Abstract: An improved automated wire mesh straightening apparatus is described. Wheels, casters and a jack enable ease of mobility, jockeying and leveling respectively of the apparatus at a construction site. Hydraulic operation of moving parts provides general fail-safe operation of the apparatus which is also otherwise designed with operator safety in mind. Rolled wire mesh is automatically straightened by a unique application of drive, nip and reaction forces that can be rapidly adjusted to completely straighten wire mesh of varying gauge and under varied environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus consistently imparts a desired cast characteristic and a desired helix characteristic to drawn wire. A set of interchangeable rollers imparts the cast characteristic to the wire in a first plane, and a helix control assembly imparts helix control by shifting the wire leaving the rollers into a second plane. The helix control assembly includes a rotatable sheave and a movable block. The plane in which the sheave resides and to which the wire is shifted is manually controlled by a handwheel. The rollers and the helix control assembly are supported by a common support. The rollers may be mounted in respective universal base plates, a selected one of which is received in an opening in the frame, thereby greatly reducing tooling and maintenance costs and providing improved flexibility in production. Moreover, the rollers include movable rollers interspersed with fixed rollers, wherein the movable rollers may be individually adjusted on either side of the center line of the fixed rollers.

Abstract: In a roller leveler having a number of work rollers, an improvement is proposed when a junction of metal web passes. Position detecting circuitry detects the junction of the metal web to output a detection signal. In response to the detection signal, an arithmetic unit applies an instruction signal to a depression control unit so that an amount of adjustment to be given to the metal web in the roller leveler is controlled to a suitable value.

Abstract: Decelerator apparatus acting to reduce the distance over which lengths of hot rolled product slide before coming to a halt on leaving a rolling mill stand.So as to avoid the use of pinch rolls or the like, the apparatus employs deforming rollers acting on a leading length of said rolled product in a direction perpendicular to its length and a shear for severing the leading length of product from a following length being acted on by said rolling mill stand whilst said rollers are still in motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of, and apparatus for, controlling a levelling machine for metal plates and, more particularly, to control flatness in a plate mill hot leveller.

Abstract: A method for leveling a metal strip performs a leveling operation by opening leveling rolls at a predetermined position relative to a welded joint and closing at a predetermined position relative to the welded joint. The tension exerted on the metal strip while the leveling rolls are held open is set at a given value in relation to the metal strip length where the leveling rolls are held open. The tension to be exerted on the metal strip while leveling is selected so that the tension may cause a given rate of elongation on the metal strip and thereby levels the metal strip. The leveling device is applicable for implementing the leveling process including a quick open and a quick close upon encountering welded joints of the strips. The leveling device includes features in that the leveling rolls as held open and thus released from the metal strip and self-propelled to rotate.

Abstract: Apparatus to straighten wire ropes. A first frame has a plurality of rollers sequentially mounted on it. A channel is formed in the periphery of each roller. The channels are generally semi-circular in cross section and of a pedetermined radius. The rollers can be driven. A second frame is reciprocable relative to the first and also has a plurality of rollers sequentially mounted on it, above the rollers of the first frame, and in the same plane as the first rollers. A channel is formed in the periphery of the roller. The channels in the rollers form a pathway through the apparatus for a wire rope. The second frame can be reciprocated and, with it, the roller on it. All the rollers can be driven at the same speed. There is an opening in the first frame, parallel to and coextensive with the above pathway through the rollers.

Abstract: In a device for planing a sheet metal strip under tension as applicable in particular to rolling mills, the strip is passed between at least two small-diameter working rolls while being subjected to alternate flexural deformations in opposite directions as well as a third working roll located downstream with respect to the first two rolls and supported by a frame which is capable of adjustable pivotal displacement with respect to the first two rolls.

Abstract: A device for axially supporting a rotating roller (1) resting axially on a fixed frame, at each end, by a contact ball bearing (3). According to the invention, the contact ball bearing (3) is mounted on the end of a support piece (5) consisting of a cylindrical insert (51) extended, on the roller side, by an enlarged base piece (52), fitting inside a recess (6) and bearing, in the axial direction, against the end wall (62) of the recess (6), by an axial bearing (66) and, in the radial direction, against the side wall (61) of the recess (6), by a rolling bearing (65) centering the insert (51) about the axis of rotation (10), the assembly being held in position by a cap (7) closing the recess (6).

Abstract: A method of measuring camber in a sheet of metallic material comprises the steps of displacing the sheet between fixed guides in a plane perpendicular to the width of the sheet such that a point on a center of the sheet travels a predetermined distance, measuring the length of the sheet adjacent a first longitudinal edge thereof which moves past a datum line when the sheet is displaced the predetermined distance and generating a signal having a value A proportional to the length, measuring a length of the sheet adjacent to a second, opposite longitudinal edge which moves past the datum line when the sheet is displaced the predetermined distance and generating a signal having a value B proportional to the second edge length, and calculating camber at the first edge, expressed as a radius of curvature R.sub.C of the sheet, by the equation: ##EQU1## where W equals the width of the sheet.

Abstract: The method of controlling strip flatness on a hot strip mill which includes a hot reversing mill as a final reducing stand comprises reducing the thickness of the workpiece by passing it back and forth along a pass line through the hot reversing mill while reducing the roll gap on the mill after each successive pass. The strain developed during rolling is equalized by passing the workpiece through a shape processor having a plurality of upper and lower rolls capable of intermeshing along the pass line and located immediately downstream of the hot reversing mill. The equalizing of the strain through the shape processor occurs during selected intermittent passes and/or through the last pass through the reversing mill.

Abstract: A hot or cold leveler is provided having conventional high loaded driven work rolls backed up longitudinally across their face by a plurality of short backing rolls. A series of lower work and backing rolls are cassette mounted on the lower main frame of the leveler. The upper backing rolls are mounted on an intermediate support frame designed for limited flexure and which in turn is supported across its length by a plurality of hydraulic piston-cylinder assemblies fixed in the top main frame of the leveler for contouring of the leveling action. Each cylinder is controlled by a servo valve which can be operator-adjusted to work the sheet material across its width dependent on sheet flatness. Buckling at the center, quarter, or edges of the sheet can be removed by a corrective positioning of the piston-cylinder in the location of the buckle. Entry and delivery rollers are similarly servo-controlled. The entry roll is backed off to permit the sheet product to enter the machine and it acts as an anvil roll.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for straightening metal wires by means of a plurality of straightening rollers located alternately on either side of the wire, comprising a fixed chassis, a fixed carriage and mobile carriages guided on two bars parallel to the general direction of the wire. Two adjacent carriages are connected by levers assembled as scissors articulated on the carriages in the lower part and on sliding blocks guided vertically on the carriages in the upper part. A plurality of carriages and lever systems are assembled so that the distance between two adjacent carriages remains identical whatever the carriages in question during displacement of one of them. Each carriage bears one of the rollers located above the wire. Each roller located beneath the wire is borne by one of the levers, and located in an intermediate position between two adjacent upper rollers so that it moves away from said rollers and moves downwardly when the carriages are moved apart.

Abstract: A plate levelling machine includes a first group of small rolls and a second group of larger rolls connected in tandem with the rolls of the first group. The upper rolls of both groups are supported and arranged so that each group can be displaced away from their associated lower rolls while maintaining the rolls of the other group in an operative position. When light gauge plates are to be levelled, the larger upper rolls are displaced to an inactive position and the material is levelled using the small rolls. For heavier gauge material, the small rolls are moved out of position and the larger rolls are employed.

Abstract: A continuous marine pipe laying system utilizes two rollers to overbend and straighten pipe as it is unwound from a reel. A support arm is pivotally connected to the axis of rotation of said reel and first and second roller arms are pivotally connected to the support arm at a point spaced from said axis of rotation. During use, the first roller is positioned at a point adjacent the pipe substantially opposite the departure point of the pipe from the reel. The second roller is spaced from the first roller so as to create an appropriate overbend to straighten the pipe and is maintained at that spacing as successive layers of pipe are unwound from the reel.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening strip stock in which a series of lower leveler rollers are mounted in uniform fixed parallel relation on a lower rigid roller support and a series of upper leveler rollers are mounted in uniform fixed parallel relation on an upper rigid roller support. The roller supports are adjustable relative to each other in a direction parallel to the stock pass line and the roller supports are also adjustable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the stock pass line.

Abstract: The hollow tubular member or blank which is to serve as a sleeve for a corroded tube of the steam generator of a nuclear reactor plant and which is too long to be manipulated under the tube sheet of the reactor, is prebent into a shape such that it can be manipulated and is then progressively straightened under the tube sheet as it is progressively inserted into the tube. The straightener includes a plurality of grooved rolls mounted staggered and rotatable in a train. Each roll forms a channel engaging half of the periphery of the member. The contour of the engaging surface of each roll is the same as the contour of the member over half of its peripheral surface so that each roll mates with the member over half of its peripheral surface.

Abstract: A machine for straightening an elongated workpiece has a plurality of coacting tools which include first and second sets of tools arranged in alternate series along a fixed longitudinal axis to engage successive longitudinally spaced portions of a workpiece positioned therebetween with its longitudinal center line generally aligned with a longitudinal axis. A cam operated lever system simultaneously reciprocates the tools of the first and second sets in opposite transverse directions relative to the longitudinal axis and each other to alternately displace portions of the center line of the workpiece to one and the opposite side of the longitudinal axis. A mechanism is provided to vary the magnitude of reciprocating lever movement to vary center line displacement between a position of maximum displacement and a position wherein workpiece portions are substantially longitudinally aligned.

Abstract: A roller leveler is provided with mechanisms to continuously sense and to measure roller deflection and to automatically correct the deflection based on the degree of deflection sensed. The sensing mechanisms are mounted on a structure which is isolated from the forces of deflection acting on the rollers and may comprise mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, sonar, optic, fiber optic, fluid, or laser devices. Novel back-up rolls are also provided to correct the deflection.

Abstract: Metal wire is descaled by passing it through a series of rollers which bends the wire and causes the scale to loosen and fall off. Two sets of rollers are positioned in planes 90.degree. to each other, through which the wire passes to bend it in different directions. The rollers are pivoted between a wire feed through position and a wire bending position, with the wire bending position being predetermined in relation to the diameter of the wire being descaled. A cam and follower arrangement is provided which upon movement of a center roller causes the breaker rollers to be positioned in the proper location for bending the size of wire being fed through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uncoiling material such as wire, from a coil supported about a horizontal axis by a drum, including separating a loop from the coil, and bending the leading end of the material upon its exit from a pinch roll unit so that it takes a path generally parallel to that of a predetermined passline, and straightening the material once the leading end passes through the straightener roll area. An end bender roll and two of the straightener rolls are mounted on a pivotal frame connected to a piston cylinder assembly which causes the frame to be rotated through an arc in a direction to either bring the end bender roll into an operative position while the two straightener rolls are in an inoperative position, or to bring the end bender roll into an inoperative position while the two straightener rolls assume a nested relationship with a fourth roll in an operative position.

Abstract: The machine has a base provided with three rollers between which cambered strip steel is passed to remove or reduce the camber therein. Two of the rollers are mounted extending above the top surface of the base along a longitudinal axis of the base. The third roller is mounted also extending above said top surface on a block which is slidable along a slot extending along the lateral axis of the base. The cambered strip steel is passed across the top of the base between the three rollers. A drive mechanism is provided to apply a force to the third roller which bends the cambered strip steel against the two rollers to remove or reduce the camber. Removable guide strips of a case hardened or other suitable metal are provided in the top as bearing members for the strip steel. The base may be fabricated of assembled components or cast as an integral member for cost economy.

Abstract: Wandering of a strip in a hot rolling line is prevented by the provision of a hot roller leveler and a side guide between a finishing mill and a coiler. At least one of the leveler rolls is made angularly adjustable in a horizontal plane and/or in a vertical plane with respect to the strip.

Abstract: A straightening machine has upper and lower sets of straightening rollers, each backed up by back-up rollers. The back-up rollers are mounted on bearing supports. In one set of straightening rollers, the bearing supports extend parallel to the rollers and all the back-up rollers associated with one straightening roller are mounted on a common support. In the other set of straightening rollers, the bearing supports extend at right angles to the rollers, and each support mounts back-up rollers, each of which is associated with a different one of the straightening rollers. Each of the bearing supports can be moved towards or away from the gap between the upper and lower sets of straightening rollers.

Abstract: A machine for straightening elongated workpieces comprises a plurality of straightening rolls mounted one after the other to opposite sides of a workpiece to be straightened, substantially in a plane and turnable about axes normal to the direction of movement to the workpiece through the machine. At least the first three straightening rolls are mounted for rotation about their axes on a C-shaped support frame so that the workpiece may be introduced between the same from the open side of the C-shaped support frame. Lateral elements for centralizing the workpiece are coordinated with the first three straightening rolls.

Abstract: In the straightening machine of the invention, pivot plates are provided for mounting and pivotally supporting the upper movable rolls including the pinch rolls and the straightening rolls, whereby improved operation can be obtained. Expensive manufacturing costs can be reduced by employing pivot plates as disclosed by the present applicant. The task of maintenance is also reduced since fewer hours are needed for repairs whereas roll bearing capacity is materially increased. The pivot plates are pivotally supported by the side frames respectively having location adjacent the inside surface of the side frames and bearing units are mounted in the free ends of the pivot plates. It is possible to stagger the bearing units since the bearing units for the lower rolls are mounted for rotation in the side frames whereas the bearing units for the upper movable rolls are mounted in the pivot plates.

Abstract: In general, the present invention provides processes and apparatus for bending and straightening, or otherwise installing marine pipelines at underwater installations, and includes systems in which marine pipelines are installed at water depths to 250 feet or more, utilizing an underwater chamber which may be operated with its interior wet, dry or combinations thereof. In one form, the system provides for interconnecting wellheads or other stations with manifolds or other stations and comprises running marine pipeline generally vertically downwardly from the water surface into the work chamber, mounted in operative association with an underwater wellhead or station, wherein the pipe is bent in the desired radius and through the desired angle and then straightened to exit from the chamber and wellhead in a substantially horizontal attitude such that it may then be pulled to a manifold or other underwater station with, for example, a wire line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the coil set from a coiled roll of sheet metal material or the like, and which comprises a pair of cooperating rolls defining a nip through which the sheet metal is advanced, and a deflecting roll positioned immediately downstream of the nip to flex the advancing sheet material beyond its yield point and remove the coil set therefrom. Upon stopping of the advance to permit the cutting or other processing of the sheet material, the deflecting roll is automatically withdrawn from contact with the sheet material to thereby prevent the formation of a crease in the material, and upon restarting of the advance, the sheet material is initially reversely advanced a short distance to insure that any portion of the sheet material which has not been flexed to remove the coil set will be positioned upstream of the nip before the forward advance is commenced.

Abstract: This invention relates to a straightening mill for section steel, such as I-beams, channel steel, etc., particularly to a straightening mill for section steel, wherein as the section steel is straightened so called "end crook" at the tail end thereof is eliminated. The section steel is passed through a straightening mill which comprises a plurality of driving rollers and a plurality of driven rollers defining a pass line therebetween. The axes of the driving and driven rollers are staggered and, except for the first driving roller, each of the driving rollers is fixed relative to the pass line. The driven rollers are adjustable and by proper adjustment of the first driving roller relative to the pass line, end crook is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Straightening apparatus as a frame with upper and lower horizontal supports extending between uprights. Straightening roll units are mounted in cooperative relationship on these supports and are capable of sliding movement therealong. The upper straightening rolls are vertically fixed while the lower rolls are vertically adjustable to alter the rolling gap. Tension members interconnect the upper roll units and the lower support.

Abstract: A straightening machine for straightening elongated workpieces at high speed comprises a plurality of stands or frames mounted on a machine bed displaceable with respect to each other in the direction of the movement of the workpieces. Each stand comprises a cage provided with a set of four straightening rolls rotatable about the axis. Each cage is mounted on a cage holder on a guide adjustable in radial direction with respect to the workpiece axis and the guides on the plurality of stands are located in parallel planes normal to the workpiece axis, with the guides on successive stands extending normal to each other as viewed in the direction of movement of the workpiece through the machine.

Abstract: In straightening steel sections, a machine is used having straightening rollers and pressing rollers each formed with a contact surface and arranged oppositely on vertical line of the straightening rollers. The cross-section of the steel section to be straightened is held between the contact surfaces of the rollers, and the pressing rollers are displaceable in the reduction direction as well as in the axial direction to adjust the amount of displacement.

Abstract: A method of continuously processing two bands of material into profiled rails, inserting insulating material adjacent their lateral longitudinal borders, and then connecting their lateral longitudinal borders through the insulating material. Initial corrugations are formed in each of the bands, and the bands are simultaneously passed between rotating pairs of forming rolls. The initial corrugations formed in the bands are increased so that the length of each enveloping line of each part of each band is longer than the enveloping line contemplated for the corresponding part. The longitudinal border of one of the rails is provided with projections, and the border of the other rail is provided with openings. Finally, the longitudinal border provided with projections is bent around the other longitudinal border, and its projections are forced through the strip of insulating material into the openings of the other longitudinal border.

Abstract: Dynamic controls and jaw mechanism for a forming machine adapted to impart compound curvatures to a metal sheet. The setting of the machine, particularly in its first and third stages, is dynamically controlled by a tracer and transducer system whereby, as for example, the vertical and horizontal positions of the first stage relative to the second are predetermined as is the relative horizontal position of the third stage. Enhanced responsiveness is achieved by the provision of roller bearings for the heavy mechanism comprising the several stages. A new jaw mechanism is provided for pulling the sheet through the machine, the jaws being self adjusting to afford a continuous gripping pressure on the sheet.