Patent ID: 7093472
Filing Date: 2006-08-22
Classification: B21B,B21C

Abstract:
1. A method of continuously rolling a product in consecutive upstream and downstream roll stands, with the product exiting from the upstream roll stand at a velocity V 1 that is higher than the take in velocity V 3 of the downstream roll stand, said method comprising: directing the product exiting from the upstream roll stand along an axis to an accumulator arranged between said roll stands, said accumulator having a curved laying assembly with an entry end aligned with said axis to receive said product, and an exit end spaced radially from said axis to deliver said product in an exit direction transverse to said axis; during a first time interval, maintaining said laying assembly stationary, with its exit end aligned with a guide leading to said downstream roll stand, thereby delivering said product via said guide for rolling in said downstream roll stand at its take in velocity V temporarily storing said excess product in a looper arranged between said accumulator and one of said roll stands; during a second time interval, rotatably accelerating said laying assembly about said axis to an operational speed at which said exit end has a velocity V during a third time interval, continuing to rotate said laying assembly at said operational speed, the curvature of said laying assembly and the orientation of said exit end being such as to form the product delivered from said exit end in excess of that being rolled in said downstream roll stand into a helix; depositing and accumulating said helix on a cylindrical drum rotatable about said axis; and rotating said drum in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of said laying assembly to thereby unwind said helix via said guide to said downstream roll stand at velocity V