Patent ID: 8727253

Claim:
A three roll mill comprising: a frame comprising first and second spaced apart support structures; a feed roll mounted for rotation between the first and second support structures; a center roll mounted for rotation between the first and second support structures parallel to the feed roll, thereby forming a first nip between the center roll and the feed roll; an apron roll mounted for rotation between the first and second support structures parallel to the center roll, thereby forming a second nip between the apron roll and the center roll; wherein each said roll has a first end at said first support structure, a first mating profile at the first end, a second end at said second support structure, a second mating profile at the second end, an axis of rotation between said ends, and a cylindrical surface extending coaxially between said ends; for each said roll, a first mating piece mounted for rotation in said first support structure and engaging said first mating profile to prevent relative rotation of said roll relative to said first mating piece, a second mating piece mounted for axial movement in said second support structure and engaging said second mating profile coaxially to permit rotation of said roll relative to said second support structure, at least one spring exerting a spring force loading the second mating piece toward the first support structure said first mating profile disengaging said first mating piece when said roll is moved axially away from said first support structure against said spring force, said second mating profile disengaging said second mating piece when said roll is moved transversely of said axis after disengaging said first mating profile from said first mating piece; and means for applying torque to said rolls so that said cylindrical surfaces move in the same direction but different speeds in each said nip, said cylindrical surface of said center roll moving faster than said cylindrical surface of said feed roll, said cylindrical surface of said apron roll moving faster than said cylindrical surface of said center roll; wherein said means for applying torque comprises rotational linkage arranged on said first support structure so that said first ends are driven in rotation, said second ends being arranged to rotate freely at said second support structure.