Patent ID: 6033310
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B21B,F16C,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
A variable length drive shaft for driving a rolling mill roll including:a first end connecting with a drive member delivering rotational motion;a second end connecting with and rotably driving one end of said mill roll;said first end including a first universal joint connecting with an end of a male splined shaft having an axial bore;said second end including a second universal joint connecting with a torque tube and a female spline shaft which engages over said male splined shaft for axial movement;a gas cylinder and cylinder rod, said gas cylinder being mounted with a second end of said male splined shaft with said cylinder rod extending from said gas cylinder and passing through said torque tube to connect with said second universal joint at said second end, said cylinder rod including a self aligning coupler; whereby,said gas cylinder and cylinder rod are maintained axially aligned while exerting continuous outward pressure against said first and second ends maintaining them in pressure contact with said drive member and said mill roll while said male and female spline shafts make slight movements out of axial alignment during driving motion.