Abstract: A system and method for adjusting the device used to exert a force against a strip being rolled by a rolling mill having at least one rotating backup roll. This system and method includes creating a signal F generally corresponding to force F.sub.O created by the device and the force F.sub.ECC caused by eccentricity and other variables in phase with the rotation of the backup roll, constructing an analog signal corresponding to the eccentricity signal by using an adaptive digital filter having a first digital input generally corresponding to the eccentricity force F.sub.ECC, a second input correlated with the rotation of the backup roll and a coefficient adjusting algorithm responsive to the first input and a preselected convergence factor (.mu.) and a correlated signal with an incremented value correlated with and driven by the rotation of the backup roll and adjusting the force exerting device by this constructed analog signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for measuring the shape of sheet stock within a rolling mill. The system includes a shape sensing roll including a plurality of roll segments. Each segment includes a magnetic bearing, the stators thereof being mounted to a stationary shaft. The bearing rotors are mounted in a steel ring which contacts the strip to be measured. Each roll segment is suspended by a magnetic bearing which is free to react to the loading placed thereon, independent of adjacent segments. Since the magnetic bearing system automatically regulates the power supplied to the electromagnets of the respective bearings to maintain their concentric positions, changes to the power inputs are a direct indication of the magnitude of the loading thereon.

Abstract: Angular orientation of a straightener machine roll relative to the vertical axis thereof is achieved through the use of a pair of single acting hydraulic actuators imposing force against a roll support member on laterally opposite sides of a vertical plane through the roll axis, and vertical orientation is achieved through the use of a double acting hydraulic piston and cylinder unit to which the roll support member is attached. Corresponding servo valve mechanisms control fluid flow to the two single acting actuators and to the double acting piston and cylinder units, and both angular orientation and vertical orientation are selectively position or force controlled.