Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically winding ribbons of edge trim metallic scrap into a compact ball generated by a side trimming machine including a scrap collection pit located behind the side trimming machine, a conveyor system for transporting the metallic scrap from the collection pit to a winding machine having a tapered mandrel around which the metallic scrap is wound. The scrap winding machine further includes an ironing roll which compacts the metallic scrap as it is wound and a ball ejection means which removes the compacted ball from the winding machine. The conveyor system includes a first sheave and cable system located in the collection pit and a second sheave and cable system extending at an incline from the pit to the winding machine. The sheave and cable systems include a plurality of spring loaded drag hooks for engaging the metallic scrap. The winding machine further includes a parting shear located on an edge of a trailing door which severs the ribbon as the trailing door is closed.

Abstract: A holder for a circular cutting knife for slitting sheet metal, comprising a precision ground mounting shaft for attaching the cutting knife, the mounting shaft rotatably retained within a housing by engaging sets of high precision ball bearings. The ball bearings are located within the housing by a set of precision ground bearing spacers and precision ground bearing retainers. The bearings are preloaded in the housing to minimize longitudinal movement of the mounting shaft during operation. Additionally, the housing containing the bearings is tapered on one surface so that the cant of the knife blade can be adjusted by reversing the orientation of the housing.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roll coated with an absorbent, compressible material and used to support strip metal includes the steps of selecting a roll body having a rigid, cylindrical outer surface, attaching a leading end of a line to the outer surface, selecting a first elongate strip of compressible material, forming the strip into a V-shape, placing the line along the crotch of the V-shape, winding the line and the strip onto the outer surface such that the longitudinal edges of the strip extend in a substantially radial direction, and finally attaching the trailing end of the line to the roll body. In a preferred embodiment, the line is wound in a helical path from one end of the body to the other, and, simultaneously, the windings of the line and strip material are urged sidewardly in an axial direction to compress the strip to form a continuous surface.

Abstract: A method of tension leveling a continuous strip of nonhomogeneous metal sheet in which the yield strength of the strip edges is less than the yield strength of the center. The method includes the steps of unwinding the strip from a coil supported on an uncoiler, passing the strip through tension-generating bridle rolls and, while under tension is passed, in a serpentine path between upper and lower sets of nested work rolls and through tension relaxing bridle rolls, and rewinding the strip into a coil on a recoiler. The improvement consists of the additional step of, prior to passing the strip between the work rolls, heating the strip edges to a temperature above that of the center of the sheet to create thermal expansion in the edges sufficient to produce a thermal strain such that, when added to an elastic strain at yield in the edges, total strain is equal to an elastic strain at yield in the center of the sheet.

Abstract: A leveling apparatus having a movable frame which supports a plurality of back-up roller assemblies, each of which is individually positionable to vary the penetration of a portion of the work rolls it contacts such that the penetration of the entry work rolls can be varied independently of the penetration of the exit work roll. Each back-up roller assembly includes an elongate back-up block having a longitudinal slot and a rearwardly-positioned concave surface, an elongate support member positioned within the slot and including a rearwardly-positioned convex surface positioned to matingly engage the concave surface, and a plurality of back-up rollers positioned along the support member. The support member is urged against the back-up block by a resilient connection, and the assembly includes an adjusting screw mechanism mounted on the adjustable frame for pivoting the support member relative to the back-up block.