 1 through a space 32 generally defined / enclosed by a number of parts of the heating assembly 40, as discussed below. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the transport arrangement 30 is generally shown as a conveyor-type arrangement that moves a plurality of can bodies 1 along a linear working path (as generally shown in part by the line of can bodies 1 extending into the space 32 from its end adjacent to the transfer arrangement 14).In one exemplary embodiment, the transport arrangement 30 includes a chain with pins supporting the can body, similar to that used in a traditional pin furnace. It should be understood that such examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and that the structure of the transport arrangement 30 and its... Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 26 / 39 19 / 26 components may vary without altering the scope of the disclosed concept. It should also be noted that the transport arrangement 30 may be structured to move the can bodies 1 along a non-linear working path (e.g., without limitation, curved, serpentine, etc.) without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed concept, the can curing oven 20 and, more specifically, its conveying arrangement 30, is structured to have an operating speed corresponding to the maximum speed of the can decorator (previously discussed). As used in this document, an “operating speed” is the speed (in cpm) of the assembly in operation, as opposed to a speed that the assembly can achieve when not in operation. That is, for example, the conveying arrangement 30 has a maximum operating speed at which the conveying arrangement 30 moves the can bodies as the coating is cured. The conveying arrangement 30 may, however, be able to move at a higher speed when not overloaded with can bodies 1. Such a “non-operating speed” is not relevant to this patent application.In one exemplary embodiment, the transport arrangement 30 moves can bodies 1 at a speed equal to the maximum speed of the can decorator. As will be understood from the further description below, embodiments of the disclosed concept allow the total length of the working path within the can curing oven 20 to be adjusted (e.g., lengthened) to take into account higher decorator speeds.

[0062] Continuing with the reference to Figure 1, as well as the cross-sectional view of Figure 3, the heating assembly 40 includes a number of induction heating units 42 which is / are sized and configured to generally define / enclose the space 32 through which the number of tin bodies 1 Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, p. 27 / 39 20 / 26 is moved through the transport arrangement 30. As used in this document, an induction heating unit is an arrangement that produces heat from an element positioned within an alternating magnetic field. In the example shown in Figures 1 and 3, the number of induction heating units 42 is a plurality of induction heating units 42 positioned / arranged on opposite sides of the working path along which the transport arrangement 30 moves the number of can bodies 1. In this arrangement, the induction heating units 42 on each side of the working path are arranged end to end so as to provide a sufficient length for the working path defined by them, to provide a sufficient residence time therein to cure the coating provided on the can bodies 1 passing through it.As mentioned above, heating units 42 can have one or more different shapes (e.g., non-linear) and thus define a non-linear path and / or a multi-level arrangement to suit the space requirements for a specific application.

[0063] With reference now to Figure 4 in addition to Figure 3, each induction heating unit 42 of the heating assembly 40 includes a heating element 44 which is selectively activated, i.e., induced to radiate heat, by the selective application of an alternating magnetic field to it. In the example shown schematically in general in Figures 3 and 4, the heating element 44 is an elongated C-channel-shaped member formed from steel or other suitable material. Preferably, the heating element 44 is obtained from a commercially available item (e.g., C-channel, angle, I-beam, flat bar, etc.) or formed from a folded / curved sheet-type material. In either case, the heating element 44 is formed from a ferrous material (or other suitable material) which, when placed in a Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pp. 28 / 39 21 / 26 Alternating magnetic field, generates eddy currents in it which result in adequate heating of the heating element 44, as described in more detail below. In the example shown in Figures 3 and 4, an alternating magnetic field is applied to each heating element 44 by an induction coil 46 positioned around the heating element 44 and selectively powered by an AC power supply 48. As is known, when a conductive material, i.e. the heating element 44, is placed in such an alternating magnetic field, two heating effects of the material occur: hysteresis losses - these occur only in magnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, cobalt, etc.Due to friction between molecules when the material is continuously magnetized in different directions, a higher magnetic field oscillation frequency results in faster particle movement, which causes more friction and consequently more heat; and eddy current losses – these occur as a Joule heating effect in any conductive material due to electric currents induced by the fluctuating magnetic field. The induction coil 46 is formed by one or more conductive wires 50 that are generally wound around the heating element 44 without being electrically connected to the heating element 44.

[0064] The number of induction heating units 42 is structured to generate, and does generate, a total effective amount of received heat. As used in this document, a “total effective amount of received heat” (or “total effective amount of received radiant heat”) means the heat received (or received radiant heat) in or by the can body 1, sufficient to cure the coating(s) on it and not substantially greater than the minimum amount required to cure the coating on the can body 1. Thus, after each can body 1 of the number of can bodies 1 passes through the heating unit 40 of the can curing oven 20, the coating on it Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pp. 29 / 39 22 / 26 is cured and each can body 1 is ready for further processing. As used in this document, “received heat” (or “received radiant heat”) means the energy (or radiant energy) received on or by the can body 1. It is understood that “received heat” depends on a number of variables, including, but not limited to, the energy produced by the heating unit 40, the distance between each induction heating unit 42 of the number of induction heating units 42 and the can bodies 1 as the can bodies 1 pass, and the duration, i.e., the time during which the can bodies 1 are exposed to the heat and / or heating units 42. It is understood that those skilled in the art will readily understand / know how to adjust these variables to determine a desirable can curing oven 20 configuration.

[0065] As discussed below, in an exemplary embodiment, the can curing oven 20 is optimized for speed (measured in cpm). Furthermore, the can curing oven 20 is, in other embodiments, also optimized for size, energy efficiency, and / or economic efficiency. Each configuration requires the optimization of multiple variables. Additionally, a single induction heating unit 42 is structured to generate, and does generate, a “proportional effective amount of heat received.” As used in this document, a “proportional effective amount of heat received” means a portion of the “total effective amount of heat received” generated by a single induction heating unit 42 of the heating assembly 40. The number of induction heating units 42 is structured to generate, and does generate, a total effective amount of radiant heat received.In other words, the radiant heat generated by the number of induction heating units 42 is sufficient to cure the coating on the can body 1. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pages 30 / 39 23 / 26

[0066] In exemplary embodiments of the disclosed concept, the induction heating units 42 can be modular heating units. In other words, the induction heating units 42 can be added, removed or repositioned either manually or through a suitable automatic or semi-automatic arrangement to adjust the handling and curing operations of a tin body 1 from a first configuration to a specific tin body 1' of a second configuration. For example, as shown in the exemplary arrangement of Figure 3, one or more actuators 52 or adjustable mounting assemblies can be provided to selectively adjust the spacing between the induction heating elements 42 so as to allow tin bodies 1 of different diameters d to be processed through them.However, Figures 5 and 6 show an exemplary embodiment of a heating assembly 40' that utilizes induction heating units 42' and 42'' that function similarly to induction heating units 42, but which allow tin bodies 1, 1' of different heights h, h' (and / or different diameters) to be processed through them. For example, to go from the first configuration in Figure 5 to the second potential configuration in Figure 6, the upper pair shown of induction heating units 42' is moved vertically upwards (relative to the arrangement shown in the figures) and additional induction heating units 42'' are positioned vertically between the upper and lower pairs of induction heating units 42' to arrive at the arrangement shown in Figure 6.Furthermore, such an arrangement of the 42' and 42'' induction heating units could be adjusted similarly to that in Figure 3 to also accommodate can bodies of different diameters d. It should be understood that such positioning / repositioning of induction heating units can be performed either manually or... Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pp. 31 / 39 24 / 26 by means of a number of suitable actuators 52 or other suitable arrangement(s) without varying from the scope of the disclosed concept.

[0067] Since the heating element 44 of each heating unit 42 radiates heat completely around it and not just from a single side or sides, it should be understood that, in some exemplary embodiments, a number of heating units 42 may be employed to heat can bodies 1 that pass on more than one side of them (for example, can bodies 1 that move along parallel working paths with a heating unit 42 or a series of them positioned between them). In embodiments where such generally omnidirectional radiant heat is not desired, coating(s) or shielding(s) may be used to limit the heat from the heating element 44 in undesirable directions.

[0068] In one embodiment, induction heating units 42 are structured to become fully active within a few minutes. As used in this document, “fully active” means becoming hot enough to cure the coating applied to the can body. That is, unlike a heated air convection oven, which must heat air in a larger enclosed space, the induction heating units 42, as described, positioned in close proximity to the can bodies 1, can begin heating the can bodies 1 much more quickly. This solves the problems mentioned above. In addition, an induction heating unit 42 generates less noise than a heated air convection oven.As used in this document, a noise level between approximately 10 dB and 20 dB is a reduced amount of noise. As used in this document, a noise level of approximately 15 dB is a specific reduced amount of noise. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pages 32 / 39 25 / 26 Noise. A can curing oven 20 generates a reduced amount of noise, or a specific reduced amount of noise, solving the aforementioned problem(s). Furthermore, when a can curing oven 20, as described above, uses a fan, the curing oven 20 generates between approximately 70 dB and 80 dB, or approximately 75 dB, which is still less noise than state-of-the-art curing ovens and also solves the aforementioned problem(s).

[0069] In one embodiment, the can curing oven 20 is optimized for speed. That is, as mentioned above, it is desirable that the curing oven have an inlet speed equivalent to the outlet speed of the decorating assembly 12. In an exemplary embodiment, the outlet speed of the decorating assembly 12, and therefore the inlet speed of the can curing oven 20, is approximately 2,400 cpm. Furthermore, as mentioned above, other variables affecting the curing of a coating on a can body 1 include, but are not limited to, the power output of the heating assembly 40, the distance between the induction heating units 42 and the can bodies 1, and the duration of exposure of the can bodies 1 to heat and / or the induction heating units 42. In addition, the size of the enclosed space 32 also depends on these variables. It is further noted that, of these variables, only the output of the heating assembly 30 is limited.That is, the bodies in the cans 1 are negatively affected when the temperature exceeds approximately 220 °C (428 °F). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, the heating assembly 30 also includes a blower assembly 60 structured to remove heated air from the enclosed space 32 and / or an enclosure arrangement that encloses the heating assembly 40. The blower assembly 60 is structured to reduce, and does reduce, the amount of heat in the enclosed space 32 and / or in the aforementioned enclosure arrangement.

[0070] Although modalities have been described in detail Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pp. 33 / 39 26 / 26 specific to the revealed concept, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alternatives to these details may be developed in light of the general teachings of the revelation. Thus, the specific arrangements revealed are intended only to be illustrative and not limiting of the scope of the revealed concept, to which should be attributed the full scope of the appended claims and any and all of their equivalents.

[0071] In claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses should not be interpreted as limiting the claim. The word comprising or “including” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. In a device claim that enumerates several means, several of these means may be incorporated by a single and same hardware item. The word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In any device claim that enumerates several means, several of these means may be incorporated by a single and same hardware item. The mere fact that certain elements are mentioned in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that these elements cannot be used in combination. Petition 870250089633, dated 02 / 10 / 2025, pp. 34 / 39

Claims

1 / 5 CLAIMS 1. Can curing oven (20) structured for curing a coating on a side wall surface of each can body (1) of a number of can bodies, the can curing oven characterized in that it comprises: a heating assembly (40) comprising a number of induction heating units (42) sized and configured to define a space (32) generally enclosed by the number of induction heating units, the number of induction heating units structured to generate a total effective amount of heat received necessary to cure the coating on each can body; and a transport arrangement (30) structured to support and move the number of can bodies along a working path through the generally enclosed space.

2. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that: each induction heating unit comprises: a heating element (44); and an induction coil (46) positioned around the heating element, the induction coil structured to be coupled to a controlled AC power source (48).

3. Can curing oven, according to claim 2, characterized in that the heating element comprises a C-shaped channel length.

4. Can curing oven according to claim 1, characterized in that: the number of induction heating units includes a plurality of induction heating units; and at least two of the plurality of induction heating units are arranged on opposite sides of the working path.

5. Can curing oven, as claimed in Petition 870250089632, dated 10 / 02 / 2025, p. 9 / 21 2 / 5 1, characterized in that: the number of induction heating units includes a plurality of induction heating units; and at least two of the plurality of induction heating units are arranged on a single side of the working path.

6. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an enclosure that generally surrounds the heating assembly.

7. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that the can curing oven is structured to cure a can body lining in a first configuration and a can body in a second configuration, wherein a can body of the first configuration is different from a can body of the second configuration, and wherein: the casing assembly includes an adjustable mounting assembly; and the adjustable mounting assembly is structured to position each induction heating unit in: a first position, wherein each induction heating unit is structured to generate a proportional effective amount of heat received for a can body of a first configuration, and a second position, wherein each induction heating unit is structured to generate a proportional effective amount of heat received for a can body of a second configuration.

8. Can curing oven according to claim 1, characterized in that each induction heating unit is a modular induction heating unit.

9. Can curing oven, according to claim 2, characterized in that each induction coil is structured to be selectively powered by the controlled AC power source when the outer surface of the can body is at an effective distance.

10. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the transport arrangement includes a plurality of support elements; and each support element of the plurality of support elements is structured to be coupled to and support a can body of the number of can bodies.

11. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units is positioned between two different parts of the working path or between a part of the working path and a part of another working path along which the transport arrangement and / or other transport arrangement is structured to move can bodies of the number of can bodies.

12. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of heating units is structured to process can bodies at a maximum speed for the can decorator.

13. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport arrangement is structured to support and move the number of can bodies along a linear working path through the generally enclosed space.

14. Can curing oven, according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport arrangement is structured to support and move the number of can bodies along a non-linear working path through the generally enclosed space. Petition 870250089632, dated 10 / 02 / 2025, page 11 / 21 4 / 5 15. A method for curing a coating on an external surface of a side wall of each can body of a number of can bodies, the method characterized in that it comprises: supplying the adjacent number of can bodies to a number of induction heating units, and feeding the number of induction heating units to generate a total effective amount of received heat necessary to cure the coating on the external surface of the side wall of each can body of the number of can bodies.

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that: each induction heating unit comprises: a heating element; and an induction coil positioned around the heating element; and powering the number of induction heating units comprises selectively supplying AC power to the induction coil of each induction heating unit.

17. Method, according to claim 15, characterized in that feeding the number of induction heating units to generate the total effective amount of heat received comprises: feeding the number of induction heating units from an off state when the outer surface of a tin body of the number of tin bodies is at an effective distance from an induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units.

18. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that providing the number of tin bodies adjacent to the number of induction heating units comprises providing a plurality of tin bodies adjacent to the number of induction heating units through a Petition 870250089632, dated 10 / 02 / 2025, page 12 / 21 5 / 5 transport arrangement.

19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that powering the number of induction heating units to generate the total effective amount of heat received comprises: powering the number of induction heating units from an off state when the outer surface of one tin body of the number of tin bodies is at an effective distance from one induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units, and returning the number of induction heating units to the off state after the outer surface of another tin body of the number of tin bodies moves away at an effective distance from one induction heating unit of the number of induction heating units.

20. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that providing the number of tin bodies adjacent to the number of induction heating units comprises providing the number of tin bodies along a linear working path adjacent to the number of induction heating units. Petition 870250089632, dated 10 / 02 / 2025, p. 13 / 21

Images