And Adjustable Carrier For Deflector Patents (Class 72/164)
  • Patent number: 11173531
    Abstract: A roller leveler and related method for leveling stock which includes an upper roller frame with an upper leveling unit, and a lower roller frame which has a machine bed with a lower leveling unit. The upper roller frame can be moved upward and downward relative to the lower roller frame by hydraulic drives. The upper leveling unit includes a plurality of upper leveling rollers and the lower leveling unit has a plurality of lower leveling rollers. The upper leveling rollers are supported with upper bearing plates and the lower leveling rollers are supported with lower bearing plates. At least several of the upper and lower leveling rollers are connected at one end to drive shafts of a drive device. A frame is moveable into and out of the roller leveler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Inventors: Christian Armbruster, Christian Hartmann
  • Patent number: 11123782
    Abstract: A hand-held tool for straightening tubing such as brake fluid lines in vehicles, the tool provides a housing having an outer covering, internally thereof, a series of sets of rollers, that are adjustable radially, supported by end frames, and intermediate the rollers and the outer covering is an adjuster ring, shiftable longitudinally within the housing, operatively associated with the rollers, such that when the adjuster ring is pulled outwardly, longitudinally, from the tool housing, the rollers shift radially outwardly, for accommodating larger tubing, and when the adjuster ring is pushed inwardly of the housing, the rollers are forced inwardly against smaller diameter tubing, in preparation for its straightening. A sector of the tool, usually along a quadrant, is opened from one end to the other of the tool, so as to allow the tool to be applied to the tubing to be straightened, anywhere along its length, and not only at its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Inventor: Paul T. Pitney
  • Patent number: 10710135
    Abstract: A dual-stage multi-roll leveler and an associated dual-stage work roll assembly. The dual-stage work roll assembly includes independent sets of first stage work rolls and second stage work rolls, with each set of work rolls including one or more upper work rolls disposed above one or more lower work rolls. An adjustable gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set, with the gap being equal from the entry side to the exit side thereof. A dual-stage leveler employs such a work roll assembly to remove shape defects from a moving strip material in the first stage and to remove coil set and/or curl from the strip material in the second stage, through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first stage work roll bending. Because there is no feathering out of work roll penetration in either stage, differential roll speed and the problems associated therewith are eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Machine Concepts Inc.
    Inventors: Guil Bergman, Chris Heid, Lee Heitkamp, Tony Enneking
  • Patent number: 9653864
    Abstract: A wire straightening apparatus that straightens kinks of a wire that is fed along a wire feeding path includes one or a plurality of straightening mechanisms. Each straightening mechanism includes a plurality of first straightening rollers and one or a plurality of second straightening rollers. Each roller has a groove along its outer periphery, the groove gradually deepening toward a bottom portion. The bottom portion of the groove of each first straightening roller is spaced from the wire feeding path in a first direction, and the bottom portion of the groove of each second straightening roller is spaced from the wire feeding path in a second direction opposite to the first direction. With this structure, the wire can be made to follow a path that meanders as viewed from a direction perpendicular to axes of the straightening rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SUMITOMO WIRING SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Mizutani, Yoshiaki Hattori
  • Patent number: 9643227
    Abstract: Drawing unit for drawing at least one long metal product (P), configured to make the at least one long metal product (P) advance along a nominal axis of feed (A) and provided with at least a first motorized roll (13) and with at least two second rolls (14) operating at the periphery of the first roll (13) and defining, with the latter, respective passage gaps (15). The at least two second rolls (14) are located one on one side and the other on the other side of the axis (N) orthogonal to the nominal axis of feed (A) that passes through the center of rotation of the first roll (13). The second rolls (14) are associated to movement members (21) to move the second rolls (14) in a parallel form with respect to each other and in a direction substantially orthogonal to said nominal axis of feed (A) in order to adjust the passage gaps (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: M.E.P. MACCHINE ELETTONRICHE PIEGATRICI SPA
    Inventor: Giorgio Del Fabro
  • Patent number: 9511573
    Abstract: A system and method for making a door having first and second door skins and an internal frame. The top and bottom surfaces of the frame are coated with an adhesive and the frame is placed on a first door skin. The second door skin is then placed on the opposite surface of the frame. The assembled components are then pressed to bond the first and second door skins to the frame with a pressed having platens. Movable shims may be used to vary the pressed force and pressing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: George Cucchi, Bei-Hong Liang
  • Patent number: 9486850
    Abstract: A roller leveler for leveling strips of metal has a frame, a bank of upper and lower work rolls journalled in the frame via a housing positioned toward an exit portion of the leveler. A bank of upper and lower back-up rolls is in contact with the upper and lower work rolls to support the work rolls. The bank of upper and lower back-up rolls mounted to the frame via back-up housings. A second bank of upper and lower work rolls is positioned near an entry portion of the leveler. The first bank of upper and lower rolls has rolls of different diameter than the second bank of upper and lower work rolls. A roll or rolls can be mounted in an eccentric fashion that is achieved by permanent or adjustable positioning of offset of the work roll with respect to adjacent rolls or by providing a work roll that is larger in diameter than its adjacent rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Butech Bliss
    Inventor: John R. Buta
  • Patent number: 9381695
    Abstract: A substrate de-bowing mechanism, system and method are described. The mechanism can include a substrate support, one or more stationary contact members, and one or more dynamic or movable contact members that are adapted to contact the substrate and bend the substrate in a desired direction to reduce or eliminate bowing of the substrate. The mechanism is controlled by a CPU or other controller that can adjust the de-bow parameters of the de-bowing mechanism based on input settings that can be dynamic and/or static settings. The mechanism can be used to de-bow a variety of substrates including plastic cards, passports, and passport pages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Entrust Datacard Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Kelly Zaborowski, David E. Wickstrom, Rajesh Kalachand Juriasingani
  • Patent number: 9138791
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a retractable thermocouple at the upper end of a flare stack for sensing a flare pilot burner flame. The apparatus comprises: a portable mounting structure; two pair of opposing drive wheels having non-metallic contacting surfaces; a first set of offset straightening rollers having non-metallic contacting surfaces for straightening the thermocouple in a first plane; and a second set of offset straightening rollers having non-metallic contacting surfaces for straightening the retractable thermocouple in a second plane different from the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ZEECO, INC.
    Inventor: Clayton A. Francis
  • Patent number: 9056345
    Abstract: A flexible retaining device (1) for a profiling installation for clamping a sheet metal (5) to be profiled is provided. Furthermore, a method for profiling a sheet metal (5) by using the flexible retaining device (1) is provided as well as sheet metal profiled with the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Data M Sheet Metal Solutions GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Freitag, Albert Sedlmaier, André Abee
  • Publication number: 20140260481
    Abstract: The invention may relate, among other things, to a device for straightening a metal strip having two strip drives which are suitable together to apply tension on the metal strip to straighten the metal strip, wherein at least one of the strip drives is a linear drive, characterised in that the at least one linear drive has a positioning device such that the linear drive can be moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Norbert Umlauf
  • Patent number: 8813531
    Abstract: An assembly for moving wire from one point to a second point distant from the first point. The assembly comprises a first unit comprising a wire straightener and a second unit that moves the wire through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Alcotec Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Burns, Todd W. Petters
  • Patent number: 8789399
    Abstract: A method for leveling parts in a roller leveling machine, which includes an upper and a lower roller frame, and in which upper and lower leveling rollers are each arranged in a separate leveling roller block, at least one of the leveling roller blocks being variable in its position and angle so that the leveling gap can be adjusted, wherein at least one leveling gap setting device is arranged at the infeed side and at the outfeed side of the leveling machine, and an automatic leveling gap control is provided to set the leveling gap. The method includes determining, for each leveling triangle of the roller leveling machine, an offset value based on the thickness, width, and bending moment of the part to be leveled and characteristics of the leveling machine including a max deflection of the roller frame, and readjusting a setting device of the leveling gap as a function of the leveling triangles mapped onto the part to be leveled as it moves through the leveling gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Braeutigam, Gerald Khim
  • Patent number: 8763436
    Abstract: A wire straightener comprises a wire feed path, a first set of rollers disposed in a first plane along the wire feed path, a second set of rollers disposed in a second plane along the wire feed path, the first and second planes being substantially perpendicular to one another, a first motor operable to adjust a position of at least one of the rollers of the first set of rollers when actuated, and a second motor operable to adjust a position of at least one of the rollers of the second set of rollers when actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventor: Kelly M. Knewtson
  • Patent number: 8667826
    Abstract: A device for leveling metal stock, which is moved during operation from an infeed side of the device to an outfeed side, includes: an upper set of leveling rollers and a lower set of leveling rollers, each of which comprises a terminal leveling roller on the infeed side and another one on the outfeed side. A plurality of lower backup roller support blocks, each include a plurality of backup rollers, which serve to support the lower leveling rollers and are arranged in rows, wherein their axes of rotation are parallel to axes of rotation of the leveling rollers. At least one of the terminal lower leveling rollers of the set of lower leveling rollers is arranged so that it can be individually adjusted, wherein the at least one of the terminal lower leveling rollers is supported at each end in a lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Reiner Huck
  • Patent number: 8635896
    Abstract: An assembly for moving wire from one point to a second point distant from the first point. The assembly comprises a first unit comprising a wire straightner and a second unit that moves the wire through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Alcotec Wire Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas W. Burns, Todd W. Peters
  • Publication number: 20130111962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and stretch-bending straightener for straightening metal strips (1) by stretch-bending, comprising a plurality of straightening rolls (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a) which are arranged behind one another in the strip flow direction (D) and spaced from one another in the strip flow direction (D), wherein the strip (1) subject to tensile stress below the limit of elasticity is alternately bent around the straightening rolls (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a), undergoing plastic elongation, wherein a deflecting roll (5b, 6b, 7b) is arranged upstream of one or more straightening rolls (5a, 6a, 7a), respectively, wherein said straightening rolls can be adjusted relative to the strip (1) and wherein said deflecting roll has a larger diameter than the respective downstream straightening roll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Andreas Noe
  • Publication number: 20130074565
    Abstract: A levelling device for a strip of material contains a first cassette frame unit having a plurality of first levelling rollers with juxtaposed axes of rotation spaced by a first pitch substantially greater than a first diameter of the rollers, each of the rollers having one extremity coupled and driven individually by a motor torque transmission extender. A second cassette frame unit is interchangeable with the first cassette frame unit and contains a plurality of second levelling rollers with juxtaposed axes of rotation spaced by a second pitch substantially greater than the second diameter of the second rollers. A motor drive drives a plurality of motor torque transmission outputs to each of the extenders. The second cassette frame unit includes a torque distribution module disposed and coupled between one extremity of at least one of the extenders and at least two juxtaposed extremities of the second rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS VAI METALS TECHNOLOGIES SAS
    Inventor: SIEMENS VAI METALS TECHNOLOGIES SAS
  • Patent number: 8356502
    Abstract: A mounting block assembly for positionally adjusting machine components. The mounting block assembly comprises a mount for attachment to a framework of the machine and a component interface pivotably mounted to the mount about a pivot axis. The component interface is capable of supporting at least one component. The mounting block assembly component interface includes a slide block pivotably mounted to the mount about the pivot axis and a tie block adjustably mounted to the slide block along an adjustment axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: New Tech Machinery
    Inventors: Ronald W. Schell, Jeffrey A. Fry, Adam J. Binderup, John W. DeBerard
  • Patent number: 8336354
    Abstract: A straightening machine (1) having upper straightening rollers (5.1, 5.2, . . . ) and lower straightening rollers (6.1, 6.2, . . . ) is provided, with the straightening rollers being drivable via coupling elements (5.1?, 5.2?, . . . ; 6.1?, 6.2? . . . ). The upper straightening rollers and the lower straightening rollers are arranged in upper and lower interchangeable cartridges, respectively, together with the pertaining coupling elements, with the cartridges being removable from the straightening machine. The straightening machine provides that at least one of the upper and lower interchangeable cartridges is configured to be separable in such a manner that the relevant straightening rollers (6.1, 6.2, . . . ) can be exchanged optionally together with at least the pertaining coupling elements (5.1?, 5.2?, . . . ; 6.1?, 6.2? . . . ) by removing the entire upper and/or lower interchangeable cartridge or without the pertaining coupling elements by removing only part of the relevant interchangeable cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Kohler Maschinebau GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Haag, Lothar Hug, Günter Keller, Wolfgang Leser
  • Patent number: 8250894
    Abstract: A release mechanism for use in a leveling apparatus that performs a leveling process on a work object that has been wound in a coil configuration as a result of the work object being passed between a front side work roll in contact with the front side surface of the work object and a back side work roll that is in contact with the back side surface of the work, wherein the releasing mechanism switches between a work clamp state that allows performance of the leveling process and a release state that releases the work object from the clamp state by displacing a work roll support member that supports one of the work rolls relative to the another support member to change a distance between the work rolls by utilizing rotational movement of an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Aida Engineering, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshioka
  • Publication number: 20120174643
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for continuously stretch-bend-leveling metal strips, wherein a strip under a tensile stress below the elastic limit is alternatingly bent about at least four straightening rollers in the plastic or elastic-plastic region and thereby undergoes plastic stretching. The bending radii of all four straightening rollers are thereby set dually and independently of each other, as the straightening rollers are set up having individually controlled positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventor: Andreas Noe
  • Publication number: 20120103047
    Abstract: A roller leveler is provided having a substantially uniform pitch of leveling rolls arranged in a zigzag manner. The roller leveler is provided with a first roll group having first leveling rolls arranged with a pitch “P1” in the carrying direction of a steel plate, a second roll group having five pieces of second leveling rolls which are arranged with the pitch “P1” in the carrying direction of the steel plate and have a zigzag arrangement with respect to the first leveling rolls, a first retract mechanism for retracting the middle first leveling rolls from the pass line, and second retract mechanisms for retracting the pairs of end second leveling rolls from the pass line. The second roll group has third leveling rolls disposed with the pitch “P1” in the carrying direction of the steel plate with respect to the outermost second leveling rolls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: JP STEEL PLANTECH CO.
    Inventors: Keizo Abe, Toru Aoyama, Yutaka Kusanagi, Nobumasa Okazaki
  • Patent number: 8127580
    Abstract: A method and a device is provided for controlling the overlapping of leveling rollers in a planishing machine comprising two leveling trains each bearing a series of rollers with parallel axes. The method and device are particularly applicable to sheets and strip products of great thickness and high hardness requiring little roller overlap. The method is characterized in that it consists in measuring at least the overall value of the torques transmitted to the planishing rollers by the motors, in determining the actual value of the torques used for planishing the product, in comparing the determined value with the reference value of the torque provided by the presetting model and in acting on the members regulating the roller overlap to maintain the value of the thus determined torque at the reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens VAI Metals Technologies SAS
    Inventors: Dominique Polatidis, Yves Leclercq
  • Publication number: 20110289994
    Abstract: A technique enables extending the useful life of tubing deployed in a wellbore. The technique involves routing a damaged or distorted tubing through a straightening device. The tubing straightening device bends and counter bends the tubing along predetermined axes as it passes through the tubing straightening device. The bending and counter bending are selected so the tubing exits the straightening device with a predetermined form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: David P. Smith, Doug Pipchuk
  • Publication number: 20110197645
    Abstract: A drawing and/or straightening unit for feeding one or more oblong metal products to a machine for working the metal products. The drawing and/or straightening unit comprises a first driven roller on which at least one metal product to be fed is positioned longitudinally, and at least a second contrasting roller, opposite the first roller with respect to an axis of feed of the metal product, to keep the metal product correctly positioned with respect to the first roller during feed. The drawing and/or straightening unit comprises actuators operationally associated with the second roller, in order to move, at least in the initial positioning step, the second roller with respect to the first roller, in order to vary the distance between the second roller and the first roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: M.E.P. Macchine Elettroniche Piegatrici SPA
    Inventor: Giorgio Del Fabro
  • Publication number: 20110138868
    Abstract: A method for leveling parts in a roller leveling machine, which includes an upper and a lower roller frame, and in which upper and lower leveling rollers are each arranged in a separate leveling roller block, at least one of the leveling roller blocks being variable in its position and angle so that the leveling gap can be adjusted, wherein at least one leveling gap setting device is arranged at the infeed side and at the outfeed side of the leveling machine, and an automatic leveling gap control is provided to set the leveling gap. The method includes determining, for each leveling triangle of the roller leveling machine, an offset value based on the thickness, width, and bending moment of the part to be leveled and characteristics of the leveling machine including a max deflection of the roller frame, and readjusting a setting device of the leveling gap as a function of the leveling triangles mapped onto the part to be leveled as it moves through the leveling gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: ARKU Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Braeutigam, Gerald Khim
  • Publication number: 20100229614
    Abstract: In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides systems and methods for drawn wire, commonly called filament, to be straightened after cold, warm or hot drawing to a smaller diameter. This technology controls tension on the wire after drawing, while pulling the wire through straightening rollers. A single set of straightening rollers can be used. There is no limit on the total number of sets of straightening rollers can be used. The number of individual rollers in a set of straightening rollers can range from two-to-many rolls. Tension is generally controlled by at least two relatively large diameter synchronizing sets of pulling rollers, one before the straightening rollers and one after the straightening rollers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas W. Tyl
  • Publication number: 20100058823
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for controlling the overlapping of levelling rollers in a planishing machine comprising two levelling trains each bearing a series of rollers (4, 4?) with parallel axes. The invention is particularly applicable to sheets and strip products of great thickness and high hardness requiring little roller overlap. The method is characterized in that it consists in measuring at least the overall value of the torques transmitted to the planishing rollers by the motors, in determining the actual value of the torques used for planishing the product, in comparing the determined value with the reference value of the torque provided by the presetting model and in acting on the members (3, 3?) regulating the roller overlap to maintain the value of the thus determined torque at the reference value (Refc).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SIEMENS VAI METALS TECHNOLOGIES SAS
    Inventors: Dominique Polatidis, Yves Leclercq
  • Patent number: 7637133
    Abstract: A roller leveler having a frame; a first bank of upper and lower work rolls journalled in the frame via a work roll journal housing; and a bank of back-up rolls in contact with the work rolls to support the work rolls. The work rolls perform leveling on a work product passing through a gap formed between upper and lower work rolls. The back-up rolls are mounted to the roller leveler frame via a back-up housing. The back-up rolls are movable to allow the first bank of work rolls to be removed and a second bank of work rolls to be installed wherein the second bank of work rolls includes work rolls of a different diameter than the first bank of work rolls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Butech Bliss
    Inventor: John R. Buta
  • Publication number: 20090301156
    Abstract: A tubing straightener includes a housing having a tubing receiving end and a tubing ejection end. At least one set of drive rollers is positioned within the housing and disposed between the first end and the second end. The drive rollers engage tubing to be straightened such that, in use, the drive rollers apply a driving force to the tubing. Each drive roller has more than one circumferential profile for engaging tubing of different diameters. At least one top guide roller and at least one bottom guide roller for guiding the tubing through the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Glen CORBEIL
  • Patent number: 7584638
    Abstract: A device for calibrating a multi-roll leveler for leveling a metal strip includes an assembly having two series of rolls, namely upper rolls and lower rolls which face each other so as to imbricate the rolls of one series into those of the other. The series of rolls are placed substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the run direction of the strip to be leveled. A rigid measurement bar of sufficient length is positioned in the leveling direction between the upper and lower rolls, extending over all the rolls, and having rigid protrusions integral with the bar reproducing, when they are placed plumb with the lower rolls, the action of the lower rolls and their mechanical properties. A thin metal plate rests on these protrusions and is fastened to one of them at around the middle of the bar and includes extensometers for measuring its elastic deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: USINOR
    Inventors: Olivier Madelaine-Dupuich, Stéphane Rossi, Gilbert Petig, Philippe Wallendorf, Dominique Kircher, Fabrice Tondo, Eric Vasseur, Alain Fouratier, Jacques-Yves Bourgon, Christian Hoff
  • Patent number: 7543470
    Abstract: A roll straightener which is capable of being switched between a zigzag type and an opposed type is disclosed. The roll straightener has an odd-number of pairs of upper and lower rolls. A group of the lower rolls including the second lower roll from an insertion side of the straightener up to a lower roll located at a middle position are movable in vertical and transverse directions of the rolls, while the remaining upper rolls and lower rolls are movable in only the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Nihon Shinkan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinichi Taguchi, Tetsuo Hosonuma
  • Patent number: 7530250
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for straightening a metal strip (1) which is guided in the direction of transportation (R) through a straightening machine (2) and is straightened. In the straightening device (2), the metal strip (1) is impinged upon by a straightening force (F) which is applied by a plurality of straightening rollers (3) in the direction (N) which is perpendicular to the surface of the metal strip (1). According to the invention, prior to the metal strip (1) entering into the straightening machine (2), the thickness (d) of the metal strip (1) is determined and the position (a) of the straightening rollers (3) in the direction (N) which is perpendicular to the surface of the metal strip (1) is taken into account according to the determined thickness (d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Hans-Georg Hartung, Andreas Gramer, Ralf-Hartmut Sohl, Peter de Kock, Bodo Falkenhahn
  • Patent number: 7461529
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus receive encoder signals and sensor data to monitor a condition of a strip material. The system obtains a plurality of sensor readings associated with the condition of the strip material, converts the readings into a dimensional profile, and outputs a visual display of the dimensional profile. If an undesired material condition is detected, a material conditioner is adjusted to achieve a desired material condition. Each time the strip material passes a sensor, data associated with the strip material is recorded. The dimensional profile is additionally shown to an operator to facilitate the input of commands by the operator used to urge the material toward a desired profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Bradbury Company
    Inventor: John Dennis Clark
  • Publication number: 20080202187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for leveling profiles (5). When the hot-rolled profiles are cooled off, they deform considerably. Therefore, the profiles are not leveled while they are hot but are first cooled off. The inventive method for the first time allows leveling hot profiles at a profile temperature of >70° C. while maintaining their once leveled profile shape when cooled off. For this purpose, the leveling force during leveling is applied directly to the flange (5b, 5c). As a consequence, the original state of stresses in the web (5a) and in the web roots remains unchanged and disadvantageous internal stresses are avoided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Betriebsforschungsinstitut VDEh-Institut fur angewandte Forschung GmbH
    Inventor: Axel Maag
  • Publication number: 20080196466
    Abstract: An apparatus for leveling thin metal strip moving longitudinally generally in a plane in a travel direction has at least one upstream roll rotatable about an axis and engaging the strip, at least one downstream roll rotatable about an axis and engaging the strip downstream of the upstream roll, and a drive connected to at least one of the rolls for exerting tension on the strip between the rolls. In accordance with the invention pivoting one of the rolls is pivoted about an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane or parallel to the direction so as to vary the tension in the strip across a width of the strip and thereby locally plastically deform the strip to level it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventor: Andreas Noe
  • Patent number: 7383711
    Abstract: Embodiments of a leveler that may be controlled by a computer are provided. The leveler may include a top frame that has at least a first set of rolls mounted thereon. The top frame includes a plurality of operatively associated ball screw assemblies that enable movement of the top frame with respect to a bottom frame of the leveler. The bottom frame has at least a second set of rolls mounted thereon. The leveler may further include at least one motor operatively associated with the plurality of ball screw assemblies. The motor is designed to drive the plurality of ball screw assemblies to move the top frame. The motor may also have at least one operatively associated encoder configured for monitoring or communicating data associated with rotation of the ball screw assemblies. The leveler may also include at least one position transmitter configured for monitoring a position of at least a portion of the top frame relative to a position of at least a portion of the bottom frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Blue IP, Inc.
    Inventor: James N. McKenna
  • Patent number: 7299672
    Abstract: A bridle unit assigned to a rolling stand with several rolls arranged in adjustable positions below and above the strip flow, which can be moved by means of a drive from an initial position to the strip and from the strip back into the initial position, wherein the roll situated closest to the roll gap of the rolling stand can be moved by means of an additional drive from an initial position below the strip flow or from an initial position above the strip flow to the strip, such that, when the bridle unit is used for coloring the strip, the circumference of the roll deflects the strip upward or downward from the horizontal pass line and forms a bite angle above or below the pass line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: SMS Demag AG
    Inventors: Christoph Schwarz, Hans-Joachim Pölking, Susanne Hein
  • Patent number: 7185519
    Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. The disclosed methods and apparatus receive encoder signals and sensor data to monitor a condition of a strip material. If an undesired material condition is detected, a material conditioner is adjusted to achieve a desired material condition. Each time a sheet is cut, flatness data associated with that sheet is recorded. Each time a bundle is finished, certification data associated with that bundle is printed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: The Bradbury Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John Dennis Clark
  • Patent number: 7159431
    Abstract: A section straightening machine is operated by a method which involves passing the structural sections through the array of straightening tools. Section straightening forces are applied to adjustable shafts carrying the tools and adjusters at the service sides of the shaft applying forces acting counter to the section straightening forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Georg Hartung, Werner Kohlstedde, Markus Willems, Hans-Jürgen Reismann, Manfred Riffelmann, Ulrich Svejkovsky, Stefan Ernst
  • Patent number: 7055354
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting a flattener under traction and a corresponding device, for providing a metal strip (5) in particular a cold-rolled steel plate, comprising a cage (1), cage posts (8), two stacked cassettes (2, 3) supporting each a plurality of rollers (4) between which the metal strip (5) is fed. The invention is characterized in that it consists in measuring a physical quantity representing the angular position of said cassettes (2, 3) relative to the feeding direction of the said trip (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: USINOR
    Inventors: Fabrice Tondo, Jacques Yves Bourgon, Pierre Vienot, Christian Aussourd
  • Patent number: 7032420
    Abstract: A method for real-time adjustment of a planisher for planishing metal strip. After a planished strip has been cut into a plate, the method includes measuring the plate at the output of the planisher outside a support zone, correcting the measurement so as to eliminate the influence due to self-weight of the plate, and correcting, as the case may be, the clamping of rollers located at the planer output so as to obtain a plate with a controlled curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Usinor
    Inventors: Jacques-Yves Bourgon, Olivier Guillard, Fabrice Tondo, Olivier Madelaine-Dupuich, Pierre Lemoine
  • Patent number: 7013547
    Abstract: A method and a device for the production of curved spring strip sections. A spring strip runs through a bending unit formed from three separate support points and a reverse bending unit, arranged in series, and formed from a fourth support point. Bent and reverse-bent spring strip sections are separated off from the spring strip in a separator unit. In order to achieve a compact construction for the device, the third support point of the bending unit and the fourth support point of the reverse bending unit are adjustable in position relative to the spring strip, by a controller with pre-set programs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Valeo Systemes d'Essuyage
    Inventors: Oliver Lenzen, Gerald Pachur
  • Patent number: 6993947
    Abstract: A metal measurement plate (5), having a size suitable for being placed between the set of upper rolls and the set of lower rolls of the leveler, has positioning means (60, 61, 62) for positioning it with respect to the rolls in the leveling direction, and strain gauges (51) for measuring elastic deformations of the plate during clamping on the leveler, said strain gauges being fastened to the plate so as to form several transverse rows of gauges (51 to 56) each located vertically in line with one of said rolls, on the opposite face of the plate with respect to said roll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: USINOR SA
    Inventors: Fabrice Tondo, Jacques-Yves Bourgon, Dominique Bonnet, Christophe Noardo, Gilbert Petig, Pierre Vienot
  • Patent number: 6857301
    Abstract: A displacement-type shape sensor for detecting the flatness of a strip of material. A flatness detection system may be formed from a plurality of said sensors. The displacement-type shape sensor preferably employs a roller bearing coupled to an actuator. A linear displacement sensor is coupled to the actuator/roller bearing to measure linear displacement. Preferably, the displacement-type sensor(s) is located below the strip of material and placed in contact therewith by movement of the actuator. By measuring the amount that the roller bearing(s) is displaced, it is possible to detect the flatness of the strip. Through use of a plurality of such sensors, areas of varying tension and, thus, areas of differing flatness of the strip of material may be detected. The displacement-type shape sensor may be used in conjunction with a precision leveler to effectuate leveling of the strip of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: Machine Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Guil C. Bergman, Anthony D. Enneking
  • Patent number: 6848289
    Abstract: A cassette assembly for a multi-roll leveler and a method for producing necessary work roll bending in such a cassette assembly. An upper and lower cassette module are provided for placement into a precision leveler. The lower cassette module is provided with roller support arms that lie below and transverse the work rolls of the module. The roller support-arms are pivotally connected to the lower cassette module near one side thereof. An actuator, or actuators, are integrally located in the lower cassette module to provide an upward force near the ends of the roller support arms opposite that of the pivotal connection. The upward force of the actuator(s) causes a resultant upward displacement of the roller support arms, and a corresponding bending of the work rolls of the lower cassette. The movement of the actuator(s) may be controlled and/or monitored by an automatic shape control system portion of the leveler to which the cassette assembly is installed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Machine Concepts, Inc.
    Inventors: Guil C. Bergman, Anthony D. Enneking
  • Patent number: 6843091
    Abstract: In a straightening machine for straightening sections like rolled beams, wherein tools (11) are arranged on a plurality of mutually parallel driven straightening shafts (8, 9; 21a, 21b, 22a, 22b) disposed above and below the alignment line in the transport direction of the product to be straightened, and of which preferably the upper straightening shafts (2a, 21b) are adjustable for setting the straightening gap, the straightening shafts (2a, 21a, b) are individually adjustable and each have on both sides an adjusting means engaging straightening shaft ends (6, 7; 23a, 23b) whereby in straightening operations at least the adjusting means on the service side (6; 23a) remote from the drive side I is provided with a force (FA) acting opposite to the straightening force (FR) relevant hereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: SMS Demag Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Hans Georg Hartung, Werner Kohlstedde, Markus Willems, Hans-Jürgen Reismann, Manfred Riffelmann, Ulrich Svejkovsky, Stefan Ernst
  • Patent number: 6691544
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for handling web material paid off from a coil to a downstream end-use machine. The method generally includes automatically adjusting the height of the coil of web material to maintain a consistent payoff line, and includes dekinking the trailing end of the web material to prevent damage to downstream machines. The apparatus generally includes a reel-type uncoiler having a vertically adjustable mandrel and having a payoff roll biased into engagement with the outside diameter of the coil to define a payoff line of the web material. A dekinker is positioned just downstream of the uncoiler to dekink the trailing end of the web material and to thread the leading end of the web material into a downstream feeder. The dekinker includes a threader roll and a breaker roll pivotably mounted about a common pivot axis, wherein a kinked portion of web material is straightened therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: U.S. Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernst W. Steudle, Robert Lamey
  • Patent number: 6651476
    Abstract: A roll-type straightening and feed mechanism includes opposing sets of straightening rolls adapted to straighten coil stock as it travels therebetween, opposing feed rolls adapted to grip the coil stock therebetween to advance the straightened coil stock to a using station, and operators connected to simultaneously separate the straightening rolls and the feed rolls and release the coil stock therebetween, and to simultaneously reset the straightening rolls and the feed roll and re-grip the coil stock for advancing straightened stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mechanical Tool & Engineering Co.
    Inventor: Richard D. Nordlof