Abstract: When it is necessary to detect the position of the end of the outer turn of a coil of strip material, the coil is rotatably supported with its axis substantially horizontal and apparatus for detecting the end comprises a detector assembly including a proximity switch and a projection extending beyond the switch and support means for the assembly such that the proximity switch is spaced from the outer surface of the coil and with the projection nearer to the coil than is the switch and the projection is upstream of the switch with reference to the non-paying out direction of rotation of the coil. When the end of the turn passes from beneath the projection, the switch is actuated.

Abstract: A rotary cutter for sheet or strip material, comprises a roller with an air-pervious surface to which negative air pressure can be applied and an axially disposed knife in the roller which intermittently projects radially from the roller to cut the material when held thereon by negative pressure. Such a cutter can conveniently form part of a belt wrapper for starting a coil of material, where unwanted material can be cut and discarded.

Abstract: A floor plate assembly, particularly suitable for use in and around rolling mills, comprises a closure floor plate which is arranged to close an opening adjacent another floor plate. The closure floor plate can move as required between a first position closing the opening and a second position under the other floor plate. The other floor plate is movable during the opening and closing operation to avoid obstruction of the closure floor plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for setting the crown and/or steer on the rolls of a cluster mill such that the adjustment collars are all driven together but substantially in the desired final ratio to one another throughout the movement. The control system derives a separate control signal for driving each eccentric collar. The circuits for deriving the control signals include means for deriving from crown and steer magnitude signals, a series of crown and steer datum signals, one for each collar, which are proportional to the respective magnitude signals in selected ratios, the crown ratios being preselectable by a selection means and means for progressively increasing the magnitude signals from zero to the desired value.

Abstract: To operate a rolling mill to roll metal strip with a satisfactory degree of flatness, signals from tension detecting means located downstream of the mill rolls are used continuously to determine the best symmetrical parabola which fits the shape of the strip and a parameter of the parabola is used to bring about an adjustment of the bending of the mill rolls in such a sense as to change the parameter substantially to zero. Signals from the detecting means may be used in addition to control the steer of the mill and adjust the temperature of the roll assemblies along their length.

Abstract: In order to thread a frangible strip material such as aluminium foil through a rolling mill stand, the leading end of the strip at the upstream side of the stand is attached over its width to a transverse threading device. The threading device is mechanically propelled through the stand to a downstream coiler location, where the leading end is detached and coupled to the coiler. The threading device either may be drawn through the stand by means of a leader strip which is normally located at the downstream side but which can be passed through the stand and attached to the threading device, or may be pushed by semi-rigid chains which are normally located at the upstream side and which carry the threading device.