Roll with controllable deflection

Claim 2

Apparatus for controlling the deflection of a tubular nip roll, said apparatus comprising: a nonrotatable shaft extending axially through the roll; annular bearings radially supporting the ends of said roll, each said bearings in turn being mounted on a tubular assembly, the said tubular assemblies in turn being in contact with and supported by said shaft at locations outside of the roll ends; at least one additional bearing mounted on said shaft, said bearing providing radial support for the roll at points intermediate its ends; means for applying an external force to each said tubular assemblies in a direction opposite to the separating force exerted on the roll at the roll nip; and means for varying the distance between the points of application of said external forces to said tubular assemblies and the locations at which the said tubular assemblies are in contact with said shaft.

Claim 3

The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said tubular assemblies is comprised of a first sleeve member threadably engaged to a second sleeve member.

Claim 4

The apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said tubular assemblies is comprised of a first sleeve member slidable relative to the second sleeve member, and means associated with the ends of said shaft for axially displacing said first sleeve members relative to said shaft and said second sleeve members.

Claim 5

Apparatus for controlling the deflection of a tubular nip roll, said apparatus comprising: bearings rotatably supporting the ends of said roll, said bearings each being mounted on cylindrical sleeve members; a nonrotatable shaft extending axially through said roll and said sleeve members, said shaft carrying at least one additional bearing which provides radial support for the roll at a location intermediate its ends, the said sleeve members in turn being mounted on adjustable members which are movable axially on said shaft; and, means for applying an external force to said sleeve members in a direction opposite to that of the separating force being exerted on the roll at the roll nip, whereby axial adjustment of said adjustable members on said shaft will result in said externally applied force being distributed between said bearings in a manner such that the deflection of said roll will be in the same direction and approximately of the same magnitude as that of the other nip roll.

Claim 6

Apparatus for controlling the deflection of a tubular nip roll, said apparatus comprising: bearings rotatably supporting the ends of said roll, said bearings each being mounted on cylindrical sleeve members; a nonrotatable shaft extending axially through said roll and said sleeve members, said shaft carrying at least one additional bearing which provides radial support for the roll at a location intermediate its ends, the said sleeve members in turn being mounted on adjustable members which are movable axially on said shaft; and, means for applying an external force to said sleeve members in a direction opposite to that of the separating force being exerted on the roll at the roll nip, whereby axial adjustment of said adjustable members on said shaft will result in said externally applied force being distributed between said bearings in a manner such that the deflection of said roll will be in the same direction and approximately of the same magnitude as that of the other nip roll.