Abstract: Roll apparatus in which the rotation under the tangential force exerted when the apparatus is in use of the rolling rings relative to the arbor is suppressed by the restoring force of the arbor that is elongated and held in the elongated condition exerting an axial pressure on the rolling ring assembly. The arbor is elongated by expansion of a chamber to which the arbor is connected through a thrust ring which forms a boundary of the chamber. In addition to the thrust ring, the boundaries of the chamber are a flanged ring mounted on the arbor, which is fixed, and the arbor. An adjustable spacing collar is connected to the arbor. After the arbor is elongated, the collar is adjusted to engage the flanged ring, thus locking the arbor against contraction.

Abstract: A knife for shearing hot metal at temperatures between about 1400.degree. F. and 2400.degree. F. and particularly between about 1800.degree. F. and 2200.degree. F. Typically, the knife is used for shearing blooms or strands produced by continuous casting into billets at like high temperatures. The knife is composite including a base of alloy tool steel, specifically AISI 4130 and a cutting edge of a high-temperature-resistant alloy, specifically INCONEL Alloy 718. These alloys are weld compatible and are joined into a mechanically sturdy unit by an electron-beam fusion weld, carried out in an evacuated atmosphere substantially free of oxygen to preclude reaction of oxygen with the alloy components such as Ti having a high affinity for oxygen.

Abstract: Reduction of bars or rods with reducing rolls of large diameter on arbors in which lateral pressure is applied to the reducing rolls to suppress rotation of the rolls relative to the arbor. The pressure is applied by an annular shoe on the arbor. The shoe and an annular fluid activator, on the arbor form, between their facing surfaces, a sealed annular chamber and also an annular gap. The gap is accessible through the peripheries of the activator and shoe. Axial movement of the activator outwardly of the rolls is restricted by a nut on the arbor. Grease is injected into the chamber under high pressure. The shoe and activator operate as a split cylinder impressing tensile stress on the arbor between the side of the shoe remote from the activator and the nut and causing the arbor in this region to elongate and also to impress compressive force on the roll and its axial components. This elongation enlarges the width of the gap.

Abstract: A roll assembly for reducing rod and the like in which the rolls are secured against rotation on their arbor by force applied to the sides of the rolls in the direction of the axis of the arbor. The force is applied by an hydraulic nut or annulus having a cavity which is sealed pressure tight by a deformable membrane. An annular shoe is interposed between the membrane and the rolls. The cavity is supplied with fluid under pressure and is deflected exerting force on the shoe which is transmitted to the roll.

Abstract: An hydraulic nut including an annulus, typically of stainless steel, having an annular cavity therein. The cavity is sealed pressure-tight by an annular deformable membrane of the same material as the annulus which is welded to the annulus about the cavity by a fusion weld. An hydraulic fluid, under pressure, typically grease, is injected into the cavity. The membrane is backed up by an annular shoe and the force produced by the pressure is transmitted through the membrane and the shoe to the object to which the force is applied. Very high forces may be applied by this apparatus.