Abstract: The invention relates, in combination with a walking beam conveyor, to a width measuring and centering device for coils of rolled steel strip. The device interacts with the normal vertical raising, lowering and advancement of the coils, by the walking beam conveyor, wherein the device is traversed towards the coil when the coil is in a raised position to measure it width, after which the coil is lowered onto the device which then positions the coil on center, if necessary. After being centered the coil is lifted off the device by the walking beam conveyor and the device retracted after which the coil can be advanced by the conveyor.

Abstract: A thermally insulating block array is partially covered by thermal conducting sheets so as to enhance re-radiation of heat losses from a heated product in order to facilitate effective temprature control. The thermal conducting sheets preferably cover the face of the thermal insulating blocks which face the heated product and preferably cover the lateral surfaces of the blocks and portions of the rear surface to resist direct exposure of the thermal insulating block to the heated product.