Machine for forming openings sealed by manually removable lengths of tape in can ends

In a machine comprising:

• a frame;
• transport means mounted on said frame adapted for releasably engaging and moving a plurality of can ends seriatim along a predetermined path;
• feeding means adapted for feeding can ends seriatim to said transport means at a beginning position along said path;
• opening forming means adapted for forming openings in said can ends moving along said path;
• taping means mounted along said path for applying lengths of pressure sensitive adhesive tape across said openings;
• and
• removing means for removing can ends from said transport means at an ending position along said path;
• the improvement wherein:
• said transport means comprises:
• a wheel rotatably mounted on said frame;
• a plurality of plates each mounted on said wheel for independent movement transverse of said path between a first position and a second position;
• holding means on each of said plates adapted to releasably engage a can end;
• and
• plate cam means for moving said plates to said first positions during movement of said plates along a first portion of said path, and for moving said plates to said second positions during movement of said plates along a second portion of said path;
• said opening forming means are positioned to engage can ends in said plates when said plates are in their first positions;
• and
• said taping means are positioned along said second portion of the path to engage can ends in said plates when said plates are in their second positions.