Abstract: A guide is adapted to be positioned for encirclement by a helical formation of rod rings free falling from the delivery end of a conveyor. The guide comprises a vertically projecting mandrel terminating at its upper end in a nose cone. The nose cone has a horizontal profile defined in part by at least one element having an outer edge separated by a variable radial distance from a central axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A cooling device comprises a manifold housing having a generally concave inner edge configured and dimensioned to surround a surface area of a work roll in a rolling mill. The manifold housing is of a modular design having multiple constituent sections that are internally configured to simultaneously apply both a liquid coolant and a pressurized gas to the surface area of the work roll.

Abstract: A rolling mill roll neck is sealed by interposing a seal between a roll flinger having a first axial surface and an opposing second axial surface of a roll housing retaining plate. The seal is biased into contact against one of the axial surfaces with a pressurized fluid source, such as compressed air. As the seal wears during roll neck operation the pressurized fluid maintains biasing contact between the seal and the axial surface. The remainder of the intact seal is remains pressed into contact with the mating, opposing axial surface, for example that of a roll flinger or a retaining plate. Advantageously the seal is housed in a stationary retaining plate that is in opposed axial relationship with a rotating flinger.

Abstract: A cooling device comprises a manifold housing having a generally concave inner edge configured and dimensioned to surround a surface area of a work roll in a rolling mill. The manifold housing is of a modular design having multiple constituent sections that are internally configured to simultaneously apply both a liquid coolant and a pressurized gas to the surface area of the work roll.

Abstract: A guide is adapted to be positioned for encirclement by a helical formation of rod rings free falling from the delivery end of a conveyor. The guide comprises a vertically projecting mandrel terminating at its upper end in a nose cone. The nose cone has a horizontal profile defined in part by at least one element having an outer edge separated by a variable radial distance from a central axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A clamp for releasably securing a rolling mill roll stand on a support structure, comprises a tubular housing adapted to be secured to the support structure. A piston subdivides the interior of the housing into front and rear chambers. A clamping jaw projects forwardly from the piston through an open front end of the housing. The piston is reciprocally movable between a locked position at which the clamping jaw engages the roll stand, and an unlocked position at which the clamping jaw is disengaged from the roll stand. Resilient elements act in the rear chamber to exert a locking force urging the piston into its locked position, and pressurized fluid acts in the front chamber to overcome the resilient locking force when unlocking the clamp.

Abstract: Selectively replaceable wear elements for rolling mill laying heads. One replaceable wear element forms the end ring guide surface and is installed within the end ring inner diameter without removing the guide ring from the laying head. A plurality of wear element bodies may be installed about one or more portions of the end ring guide surface inner diameter. Size, configuration and material properties of the end ring guide surface wear element bodies may vary for different sections within the ring guide inner diameter. Another replaceable wear element is a tripper paddle that forms a laying head tripper mechanism guide surface. The tripper paddle and guide surface wear element bodies are replaceable external the end ring without removing the end ring or tripper mechanism from the laying head. Either or both types of wear element may be used in a laying head.

Abstract: A guide is adapted to be positioned for encirclement by a helical formation of rod rings free falling from the delivery end of a. conveyor. The guide comprises a vertically projecting mandrel terminating at its upper end in a nose cone. The nose cone has a horizontal profile defined in part by at least one element having an outer edge separated by a variable radial distance from a central axis of the mandrel.

Abstract: A rolling mill roll neck is sealed by interposing a seal between a roll flinger having a first axial surface and an opposing second axial surface of a roll housing retaining plate. The seal is biased into contact against one of the axial surfaces with a pressurized fluid source, such as compressed air. As the seal wears during roll neck operation the pressurized fluid maintains biasing contact between the seal and the axial surface. The remainder of the intact seal is remains pressed into contact with the mating, opposing axial surface, for example that of a roll flinger or a retaining plate. Advantageously the seal is housed in a stationary retaining plate that is in opposed axial relationship with a rotating flinger.

Abstract: A modular coolant water jacket has a coolant tube cartridge portion and a selectively separable outer flange portion. Separation of the larger diameter outer flange portion from the cartridge portion facilitates axially oriented insertion and removal of the cartridge tube portion in radially confined spaces. Modular construction also facilitates reuse of the outer flange portion and replacement of only a worn cartridge tube portion.

Abstract: Selectively replaceable wear elements for rolling mill laying heads. One replaceable wear element forms the end ring guide surface and is installed within the end ring inner diameter without removing the guide ring from the laying head. A plurality of wear element bodies may be installed about one or more portions of the end ring guide surface inner diameter. Size, configuration and material properties of the end ring guide surface wear element bodies may vary for different sections within the ring guide inner diameter. Another replaceable wear element is a tripper paddle that forms a laying head tripper mechanism guide surface. The tripper paddle and guide surface wear element bodies are replaceable external the end ring without removing the end ring or tripper mechanism from the laying head. Either or both types of wear element may be used in a laying head.