US3854315A

US3854315A - Variable width strip conditioner

Info

Publication number: US3854315A
Application number: US00429154A
Authority: US
Inventors: A Winkler
Original assignee: Interlake Inc
Current assignee: Acme Steel Co; Interlake Cos Inc
Priority date: 1973-12-28
Filing date: 1973-12-28
Publication date: 1974-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 1991-12-17
Also published as: GB1482280A; DE2461495A1; BE823956A; CA1006720A; FR2255972A1; FR2255972B1; JPS50106847A; AU7662074A; JPS5738326B2

Abstract

Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths including feed rolls to support the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first and second sets of transversely aligned work rolls contacting the opposite surfaces of the strip along the opposite edges thereof to work the strip into and out of the predetermined path while the feed rolls hold the adjacent center portions of the strip in the predetermined path, a third set of work rolls contacting the opposite surfaces of the strip at a point disposed longitudinally from the first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portions of the strip into and out of the predetermined path while the feed rolls hold the adjacent edges in the predetermined path, a first set of edge rolls movable to different adjusted fixed positions with respect to the center line of the predetermined path and a second set of edge rolls movable by pneumatic motors to engage the other edge of the strip and urge the strip against the first set of edge rolls, first mounting structure for the first work rolls and the first set of edge rolls and certain of the feed rolls and second mounting structure for the second work rolls and the second set of edge rolls and certain of the feed rolls, the mounting structures being movable toward and away from each other to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips, and a clamping bracket urging the ones of the rolls engaging the upper surface of the strip thereagainst under the urging of pneumatic motors.

Description

United States Patent i451 ec. 17, 1974 Winkler [52] US. Cl 72/165, 271/250, 271/253,

226/179, 226/198 [51] Int. Cl B21d l/05, B65h 17/20 [58] Field of Search 72/160, 162, 163, 164,

Primary Examiner- M. Henson Wood, Jr.

Assistant ExaminerRobert Saifer Attorney, Agent, or F irm- Prangley, Dithmar, Vogel, Sandler & Stotland i [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths including feed rolls to support-the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first and second sets of transversely aligned work rolls contacting the opposite surfaces of the strip along the opposite edges thereof to work the strip into and out'of the predetermined path while the feed rolls hold the adjacent center portions of the strip in the predetermined path, a third set of work rolls contacting-the opposite surfaces of the strip at a point disposed longitudinally from the first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portions of the strip into and out of the predetermined path while the feed rolls holdthe adjacent edges in the predetermined path, a first set of edge rolls movable to different adjusted fixed positions with respect to the center line of the predetermined path and a second set of edge rolls movable by pneumatic motors to engage the other edge of the strip and urge the strip against the first set of edge rolls, first mounting structure for the first work rolls and the first set of edge rolls and certain of the feed rolls and second mounting structure for the second work rolls and the second set of edge rolls and certain of the feed rolls, the mounting structures being movable toward and away from each other to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips, and a clamping bracket urging the ones of the rolls engaging the upper surface of the strip thereagainst under the urging of pneumatic motors.

26 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATEM SEE] 71914 EN EN OWN SHEET 20F 4 PATENTEBDEEI 71974 SHEET 30F 4 IQO BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to improvements in apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips, and specifically to conditioners that can accommodate different widths of metal strips therethrough.

Certain examples of strip conditioners utilized heretofore are illustrated in US. Pat. No. 2,984,285 granted May 16, 1961 to Simich etal. and US. Pat..No. 3,006,401 granted Oct. 31, i961 to Wognum et al. In both of these prior patents work rolls were utilized 'to work the metal strip as it passes through the conditioner, but the conditioners are constructed and arranged to accommodate only a single width of strip therethrough.

The US. Pat. No. 3,704,614 granted Dec. 5, 1972- to Keyser shows a conditioner that is capable of accepting strips of varying widths, but the variation of width cannot be'great, the variation in width being accommodated only by adjusting the position of the edge guide rolls, the feed rolls and work rolls being fixedly positioned in the transverse direction of the strip being conditioned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a conditioner for elongated metal strips that can accommodate a plural ity of different widths of strip, the conditioner-being adjustable by a simple manual operation to accommodate such different widths of metal strips.

The accommodation of the different widths of metal strips is accomplished by providing mounting 'structures on either side of the strip being conditioned that carry'the edge work rolls and the edge feed rolls, the mounting structures and the rolls carried thereby being adjustable toward and away from the center line of the path of the strip being conditioned, the feed rolls and the work rolls associated with the center portion of the strip being fixed in a transverse direction.

This is accomplished in the present invention, and it is an object of the present invention to accomplish these desired results, by providing apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths including means supporting the strip for longitudinal mo ement along a predetermined planar datum path, first and second work rolls transversely aligned for deflecting the adjacent longitudinal edge portions of the strip into and out of the predetermined path, means to hold the center longitudinal portions of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed trans- Another object of the invention isto provide a strip 1 conditioning apparatus of the type setforth, wherein the first work rolls and the first support rolls and a first set of edge guides are fixedly positioned with respect to each other on the first mounting structure and moved therewith, and the second work rolls and the second support rolls and fixedly mounted with respect to the second mounting structure and moved therewith and a second set of edge guides is movably mounted onthe second mounting structure for movement with respect thereto as well as for movement therewith In connection with the foregoing object, another object of the invention is to provide a conditioning apparatus of the type set forth, wherein the first and second mounting structures aremounted to move in unison toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the associated predetermined path, the movement preferably being accomplished center line of the predetermined path, edge work rolls mounted on the first and second mounting structures for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, the edge work rolls being transversely aligned to work the longitudinal edges of the strip while the center portions of the strip are held in the predetermined path by feed rolls mounted on the frame, and third work rolls mounted the strip while feed rolls on the mounting structure hold versely with respect to the first and second work rolls,

third work rolls for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from the first and second'work rolls, first rolls to mount the same for movement toward and away from the first mounting-structure to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby.

the edges of the strip in the predetermined path, and means for moving the first and second mounting structures toward and away from each other to adjust the same for accommodating different widths of strips to be worked. i

In connection with the foregoing object, another object of the invention is to provide a conditioner of the type set forth wherein a first set of edge guides is fixedly mounted on the first support structure, and a second set of edge guides is mounted on the second support structure for movement therewith and also for movement with respect thereto so as continually resiliently to engage the adjacent edge of the strip.

Yet anotherobject of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type set forth including a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, i

a clamping bracket shiftably mounted on the frame for movement toward and away from the predetermined path in a direction substantially normal thereto, first and secondmounting structures respectively mountedon the frame for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, third 'and fourth mounting structures respectively mounted on the first and second mounting structures for movement with respect thereto toward and away therefromin a direction normal to the predetermined path and for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, a first set of edge work rolls mounted on the first and second mounting structures and a second set of edge work rolls mounted on the second and fourth mounting structures to work the associated edge portions of the strip while means on the frame and the clamping bracket hold the center portions of the strip in the predetermined path, a third set of work rolls mounted on the frame and damping bracket and disposed longitudinally from the first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portions of the strip while means on the mounting structures hold the adjacent edge portions in the predetermined path, means for moving the mounting structures toward and treme ends thereof as viewed in FIG, 1, and a pair of guide rolls 200a engaging the longitudinal edge 53 near away from the center line of the predetermined path and means on the frame for continually urging the clamping bracket against the third and fourth mounting structures so as to press the rolls thereon toward the cooperating rolls on the first and second mounting structures and to press the rolls mounted on the clamping bracket toward the rolls mounted on the frame.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangement of the strip conditioning apparatus, whereby the above outlined and additional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further features and advantages thereof will best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is'a diagrammatic perspective view illustrating the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view with certain parts broken away of a machine made in accordance with the present invention and incorporating therein the principles diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the center portion of the conditioner of FIG. 2 as viewed from the right hand end thereof;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the adjusting mechanism of the machine of FIG.'2 as viewed from the right hand end thereof; and 4 FIG. 5 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the adjusting mechanism of FIG; 4. 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, there is diagrammatically illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus being shown in diagrammatic and schematic form, and being illustrated as a variable width strip conditioner generally designated by the numeral 100. The strip conditioner 100 is shown operating upon a metal strip 50 which has been fed from a source thereof (not shown), such as a large coil, to the strip conditioner 100, the metal strip 50 having a longitudinally extending center line 51, a pair of longitudinally extending

side edges

52 and 53, an upper surface 54 and a lower surface 55 (see FIG. 2 also). In order to guide the metal strip 50 through the strip conditioner 100, a set of stationary edge guide rolls 190 is provided engaging the longitudinal edge 52. .Each of the rolls 190 is mounted upon an axle or bolt 194 for rotation thereabout, the axes of the bolts 194 being disposed substantially normal to the surfaces 54-55 of the metal strip 50. The bolts 194 are further positioned stationary or immovable with respect to the center line 51, once the the midpoint thereof. The guide rolls 200 are mounted to rotate upon axles 202, while the guide rolls 2000 are mounted to rotate upon axles 202a, the axes of the

axles

202 and 202a being disposed substantially normal to the surfaces 54-55 of the metal strip 50. The guide rolls 200 are urged toward and against the adjacent strip edge 53 by pneumatic motors 2 10, the motors 210 having connections 212 respectively to the axles 202, and the guide rolls 200a are likewise urged against the strip edge 53 by a pneumatic motor 210a acting through a connection 212a against a guide 2010 that in turn acts against the axles 202a.

There is provided along each of the longitudinally extending

edges

52 and 53 of the strip 50 a set of edge work rolls, each set of work rolls including two bottom work rolls 250 engaging the lower surface of the strip 50 to deflect the same upwardly out of the predetermined path and a top work roll 260 engaging the upper surface- 54 of the strip 50 between the bottom work rolls 250 in a longitudinal direction to deflect the strip 50 downwardly out of the predetermined path. In transverse alignment with the bottom work rolls 250 are a fixed center feed roll 230 engaging the lower surface 55 of the strip 50 and a vertically movable center feed roll 240 engaging the upper surface 54 of the strip 50, the

feed rolls

230 and 240 holding the center portions of the strip 50 adjacent to the edge work rolls 250-260 in the predetermined path during the working of the adjacent edges. I

Disposed longitudinally with respect to the edge work rolls 250-260 is a set of center work (or stretch)

rolls

270 and 280, the center bottom work roll 270 engaging the lower surface 55 of the strip 51 in the center thereof and the two top center work rolls 280 engaging the upper surface 54 of the strip 50 centrally thereof and on either side longitudinally of the work roll 270. Disposed in transverse alignment with'the work rolls 270-280 are edge feed rolls 220 whichmaintain the edges of the strip 50 in the predetermined path as the work rolls 270-280 deflect the center portions of the strip 50 out of the predetermined path to work the same.

The first and second sets of work rolls 250-260 work I and'condition the material of the edge portions of the predetermined path and then downwardly out of the predetermined path. This working of the center and edge portions of the strip 50 is brought about by applying tensional forces greater than the elastic limit of the material in these portions of the strip 50, all as is explained in detail in the aforementioned US. Pat. No. 3,006,401, the disclosure with respect to'which is incorporated herein by reference.

There is shown in FIGS. 2 through 5 of the drawings a strip conditioner which specifically embodies the principles of the invention which have been discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. For purposes of clarity, the numerals utilized in FIG. 1 have also been utilized in FIGS. 2 through 5 to identify like parts. As illustrated, the strip conditioner 100 includes a bottom frame 101 supported upon a suitable surface such as the floor 40 by pairs of wheels and at the oppo-- site ends thereof, the bottom frame 101 in turn carrying a top frame 121 fixedly positioned with respect thereto. The bottom frame 101 is formed of two longitudinally extending frame members 102 substantially parallel to each other and joined by transverse frame members 103 and 104 (see FIG. 2 particularly). The frame memher 103 carries the wheels 105 disposed upon axles 106 mounted on the frame member 103. The. transverse frame member 104 carries the wheels 115 mounted upon axles 116. There also are provided several cross frame members 107 as indicated.

The top frame 121 is supported upon four posts 110 that extend upwardly from four corresponding blocks 111 fixedly mounted upon the longitudinal frame members 102. The top frame 121 includes two longitudinal frame members 122 arranged substantially parallel to each other and being joined by two

transverse frame members

123 and 124. r

The bottom frame l01carries two support plates and mounted for movement toward and away from each other, the support plates 130 and 140extending longitudinally of the bottom frame l0l and substantially parallel to the longitudinal frame members 102.

The mounting of the

support plates

130 and 140 is best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, wherein it will be seen that an adjusting mechanism is provided operated by a pair of handles (see FIG. 2 also). More specifically, two

shafts 151 are respectively mounted upon the opposite.

ends of the bottom frame 101 by means of spaced apart bearings 154, each of the bearings 154 having an integral bracket 155 secured to the adjacent end of the bot tom frame 101 by means of bolts 156 Each shaft 151 includes two threaded

sections

152 and 153, the threaded sections being threaded in the opposite sense, and being joined by a coupling 157. Each shaft 151 also carries a sprocket 158 that is engaged by a chain 159, whereby the sprockets 158 and the associated shafts 151 are interconnected so as to act simultaneously and in unison. More specifically, the shafts 151 are both turned in unison upon the operator turning either of the handles 150 (see FIG. 2). The support plate 130 has a bracket 131 secured thereto and extending downwardly and having a threaded opening therein that receives the threaded shaft section 152 for engagement therewith. The support plate 140 likewise has a bracket 141 secured thereto and extending downwardly therefrom and having a threaded opening therein receiving the threaded shaft section 153. It will be appreciated that turning of the shafts 151 using the handles 150 will cause the

support plates

130 and 140 to move toward Fixedly mounted on the support plate 130 is a longitudinally extending lower roll support bar 135, and

fixedly secured to the support plate 140 is a lower roll support bar 145 that extends longitudinally of the conditioner 100. Mounted vertically above the lower roll support bars 135 and 145 are upper roll support bars 175 and 185, respectively. Referring to FIG. 4, it will be seen that the support bars 135 and 175 are interconnected by a hinge 160, the hinge 160 including a first arm 161 secured to the support bar 135 and a second arm 162 secured to the support bar 175, the

arms

161 and 162 having aligned openings receiving a bolt 163 therethrough held in position by cotter pins 164. A like hinge 160 interconnects the support bars 145 and 185, that hinge 160 being shown by dashed lines in FIG. 2. The hinge 160 interconnecting'the support bars 135 and is disposed toward the right hand end of the conditioner 100 as viewed in FIG. 2, while the hinge 160 in connecting the support bars 145 and 185 is disposed adjacent to the left hand end of the conditioner 100 as viewed in FIG. 2.

At the end of the support bars 145 and 185 away from the associated hinge 160 is connected a spring assembly (see FIG. 4) that resiliently urges the support bars 145 and away from each other. The support bar 145 has fixed thereto a clevis bolt 146 by means of a nut 147 to receive one end of the spring assembly 180 and the other .end of the spring assembly 180 is connected to the support bar 185 by means of a spring plate 181 held in position by a bolt 188. An

opening is provided adjacent to the outer end of the plate 181 and spherical washers 182 are provided thereon to receive therethrough the shank of a 'clevis bolt 183. The lower end of the clevis bolt 183 is se cured to the clevis bolt 146 and the upper end extends through aligned openings in the spring plate 181 and the spherical washers 182. A first set of adjusting nuts washer 182. The action of the spring 187 is tolift the plate 181 and the attached support bar 185'upwardly away from the associated support bar 145. It will be ap preciated that a like spring assembly 170 is provided between the support bars 135 and 175 adjacent to the I left hand end thereof as viewed in FIG. 2, like reference numerals inthe 170 series being applied to parts that correspond to like numbered parts in the 180 series, the construction and operation of the spring assembly 170 being identical to that of the spring assembly 180.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, it will be seen that four stationary edge guide rolls 190 are provided along one side of the conditioner 100, the guide rolls 190 extending through suitable openings in the support bars 135 and 175 and being positioned to engage the edge 52 of the strip 50 as it passes through the conditioner 100 (see FIG. 1 also). Referring specifiand away from each other, and therefore toward and away from the center line of the strip conditioner 100 and the strip 50 extending therethrough.

- cally to FIG. 3, it will be seen that the edge guide rolls 190 are mounted upon the support plate 130 and are fixed with respect thereto so as to move therewith toward and away from the center line of the conditioner 100 and. the associated strip 50. As illustrated, the

guide roll 190 is mounted upon a block 191 that is fixedly positioned upon the plate 130. The bolt 194 serving as the axle for the roll 190 is threadedly received in the block 191, the axis of the bolt 194 being disposed vertically. A Washer 192 is disposed between the lower surface of the roll 190 and-the upper surface of the block 191 and a bushing 193 engages the upper surface of the roll 190 and receives the bolt 194 therethrough, thus to mount theroll 190 for rotation about the axis of the bolt 194, that axis being disposed normal with respect to the predetermined planar datum path established for the strip 50 as it is fed through the conditioner 100. There further is provided a groove 195 in the face of the roll 190 engaging the strip 50.

The movable edge guide rolls 200 and 200a are' mounted upon the support plate 140, the pneumatic motors 210 and 210a allbeing fixedly mounted upon the support plate 140 for movement therewith. The

connectors

212 and 212a carry guides 201 and 201a on the outer ends thereof in which are mounted respectively the guide rolls 200 and 200a. The guide rolls 200 and 200a are also provided with grooves 205 and 205a aroundthe periphery thereof to receive the adjacent edge 53 of the strip 50 therein, it being understood that the

rolls

200 and 200a and the associated parts extend through openings provided for that purpose in the support bars 145 and 185. By controlling the

motors

200 and 200a, the positions of the edge rolls 200 and 200a can be adjusted with respect to the center line of the conditioner 100 and the associated strip 50,- and more specifically, the edge rolls 200 and 200a can be resiliently urged against the adjacent edge 53 of the strip 50 and in turn urge the edge 52' against the guide rolls 190, thus firmly to control the lateral position of the strip 50 as it moves through the conditioner 100;

Each of the roll support bars 135, 145, 175 and 185 has mounted thereon a plurality of edge feed rolls 220, the edge feed rolls 220 being distributed along the length of each of the roll support bars to establish a pre- 7 determined planar datum path for the movement of the strip 50 through the conditioner 100. A typical mounting of such edgefeed rolls 220 is illustrated in FIG. 3 of the drawings, wherein it will be seen that each of the edge feed rolls 220 is provided with a bearing stud 221 that passes through the adjacent roll support bar and is provided with a nut 222 mounting the same in the proper position. A spacer 223 is also provided between the outer surface of each of the edge feed rolls 220 and the adjacent inner surface of the associated roll support bar. By this mounting, each edge feed roll 220 is free to rotate about an essentially horizontal axis, the axis more particularly being parallel to the surface of the associated strip 50 and extending transversely thereof.

Also referring to FIG. 3 of the drawings, the mounting of the fixed center feed rolls 230 is illustrated. To thisend a bottom center bar 235 is provided upon the bottom frame 101, the bar 235 extending the length of the frame 101 and being secured centrally thereof by means of a plurality of bolts 236. Each center feed roll 230 is provided witha guide 231 which receivesa portion of the center bar 235 and is secured thereto by bolts 232 extending through aligned openings and having a nut 233 fixedly securing the same thereto.

A number of upper movable center feed rolls 240 are provided in the conditioner 100, a typical mounting of such a feed roll 240 also being illustrated in FIG. 30f the drawings. A top center'bar 245 is provided extending longitudinally of the conditioner and centrally thereof (see FIG. 2 also) and mounted for vertical movement under the control of pneumatic motors 290 mounted on the top frame 121, all as will be described more fully hereinafter. The center feed roll 240 is prothe roll support bar 145. The rolls 250 are mounted eccentric with respect to the axes of the studs on which they are mounted, whereby to permit adjustment ofthe engaged surface of the work rolls 250 in -a vertical direction by means of an adjusting mechanism diagrammatically illustrated by the numeral 251 in FIG. 2 of the drawings. The top edge vwork rolls 260 are likewise mounted respectively upon the-support bars and and are eccentrically mounted on the supporting studs thereof so as to be adjustable by means of the adjustments designated by the numeral 261. It will be appreciated that by means of the

adjustments

251 and 261, the amount of working imparted to the strip 50 by the edge work rolls 250 and 260 can be adjusted, thereby to impart more or less working to the edges of the strip 50 as it passes through the edge work rolls 250 and 260.

The bottom center work rolls or stretch rolls 270 are mounted on the bottom center bar 235 (see FIG. 2), the work rolls 270'being vertically adjustable. More specifically, each of the work rolls 270 is provided with an adjustment-stud 271 extending vertically and being provided with adjustment nuts 272. The top center work roll or stretch roll 280 is similarly mounted upon the top center bar 245 and is adjustable with respect thereto. The center work roll 280 is provided with an adjustment stud 281 having adjustment nuts 282 that permit adjustment of the position of the work roll 280 in a vertical position. It will be appreciated that by turning and locking the

adjustment nuts

272 and 282, the amount of working imparted to the center portions of the strip 50 by the adjustable center work rolls 270 and 280 can be adjusted, thereby to impart more or less working to the center portions of the strip 50.as it passes through the center work rolls 270 and 280.

As was previously pointed out'hereinabove, thetop center bar 245 is carried and positioned by two air motors 290, see FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the motors 290 includes a housing or cylinder 291 mounted upon the top frame 121 by means of bolts 292. Each motor 290 is I further provided with a piston (not shown) to which is attached a piston rod 295 extending downwardly and adjustably carrying a clevis. 296 that receives the top center bar 245 therein. Aligned openings are provided erally outwardly with respect to the top center bar 240.

into an upper position away from the roll support bars section extending into the associated end of the top center bar 245 and held in position by a nut 312. The

The edge workj rolls 260 strip 50 downwardly out of the predetermined path eson the otherhand bend the tablished by the feed rolls 220-230-240. As a result, the

bolt 311 extends upwardly through an aligned opening in the top frame 121 and carries on the upper threaded end a washer 313 held in position by adjusting nuts 314. A compression spring 315 acts between the top frame 121 and the washer 313, thus to exert force tending to lift the top center bar 245 and the attached parts upwardly with respect to the top frame 121.

In using the strip conditioner 100 to condtion a metal strip 50, the pneumatic motors 210 and 210a are operated to retract the associated piston rods and the attached

connectors

212 and 212a so as to retract the movable edge guide rolls 200 and 200a. The pneumatic motors 290 are also actuated to retract the piston rods 295, thus to raise the top center bar 245. Raising the top center bar 245 not only lifts the

attachedrolls

270 and 280, but also lifts the clamping bracket 300 and the attached clamping plates 305, this all occurring with the aid of the spring assemblies 310 which are arranged to assist in lifting the-top center bar 245.

Lifting of the clamping plates 305 permits the spring assemblies 170 and 180 (FIGS. 2 and 4) to act to lift the upper roll support bars 175 and 180, these bars being shiftable upwardly by means of the hinges 160 and the cooperation of the spherical washers 172 and 182 on the spring assemblies 170 and 180. With the parts thus positioned, the operator using one of the handles 150 adjusts the positions of the

support plates

130 and 140 so as to place the various edge rolls 220, 250 and 260 in the proper adjusted position for the particular width of strip 50 to be conditioned. The adjustable work rolls 250, 260, 270 and 280 are then adjusted so as to impart the desired amount of working to the various portions of the strip 50 as it is fed through the conditioner 100. i

The leading end of the strip 50 is then passed through the conditioner 100 in the direction of the arrow 56 in FIGS. '1 and 2 andthe leading end of the strip 50 is connected-to the suitable next processing apparatus. The

pneumatic motors

210, 210a and 290 are then actuated to cause the various rolls to engage the

surfaces

54 and 55, respectively, of the strip 50 and to cause the edge guide rolls to engage the

edges

52 and 53 of the strip 50.

The various feed rolls 220, 230'and 240 support the strip 50 for longitudinal movement in the direction of the arrow 56 along an essentially predetermined planar datum path. The stationary edge rolls 190 engage the associated edge 52, while the motors 210 and 210a resiliently press the movable edge guide rolls 200 and 200a against the opposite edge 53, thus to press the edge 52 in turn against the edge guide rolls 190. This action in connection with the surface engaging rolls tends to eliminate camber from the strip 50 as it passes through the conditioner 100. p

The edge work rolls 250 contact the lower surface 55 and bend the strip 50 along the edges thereof upwardly out of the predetermined path established by the feed.-

' rolls 220-230-240, the feed rolls 230 and 240 specifically holding the center portions of the strip '50 in the predetermined path as the work rolls 250 bend the edges of the strip 50 out of the predetermined path.

work rolls 250 and 260 deflect the edge portions of the strip 50 out of the predetermined path in one direction and then in the other direction and then again in the 7' one directionso as to work the edge portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof while the adjacent center portions of the strip .50 are held in the predetermined path by the feed rolls The center work rolls 280 contact the upper surface 54 and bend the center portions of the strip '50 downwardly out of the predetermined bar established by the feed rolls 220. The center work roll 270 on the other hand bends the strip 50 upwardly out-of the predetermined path established by the feed rolls 220. As a result, the work rolls 270 and 280 deflect the center portions of the strip 50 out of the predetermined path in one direction and then in the other direction and then again in the one direction so as to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, while the adjacent edge portions of the strip 50 are held in the predeterminedpath by the feed rolls 220.

When itis desired to condition a different width of strip 50, the pneumatic motors 210 and 210a are actuated to withdrawn the edge guide rolls 200 and 200a and the pneumatic motors 290 are actuated to lift the top center bar 245, thus releasing the upper roll support bars 175 and 185 to be lifted by the spring assemblies 170 and 180. This permits removal of any of the strip 50 left therein from the prior operation. The operator then actuates one of the adjusting handles 150 to sired adjacent positions thereof, and the new width of strip 50 is fed into position in the conditioner 100. Thereafter the pneumatic motors 210 and 210a are acamountof inward adjustment of the various edge engaging rolls is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4 by the two legends Max. and Min. In FIG. '3, the edge engaging rolls 220 are shown in the outermost positions thereof in solid lines and the upper left hand edge engaging roll 220 is illustrated in-dashed lines in the innermost position thereof, the parts being adjustable in the direction of the heavy arrows, and also in the directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1.

From the above description, it will be appreciated that the conditioner can be used to condition a number of different widths of strip 50, and that the conditioner 100 can be quickly changed manually to accommodate the different widths of strip 50.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be the preferred embodiment of the in vention, it will be understood that various modifications. may be made therein, and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is: I

1. Apparatus for conditioning elongated meta] strips of difi'erent widths comprising means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first work rolls fordeflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path, second work rolls transversely aligned with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path, means to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls for deflecting the center portion of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls, first support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the one edge thereof in the predetermined path, second support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls and said first support rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof in the predetermined path, first mounting structure for said first work rolls and said first support rolls for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby, and second mounting structure for said second work rolls and said second support rolls to mount the same for movement toward and away from said first mounting structure for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first work rolls and said second work rolls deflect the associated edge portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in one direction and then in the other direction while the adjacent center portion of the strip is held in the predetermined path, said first and second work rolls working the adjacent edge portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said. means to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip is support rolls contacting the opposite surfaces of the strip at points disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said third work rolls deflect the center portion of the strip out of the predetermined path in one direction and then in the other direction to work the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second mounting structures are mounted to move in unison toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the associated predetermined path.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said first and second mounting structures are manually movable toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path.

7. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path, second work rolls transversely aligned with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined work rolls, third work rol'ls for deflecting the center portion of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls, first support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the one edge. thereof in the predetermined path, second support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls and said first support rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof in the predetermined path, a first set of edge guides engaging the one longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the one side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and saidwork rolls and said support rolls, a second set of edge guides engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the other side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, first mounting structure for said first work rolls and said first support rolls and said first set of edge guides for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby, and second mounting structure for said second work rolls and said second support'rolls and said second set of edge guides to mount the same for movement toward and away from said first mounting structure for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said edge guides are guide rolls mounted to rotate about axes disposed substantially normal to the predetermined path.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said first set of edge guides are fixed in a selected position with respect to the center line of the predetermined path of the strip, and said second set of edge guides are continually and resiliently urged against the associated other side edge of the strip and thus to urge the one side edge of the strip against the associated first set of edge guides. I

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said first work rolls and said first support rolls and said first set of edge guides are fixedly positioned with respect to each other on said first mounting structure and move together toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path.

11. The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said second work rolls and said second support rolls are fixedly mounted with respect to said second mounting structure and move together toward and away from said first mounting structure, and said second set of edge guides is movably mounted with respect to said second mounting structure as well as being movable therewith.

12. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal predetermined path and carrying second means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, second -mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement toward and maay from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying third means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, first work rolls mounted on said first mounting structure for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, second work rolls mounted on said second mounting structure and in substantial transverse alignment with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means mounted on said frame to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls mounted on said frame for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at'a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof,

means mounted on said first and second mounting structures. and disposed in" transverse alignment with said third work rolls to hold the edge portions of the strip in the predetermined path, and means for moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame toward and away from each other and the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus.

13. Apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein the means for moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame is a shaft mounted on said frame and having two threaded portions engaging in threaded nuts respectively connected ,to said mounting structures, said portions being threaded in opposite senses whereby rotation of said shaft in one direction moves said mounting structures away from each other and rotation of said shaft in the other direction moves said mounting structures toward each other.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 13, wherein two of said shafts are provided on the opposite ends of said frame and means is provided interconnecting said shafts to cause simultaneous operation thereof.

15. The apparatus set forth in claim 13, wherein a handle is provided on said shaft accessible to a user to permit ready rotation of said shaft for adjustment of the positions of said mounting structures.

16. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips rolls mounted to said first mounting structure for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls mounted on said frame for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls to work .the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means on said first and second mounting structures disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls .to hold the edge portions of the strip in the predetermined path, a first set of edge guides mounted on said first mounting structure and engaging theone longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the one side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, a second set of edge guides mounted on said second mounting structure and engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the other side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and saidsuppo'rt rolls, and meansfor moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame toward and away from each other and the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths-of strips to be worked in said apparatus.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 16, wherein said first set of edge guides comprises a plurality' of edge guide rolls mounted on said first mounting structure for rotation about axes fixed with respect thereto and disposed normal to the surfaceof the associated strip in the predetermined path thereof, and said second set of edge guides includes pneumatic motor means fixedly mounted on said second mounting structure and carrying edge guide rolls engaging the other longitudinally of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path,

first mounting structure mounted on saidframe for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying second means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, second mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying third means supporting the strip forlongitudinal movement along the predetermined path, first work extending side edge of the strip for rotation about axes disposed normal to the surface of the associated strip in the predetermined path thereof, said pneumatic motor means continually urging the rolls in said second set of edge guides against the adjacent side edge of the strip.

18. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having'first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum-path, a clamping bracket shiftably mounted on saidframe for movement toward and away from the predetermined path in a direction substantially normal thereto, first and second mounting structures respectively mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from'- each other and towardand away from the center line of the-predetermined path, third and fourth mounting structures respectively mounted on.said first and second mounting structures for movement with respect thereto toward and away therefrom in a direction normal to the predetermined path and for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the mounted on said frame to deflect the associated center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in predetermined path, a first set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said first and third mounting structures for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, a second set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said second and fourth mounting structures and in substantial transverse alignment with said first set of work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions. plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket to hold the center longitudinal portions of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to said first and second set of work rolls, a third set of work rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said mounting structures to hold the edge portions of the strip disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls in the predetermined path, means for moving said mounting structures toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus, and means on said frame for continually urging said clamping bracket toward the predetermined path and against said .third and fourth mounting structures to urge the rolls on said third and fourth mounting structures toward the cooperating rolls on said first and second mounting structures and to urge the rolls on said clamping bracket toward the rolls on said frame.

19. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein said third mounting structure is hingedly mounted on said first mounting structure and said fourth mounting structure is hingedly mounted on said second mounting structure.

20. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein a first spring assembly is provided between said first and third mounting structures and a second spring assembly is provided between second and fourth mounting structures, said spring assemblies urging the associated mounting structures away from each other to an ad justed position.

21. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein a spring assembly is provided between said frame and said clamping bracket resiliently urging said clamping bracket away from the predetermined path to an adjusted fixed position with respect thereto.

22. The appartus set forth in claim 18, wherein certain ones of said first and second sets of work rolls are mounted on said first mounting structure to deflect the associated edge portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in one direction, and the other ones of said first and second sets of work rolls are mounted on said third mounting structure to deflect the associated edge portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in the other direction.

23. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein certain ones of the rolls in said third set of work rollsare one direction, and other ones of the rolls in said third set of work rolls are mounted on said clamping bracket to deflect the associated center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in the other direction.

24. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein said means for continually moving said clamping bracket is a pneumatic motor mounted on said frame and connected to said clamping bracket, said clamping bracket having clamping plates slidingly engaging said third and fourth mounting structures to urge the same toward the predetermined path.

25. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path,

a clamping bracket shiftably mounted on said frame for I movement toward and away from the predetermined path in a direction substantially normal thereto, first and second mounting structures respectively mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, third and fourth mounting structures respectively mounted on said first and second mounting structures for movement with respect thereto toward and away therefrom in a direction normal to the predetermined path and for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, a first set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said first and third mounting structures for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughoutthe thickness thereof, a second set of work rolls mounted on at lest one of said second and fourth mounting structures and in sub'santial transverse alignment with said first set of work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket to hold the center longitudinal portions of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to said first and second set of work rolls, a third set of work rolls mounted on .said frame and said clamping bracket for deflectingthe center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a pointdisposed longitudinally from said first and second sets of work' rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said mounting structures to hold the edge portions of the strip disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls in the predetermined path, a first set of edge rolls mounted on said first mounting structure and transversely fixed with respect thereto and engaging the one longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the same in a predetermined direction along the predetermined path, a second set of edge rolls shiftably mounted on said second mounting structure and engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the strip in the predetermined direction along the predeten'nined path, means mounted on said second mounting structure for continually urging said second set of edge rolls against the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip, means for'moving said i. 18 clamping bracket toward the rolls on said frame.

26; The apparatus 'set forth in claim 25, wherein said means mounted on said second mounting structure for continually urging said second set of edge rolls being pneumatic motors fixedly mounted on said second mounting structure and operatively connected to said second set of edge rolls.

Claims

1. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path, second work rolls transversely aligned with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path, means to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls for deflecting the center portion of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls, first support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip alaong the one edge thereof in the predetermined path, second support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls and said first support rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof in the predetermined path, first mounting structure for said first work rolls and said first support rolls for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby, and second mounting structure for said second work rolls and said second support rolls to mount the same for movement toward and away from said first mounting structure for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1, wherein said means to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip is support rolls contacting the opposite surfaces of the strip at points disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls.

7. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widthS comprising means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path, second work rolls transversely aligned with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path, means to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls for deflecting the center portion of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls, first support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the one edge thereof in the predetermined path, second support rolls disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls and said first support rolls for holding the edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof in the predetermined path, a first set of edge guides engaging the one longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the one side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, a second set of edge guides engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the other side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, first mounting structure for said first work rolls and said first support rolls and said first set of edge guides for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby, and second mounting structure for said second work rolls and said second support rolls and said second set of edge guides to mount the same for movement toward and away from said first mounting structure for positioning the same at selected distances away from the center line of the predetermined path to accommodate corresponding different widths of strips to be engaged thereby.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 7, wherein said first set of edge guides are fixed in a selected position with respect to the center line of the predetermined path of the strip, and said second set of edge guides are continually and resiliently urged against the associated other side edge of the strip and thus to urge the one side edge of the strip against the associated first set of edge guides.

12. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying second means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, second mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement towarD and maay from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying third means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, first work rolls mounted on said first mounting structure for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, second work rolls mounted on said second mounting structure and in substantial transverse alignment with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means mounted on said frame to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to said first and second work rolls, third work rolls mounted on said frame for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means mounted on said first and second mounting structures and disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls to hold the edge portions of the strip in the predetermined path, and means for moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame toward and away from each other and the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus.

13. Apparatus set forth in claim 12, wherein the means for moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame is a shaft mounted on said frame and having two threaded portions engaging in threaded nuts respectively connected to said mounting structures, said portions being threaded in opposite senses whereby rotation of said shaft in one direction moves said mounting structures away from each other and rotation of said shaft in the other direction moves said mounting structures toward each other.

16. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, first mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying second means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, second mounting structure mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path and carrying third means supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along the predetermined path, first work rolls mounted to said first mounting structure for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, second work rolls mounted on said second mounting structure and in substantial transverse alignmetn with said first work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means mounted on said frame to hold the center longitudinal portion of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to and disposed transversely with respect to saId first and second work rolls, third work rolls mounted on said frame for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second work rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, means on said first and second mounting structures disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls to hold the edge portions of the strip in the predetermined path, a first set of edge guides mounted on said first mounting structure and engaging the one longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the one side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, a second set of edge guides mounted on said second mounting structure and engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the other side edge of the strip in a predetermined direction through said supporting means and said work rolls and said support rolls, and means for moving said first and second mounting structures on said frame toward and away from each other and the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 16, wherein said first set of edge guides comprises a plurality of edge guide rolls mounted on said first mounting structure for rotation about axes fixed with respect thereto and disposed normal to the surface of the associated strip in the predetermined path thereof, and said second set of edge guides includes pneumatic motor means fixedly mounted on said second mounting structure and carrying edge guide rolls engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip for rotation about axes disposed normal to the surface of the associated strip in the predetermined path thereof, said pneumatic motor means continually urging the rolls in said second set of edge guides against the adjacent side edge of the strip.

18. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, a clamping bracket shiftably mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the predetermined path in a direction substantially normal thereto, first and second mounting structures respectively mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, third and fourth mounting structures respectively mounted on said first and second mounting structures for movement with respect thereto toward and away therefrom in a direction normal to the predetermined path and for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, a first set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said first and third mounting structures for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, a second set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said second and fourth mounting structures and in substantial transverse alignment with said first set of work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket to hold the center longitudinal portions of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to said first and second set of work rolls, a third set of work rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portIons of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said mounting structures to hold the edge portions of the strip disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls in the predetermined path, means for moving said mounting structures toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus, and means on said frame for continually urging said clamping bracket toward the predetermined path and against said third and fourth mounting structures to urge the rolls on said third and fourth mounting structures toward the cooperating rolls on said first and second mounting structures and to urge the rolls on said clamping bracket toward the rolls on said frame.

20. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein a first spring assembly is provided between said first and third mounting structures and a second spring assembly is provided between second and fourth mounting structures, said spring assemblies urging the associated mounting structures away from each other to an adjusted position.

23. The apparatus set forth in claim 18, wherein certain ones of the rolls in said third set of work rolls are mounted on said frame to deflect the associated center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in one direction, and other ones of the rolls in said third set of work rolls are mounted on said clamping bracket to deflect the associated center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path in the other direction.

25. Apparatus for conditioning elongated metal strips of different widths comprising a frame having first means thereon supporting the strip for longitudinal movement along a predetermined planar datum path, a clamping bracket shiftably mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from the predetermined path in a direction substantially normal thereto, first and second mounting structures respectively mounted on said frame for movement toward and away from each other and toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, third and fourth mounting structures respectively mounted on said first and second mounting structures for movement with respect thereto toward and away therefrom in a direction normal to the predetermined path and for movement therewith toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path, a first set of work rolls mounted on at least one of said first and third mounting structures for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along one edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, a second set of work rOlls mounted on at lest one of said second and fourth mounting structures and in subsantial transverse alignment with said first set of work rolls for deflecting the longitudinal edge portions of the strip along the other edge thereof out of the predetermined path to work the associated edge portions plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket to hold the center longitudinal portions of the strip in the predetermined path adjacent to said first and second set of work rolls, a third set of work rolls mounted on said frame and said clamping bracket for deflecting the center portions of the strip out of the predetermined path at a point disposed longitudinally from said first and second sets of work rolls to work the center portions of the strip plastically substantially throughout the thickness thereof, rolls mounted on said mounting structures to hold the edge portions of the strip disposed in transverse alignment with said third work rolls in the predetermined path, a first set of edge rolls mounted on said first mounting structure and transversely fixed with respect thereto and engaging the one longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the same in a predetermined direction along the predetermined path, a second set of edge rolls shiftably mounted on said second mounting structure and engaging the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip to guide the strip in the predetermined direction along the predetermined path, means mounted on said second mounting structure for continually urging said second set of edge rolls against the other longitudinally extending side edge of the strip, means for moving said mounting structures toward and away from the center line of the predetermined path so as to accommodate different widths of strips to be worked in said apparatus, and means on said frame for continually urging said clamping bracket toward the predetermined path and against said third and fourth mounting structures to urge the rolls on said third and fourth mounting structures toward the cooperating rolls on said first and second mounting structures and to urge the rolls on said clamping bracket toward the rolls on said frame.

26. The apparatus set forth in claim 25, wherein said means mounted on said second mounting structure for continually urging said second set of edge rolls being pneumatic motors fixedly mounted on said second mounting structure and operatively connected to said second set of edge rolls.