Abstract: A clamp for releasably securing a rolling mill roll stand on a support structure, comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the support structure. A piston subdivides the interior of the housing into front and rear chambers. A clamping jaw projects forwardly from the piston through an open front end of the housing. The piston is reciprocally movable between a locked position at which the clamping jaw engages the roll stand, and an unlocked position at which the clamping jaw is disengaged from the roll stand. Resilient elements act in the rear chamber to exert a locking force urging the piston into its locked position, and pressurized fluid acts in the front chamber to overcome the resilient locking force when unlocking the clamp.

Abstract: Selectively replaceable wear elements for rolling mill laying heads. One replaceable wear element forms the end ring guide surface and is installed within the end ring inner diameter without removing the guide ring from the laying head. A plurality of wear element bodies may be installed about one or more portions of the end ring guide surface inner diameter. Size, configuration and material properties of the end ring guide surface wear element bodies may vary for different sections within the ring guide inner diameter. Another replaceable wear element is a tripper paddle that forms a laying head tripper mechanism guide surface. The tripper paddle and guide surface wear element bodies are replaceable external the end ring without removing the end ring or tripper mechanism from the laying head. Either or both types of wear element may be used in a laying head.

Abstract: A modular coolant water jacket has a coolant tube cartridge portion and a selectively separable outer flange portion. Separation of the larger diameter outer flange portion from the cartridge portion facilitates axially oriented insertion and removal of the cartridge tube portion in radially confined spaces. Modular construction also facilitates reuse of the outer flange portion and replacement of only a worn cartridge tube portion.

Abstract: Selectively replaceable wear elements for rolling mill laying heads. One replaceable wear element forms the end ring guide surface and is installed within the end ring inner diameter without removing the guide ring from the laying head. A plurality of wear element bodies may be installed about one or more portions of the end ring guide surface inner diameter. Size, configuration and material properties of the end ring guide surface wear element bodies may vary for different sections within the ring guide inner diameter. Another replaceable wear element is a tripper paddle that forms a laying head tripper mechanism guide surface. The tripper paddle and guide surface wear element bodies are replaceable external the end ring without removing the end ring or tripper mechanism from the laying head. Either or both types of wear element may be used in a laying head.