Abstract: An expanding shaft has a cylindrical shaft with a plurality of radially disposed slots longitudinally extending along its outer surface. The shaft is adapted to support one or more rolls each of which has side edges. A plurality of mobile devices is disposed within one of said slots for radial movement, and a thruster urges each of the mobile devices radially outwardly. A plurality of bucking elements are adapted to engage the side edges of the rolls. The bucking elements are supported by one of said mobile devices for longitudinal movement relative to the shaft, and locking devices for the bucking elements position them longitudinally of the shaft to thereby lock one or more rolls longitudinally in position on the shaft.

Abstract: An expanding cylindrical shaft has a plurality of radially disposed slots extending longitudinally and opening at the outer surface for supporting one or more tubular supports having side edges and disposed coaxially on said shaft. A plurality of sliders driven by a thruster is disposed within one of the slots for radial movement. A plurality of bucking elements supported for longitudinal movement relative to one of said sliders is adapted to engage side edges of the tubular supports. A locking element secures the bucking elements in position longitudinally of the shaft to thereby lock one or more tubular supports in position on the shaft.

Abstract: A cylindrical shaft has radial slots each for receiving one or more tubular supports. A plurality of mobile sectors located in the slots and expand radially by means of air tubes. At least one of said mobile sectors has two or more sliding bucking elements, for locking the tubular supports axially.