Patent ID: 8813622

Claim:
A machine for slitting metal sheet, said machine comprising: a first arbor mounted for rotation about a first axis; a second arbor mounted for rotation about a second axis that is parallel to the first axis; first elongated lock elements located parallel to and in fixed positions with respect to the first axis; second elongated lock elements located parallel to and in a fixed position with respect to the second axis; a first slitter head located along the first arbor and along the first lock elements; the first slitter head including: a hub located around the first arbor, the hub being engaged with the first arbor for rotation with the first arbor, yet being displaceable along the first arbor; a knife carried by and rotatable with the hub; and clamps for clamping against the first lock elements and securing the first slitter head from axial movement along the first arbor; a second slitter head located along the second arbor and along the second lock elements, the second slitter head including: a hub located around the second arbor, the hub being engaged with the second arbor for rotation with the second arbor, yet being displaceable along the second arbor; a knife carried by and rotatable with the hub; and clamps for clamping against the second lock elements and securing the second slitter head against axial movement along the second arbor; whereby the knives of the first and second slitter heads can be positioned to establish a nip through which metal sheet upon passing will be severed into separate strips; wherein the clamps are actuated by a pressurized fluid; a first beam supporting the first arbor and first slitter heads; a second beam supporting the second arbor and second slitter heads; a first hose assembly carried by the first beam for directing pressurized fluid to the first slitter heads; and a second hose assembly carried by the second beam for directing pressurized fluid to the second slitter heads; each hose assembly including; an entry block mounted on the beam that carries the hose assembly; a terminal block carried by each slitter head on the beam that carries the hose assembly; a flexible hose extending between the entry block and the terminal block for each slitter head, each hose extending from the entry block away from the slitter head and then toward the slitter head and forming a loop where it changes direction; and a hose carrier at the loop in each hose, the hose carrier being urged away from the entry and terminal blocks to maintain the hose taut.