Abstract: A machine for slitting a metal sheet has a number of knife holder assemblies each containing a rotary knife. The knife holder assemblies are mounted for movement along upper and lower rotating shafts which rotate the knives during a slitting operation. The position of the knife holder assemblies is programmably controlled for efficient and accurate positioning and adjustment of the knives along the rotating shafts for a variety of slitting configurations. Additionally, each of the upper and lower drive shafts contains a pair of drive shaft sections that are normally connected together during operation and can be disconnected for servicing of the knife holder assemblies on the shafts. The slitting machine includes upper and lower frames that are movable relative to each other by adjustment of a pair of jack screws to slit metal sheets of differing thicknesses without labor intensive adjustment or reconfiguration of the machine.

Abstract: A machine for slitting a metal sheet has a number of knife holder assemblies each containing a rotary knife. The knife holder assemblies are mounted for movement along upper and lower rotating shafts which rotate the knives during a slitting operation. The position of the knife holder assemblies is programmably controlled for efficient and accurate positioning and adjustment of the knives along the rotating shafts for a variety of slitting configurations. Additionally, each of the upper and lower drive shafts contains a pair of drive shaft sections that are normally connected together during operation and can be disconnected for servicing of the knife holder assemblies on the shafts. The slitting machine includes upper and lower frames that are movable relative to each other by adjustment of a pair of jack screws to slit metal sheets of differing thicknesses without labor intensive adjustment or reconfiguration of the machine.

Abstract: A capstan for handling slitting tools comprises a base, a pivoting frame, an outer frame and a plurality of shafts. The pivoting frame is supported by the base for pivotal movement about an axis. The outer frame is supported by the rotating frame for translational movement along the axis. The plurality of shafts extends from the outer frame transversely to the axis. The capstan preferably further includes an axial actuator for translating the outer frame relative to the pivoting frame along the axis. This permits an attendant to raise or lower the outer frame, and, hence, raise or lower the shafts. By thus raising or lowering the shafts, the attendant can adjust the height of the shafts to a comfortable level for loading or unloading knives and spacers without excessive lifting or bending. An optional pusher serves to automatically slide the tools between the capstan and the slitter machine.

Abstract: A capstan for handling slitting tools comprises a base, a pivoting frame, an outer frame and a plurality of shafts. The pivoting frame is supported by the base for pivotal movement about an axis. The outer frame is supported by the rotating frame for translational movement along the axis. The plurality of shafts extends from the outer frame transversely to the axis. The capstan preferably further includes an axial actuator for translating the outer frame relative to the pivoting frame along the axis. This permits an attendant to raise or lower the outer frame, and, hence, raise or lower the shafts. By thus raising or lowering the shafts, the attendant can adjust the height of the shafts to a comfortable level for loading or unloading knives and spacers without excessive lifting or bending. An optional pusher serves to automatically slide the tools between the capstan and the slitter machine.

Abstract: A holder for a circular cutting knife for slitting sheet metal, comprising a precision ground mounting shaft for attaching the cutting knife, the mounting shaft rotatably retained within a housing by engaging sets of high precision ball bearings. The ball bearings are located within the housing by a set of precision ground bearing spacers and precision ground bearing retainers. The bearings are preloaded in the housing to minimize longitudinal movement of the mounting shaft during operation. Additionally, the housing containing the bearings is tapered on one surface so that the cant of the knife blade can be adjusted by reversing the orientation of the housing.