Abstract: A transition forming unit for a tube mill is provided for forming a strip into a generally annular shaped cross-sectional configuration. The forming process is performed by a plurality of roll assemblies mounted on at least a pair of spaced longitudinally extending beams, one disposed on each side of the longitudinal axis of the forming unit. The beams are mounted to rotate about their longitudinal axis and are horizontally and vertically adjustable.

Abstract: A tube forming machine having at least two upper forming roll members in the breakdown section which may be selectively indexed into cooperative working relation with a lower forming roll member to produce different size tubes without the necessity of physically removing the upper forming roll member and replacing the same with another forming roll member of a different configuration.

Abstract: A strip accumulator for forming a length of strip material into a storage coil composed of an inner set of convolutions and an outer set of convolutions and an outer set of convolutions interconnected by a free reverse bend which will move freely in opposite paths, the strip being supported on one edge on a horizontally disposed supporting surface with the inner set of convolutions built up around an inner arbor, the outer set of convolutions being formed on a moving supporting surface being driven in timed relation to the feeding speed of the strip being accumulated providing a free-formed outer set of convolutions to the elimination of an outer roll basket and roll adjusting mechanism heretofore employed to form and support the outer set of convolutions in the storage coil.

Abstract: An automated system for exchanging components of a continuous seam-welded tube mill to change from production of one tubular product to another. The components to be changed are mounted upon sub-base units adapted to be removably affixed to a fixed mill base. Alternate sets of changeable mill units mounted on duplicate sub-base sections are provided for off line tooling change and setup. Changeover modules are provided alongside and spaced from the mill base. Bridging roll units are extendible to span the space between the mill bases and the changeover modules, and push-pull units are incorporated in the changeover modules to shift the sub-base sections from the mill base to the changeover module and the previously retooled duplicate sub-base sections from the changeover modules into operative position on the mill bases.