Abstract: Improvements and modifications to coil steel straighteners provide an integrated structural head that allows for quicker setup of the equipment, integrated lower backup rolls to the structural head, self-aligning rollers, setup timing blocks for equipment calibration, and adjustment screw jacks that allow for narrower center distances and include pointers and scales internally. The backup rollers for each work roller are supported on separate backup roller plates enabling the backup rollers for each work roller to removably installed and independently adjusted. The backup rollers may be supported between opposing blocks and adjusted by moving the blocks toward and away from the backup roller plate using leveling jacks. The work rollers associated with the upper bank may be supported between opposing slide blocks that move up and down in slots formed in opposing side plates, with visual indicators to establish a zero position associated with each work roller in the upper bank.

Abstract: In a roller-style feed mechanism, a feed roll is opened and closed for the purpose of pilot release using a direct-coupled servo motor as opposed to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The electronically controlled servo motor drives a rotating shaft with eccentric cams that interact with cam followers causing the feed rollers separate for pilot release. The cam followers produce a force sufficient to overcome nip pressure when separating the feed rollers during pilot release. The electronically controlled servo motor is preferably operative to sense the point where the cams contact the cam followers after the upper feed roller is closed on the feed material, and automatically sense resistance to determine where the upper roll begins to lift so as to compensate for different material thicknesses.

Abstract: In a roller-style feed mechanism, a feed roll is opened and closed for the purpose of pilot release using a direct-coupled servo motor as opposed to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. The electronically controlled servo motor drives a rotating shaft with eccentric cams that interact with cam followers causing the feed rollers separate for pilot release. The cam followers produce a force sufficient to overcome nip pressure when separating the feed rollers during pilot release. The electronically controlled servo motor is preferably operative to sense the point where the cams contact the cam followers after the upper feed roller is closed on the feed material, and automatically sense resistance to determine where the upper roll begins to lift so as to compensate for different material thicknesses.

Abstract: A sheet metal straightener uses a direct coupled eccentric drive for improved pilot release. A motor, coupled to an eccentric bearing, causes connecting arms to reciprocate. At least one of the banks of rollers is coupled to a pivot hinge, and the connecting arms are coupled to a pivoting bank of rollers, causing the pivoting bank to index toward the other bank of rollers in an engaged position for material straightening, and to index away from the other bank of rollers in a relaxed position for pilot release. The pivoting roller bank is preferably a top roller bank positioned above the lower bank. The motor rotates 360 degrees to complete a full cycle, from fully engaged at 0/360 to fully relaxed at 180. The width and degree of roller engagement may be variable to account for different materials and thicknesses.

Abstract: Improvements and modifications to coil steel straighteners provide an integrated structural head that allows for quicker setup of the equipment, integrated lower backup rolls to the structural head, self-aligning rollers, setup timing blocks for equipment calibration, and adjustment screw jacks that allow for narrower center distances and include pointers and scales internally. The backup rollers for each work roller are supported on separate backup roller plates enabling the backup rollers for each work roller to removably installed and independently adjusted. The backup rollers may be supported between opposing blocks and adjusted by moving the blocks toward and away from the backup roller plate using leveling jacks. The work rollers associated with the upper bank may be supported between opposing slide blocks that move up and down in slots formed in opposing side plates, with visual indicators to establish a zero position associated with each work roller in the upper bank.

Abstract: A sheet metal straightener, configured for disposition between a roll of coil steel and a stamping die, uses a direct coupled eccentric drive for improved pilot release. A motor, coupled to an eccentric bearing, causes connecting arms to reciprocate. At least one of the banks of rollers is coupled to a pivot hinge, and the connecting arms are coupled to a pivoting bank of rollers, causing the pivoting bank to index toward the other bank of rollers in an engaged position for material straightening, and to index away from the other bank of rollers in a relaxed position for pilot release. The pivoting roller bank is preferably a top roller bank positioned above the lower bank. The motor rotates 360 degrees to complete a full cycle, from fully engaged at 0/360 to fully relaxed at 180. The width and degree of roller engagement may be variable to account for different materials and thicknesses.