Abstract: An uncoiler apparatus for uncoiling coils of wound sheet metal web material is provided with a spindle having an adjustable diameter. An inflatable member is wound about the spindle, and covered with a thin expansible coil. Upon positioning of a coil of wound sheet metal web material over the spindle, the inflatable member is inflated, and the expansible coil expands to engage the inner surface of the inner diameter of the coil of wound sheet metal web material. In an embodiment of the invention, the uncoiler apparatus is capable of being moved, in the direction of the axis of the spindle, and structures are provided for resisting static and dynamic pivoting moments imposed on the uncoiler by the weight and rotational mass inertia (acceleration/deceleration) of the coil.

Abstract: An uncoiler apparatus is provided for the facilitated handling and paying out of successive ones of a plurality of horizontally stacked mult coils of wound sheet metal web. The uncoiler apparatus includes a vertically and laterally movable spindle, which has an expandable mandrel for gripping and supporting the mult coil being unwound. The uncoiler further includes a deck for supporting the mult coils that are awaiting uncoiling and an apparatus for laterally displacing the mult coils in successive fashion to a position where they are successively gripped and supported by the spindle. A method for uncoiling a mult coil is also provided.

Abstract: An uncoiler apparatus is provided for the facilitated handling and paying out of successive ones of a plurality of horizontally stacked mult coils of wound sheet metal web. The uncoiler apparatus includes a vertically and laterally movable spindle, which has an expandable mandrel for gripping and supporting the mult coil being unwound. The uncoiler further includes a deck for supporting the mult coils that are awaiting uncoiling and an apparatus for laterally displacing the mult coils in successive fashion to a position where they are successively gripped and supported by the spindle. A method for uncoiling a mult coil is also provided.

Abstract: An improved downender device for translating heavy objects such as steel coils from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. Comprises a downender transport table having a center channel, a drive chain disposed in said center channel, and an arbor for receiving heavy objects. The arbor may extend and retract without interfering with the drive chain, which includes a series of catchers for pushing the heavy objects along a table of rollers.

Abstract: An improved downender device for translating heavy objects such as steel coils from a vertical configuration to a horizontal configuration. Comprises a downender transport table having a center channel, a drive chain disposed in said center channel, and an arbor for receiving heavy objects. The arbor may extend and retract without interfering with the drive chain, which includes a series of catchers for pushing the heavy objects along a table of rollers.

Abstract: A slitter apparatus for the slitting of substantially flat articles, such as unrolled steel, comprising paired entry and exit pinch rollers and paired slitter knives. The vertical positions of the paired pinch rollers and slitter knives are coordinated whereby the path of travel, i.e. pass line, of the steel through the slitter is predetermined to a substantially optimum path for slitting of the steel. The invention likewise includes a method of determining and positioning the slitter in accordance with a substantially optimum path of travel for such articles being slit.

Abstract: A stacking system for vertically stacking a plurality of articles comprising: a transport table, a stacking area, an arm member, a vertical moving member, and a coordinating device. The transport table includes a first end and a second end, and a member for slidably moving an article of the plurality of articles from the first end to and beyond the second end of the transport table. The stacking area preferably is a table which includes a top surface and a proximal end region associated with the second end of the transport table. The arm member includes an engaging member slidably movable over at least a portion of the stacking table. The engaging member is capable of releasably engaging a portion of the article as the article extends beyond the second end of the transport table. The vertical movement member moves one of the stacking table or the transport table and the arm member into the desired orientation relative to the stacking table.

Abstract: A machine which applies tension to a strip of steel which has been passed through a slitter. The machine includes two sets of rollers which engage the slit material to maintain tension. The rollers are slidable in the machine frame to allow for rapid changing of the rollers to accommodate various types of slit material.