Variable deflection roll controlled by hydraulically actuated reciprocating elements

Claim 1

A hydraulically controlled variable deflection roll comprising a rotative shell having an external workrolling surface and a cylindrical inside, a fixed shaft extending through said inside with radial clearance permitting independent bending of the roll and shaft, said shaft having on one side a longitudinally extending series of blind bores extending radially into the shaft and containing reciprocating elements having outer sides connecting with bearing shoes bearing on the shell's said inside, and means for introducing hydraulic pressure behind said elements so that said shoes apply outwardly directed force to the shell's inside and stressing said shaft with force in a direction away from the shell's said inside on which said shoes bear, said shaft, shaped so as to taper towards its ends and bulge toward its middle, whereby when said shaft is stressed by said force, its said side will form substantially a uniform clearance from the shell's said inside substantially throughout the extent of said series of elements.