US2035598A

US2035598A - Rolling mill

Info

Publication number: US2035598A
Application number: US755526A
Authority: US
Inventors: Nels E Flodin; Frank A Lawson; Emma B Eckfeldt
Original assignee: American Locomotive Co
Current assignee: American Locomotive Co
Priority date: 1934-12-01
Filing date: 1934-12-01
Publication date: 1936-03-31
Anticipated expiration: 1953-03-31

Description

March 31, 1936. .1. J. ECKFELDT A1.

ROLLING MILL 3 Sheets-Sheetl 2 Filed DeG. l, 1934 mi IIHIIIIII HHHIHIIIIIIIIMIIINIHM m www ed wwwm. EFA. IEK mism J .Mer TJNF s w T. Q N w m Y Q B 3.1, 1936. A` .1. J. ECKFELDT Er AL 035,598

ROLLING MILL Filed DeC. l, 1934 I 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 loic . JohnJ. Eckfeldt INVENToR, Nels E Fradn.

Frank A;Lawson Patented Mar. 31, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE ROLLING MILL ration of New York Application December 1, 1934, Serial No. 755,526

21 Claims.

This invention relates in general to rolling mills and has particular reference to a rolling mill designed for the rolling of a circular bloom into a rolled ring having an interior circumferential collar or web.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a mill of the character described embodying an improved roll mechanism for efficiently forming the interior circumferential web of the rolled ring.

A further object is to provide a mill of the character described embodying improved roll mechanism for forming the interior circumferential web of the rolled ring, which mechanism is so designed as to be easily and speedily adjustable from an engaged operating position to a disengaged open position and vice versa, whereby a rolled ring may be removed from the mill and a fresh bloom inserted in position for rolling with a minimum expenditure of time and effort.

Other objects of and advantages achieved by this invention will be apparent from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a present preferred embodiment of the invention and certain modifications of parts thereof.

In the accompanying drawings Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view on the line I-I of Fig. 2 of a rolling mill embodying the invention in the present preferred form thereof, certain parts being broken away and certain parts being omitted; Fig. 2 is a plan View on the scale orf Fig. 1 of the rolling mill of Fig. 1, certain parts being shown in section on the line lI--II of Fig. 3 and certain parts being omitted; Fig. 3 is an enlarged section on the line III-III of Fig. 2, certain parts being omitted; Fig. 4 is a section on the line IV-IV of Fig. 3, certain parts being broken away; Fig. 5 is a plan view of the structure shown in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a section on the line VI-VI of Fig. 3 of the lower part -of the carriage; Fig. I'I is an enlarged fragmentary plan view partly in section showing one of the guide rolls and its adjustable bearing means; Fig. 8 is an end View of the parts shown in Fig. '7 Fig. 9 is an elevation, with certain parts in section and certain parts being broken away, of a modified construction of the web-forming rolls; and Fig. is a similar view of another modified construction of the web-forming rolls For the purpose of illustrating this invention there is shown in the drawings so much of a rolling mill as is necessary for the proper understanding of theinvention. 'Ihe improvements comprising the present invention are applicable to various types of rolling mills. In the present instance however, it is illustrated in connection with a mill of the type disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 949,279, to J. Kennedy, issued February 15, 1910, and in its association with the principles of the mill of the patent provides an improved mill which not only retains all of the structural advantages and methods of operation of the mill of the patent but in addition thereto possesses certain advantages which will later'appear. Those parts of the mill shown in the drawings not forming a part of the novel features of this invention will now be briefly described prior to the detailed description of the novel features of this invention.

A ring or bloom I is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in position being rolled into a finished ring in the rolling mill. 'Ihe rolling mill comprises a main roll 2 which operates on the exterior surface of the ring I and is mounted on a vertical shaft 3 which shaft is suitably journalled in bearings 4 provided in the frame of the mill indicated generally by the numeral 5. The shaft 3 is power driven through connections including a bevel gear 6 secured on the shaft, a bevel pinion 'I in mesh with the gear 6, a horizontal shaft 8 on one end oi which the pinion 'I is secured, and a gear wheel 9 secured on the other end of the shaft 8. Suitable bearings 8a, supported on the frame 5, are provided for the shaft 8. A gear wheel IIJ is secured on a hollow extension IIa, hereinafter further described, of a power driven shaft I I and is in mesh with the gear wheel 9. The main roll 2 is thus power driven by the shaft II. It will be understood however that the power may, and in some instances preferably will, be applied directly to the shaft 8 at its end indicated at 8b.

A carriage for the web-forming roll mechanism of this invention hereinafter described in detail, indicated generally by the numeral I2, is disposed at the left side of the roll 2 as viewed in Figs. 1' and 2. The carriage comprises an upper frame unit and a lower frame unit (features of the present invention) which are connected as hereinafter described. The lower unit is connected with four horizontal rods or long bolts I3 which extend toward the right end of the mill and are secured at this end to a crosshead III. Sleeves I5 are provided around the rods for holding the carriage and crosshead apart. The upper part of the crosshead is secured to a main plunger I6 of a single-acting hydraulic cylinder I'I. The axis of the cylinder I1 (see Fig.2) is in line with the axis of the roll 2 and shaft 3. and when liquid under pressure is admitted tothe cylinder I'I A push-back plunger I8 is secured below the plunger I6 to the crosshead I4 and extends lon-l. gitudinally therefrom toward the right endofV the mill. The plunger I8 moves in a single-acting hydraulic cylinder I9 At'owhichliquid under pressure is constantly applied so that the plunger Will act, through the connecting parts, to force the crosshead I4 and hence the carriage I2 and mechanism carried thereby away from'the roll 2 whenever pressure is released from the main cylinder I1. The cylinder I1 is of course adapted to provide substantially greater power thanthe cylinder I 9 so that when the plunger I6 is moved tothe right it will readily overcome the forcel of the plunger I8.

Two guide rolls'20;(see Fig. 2),are disposed so as to bear onthe exterior of theV bloom'at the sides of the roll 2 and the roll mechanism carried by the carriage I2-. Each of the rolls 26 is journalled in a `bearing on the end of one arm of a'bell crank lever 2I. The leversV 2I are pivoted asindicated at 22 to parts of the frame 5. The other arm of each bell crank` lever is pivotally connected to a rod 23 which rod is in turn pivotallyfconnected to acrosshead 24 at the right end of the mill. 1

The crosshead 24 is secured to a plunger 25 of a single-acting hydraulic cylinder 26 having its axis in alignment with the axis of the cylinder I'I. A stationary plunger 21 is secured to the right end of 5 a stem 28 which stem -extends throughA the cylinder. I1 and plungergl and is secured to the head of the cylinder I1 at the left vend thereof. A hydraulic cylinder cavity 29 is formed in the left end of the plunger 25 into which cavity the right end of the plunger 21 extends.

Liquid under pressure is constantly supplied through a. suitable port 21av formed in the plunger 21 to the-interior of the cavity .29 so that whenever pressure isreleased in the cylinder 26 the plunger.25 will be forced back (tothe right) and through the.connectingimechanism will move the bell crank levers 2| so as to release the guide rolls 20 from the bloom or ring being rolled. The cylinder 26 is-of course adapted to provide substantiallyy greater power than the cavity 29 so that lthe plunger 25V will be readily forced to the left overcomingthe power provided by the cavity 29 when-.fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 26 and the guide rolls 28 may be thereby adjusted to various positions soasto aid in the attainment of the desired shape of the bloom. l

The cylinders I1 and 26 are suitably bolted at their lower portions to the frame 5 and are connected at their upper portions byv long Vbolts 30 which extend through lugs formed on these vcylinders, sleeves3l .being provided around the bolts 38. betweenthelugsfor holding them properly spaced apart.- Y

A stopconsisting of a nut 32 in threaded enz gagementwith the stem 28 is provided for limitlngthe movementof the plunger I6 toward the right and hence the movementofthe carriage I2 towardy theroll 2. A worm shaft 33 .is mounted in Vsuitable bearings on the frame 5 and extends overthe lnut and meshes with teethformed,cir-H cumferentially in the nut. Hand wheels 34 are provided on the opposite ends of the shaft 33 so that by turning these wheels the nut may be regulated to adjust the throw of the plunger I6 and consequently the final position of the carriage I2. Y'

Lower and upper edging rolls 35 and 36 respectively are provided for operation on the edges of the bloom. The roll 35 is carried on the right end of. a shaft 31 which is mounted in

suitable bearings

38 and 39. The bearing 38 is movable longitudinally "of the 'mill as will presently appear sion IIa is mounted in a bearing 48 carried on the frame 5. The shaft 31 is splined to the bearing 39 and extension IIa as indicated at 4I so that the shaft 31 and consequently the'rollV 35 willl be positively rotated with the shaft II while the shaft 31 may be moved axially thereof, that is to say longitudinally of the mill. The left end of the bearing 39 is formed as a gear wheel 42-for a purpose hereinafter explained.

The bearing 38 is vcarried on-a frame 43 which is movable longitudinally of the mill within suitable guides (not shown) carried on the frame 5. Movement of the frame 43 is effected by piston rods 44 which connect the frame 43 with pistons (not shown) which pistons operate in hydraulic double-acting cylinders 45 mounted one at each side of the frame 5 at the left end thereof?. The longitudinal positioning of the-rolls 35 and 36 is'thereby controlled to accommodate blooms of different sizes. p

The roll 36 is carried on the right end of a shaft 46 which shaft is pivotally connected to the frame 43 by a suitable coupling indicated at*v 41 and extends through abearing 48 which is disposed adjacent the roll 36. An upwardly extending pitman 49 is carried in a socket 49a formed in the top of the bearing 48. A hydraulic cylinder 58 is carried on the frame 43 above the bearing 48. A plunger 5I operates in the cylinder 58. A socket 52 is provided in the lower end of the plunger 5I within which socket the pit1 man 49 bears against the plunger. Introduction of liquid under pressure into the cylinder 50 serves toi force the roller 36 down onto the edge of the bloom. A stern 5Ia. extends upwardly from the plunger 5I through a stuiing box 50a in the top of the cylinder. The stem is squared at its upper end and screw-threaded adjacent its squared portion. An adjusting nut 5Ib and a lock nut 5 Ic are provided on the screw-threaded portion. The nut 5Ib strikes against an-upwardly extending portion on the stung box 50a. to limit theV downward movement of the stem 5Ia and consequently the downward forcing of the roll 36.v Adjustment of the nut 5Ib will obviously adjust the limit of downward forcing of the roll 36 so that blooms of varying thicknesses can be accommmodated. It will of course lbe understood that any other suitable means for determining the limit of the downward forcing of the roll-36 may be substituted for that just described, asfor instance a yoke-and screw arrangement such as that hereinafter described with reference to the limiting of the downward movement of the upper web-forming roll.

A hydraulic cylinder 53 is provided on the frame 43 adjacentthe cylinder 50 and a pullback plunger 54 operates Within this cylinder.

The plunger 5t is connected at its upper end with a yoke 55 and links 56 connect the yoke with the bearing 48, one link extending at each side of the cylinder 53. Liquid under pressure is constantly supplied to the cylinder 53 so that when the liquid is exhausted from the cylinder 5B the roll 35 wili be raised from the bloom. The power of the cylinder 56 is of course substantially greater than the power of the cylinder 53 so that the former will readily overcome the latter when liquid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 5B. By this arrangement the operation of the edging rolls may be controlled at will to thereby aid in the attainment of the desired shape of the bloom.

Two guide rolls 51 are provided one at each side of the rolls 35 and 36. Each roll 5'! is similarly carried in the following mann-er (see particularly Figs. 7 and 8). It is pivotally mounted in a jaw 58a formed in one arm 58h of a bell crank lever 58. The lever 58 is in turn pivotally connected to a bracket 59 which is cast integrally with the frame d3 and comprises upper and lower spaced plates 59al which extend to the right from the frame and are joined at their outer edges by a web 59h. The lever is disposed between these plates and a pin 58o is passed through the plates and lever to provide the pivotal connection therebetween. An adjusting screw 59o is passed through a threaded opening provided therefor in the web and bears at its inner end against the other arm 58d of the bell crank lever. A look nut 5% is provided for the screw 59e. A wedge 5s@ is passed through oppositely disposed slots provided therefor in the plates 59a and backs up against a solid part 3a of the frame which extends between the plates 5de. The outer face of the wedge is curved and nts into a groove 58e formed in the arm 58d. A suitable washer (not shown) may be provided on the inner end of the screw 59e, which washer would preferably be flat on its. face bearing against the arm 53d and cupped on its op-posite face to nt around the end of the screw.

It will be obvious that by adjustment of the wedges and screws the bell crank levers and rolls 5i' may be adjusted to various positions so as to better accommodate diierent sizes of blooms. The wedge slots will of course be sufciently large to provide the necessary clearance for movement of the wedges during adjustment. By adjustment of the position of the frame 133 the operation of the guide rolls 57 may be controlled to thereby aid in the attainment of the desired shape of the bloom.

While the aforedescribed parts provide a practical means for manually adjusting the positions of the guide rolls 51, it will be understood that any of the various other arrangements for adjusting the guide rolls, which arrangements are well known in the art, .may be substituted therefor permitting the rolls to be adjusted either manually or automatically with movements of the frame :i3 in which latter case of course the rolls will be moved toward each other along diverging lines simultaneously with the movement of the frame i3 toward the main roll 2.

In the operation of the apparatus the rolls 5l bear against the exterior surface of the bloom opposite th respective rolls 20 and at the sides of the rolls 55 and 3E and are moved away from or toward the roll 2 in unison when the frame 43 is correspondingly moved. The principal purpose of the guide rolls is to assist in holding the bloom in its proper position.

Coming now to the particular parts of the mill embodying the novel features of the present invention, that is to say the improved interior circumferential web-forming mechanism shown in detail in Figs. 3 to 6, the desired contour of the web is produced by a lower roll 55 and an upper roll tl carried, as will be presently described, by the carriage l2.

An arbor 62 is integrally formed on the roll 59 and extends upwardly therefrom axially thereof into a socketn53 which is formed in the roll A shank 563 is also integrally formed on the roll 55 and extends downwardly therefrom axially thereof. Both of the rolls 55 and 6I are vertically adjustable as will presently appear.

A vertical rotary shaft 55 is mounted in upper, middle and lower bearings 5l, 58 and E9 respectively which areformed in the lower frame unit, indicated generally by the numeral 56, of the carriage i2. A suitable bushing is provided in each of these three bearings. The upper end of the shaft 55 is enlarged and formed as a sleeve iii into which the shank extends. Vertical slots are formed in the .sleeve lil' and the shank 65 and a driving key l! is provided in these slots so that the roll @il will rotate with the shaft 55. In certain cases where it is not desirable to supply rotating power to the roll 60, the action of the bioom being rolled will rotate the roll SS and the shaft 65 will be rotated by virtue 'ii ci the driving key thus securing proper journal action in the three bearings of the shaft. n this case the motor connections with the shaft 55 would of course be eliminated.

A cylindrical thrust block 'l2 is provided in the lower bearing 69 beneath the lower end of the shaft e5, the bushing in this bearing surrounding bcth the lower end of the Shaft 65 and the block l2. A suitable thrust washer 'i3 is disposed between the adjacent ends of the block fr and shaft. The lower end of the thrust block l2 rests on the horizontal upper surface of a wedge block 16. The wedge block 76 is of rectangular shape in its horizontal cross section and is adapted to slide vertically in a correspondinglv s shaped cavity 'lf3 provided in the lower frame unit G5 as hereinafter further mentioned. The lower surface of the block i6 is slanted and engages a slanting upper surface of a wedge Tl which is disposed below the block 1E. adapted to slide horizontally on a part of the lower frame unit EEE in a suitable cavity 'Ha provided in this unit as hereinafter further mentioned. Since the distance from front to back (as viewed in Fig. 3) of the wedge block 'IIS is the same as the dis-tance from front to back of the wedge 'il' and of their corresponding working cavities 'M and lla, and as this distance is not as great as the diameter of the thrust block l2, counter-bored recesses indicated at 'l5 and 15a are formed in the front and back faces of the cavity 'M extending downwardly from the top thereof. These recesses are bored to a diameter equal to the diameter of the thrust block 'i2 and to a depth suiiicient to permit the thrust block 72 and consequently the shaft 65 to be lowered axially the full amount of the pitch of the slanting upper surface of the wedge 'H as the wedge is withdrawn to the right.

The wedge ll is secured at one end to a stem i8 which stem is in turn secured to a piston 'i9 which operates in a hydraulic cylinder St carried on the frame unit 55 in a cavity Sila provided therein for the 'cylinder as hereinafter further mentioned. The opposite end of the wedge Tl is The wedge 'il is secured to a piston 8| which operates ina hydraulic cylinder 82 also carried on the frame unit 66 in a suitable cavity 82a provided therein as hereinafter further mentioned. Movement of the wedge 11 by action of the piston 19 to the left as viewed in Fig. 3 obviously will effect a raising of the

blocks

15 and 12, shaft 65 and roll 68 These parts will drop by gravity as the wedge is withdrawn, that is to say moved to the right as viewed in Fig. 3, by the piston 8|. The cylinder 82 will be constantly supplied with liquid under pressure so that whenever pressure is released in the cylinder 80 the wedge 11 will be forced to the right by the piston 8|. The cylinder 80 is of course adapted to provide substantially greater power than the cylinder 82 so that the former will always overcome the latter when liquid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 88.

' The bottom portion of the lower frame unit 66 is made in two parts 56a which are bolted together by transverse bolts 86h and through which the lower bolts I3 extend. The parts 86a are bolted to the upper portions of the unit 66 by vertical bolts 66e. The opposite faces of the parts 68a are shaped to provide the cavities 80a., 82a, 11a and 14 for the cylinders 88 and 82, the wedge 11, the wedge block 15 and the recesses 15 and 15a fo-r the thrust block 12. The cavity 11a in which both the wedge 11 and the stem 18 move, and which is at the left end, as viewed in Fig. 3, of the cavity 80a., is rectangular and only of suficient height and width to accommodate the wedge 11 and stem 18. `This width is less than the Width of the piston 19 Thus the piston 19 is limited in its outward movement by the edges of the side walls of the cavity 11a and consequently the upward movement of the roll 68 is thereby limited.

Thrust washers of various thicknesses may be substituted for the thrust washer 13 above mentioned in order to vary the initial and final vertical positions of the roll 88 so as to roll webs of various thicknesses and in various positions on the blooms.

Other means for vertically adjusting the shaft 65 may of course be provided in place of those aforedescribed, such as for instance a vertically disposed cylinder and piston mounted below the shaft or a suitably geared screw feed with an electric motor drive.

A bevel gear 83 is mounted by a spline connection on the shaft 65 between the

bearings

58 and 69, a Vertical slot a being provided in the shaft, and a key 83a which slidably ts into the slot being carried by the bevel gear 83. Positive rotation of the shaft by the bevel gear is thus insured while the shaft is permitted vertical movement relative to the bevel gear. The lower frame unit 66 is suitably shaped to accommodate this gear. By virtue of the spline connection the shaft may be readily raised when it is desired to change the washer 13 for the purpose hereinbeforementioned. A suitable slot (not shown) forlthe removal laterally of the washer '53, or its replacement, is made through one side of the bushing and its surrounding bearing 69. This arrangement avoids the necessity of the complete removal of the shaft 65 when changing washers. A suitable lled block, preferably of bronze, will be provided for closing this slot. A bevel gear 84 is in mesh with the gear 83 and is mounted on the right end of a shaft 85 which shaft is rotatably mounted at this end in a suitablebearing 86 carried on the lower frame unit 66 of the carriage |2. The shaft 85 extends longitudinally of the mill as shown in Fig. 1 and its left end extends into a sleeve 81 with which sleeve the shaft is in spline engagement as indicated at 88. The sleeve 81 is rotatably mounted in .a bearing 89 carried on the frame 5 and a gear 90 is mounted on the right end of this sleeve. The gear 90 is in mesh with the gear 42 hereinbefore mentioned. It will thus be seen that the roll 60 may be positively rotated by power from the shaft The spline engagement of the shaft 85 with the sleeve 81 permits the shaft 85 to move longitudinally with the carriage |2 relative to the sleeve while insuring its positive rotation with the sleeve.

A shank 9| is integrally formed on the roll 6| and extends upwardly therefrom axially thereof into a bushing 92 which is disposed within a sleeve extension 93 integrally formed on the lower end of a plunger 94. The plunger 94 operates within a cylinder 95 which is formed asl an integral part of the upper frame unit, indicated generally by the numeral 96, of the carriage I2. Suitable thrust washers 91 are provided around the shank 9| between the lower end of the extension 93 and the upper surface of the roll 6|. Downward vertical movement of the roll 6| is obtained by the introduction of iiuid under pressure into the cylinder 95 which forces the plunger 94 downward. A cylinder head 98 is provided for the upper end of the cylinder 95 and is suitably secured thereto by studs 98a. A bushing is provided in the cylinder 95 around the plunger 94.

Two cylinders 99 are also formed integrally with the frame unit 96, one cylinder 89 on each of the opposite sides of the cylinder 95. A lifting or pull-back plunger |88 is disposed in each of the cylinders 99. A horizontal yoke |0| is disposed above the

cylinders

95 and 99 and each of the plungers |00 is secured at its upper end portion to the yoke, the portion being of a reduced diameter and extending through an opening formed therefor in the yoke and a nut |02 being provided at the upper end of the portion Two openings |03 are formed in the cylinder head 98, and piston rods |04 are passed one through each of the openings |93 and are screwed into the plunger 94. The upper end portion of each of the rods |84 is of a reduced diameter and extends through an opening formed therefor' in the yoke |8|, a nut |85 being provided on the upper end of each rod. The upper end portions of the i plungers |08 and the rods |04 being of reduced diameters provide shoulders against which the yoke |0| bears when the nuts |02 and |05 are drawn up.

In order to limit the downward movement of the roll 6| lugs 96a are formed on the frame unit 96 one at the side of each cylinder S9 and bosses illa. are formed on the opposite ends of the yoke |0| immediately above the lugs. A threaded vertical opening is formed in each boss and an adjusting screw I0 Ib, provided with a lock nut I0 Ic, is screwed through each opening. It will be apparent that the lower ends of the screws |0|b will strike against the lugs 96a, so as to limit the downward movement of the yoke |0| and consequently the roll 6| and that the lowermost position for the roll 8| may be varied by adjusting the screws |0|b.

Suitable packing rings are provided at the lower ends of the plungers |00, around the rods |04 at the upper ends of the openings |03 and at the upper end of the plunger 94, each of these packing rings being secured in place in the usual manner.

A circumferential groove |06 is formed in the shank 9| and holes IB'I are formed in the bushing 92 and extension 93. A retaining plug |08 is passed through the holes |01 into the groove l and serves to retain the roll 6| in engagement with the plunger QQ when the plunger is moved to open position as hereinafter described. This arrangement also permits of easy changing of the roll 6i.

Fluid under pressure will be constantly supplied to the cylinders 9S so that when pressure is exhausted from the cylinder Q5 the plunger 94 and hence the roll 6| will be raised. The cylinder S5 of course provides substantially greater power than the cylinders 95 so that the plunger S12 will be readily forced downwardly overcoming the power of the cylinders SS when fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 95.

The rolling action of the roll Sl is obtained entirely by contact drive from the bloom being rolled and by friction contact with the arbor 2. It will be apparent that by suitable control of the operation of the various control mechanisms aforedescribed for the rolls S and 6| a control thereof may be effected so as to aid in the attainment of the desired shape of the bloom.

In 9 however there is illustrated a modied construction of rolls whereby an upper roll |39 is power driven with the lower roll I l@ which rolls correspond to the rolls 6| and 66 respectively. The modied construction is the same as the first described construction excepting that the arbor iii of the roll HU is of increased length and the socket E2 of the roll i is also of increased depth to accommodate the arbor l i l. Vertical keyways are forni-3d in the arbor ill and the wall of the socket H2 and a key is provided in these keyways as indicated at IES. The key is fastened to the keyway in the socket and to insure free entering of the lower end of the key into the upper end of the keyway in the arbor when the rolls are being closed together the lower end of the key is tapered and the upper end of the keyway in the arbor is iiared. The lower end of the keyway in the arbor will o-f course be of such height above the face of the roll that when the rolls i and Hii are separated the maximum amount, at the beginning of a rolling operation, nc part or this keyway in the arbor will be exposed below the bottom face of the roll |09 so that no metal of the bloom being rolled can be pressed into this keyway.

In Fig. l0 there is illustrated another modified construction of rolls wherein an upper roll I I4 is driven by power and a lower roll H5 is idle getting its rotating motion from contact by the sloom being rolled and a shank H. Here the lower roll i i5 has no shank or arbor but a central opening l i? is formed therein. The shank iid extends through the opening I Il and permits free rotation of the roll I5 thereon. The upper end portion of the shank l5 extends into a socket ii formed in the upper roll H11 and is keyed to this roll in the same manner as described with reference to the construction shown in Fig. 9, a similarly formed key and keyways being provided. The lower end portion Hrt of the shank HS is enlarged and ts within and is keyed to the sleeve 'i8 of the enlarged upper end of the shaft 65.

Horizontal aligned bearings are formed at one side of the carriage, one bearing in the upper part of the frame unit 5 and two bearings in the lower part of the frame unit 96, the latter two being disposed one at each side of the bearing of the unit 66 (only the bearing of the unit E5 being shown as indicated at IIS). A bolt is passed through these bearings, a hinge connection being thus provided between these two frame units whereby the upper frame unit and parts carried thereby may be swung upwardly away from the lower frame unit separating the rolls 6|! and 6l and permitting the insertion or removal of blooms or rings to or from operating position.

Two toothed sectors |2| are rigidly secured to tl e frame unit 96, one at each of the opposite sides of the hinge bearing. A bracket |22 is bolted to the lower frame unit 56 and a vertical double-acting air cylinder |23 is bolted to the bracket e. piston I2@ is disposed within the cylinder i225. The lower head |25 of the cylinder is preferably formed as an integral part "v if and the upper head |2| is formed as a sepL nte part and is suitably secured to the cylinder by studs E2?. An opening |23 is formed centrally in the head |26 and a piston rod |29 extends therethrough and is suitably secured at its lower end to the piston |24. Packing rings are provided for the piston |24 and around the rod ls at the opening |28 as in usual practice, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. toothed racks i3d, one in mesh with each of the sectors |2l, are secured to a crosshead I3| which crosshead is in turn secured to the upper end of the rod |29. Brackets |32 are secured to the lower frame unit tio and a guide bar 33 is secured to the ends of the brackets for guiding the respective racks |39 and holding them in proper alignment and in mesh with their respective sectors il.

Two spaced, vertical,

t will be apparent that downward movement of the piston |2f-l will effect the upward or opening swinging movement of the upper frame unit t and upward movement of the piston will effect downward or closing swinging movement of this unit. As the combined assembly of the upper frame unit and parts carried thereby including the cylinder 95 and plunger 9@ are of considerable weight and will be swung through an angle of Su degrees, practically as much power will be required to start the assembly back from open position toward the closed position as is required for the beginning of the opening movement. The cylinder |23 is for this reason made doubleacting and suitable valves of any well-known design are provided for controlling the admission and exhaust of air under pressure into and from the opposite ends of this cylinder so as to move the frame unit 9S and its associated parts both from closed to open position and from open to closed position. Proper cushioning of the opening and closing movements of the upper frame unit and the parts carried thereby is provided by suitable valve means of any well-known design in the air pressure control pipes leading to the top and bottom ends of the cylinder |23.

At the side of the carriage -opposite the hinge connection means are provided for locking the upper frame unit 96 in closed position to the lower frame unit 66, the locking edect of which means is adapted for quick release. The lower end of the upper frame unit 96 at this side of the carriage is formed with an outwardly extending flange |313 having a slanting upper surface, and a corresponding outwardly extending flange having a slanting lower surface is formed on the upper part of the lower frame unit 66. The adjacent surfaces of the flanges |34 and |35 are horizontal and adapted for even engagement. The nange |35 is spaced downwardly from the top of the frame unit 66 providing a slantingsub- 96 is provided with a corresponding slanting surface |31 at the inner end of the ange 34, the surfaces |36 and |31 being adapted for engagement when the frame unit 96 is moved to closed position.

A horizontal, upwardly extending, converging tongue is integrally formed on the flange 35 and a complimentary groove is formed in the flange |34, as indicated at |38. When the upper frame unit is in closed position this tongue extends into this groove, further insuring alignment and proper positioning of the two frame units.

A U-shaped clamp |39 is shaped to t over the upper slanting surface of the flange 34 and the lower slanting surface of the flange |35. These Surfaces converge in an outward direction from the carriage and the surfaces of the clamp which engage them also converge in the same direction. A stem |40 is formed on the clamp |39 and extends outwardly therefrom and is secured to a piston |4|. The piston |4| is adapted to be reciprocated by air under pressure in a cylinder |42 which is bolted to a bracket |43 which bracket is in turn secured by studs |44 to the lower frame unit 66. The cylinder |42 is double-acting and outward movement of the piston |4| (to the left as shown in Fig. 3) effects movement of the clamp |39 away from the flanges |34 and |35 unlocking the upper frame unit from the lower frame unit, while inward movement of the piston when the upper frame unit is in closed position effects the engagement of the clamp with the flanges, the two frame units being thereby locked together as shown in Fig. 3.

It will be apparent that when the clamp is in locked position, by virtue of the iluid pressure at the left side of the piston Ml, the two flanges |34 and |35 are forced tightly together, with the tongue on the flange |35 in its groove in the flange |34 and with the surface |36 forced tightly against the surface |31. The opposite side of the unit 96 is held as aforedescribed to the unit 66 by the aligned bearings and the bolt |20. The two

units

66 and 96 are thus secured together as a substantially unitary structure and when horizontal adjustment is eiected, through the rods I3, the entire carriage I2 will move as a single unit and horizontal pressure will be transmitted to the upper roll as well as the lower roll. In other words the upper roll will receive its horizontal rolling pressure from the upper frame unit 96 as well as from the lower frame unit 66' through the arbor 62.

The pressure fluid connections from the supply pipes to the various cylinders of the mill are constructed as in usual practice by telescopic or swinging joints and there will be control valvesy of any well-known or preferred design (not shown) whereby the fluid supply for the various cylinders may be controlled.

A ring will be .rolled in the mill from a bloom at the proper temperature substantially in the usual well-known manner which is unnecessary to set forth herein. The present invention provides a construction which is simple and eicient in its operation and permits easy and speedy adjustment from engaged to disengaged position and vice versa of the web-forming rolls so that the removal of a rolled ring from, and the insertion of a fresh bloom into operating position in the mill can be accomplished with a minimum expenditure of time and effort. In eiect a composite device is provided by this'invention for forming the interior web on the bloom, which device provides an annular groove for the web Yand embodies two relatively movable parts, each of which parts provides a wall of the groove which has surface contact with the bloom metal that forms the web and a wall which has rolling contact with the bloom. A third part of the device provides a bottom wall for the groove which has rolling contact with the bloom metal that forms the web.

While the adjustable groove mechanism of the present invention has been described in connection with a particular type of mill it will be understood that it is not so limited in its application b-ut in its broader aspect the invention may be employed with other suitable types of mills, such for instance as that shown in United States Patent 664,799 issued to F. A. Wheeler, December 25, 1900 wherein the main roller moves toward the pressure roller. Further it will be understood that many and various changes and modifications in form, arrangement of parts and details of construction of the mechanism hereinbefore described may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and that all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims are contemplated as a part of this invention.

The invention claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

v1. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said rolls normally forming walls of said groove, said rolls being adapted for rolling the inner surface of said bloom, one of said rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for supporting said bloom with said inner surface adjacent said groove and rolls, said rolls being adapted for axial adjustment to vary the width of said groove whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web of predetermined width can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said rolls from operative rolling position to sufliciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

-2. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said rolls normally forming walls of said groove, said rolls being adapted for rolling the inner surface of said bloom, one of said rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for supporting said bloom with said inner surface adjacent said groove and rolls, said rolls being adapted for axial adjustment to vary the width of said groove; means for moving said rolls to adjust the position of said groove axially of said bloom whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web of pre- Lil) determined width and position can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said rolls from operative rolling position to suciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position. t

3. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said rolls normally forming walls of said groove, said rolls being adapted for rolling the inner surface of said boom, one of said rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for supporting said bloom with said inner surface adjacent said groove and rolls whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said rolls from operative rolling position to suhciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

4. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls and an arbor extending throughout the space between said rolls, the adjacent end faces of said rolls and the face of said arbor therebetween normally forming the Walls of said groove, said rolls being adapted for rolling the inner surface of said bloom, one of said rolls and said arbor being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; and means for supporting said bloom with said inner surface adjacent said groove and rolls whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web can be formed on the inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving one of said rolls with said arbor and the other of said rolls from operative rolling position to sufciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said roll and arbor and said other roll to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

5. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite device providing a groove when in operative position having a wall thereof formed on one part of said device and an opposite wall thereof formed on another part of said device, the two said device parts being adapted for relative movement to thereby vary the width of said groove, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced frame parts, one of said device parts being carried by one of said frame parts and the other of said device parts being carried by the other of said frame parts; controllable means for effecting said relative movement; means for supporting said bloom for continuous engagement with said device, with said groove adjacent the inner surface of said bloom; means adapted for effecting relative movement of said bloom and device to effect continuous and progressive engagement of said device around said inner surface of said bloom whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two device parts, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an inner annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said loom; and means for relatively moving said device parts from operative position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said walls thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

6. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite device providing a groove when in operative position having a wall thereof formed on one part of said device and an opposite wall thereof formed on another part of said device, the two said device parts being adapted for relative movement to thereby vary the width of said groove, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced frame parts, one of said device parts being carried by one of said frame parts and the other of said device parts being carried by the other of said frame parts; controllable means for effecting said relative movement; means for sup porting said bloom for continuous engagement with said device, with said groove adjacent the inner surface of said bloom; means for adjusting the relative positions of said device and bloom gressive engagement of said device around said f inner surface of said bloom whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two device parts, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an inner annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said i bloom; and means for relatively moving said device parts from operative position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said walls thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position,

'.7. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a cornposite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space ancl connected to said two spaced parts, and having two rolls, each of said two rolls having a surface, the two said surfaces being oppositely disposed in spaced relation to each other normally forming walls of said groove, and a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for effecting relative movement of said rolling surfaces and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means for effecting relative movement of the two said spaced surfaces to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control o-f said relative movement of the two said spaced surfaces, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said two rolls from operative rolling position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said surfaces to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

8. A'rclling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position. said device having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls normally providing walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means: for effecting relative movement of said device and said main roll to thereby7 vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said lbloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; separate controllable means for each of said two rolls for effecting movement thereof relative to the other of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groo-ve whereby, by control of said relative movements of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said two rolls from operative rolling position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

9. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom. comprising a. frame having two spacedparts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a main roll adapted for opera-tion upon the outer surface of said bloom; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device having two axially spaced rolls, one of said two rolls having a socket centrally formed therein and the other of said two rolls having an arbor projecting axially from the central portion thereof and extending throughout the space between said two rolls and into said socket, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls and the face of said arbor therebetween normally forming the walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, said socketed roll being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said two rolls and its said projecting arbor being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for effecting relative movement of said device and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said socketed roll and the other of said two rolls and its said projecting arbor from operative rolling position to sufciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said socketed roll and the other of said two rolls and its projecting arbor to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

l0. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for op'- eration on the outer surface of said bloom; a composite device providing a groove, said device having two axially spaced rolls, one of said two rolls having a socket centrally formed therein and the other of said two rolls having an arbor projecting axially from the central portion thereof and extending throughout the space between said two rolls and into said socket, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls and the face of said arbor therebetween forming the walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface ofsaidbloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, and means within said socket keying said arbor to said socketed roll; means for effecting relative movement of said device and said main roll to thereby vary the f distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; and controllable means for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on Said inner surface of said bloom.

11. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a composite device providing a groove, said device having two axially spaced rolls, one of said two rolls having a socket centrally formed therein and the other of said two rolls having an axial opening formed centrally therethrough, an arbor extending through said opening, throughout the space between said two rolls and into said socket, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls and the face of said arbor therebetween forming the walls of said groove, each of Asaid two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, and means within said socket keying said arbor to said socketed roll; means for eiecting relative movement of said device and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; and controllable means for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom.

12. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a carriage adjacent said main roll including a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device carried by said carriage providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls providing walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; means for effecting relative movement of said carriage and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means carried by said carriage for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control or" said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said two rolls from operative rolling position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

13. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a carriage adjacent said main roll comprising two frame units, one unit being hingedly connected with the other unit for swinging movementsk to open and closed positions relative to said other unit; a composite device providing a groove, said device having two rolls, said two rolls, when in operative position, being axially spaced with their adjacent end faces providing walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface Vfacing said main roll when said two rolls are in operative position, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said frame units and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said frame units whereby when said swinging unit is in open position blooms may be inserted and removed, and when said swinging unit is in closed position said two rolls will be in operative position; means for effecting relative movement of said carriage and' said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; and controllable means carried by said carriage for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom canV be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom.

14. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a carriage adjacent said main roll comprising two frame units, one unit being hingedly connected with the other unit for swinging movements to open and closed positions relative to said other unit; a composite device providing a groove, said device having two rolls, said two rolls, when in operative position, being axially spaced with their adjacent end faces providing walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing vsaid main roll when said two rolls are in operative position, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said frame units and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said frame units whereby, when said swinging unit is inV open position, blooms may be inserted. and removed, and when said swinging uni-t is in closed position said two rolls will be in operative position; means for effecting relative movement of said carriage and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and` its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means carried by said carriage for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls material of said bloom can be` shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and power means operably connected with said swinging frame unit to eiect said opening and closing movements.

15. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a carriage adjacent said main roll comprising two frame units, one unit being hingedly connected with theV other unit for swinging movements to open and closed positions relative to said other unit; a composite device providing a groove, said device having two rolls, said two rolls, when in operative position, being axially spaced with their adjacent end faces providing walls of said groove, each of said two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll whenV said two rolls are in operative position, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said frame units and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said frame units whereby, when said swinging unit is in open position, blooms may be inserted and removed, and when said swinging unit is in closed position said two rolls will be in operative position; means for effecting relative movement of said carriage and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and the said main roll; means cooperating to support Said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means carried by said carriage for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annular web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means carried by said carriage for locking said swinging frame unit in closed position.

16. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a main roll adapted for operation upon the outer surface of said bloom; a movable carriage adjacent said main roll including a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device carried by said carriage, providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to said two spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said two rolls providing walls of said groove, each ofvsaid two rolls having a rolling surface facing said main roll, said device being thereby adapted for continuous rolling engagement with the inner surface of said bloom, with said groove adjacent thereto, one of said two rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said two rolls being carried by the other of said two spaced parts; power means for effecting relative movement of said carriage and said main roll to thereby vary the distance between said rolling surfaces and said main roll; means cooperating to support said bloom with its outer surface adjacent said main roll and its inner surface adjacent said two rolls and said groove; controllable means carried by said carriage for effecting relative movement of said two rolls to thereby vary the width of said groove whereby, by control of said relative movement of said two rolls, material of said bloom can be shaped within said groove to form an annuler web of predetermined width on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said two rolls from operative rolling position to suciently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

17. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a frame having two spaced parts and a third part connecting said two spaced parts providing an open space between the three said parts; a composite rolling device providing a groove when in operative rolling position, said device being disposed across said space and connected to saidtwo spaced parts, and having two axially spaced rolls, the adjacent end faces of said rolls normally form-ing 'walls of said groove;

said rolls being adapted for rolling the inner surface of said bloom, one of said rolls being carried by one of said two spaced parts and the other of said rolls being carried by the other of said twov spaced parts; means for supporting said bloom with said inner surface adjacent said groove and rolls; means for moving said rolls to adjust the position of said groove axially of said bloom whereby, during the o-peration of said mill, an annular web of predetermined axial position can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom; and means for relatively moving said rolls from operative rolling position to sufficiently spaced relation to provide a clear, free space between said adjacent end faces thereof to permit the passage through said free space of a bloom both to and from operative position.

18. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a pair of cylindrical rolls having adjacent ends spaced to provide a groove therebetween, the cylindrical faces of said rolls being adapted to roll the inner surface of said bloom, and said groove being adapted to form a Web on said inner surface; supporting means for supporting said bloom with said cylindrical faces and said groove adjacent said inner surface of said bloom; and separate means for independently moving each of said rolls relative to said supporting means for eecting axial adj ustment of said groove relative to said inner surface of said bloom whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web of predetermined axial position can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom.

19; A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular. bloom, comprising a pair of cylindrical rolls having adjacent ends spaced to provide a groove therebetween, the cylindrical faces of said rolls being adapted to roll the inner surface of said bloom, and said groove being adapted to form a web on said inner surface; an arbor adapted to form the inner wall of said web, said arbor extending from the inner end of one of said rolls, and across the space between said adjacent ends; supporting means for supporting said bloom with sai-d cylindrical faces and said groove adjacent said inner surface of said bloom; and separate means for independently moving each of said rolls relative to said supporting means for effecting axial adjustment of said groove relative to said inner surface of said bloom whereby, during the operation of said mill, an annular web of predetermined axial position can be formed on said inner surface of said bloom.

' 20. A rolling mill for rolling a metal annular bloom, comprising a pair of rolls having adjacent end faces spaced to provide a groove therebetween, and rolling faces for rolling the inner face of said bloom, said groove being adapted to form a web on said inner face; a roll for rolling the Youter circumferential face of said bloom; means for supporting said bloom with its inner face adjacent said pair of rolls and groove and with its outer face adjacent said roll; and separate controllable means, one of said separate means operable for varying the distance between said pair of rolls and said roll and another of said separate means operable for varying the space between the rolls of said pair of rolls, whereby a ring of predetermined radial thickness and a web of predetermined aXial thickness can be formed from said bloom.

21. A'rolling mill for rolling a metal annular end faces spaced to provide a groove therebetween, and rolling faces for rolling the inner face of said bloom, said groove being adapted to form a web on said inner face; a roll for rolling the outer circumferential face of said bloom; rolls for rolling the end faces of said bloom; means cooperating to support said bloom between said end face rolling rolls, with its inner face adjacent said pair of rolls and groove and with its outer face adjacent said roll; and separate controllable means, one of said separate means operable for varying the .distance between said pair 'tween said end.- face rolling rolls, whereby a ring of predetermined radial thickness and axial width and a web of predetermined axial thickness can be formed from said bloom.

JOHN J. ECKFELDT. NELS E. FLODIN. FRANK A. LAWSON.