Abstract: A compact stock guide assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock guide that includes a fastener that secures the stock guide to the die through a central aperture in the stock guide. The stock guide has a locating boss that can be received in a pocket in the die that has been bored and tapped to receive the fastener.

Abstract: A method of stopping vibration of a columnar work during processing thereof, includes the steps of providing a cylindrical columnar work having an outer circumferential surface divided into a non-processed region and at least two recessed processed regions with a circumferential cross-section forming a perimeter including two spaced apart non-processed perimetric segments separated by two spaced apart processed perimetric segments, providing a vibration stop including only two holding parts having arc shaped surfaces, locating the columnar work between the arc shaped surfaces of the holding parts adjacent the perimeter with each processed region radially inward, orienting the columnar work such that each arc shaped surface contacts the outer circumferential surface at both spaced apart non-processed perimetric segments with one processed perimetric segment located therebetween, each arc shaped surface, and holding the columnar work with the holding parts to prevent vibration of the columnar work during proces

Abstract: A retractable stock guide has a stationary guide rail on which a retractable guide cap is operably supported. The guide rail and cap have two through holes at opposite ends through which two mounting studs extend to attach the stock guide to an associated die member. The holes in the guide cap are ovate, and the heads of the mounting studs are tapered, whereby tightening of the mounting stud shifts the guide cap relative to the guide rail from an aligned, retracted load/unload condition, to an inwardly protruding, extended run condition, wherein the stock strip is slidingly captured between two like stock guides and the mounting surface of the die. Two ball bearing guides can be substituted for the stationary guide rail.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys work that was conduction heated at an energizing position to a processing position that is separated from the energizing position in the horizontal direction in order to perform hot press-forming, and comprises: a holding member that freely clamps both end sections in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated; a drive mechanism that moves the holding member from at least the energizing position to the processing position; and a guide member that extends between the energizing position and the processing position and guides and supports the middle section in the lengthwise direction of the work that has been conduction heated and is being conveyed toward the processing position. A hot press-forming apparatus comprises the conveyor apparatus when conveying conduction heated work to a downstream process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drawing die arrangement having a drawing tool that acts on an elongated workpiece, and having a drawing tool support on which the drawing tool is mounted, counteracting the drawing tool, in which support a measurement device that measures the mass distribution of the workpiece material is disposed on the drawing tool, wherein a coupling medium circulated between the measurement device and the drawing tool is provided. Furthermore, the invention relates to a workpiece guide and to a drawing system.

Abstract: A retractable stock guide has a stationary guide rail on which a retractable guide cap is operably supported. The guide rail and cap have two through holes at opposite ends through which two mounting studs extend to attach the stock guide to an associated die member. The holes in the guide cap are ovate, and the heads of the mounting studs are tapered, whereby tightening of the mounting stud shifts the guide cap relative to the guide rail from an aligned, retracted load/unload condition, to an inwardly protruding, extended run condition, wherein the stock strip is slidingly captured between two like stock guides and the mounting surface of the die. Two ball bearing guides can be substituted for the stationary guide rail.

Abstract: A guiding device 10 for guiding at least one stamping foil 410 at the inlet to a platen press 310. The guiding device 10 includes a diverting member 20 which is mounted with the ability to move between a work position in which the diverting member 20 is able to direct each stamping foil 410 into the platen press 310 in a given feed plane, and a maintenance position in which the diverting member 20 is placed in a space directly accessible to a user.

Abstract: An electric wire sizing-cutting apparatus including an electric wire delivery apparatus, which is easily handled and can smoothly supply the electric wire without generating a kink, is provided. The electric wire delivery apparatus includes: a transfer means transferring an electric wire, which is delivered from an electric wire reel, along a longitudinal direction of the electric wire; a correcting means arranged between the electric wire reel and the transfer means and correcting a bending habit of the electric wire by allowing the electric wire to pass through between a plurality of rollers arranged zigzag; and a rotation controlling means arranged on an upstream-side of the correcting means and putting the electric wire between a pair of rollers biased in a direction approaching each other.

Abstract: A tool and method of hemming a panel wherein the tool engages a flange to apply a compressive force with a stop initially preventing a distal end of the flange from moving inwardly. The hemming tool bends the intermediate portion of the flange between the flange bend and the distal end toward the panel. The stop is withdrawn to allow the flange to be progressively formed toward the panel until the distal end is aligned with the intermediate portion.

Abstract: A rolling mill coil-forming apparatus includes a rotating quill that supports an elongated path hollow structure, such as a laying head pipe, for receiving elongated material after it has been rolled. A portion or the entire elongated structure is formed from modular, selectively replaceable components. The fabricated modular structures facilitate formation of zones within the component, such as including by way of example wear-resistant zones, material transport guide structures and friction reducing zones.

Abstract: A forming machine for forming a longitudinal margin of a strip of material into a desired profile and methods encompassing the steps inherent in the described mechanical structures and operation thereof. The forming machine includes a frame, a drive mechanism, a plurality of forming elements, and an edge guide mechanism. The edge guide mechanism applies pressure along the edge margin in a lateral direction, thereby following the edge margin as the strip is advanced through the machine. The edge guide includes a carriage assembly attached to the frame that comprises a carriage support frame and a carriage movably disposed thereon. The edge guide mechanism includes an actuator connected to the carriage that is operative to urge the carriage toward edge margin. At least one guide roller is mounted to the carriage and adapted to receive the edge margin of the strip.

Abstract: The invention provides tooling and a method for hot forging pieces of sheet metal that are to form metal reinforcement mounted on the leading or trailing edge of a turbine engine blade, by means of bottom and top matrices each presenting a twisted elongate surface for use in shaping an initially plane piece of sheet metal, the shaping surface of the bottom matrix presenting a high portion, a low portion, and two end zones. The bottom matrix includes studs for positioning and guiding the piece, the studs being situated at the periphery of the corresponding shaping surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for and a method of manufacturing a linear gear (rack gear), in which a forming roll and a guide roll are used to form gear teeth in a sequential manner so as not to require a high load, thereby enabling to easily manufacture the rack gear. A system for manufacturing a rack gear according to the invention includes a forming roll having a convexo-concave portion formed on a part of the surface contacting with a linear bar, a guide roll adapted to roll while facing the forming roll, and at least one support member for supporting the linear bar so as to allow the linear bar to linearly move.

Abstract: Incoming tubes are turned and fed into a pilger mill by use of a single gearbox using a rotating dual track drive system. The dual track system holds the incoming tube while tube reducing (metal tube forming) occurs by the pilger tooling. When the pilger tooling is free of the incoming tube product, the dual track drive moves the tube into the pilger tooling by feeding an incremental amount of tube product. The dual track drive also indexes the incoming tube at the correct time and at a pre-determined amount. Additionally, the gearbox sub-assembly bumps the tube at a pre-determined time while the tube is free from the tooling.

Abstract: A channel letter bending machine for bending a return of a channel letter from a stock includes a feeding unit disposed along a path of travel of the stock to be bent for feeding the stock, a flanging unit for forming a flange along one edge of the stock, a notching unit for notching the flange of the stock fed by the feeding mechanism along the path of travel, and a bending unit for bending the stock under the control of the computer control system into the desired configuration for the channel letter shape, wherein the notching unit and the flanging unit are disposed upstream of the bending unit and the flanging unit is disposed upstream of the notching unit.

Abstract: An apparatus to control lateral motion of a bar moving along a guidance path includes a pair of rotatable hubs each having at least first and second rollers at locations around the perimeter of the hub. The first roller has a first retaining groove of a first radius and the second roller has a second groove of a second radius smaller than the first radius. Each hub further includes at least one guiding element located between the rollers with a guide channel extending in the outer surface. A mounting system allows the hubs to be rotated between first and second positions. In the first position the first rollers oppose each other forming a guideway having a first, enlarged diameter for capturing a free end of an approaching bar. In the second position the second rollers form a second, smaller diameter to match the actual size of the bar.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plate-shaped workpiece positioning structure for hot press forming that, upon executing a hot press forming of a heated plate-shaped workpiece (16), positions the plate-shaped workpiece relative to a pair of press dies (10, 12, 14). The positioning structure includes (a) a first positioning opening (20b) and (b) a second positioning openings (22a, 22c). The first positioning opening is arranged in a center part of the plate-shaped workpiece, and engages with a first positioning pin (22b) provided on one (12) of the pair of press dies to position the plate-shaped workpiece. The second positioning openings are arranged between the first positioning opening and a predetermined outer peripheral parts (16a, 16b) of the plate-shaped workpiece, and are formed in an elongate shape that extends along a line connecting the first positioning opening and the predetermined outer peripheral part of the plate-shaped workpiece.

Abstract: A crimping device has a contact advancer provided with an exchangeable anvil part. A first pulley, a belt and an advancing motor drive a first carriage. A gripper for advancing the contact belt is guided in a direction crosswise to a direction of the first carriage. The distance between the gripper and the first carriage is determined by a second carriage and a roller of the gripper rolling in a fifth linear guide of the second carriage. The distance from the gripper is predetermined by the exchangeable anvil part and depends on the width of the contact belt. The gripper operates independent of the distance between the transport holes and independent of the width of the contact belt. The anvil part including the belt guide is an exchangeable part and only fits one type of crimp contact and is executed crimp-contact specifically.

Abstract: A roll forming machine for forming a rain gutter wherein an internal guide assembly uses rollers to contact the finished surface of the partially formed gutter.

Abstract: A guiding device (2) includes a base (21), a cover (23) and a sidewall (22) cooperatively defining an annular space therein and a passage therethrough. An air inlet (221) is defined in the sidewall communicating with the space for an airflow flowing into the space. A plurality of guiding plates (24) are arranged in the space around the passage. An air outlet (29) is defined between two neighboring guiding plates for the airflow flowing out the space into the passage. The airflow is distributed into a plurality of even streams by the guiding plates. An atomizer (4) is connected with the space via the air inlet. The atomizer produces a high-pressured water vapor which is taken by the airflow to cool an aluminum profile produced by an extrusions press (6) and moving through the passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide assembly for use in processing a work piece with features that incorporate a cam-style locking clamp to promote ease of use in securing and releasing a guide of the assembly. In more specific embodiments, the invention is a delivery guide assembly for use in, for example, a rolling mill for processing steel and steel rods that promotes rapid removal of a delivery stripper and addresses the problems identified with known delivery guide assemblies.

Abstract: A method for machining components of a gas turbine, in particular for machining turbine blades, is described. The method includes the following steps: a) providing at least one component carrier having at least one component receptacle for detachable accommodation and fastening component to be machined, the component receptacle being designed with a contour similar to at least one contour of subarea of component to be accommodated; b) introducing at least one subarea of the component into component receptacle and form-fitting and/or substance-to-substance bonding of the subarea of the component to component receptacle; c) machining the component, which is attached to the component carrier; and d) releasing the machined component from the component carrier.

Abstract: Regarding predetermined positioning criteria (M1, M2), ((G1, G2), (N1, or N2), (K1, K2)), there is provided image processing means (40B) for obtaining by image processing, measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)), and for moving a work (W) in a manner that the measured values (CD1, CD2) ((GD1, GD2), (ND1, or ND2), (KD1, KD2)) and the reference values (CR1, CR2) ((GR1, GR2), (NR1, or NR2), (KR1, KR2)) coincide with each other, thereby positioning the work (W) at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A feeder device and method for feeding bars to a machine, for picking up and removing from a bundle at least one bar, to prepare it said bar for use in a working machine comprising a drawing assembly. The device comprises a first magnetic assembly for separating from the bundle at least an end segment of a plurality of bars and to dispose at least the end segments of the plurality of bars on a plane distanced with respect to the bundle, and a second magnetic assembly for picking up from the first magnetic assembly one bar at a time from the plurality of bars and to unload the bar in a desired release position. The device comprises an accumulation assembly for receiving in sequence from the second magnetic assembly a desired number of bars so as to form a store, and to transfer the desired number of bars simultaneously to the drawing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a guide assembly for use in processing a work piece with features that incorporate a cam-style locking clamp to promote ease of use in securing and releasing a guide of the assembly. In more specific embodiments, the invention is a delivery guide assembly for use in, for example, a rolling mill for processing steel and steel rods that promotes rapid removal of a delivery stripper and addresses the problems identified with known delivery guide assemblies.

Abstract: Transfer apparatus and method are provided from first (15A, 16A) to second (15B, 16B) stations of tooling in a cap (11) making press. This cap is biased against the first upper tools by a first airstream (50) introduced under the cap and moves upward with the first station punch (45). As the punch approaches its top location, a transfer airstream (52) begins while the first airstream is still on, and moves the cap out through a transfer chute (18) to the second station. The cap departs the chute and passes detents (67) on a pair of closed retention fingers (60) which define an extension of the transfer path from the chute into the open second station tools. A vacuum (85) applied to a port in the second station punch then holds the cup against the rising upper tools. When the punch clears the closing fingers and approaches its top location, an ejection airstream (87) commences to propel the finished cup via a discharge chute (19).

Abstract: An adjustable guide, includes two or more mechanisms each having a rotatable retaining element containing a retaining groove with a variable radius in its perimeter surface. The grooves form a guidance path to control the lateral, i.e. non-axial, motion of a long bar moving along a longitudinal axis during a production process. The diameter of the guidance path varies according to the variable radii of the grooves. The guidance path increases in size at a predetermined rate, from a point of origin to an end point on the retaining groove. Rotating the retaining elements causes the diameter of the retaining grooves to change so that the size of the guidance path can be changed to match the diameter of the bar being rolled, size of the guidance path can be changed to fit the diameter of a new bar rolled without having to exchange the guide for a different sized guide, reduce fiction between the bar and the guide, a media, such as compressed air, can be injected between the retaining elements via orifices.

Abstract: A method for inserting blanks to be threaded in automatic rotary rolling machines, in which the step for inserting parts to be machined in the working position occurs at an adjustable, optimized rate, so that the portions of the outer surface of the roller tool affected by contact with the parts that have been inserted vary continuously at each turn of the spindle. This provides a significant reduction in surface wear of the roller, extending its useful life. The invention also relates to an automatic rotary rolling machine.

Abstract: A molded body is tightly fitted to the wire guide block on the side facing the collet and laterally to the guide groove that is braced against the collet via attachment media coming in from the side of the collet and is attached to the latter in a wire guide for a wire processing machine, in particular a spring manufacturing machine. It is also used to guide a wire feed to wire processing tools and is attached to a wire guide block with a collet, thereby forming a guide groove for the wire.

Abstract: A roller guide for the guidance of the wire or rod between the finish rolling mill stands of a wire or rod rolling line. The guide has a guide roller pair which are mutually juxtaposed and journaled on free ends of pivot arms of double arm levers. The lever journals are connected with a support body between the finish mill rolls of the rolling line and which has a centering funnel for the rolled wire or rod between the double arm levers. The whereby the pivotal displacements of the pivot arms are settable and spring adjustable about the lever journals. The roller guide is improved in that the pivot arms have setting elements pressed against the support body and in that an adjustable-pressure pneumatic spring connected with the support body and bearing upon the pivot arm extending away from the guide roller or is connected with this pivot arm.

Abstract: A coin press (10) includes a die (20) and an anvil (22) that abut and counter-rotate to nip and press a coin. The coin press (10) has a timing device (80) with a coin slot (84) and a gate (92) rotatable about a gate axis parallel to the width of the coin slot (84). The gate (92) rotates between a closed position to obstruct the coin slot (84) and an open position that allows the coin to pass gravitationally by the gate (92). A timing ring (130) rotates with one of the die (20) and the anvil (22) and has at least one lobe (132) that activates a trip lever (122) to rotate the gate (92) and gravitationally drop the coin between the anvil (22) and an image on the die (20). The die (20) and the anvil (22) are removably and replaceably mounted by sliding into a slot (46) and another slot (48) on a frame (40). First and second adjusters (62, 64) allow adjustment of pressure between the die (20) and the anvil (22).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a shaped-spring assembly. The method and apparatus utilizes a spring forming apparatus which facilitates the forming of shaped springs without adversely effecting the characteristics of the spring, and a magazine arrangement which stores and loads shaped springs, while maintaining the shape of the springs. The magazine arrangement further permits the storage of a plurality of the shaped springs without fatiguing a leading edge of the spring. With the apparatus and method of the present invention, it is possible to load empty shaped spring cavities at a select location, such as at a field site, and also have a steady supply of shaped springs available for quick replacement. The forming apparatus is designed so as to easily cooperate and/or be mounted onto the magazine arrangement so as to facilitate the transfer of shape springs which are shaped by the forming apparatus into the magazine arrangement.

Abstract: In order to easily, rapidly and precisely carry out a setting work after exchange of a pressuring unit, a shank module is provided that is capable of integrally exchanging a shank of a pressing unit. The shank module is configured to removably link a main body and a ram. By adopting the universal pressing unit, adjustment after exchange of the pressing unit becomes considerably easier. Additionally, in carrying out a universal design of a terminal-feeding mechanism, improved workability is implemented by linking the setting of press conditions with the feed conditions of a terminal belt. In order to accomplish this goal, an anvil unit of a press mechanism is configured to be detachable from a main body base. Furthermore, a positioning mechanism is provided on the anvil unit. The positioning mechanism positions the setting position of moving elements of a driving mechanism of a terminal-feeding mechanism corresponding to the terminal belt.

Abstract: A device for forming a cutting blade for prints is disclosed. The device of this invention forms cutting blades by appropriately bending and cutting a metal strip into desired blades through integrated work regardless of a difference in the size of metal strips. The device is also provided with changeable jigs, thus being capable of forming bridge notches having different intervals, widths and configurations. The device has one vertically movable bending pin and one swing cutter. The bending pin is capable of quickly bending a metal strip into a desired configuration, while the swing cutter finely and precisely cuts the metal strip into cutting blades. The device also quickly produces high precision cutting blades, thus improving productivity and reducing the cost of the cutting blades.

Abstract: A straight rod is automatically positioned at the center of a mandrel of a U-bolt bending machine for subsequent bending into a U-bolt by the bending machine. The rod is positioned between spaced centering plates of a centering device mounted to the machine. The centering plates are coupled to a transport mechanism of the centering device that automatically provides for conjoint oppositely directed movement of the centering plates to automatically center and position the centerline of the rod at the centerline of the machine without marking or measuring the rod or other tasks previously required to accurately position the rod.

Abstract: A bar deburring plant for cut to size round bars, comprising: a first roller feed path of cut bars towards an alignment element of one first end of said bars, a first transfer element of said bars, with said first aligned end, to a conveyor of said bars, which are spaced one after the other, said conveyor carries said first ends of said aligned bars under a brushing head, a second roller feed path of said cut bars going towards a second alignment element of the second end of said bars, a second transfer element of said bars, with said second aligned end, to a second conveyor of said bars, which are spaced one after the other, said conveyor carries said second ends of said aligned bars under a second brushing head.

Abstract: A wire output central shaft of a wire bending machine comprises a seat, two wire plates, an central shaft seat, and a central shaft. The seat has a body, and one end of the body is connected to the body. A through hole is installed on the fixing portion. A first concave chamber and the second concave chamber are installed on the body. The first concave chamber is behind the second concave chamber. Two wire plates each is installed with a wire groove. As the two wire plate are combined to be located against one another, the two wire grooves will be combined. The two wire plates are fixed to the first concave chamber of the seat. The central shaft is installed on and penetrating through the central shaft seat. A wire hole is installed on the central shaft and extends along the length of the central shaft seat. The central shaft seat is assembled to the second concave chamber of the seat and is locked to the seat. The wire hole of the central shaft is in a position with respect to the through hole of the seat.

Abstract: A machine and method for producing pressed items from coins, tokens, and like items. The machine includes multiple operating stations from where multiple operators can activate the machine; a press adapted to press coins, tokens, and like items delivered to it and to release pressed items therefrom; multiple collecting stations adapted to receive items that have been pressed; a gating device that delivers items to be pressed to the press in a predetermined order and in response to activation of the machine at the operating stations; and a dispenser that delivers pressed items from the press to the collecting stations in a predetermined manner.

Abstract: A spring manufacturing machine enhances an efficiency of operation. A desired one of wire passages in wire feeding rollers is aligned with a wire passage in an auxiliary wire guide and a wire passage in a final wire guide by adjusting a position of a forward and rearward movable table with respect to a front wall of a machine frame.

Abstract: A frame bar processing punch press having a bottom die holder holding a bottom die, and an upper die holder holding an upper die, the upper die holder being driven by a reciprocating rod to strike the upper die against the workpiece carried on the bottom die, the bottom die holder having a horizontal top plate which holds the bottom die, a horizontal bottom plate, and a flat vertical board on the middle between the horizontal top plate and the horizontal bottom plate, the flat vertical board having at least one vertical sharp edge at one side for guiding the workpiece into processing position.

Abstract: Side guides intended for rolling mills in the metallurgical industry characterized in that these side-guides are divided in a succession of segments which are placed in an alternation of a first segment (11) of a substantially rectangular shape and having a width allowing its insertion between two successive rollers (2) and of a second segment (12) intended to be placed above a corresponding roller (2) of which the lower end is of substantially semicircular shape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bending a heat-exchanger tube, which heat-exchanger tube have heat-exchanger ribs preferably having a needle construction. In the method and apparatus, the heat-exchanger tubes are placed one above the other to be defined by one another to form a battery. The battery of heat-exchanger tubes is fed first into a first bending-device portion of the bending device in which the heat-exchanger tube is bent in one direction. After this, the tube battery is fed further, and the bending is performed in the second bending-device portion in the opposite direction of bending, whereby a wave-shaped form is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming elongated metal cans from relatively short cups by utilizing a reciprocating ram to drive the cups one at a time through a die pack, is provided with a continuously rotating feeder that transfers the cups from the exit of a gravity feed chute to a receiving station where each cup is indexed for engagement by the ram as it moves forward in its working stroke. The feeder rotates through one complete revolution for each forward-return cycle of the ram and during each revolution thereof a pocket in the feeder receives a cup from the chute, which cup then moves downstream through a guideway to a receiving station. Prior to being seated in a registry formation at the receiving station, the cup is engaged by a stripper that removes the cup from the feeder pocket. The feeder continues to drive the cup toward the registry formation while the cup is being stripped from the feeder pocket.

Abstract: A telescoping die for use in place of a conventional fixed die in a multi-axis tube bender. The telescoping die provides a means of automatically varying the distance to the moveable die thereby increasing the range of possible bend radii that can be formed while maintaining a close positioning between the feed mechanism and the telescoping die.

Abstract: A tube loading assembly for use in loading a tube on a flexible mandrel of a tube bending machine; said assembly comprising mandrel receiving means for receiving said mandrel; mandrel alignment means for aligning said received mandrel to be co-axial with said tube; and means for feeding said tube on said co-axially aligned mandrel. The assembly is of use with tubes to be bent for use in automotive exhaust systems, heat exchangers and aircraft hydraulic systems, and provides for improved automatic loading speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a curved workpiece to a workstation, includes a frame member and a guide channel associated with the frame member for receiving a curved workpiece in a generally upright position. A first pusher mechanism is reciprocally movable in a transverse direction relative to the guide channel for engaging and positioning the workpiece against a bearing surface of the guide channel. A second pusher mechanism is advanceable within the guide channel to engage the workpiece and to advance the workpiece to the workstation. The apparatus has particular application in the manufacture of curved surgical needles.

Abstract: The excise and lead form of TAB leads bonded to an integrated circuit chip. Leads extending beyond a sidewall are clamped between a first clamp and a form anvil at a first portion spaced from the chip. The leads are also clamped between an excise/form tool and a second clamp at a second portion spaced further from the chip than the first portion. An excise blade cuts the leads outside the second portion. Then the excise/form tool, second clamp and excise blade move downwards in a curved path toward the chip to form a first lead corner against the form anvil and a second lead corner against the excise/form tool without splaying or galling the leads.

Abstract: Vibrations that arise during the winding of a coil of wire onto a rotating mandrel are damped by surrounding the coil with a tube such that the tube is spaced from the coil and by supplying fluid to the tube. The tube extends in the axial direction of the coil along at least a part of its length and, due to the spacing between the tube and the coil, conducts fluid such as water in a confined manner towards at least one end of the tube and releases the fluid from the end of the tube, for example in a region of the coil adjacent to and/or remote from the winding of the coil.

Abstract: A rolling mill has a roll stand with work rolls defining a roll pass. The roll stand is removably mounted at an operative position at which its roll pass is aligned with the mill rolling line. A cover assembly is configured and dimensioned to cooperate in a closed position with roll stand to enclose the work rolls. A guide trough is integrally associated with the cover assembly. The cover assembly is alternatively adjustable from its closed position to either an open position allowing access to the work rolls when the rolls stand is in its operative position, or to a guide position at which the guide trough is aligned with the mill rolling line when the roll stand is removed from its operative position.

Abstract: A mechanism for feeding strip material into the nip between a pair of strip mill rollers includes opposed guides for engaging and capturing the edges of the material being fed into the nip. Each guide has a side wall, a top plate and a bottom plate that together define a tapered channel. The wide end or throat of the channel initially receives the material, while the small end of the channel guides the material into the adjacent nip. The guides are movable toward and away from each other to accommodate strip materials of different widths. Each guide journals a series of vertically extending rollers of decreasing lengths upon which the associated side edge of the strip material sequentially rides as it moves toward the nip. The lengths of the rollers substantially exceed the expected thicknesses of the strip material so that the lower ends of the rollers wear at a faster rate then their upper ends.