Abstract: A metal shearing tool demonstrating improved fatigue life having a body; an edge of the body having a first surface and a second surface; a cutting surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The edge has a substantial absence of finish marks substantially parallel with the cutting surface on all surfaces of the edge, and at least one of a curved profile surface and a radiused cutting surface.

Abstract: A metal shearing tool demonstrating improved fatigue life having a body; an edge of the body having a first surface and a second surface; a cutting surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The edge has at least one of a curved profile surface, a radiused cutting surface, and a substantial absence of finish marks substantially parallel with the cutting surface on all surfaces of the edge.

Abstract: A metal shearing tool demonstrating improved fatigue life having a body; an edge of the body having a first surface and a second surface; a cutting surface disposed between the first surface and the second surface. The edge has at least one of a curved profile surface, a radiused cutting surface, and a substantial absence of finish marks substantially parallel with the cutting surface on all surfaces of the edge.

Abstract: A design tool for predictively indicating, in metal slitting, expected edge conditions of slit metal. Also contemplated is a corresponding method. Further contemplated is a design tool and method for providing, in metal slitting, a predictive assessment of at least one condition relating to at least one of: knife edge and slit metal edge.

Abstract: A system for inspecting at least one edge of metal strip after the at least one edge has been trimmed by at least one cutting device. Included is an inspection station that has at least one image producer for forming at least one image of the at least one edge passing the inspection station. The at least one image is analyzed to determine at least one quality characteristic of the at least one trimmed edge.

Abstract: A spacer element having a first material and at least one second material. The at least one second material has a specific gravity less than that of the first material, and the first material is integrated with the at least one second material. Also contemplated is a rotary knife arrangement having such a spacer element.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inspecting one or more operational characteristics of a knife includes providing at least one image producer having a field of view that substantially frames the knife, using the at least one image producer to form a first series of images of the knife while the knife is in use, and analyzing the first series of images to determine whether the one or more operational characteristics of the knife are within one or more preliminary operating parameters.

Abstract: A method of monitoring and inspecting an edge of strip metal includes providing at least one image producer having a field of view that substantially frames the edge, using the at least one image producer to form a first series of images of the edge after the edge has been formed by a knife; and analyzing in real time the first series of images to determine the shear angle and/or the burr height of the edge.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a dimension of strip stock formed by a cutting device includes: providing an image producer that is movable between a home position and at least one subsequent position associated with the strip stock; moving the image producer to the at least one subsequent position where the field of view of the image producer substantially frames the strip stock dimension to be monitored; forming a first image of the strip stock dimension; and analyzing the first image of the strip stock dimension to determine the length thereof.

Abstract: A computer design tool for determining a predictive indication of slit width variation to adjust an arbor setup in rotary slitting of metal in accordance with the indication of slit width variation. A method of using such a design tool is also provided. The design tool performs an analysis on historical slitting runs to provide the predictive indication of slit width variation.

Abstract: Roll apparatus in which the rotation under the tangential force exerted when the apparatus is in use of the rolling rings relative to the arbor is suppressed by the restoring force of the arbor that is elongated and held in the elongated condition exerting an axial pressure on the rolling ring assembly. The arbor is elongated by expansion of a chamber to which the arbor is connected through a thrust ring which forms a boundary of the chamber. In addition to the thrust ring, the boundaries of the chamber are a flanged ring mounted on the arbor, which is fixed, and the arbor. An adjustable spacing collar is connected to the arbor. After the arbor is elongated, the collar is adjusted to engage the flanged ring, thus locking the arbor against contraction.

Abstract: A knife for shearing hot metal at temperatures between about 1400.degree. F. and 2400.degree. F. and particularly between about 1800.degree. F. and 2200.degree. F. Typically, the knife is used for shearing blooms or strands produced by continuous casting into billets at like high temperatures. The knife is composite including a base of alloy tool steel, specifically AISI 4130 and a cutting edge of a high-temperature-resistant alloy, specifically INCONEL Alloy 718. These alloys are weld compatible and are joined into a mechanically sturdy unit by an electron-beam fusion weld, carried out in an evacuated atmosphere substantially free of oxygen to preclude reaction of oxygen with the alloy components such as Ti having a high affinity for oxygen.

Abstract: Reduction of bars or rods with reducing rolls of large diameter on arbors in which lateral pressure is applied to the reducing rolls to suppress rotation of the rolls relative to the arbor. The pressure is applied by an annular shoe on the arbor. The shoe and an annular fluid activator, on the arbor form, between their facing surfaces, a sealed annular chamber and also an annular gap. The gap is accessible through the peripheries of the activator and shoe. Axial movement of the activator outwardly of the rolls is restricted by a nut on the arbor. Grease is injected into the chamber under high pressure. The shoe and activator operate as a split cylinder impressing tensile stress on the arbor between the side of the shoe remote from the activator and the nut and causing the arbor in this region to elongate and also to impress compressive force on the roll and its axial components. This elongation enlarges the width of the gap.

Abstract: A roll assembly for reducing rod and the like in which the rolls are secured against rotation on their arbor by force applied to the sides of the rolls in the direction of the axis of the arbor. The force is applied by an hydraulic nut or annulus having a cavity which is sealed pressure tight by a deformable membrane. An annular shoe is interposed between the membrane and the rolls. The cavity is supplied with fluid under pressure and is deflected exerting force on the shoe which is transmitted to the roll.

Abstract: An hydraulic nut including an annulus, typically of stainless steel, having an annular cavity therein. The cavity is sealed pressure-tight by an annular deformable membrane of the same material as the annulus which is welded to the annulus about the cavity by a fusion weld. An hydraulic fluid, under pressure, typically grease, is injected into the cavity. The membrane is backed up by an annular shoe and the force produced by the pressure is transmitted through the membrane and the shoe to the object to which the force is applied. Very high forces may be applied by this apparatus.