Abstract: A system is provided for measuring the shape of sheet stock within a rolling mill. The system includes a shape sensing roll including a plurality of roll segments. Each segment includes a magnetic bearing, the stators thereof being mounted to a stationary shaft. The bearing rotors are mounted in a steel ring which contacts the strip to be measured. Each roll segment is suspended by a magnetic bearing which is free to react to the loading placed thereon, independent of adjacent segments. Since the magnetic bearing system automatically regulates the power supplied to the electromagnets of the respective bearings to maintain their concentric positions, changes to the power inputs are a direct indication of the magnitude of the loading thereon.

Abstract: A roll coolant distribution header is provided. The header includes a binary valve assembly comprising a plurality of individually mounted two-stage solenoid valves. The valves extend through a plenum chamber filled with coolant. Spray nozzles project through one side of the chamber. The solenoids extend through the opposite side of the chamber and are sealed therefrom. Coolant is introduced into the chamber through its hollow trunnions from mounting/distributor blocks. The mounting/distributor blocks are fitted with coolant pipe connections.