Abstract: A rolling mill for the treatment of sheet material comprises two work rolls (1, 2) which define a nip between which a web of material (3) is passed for rolling. The work rolls (1,2) are offset in a horizontal direction relatively to back-up rolls (4,5), so that the plane containing the axes (A,A) extends parallel to but offset relative to the plane containing the axes (B,B) of the back-up rolls (4,5). Supporting devices (9) are associated with the work rolls (1,2) and support the work rolls in the direction opposite to that in which they are offset from the back up rolls. The supporting devices (9) comprise hydrostatic supporting elements (19,20,21) which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) of the work rolls (1,2) and comprise hydrostatic pressure pockets (29) which face towards the surfaces being supported in each case and can be individually controllable.

Abstract: In a hydrostatic support member a piston which is axially movable in a pressurized fluid medium-supplied cylinder carries at the end thereof which is remote from the cylinder at least two bearing shoes which are axially movable independently of each other and which can be inclined relative to each other. There is achieved an automatic adaptation of the bearing or running surface of the support member to a counter surface changing in distance, shape and curvature even throughout a wide tolerance range. Such a support member is particularly suited for supporting the working rolls in a rolling mill, the diameter of which decreases during the operating or service life thereof, or for the support of back-up or supporting rolls backing-up the working rolls.

Abstract: A roller is shown having an apparatus for cooling or heating the roller surface. The apparatus has essentially one or more chambers which are open relative to the roller surface. The chambers have a substantially square internal cross section. A fluid is fed in through the inlet ducts. During operation of the roller turbulence is formed in the chambers. The turbulence results in a longer retention time for the fluid in the chambers thus producing a greater cooling or heating effect for the amount of fluid fed in.