Abstract: A radially directed pressure applying member is disposed between a nonrotative inner shaft and a rotative outer shell encircling the nonrotative inner shaft, which comprises a controlled deflection roll assembly. The pressure applying member includes a fluid filled toroidal shaped flexible membrane disposed on the outer end of a hydrostatic piston arranged radially within the nonrotative shaft. The toroidal shaped membrane acts as a bearing and a fluid cushion on the inner surface of the outer shell to uniformly support the shell and to avoid deflections caused by external loads or to deflect the shell in a predetermined way.

Abstract: At least one pressure applying member is disposed within a slot extending lengthwise along a stationary shaft about which is journaled an outer roll shell. Slidable spacer blocks also disposed in said slot locate each pressure applying member along the slot and permit each member to slide radially in the slot so as to accurately conform to the internal surface of the roll shell and permit an accurately controllable response by the pressure applying members to any deflection of the shaft.