Abstract

Dual-stage multi-roll leveler embodiments of the general inventive concept include 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 but equal entry side-to-exit side gap is present between the upper and lower work rolls of each work roll set. An exemplary dual-stage leveler removes shape defects and coil set and/or curl from a moving strip material through a combination of work roll gap adjustment and first and/or second 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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 1/05 - Stretching combined with rolling

Goods & Services

Drive systems for multi-roll leveler machines used to remove shape defects from metal strip, sheet or plate materials

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.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 1/02 - Straightening, restoring form or removing local distortions of sheet metal or specific articles made therefromStretching sheet metal combined with rolling by rollers

Abstract

Drive systems for multi-roll shape-correction levelers used to flatten metal strip material, wherein the drive systems are adapted to account for the effects of differential roll speed such that the work rolls of entry side roll clusters and the work rolls of exit side roll clusters of the leveler can be made to equally share the load associated with a leveling operation.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21D 1/02 - Straightening, restoring form or removing local distortions of sheet metal or specific articles made therefromStretching sheet metal combined with rolling by rollers

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods for detecting the shape of a moving strip of material with high resolution along the edges thereof. Device and system embodiments may include a plurality of displacement-type shape sensor assemblies that may be collectively linearly displaced in a direction substantially transverse to the direction of a moving strip of material being examined, and also selectively activated or deactivated as necessary so as to provide edge-to-edge strip coverage to the extent possible.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01B 5/207 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of mechanical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures using a plurality of fixed, simultaneously operating transducers

Abstract

A system and method for cleaning the work rolls of a multi-roll leveler. The system includes a roll cleaning drive system for driving one or both of a set of upper and lower work rolls against a cleaning pad placed therebetween. The roll cleaning drive system is disengageable with the work rolls to be driven thereby. The upper and lower work rolls are driven in opposite rotational directions so as not to eject the cleaning pad from the leveler. The rotational direction of the upper and lower work rolls may be periodically reversed to produce a scrubbing action on the work rolls.

IPC Classes  ?

• B21C 43/00 - Devices for cleaning metal products combined with or specially adapted for use with machines or apparatus provided for in this subclass
• B21B 28/00 - Maintaining rolls or rolling equipment in effective condition
• B21B 35/00 - Drives for metal-rolling mills

Abstract

A non-contact shape sensor and shape sensing device employing a plurality of such sensors. A non-contact shape sensor of the present invention may include a fluid-emitting sensor head that is biased toward a surface of a moving strip of material by a linear actuator. Pressurized fluid emitted from said fluid-emitting sensor head forms a cushion that causes said strip of material to remain separated from and glide over said fluid-emitting sensor head without actual contact therewith. A linear displacement sensor is associated with each non-contact shape sensor to measure the linear displacement of its fluid-emitting sensor head by said linear actuator in response to a loose section of said strip of material passing by said fluid- emitting sensor head.

IPC Classes  ?

• G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
• B21B 37/28 - Control of flatness or profile during rolling of strip, sheets or plates

Goods & Services

Machine that levels or flattens strips of steel