Abstract: A variable length drive shaft for a rolling mill roll including: a driven first end including a universal joint connecting with an end of a first splined shaft having an axial bore and counter bore and a driving second end including a universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a second spline shaft which engages with the first splined shaft for axial movement. A pilot rod is mounted in the counter bore adjacent to the end of the first splined shaft and extending along the length of drive shaft. A reaction tube is connected with the driving end and located within the torque tube. The reaction tube allows movement of the pilot rod within the drive shaft. Disk springs are mounted on the pilot rod and exert outward pressure against the driving and driven ends while allowing axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A variable length light weight drive shaft for a rolling mill roll including: a driven first end including a universal joint connecting with an end of a male splined shaft having an axial bore and counter bore and a driving second end including a universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a female spline shaft which engages over the male splined shaft for axial movement. A gas cylinder is mounted in the counter bore adjacent to the second end of the male splined shaft. A cylinder rod extends from the cylinder and is connected to with the universal joint at the driving end. The piston rod includes a self aligning coupler. The gas cylinder and cylinder rod exert continuous outward pressure against the driven and driving ends which maintains them in pressure contact with the driving and driven members while allowing axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and continuously lubricating a rotary drive of an industrial drive such as a pump, roll, or other driven member is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotary drive coupling assembly that is connected between an input shaft and an output shaft which drives the driven member. There is an axial bore drilled through the center of an input shaft and a transverse bore which communicates with the axial bore and terminates at an exterior of the input shaft. The shaft coupling assembly preferably comprises a first shaft coupling and a second shaft coupling which are connected by a connecting member. A bridge conduit spans the first shaft coupling and terminates at a manifold which is carried about the connecting member. From the manifold, a plurality of injector valves distribute pressurized lubricant delivered by a timed pressure pump to the shaft couplings. Preferably the shaft couplings comprise universal type joint couplings having a plurality of bearings.

Abstract: A sealing strip and joint for a papermaking machine suction roll is disclosed which includes in combination a stationary suction box and a perforated cylindrical shell which rotates around the stationary suction box disposed centrally within the cylindrical shell. The suction box includes slots constructed near at least two outside edges of the suction box extending across the width of the suction box. A composite seal strip extends throughout the width of each slot which includes a plurality of elongated seal strips jointed together end-to-end in the slots. A plurality of joints are spaced along the length of the composite sealing strip defined by ends of adjacent seal strips joined together. The joints include a first end section of a first strip and a second end section of a second strip mated together in an abutting relation. The first end section and second end section have interfitted radius surfaces which mate against each other against the rotation of said cylindrical shell.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for converting a mechanically-actuated drive unit to an air-actuated drive unit (18) in an industrial power transmission system of the type having a short-shaft motorized input drive employing an input shaft (16) releasably connected to an output shaft (20) by the drive unit. A spider (14, 42) having a hub (50) is affixed to the input shaft. The drive unit has an input member (86) connected to a radial flange (68) of the spider and an output member (92) connected to the output shaft. The drive unit includes an actuator member (88) for releasing and connecting the input and output members. In the method, the mechanically-actuated drive unit is replaced with the air-actuated drive unit. A diameter of the spider hub is reduced and a rotary air seal adaptor (12) is affixed directly onto the reduced diameter spider hub.