Guild International Inc.

Dimitri Economou

Christopher C Cooper

Continuous strip accumulator includes a convolution transfer annulus providing for controlled expansion and contraction of the stored convolutions between inner and outer sections within the accumulator. During mill match operation of the accumulator, the convolution transfer annulus is retained against movement but still provides support for the strip material as it moves from the inner section to the outer section. A differential drive between the entry and exit pinch rolls provides for mechanical synchronous operation of the entry and exit pinch rolls during the mill match mode. During the welding mode, when it is desired to replenish the supply of strip material, movement of the incoming strip is stopped and the convolution transfer annulus is driven by the differential drive in a direction causing positive transfer of the convolutions from the outer section to the inner section in mechanical synchronism with the exit pinch rolls to provide a continuous uninterrupted supply of strip material to the mill. After the supply has been replenished, the entry pinch rolls are accelerated to fill speed during which the differential drive first causes the convolution transfer annulus to decelerate down to zero and then accelerate in the opposite direction for effecting positive transfer of the stored convolutions from the inner section to the outer section to expand the convolutions and refill the accumulator. Radially extending horizontal drive rolls and idle rolls support the stored convolutions in the inner and outer sections, respectively. Lower strip edge support rollers are desirably provided at the convolution transfer point on the convolution transfer annulus to raise the transition spiral somewhat as the convolutions are being transferred between the inner and outer sections in order to substantially eliminate any sliding contact between the transition spiral and the horizontal support rolls between which the convolutions are being transferred. A mechanical drive connection between the inner drive rolls and entry and exit pinch rolls provides for mechanical synchronous operation thereof.

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Cleveland Hts., OH, United States of America

Dimitri Economou