Abstract: There is disclosed a load/relief apparatus for use in a calender of a papermaking machine having a force transfer member positioned between on upper fluid actuator and two lower spaced apart fluid actuators. A linking arm is releasably connected to the lower part of the transfer arm spaced between the two lower fluid actuators. The linking arm is adapted to be connected to a lifting arm for a calender roll. In operation, the upper fluid actuator exerts a generally linear downward force that is transferred by the transfer member moving downwardly against the linking arm and thereby pushing the lifting arm down. The lower fluid actuators are adapted to exert a generally upward linear force that is transferred by the transfer member moving upwardly raising the linking arm and the lifting arm. The linking arm is releasable from the transfer member to permit the linking arm to be lowered beyond the travel associated with the deflation of the lower fluid actuators during normal relief operation.

Abstract: An improved pressure actuator particularly suited to loading of rolls in the calender stack is disclosed. The actuator is formed by a pair of spaced arms interconnected by a link. A pressure absorbing locking bar is interposed between a pair of adjacent ends of the arm and a pressure actuator is interposed between the arms of the opposite side of the link. The link itself is pivoted to the frame so that movement of the link around its pivot point on the frame causes the arms to move so that one arm moves into an active position and the other into a reactive or pressure applying position and vice versa. In the reactive position, a locking member on a pressure plate that engages the locking bar locks the arm in reactive position in position so that pressure applied by the actuator between the opposite ends forces the other arm to pivot around its pivotal connection to the link, thereby applying pressure to a load in one direction.