US2108753A

US2108753A - Method of and apparatus for shaping metal delivered in a molten condition

Info

Publication number: US2108753A
Application number: US734350A
Authority: US
Inventors: Low Marshall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1934-07-09
Filing date: 1934-07-09
Publication date: 1938-02-15
Anticipated expiration: 1955-02-15

Description

1934 6 `Sheecs--Sheet l Feb. 15, 1938. M. Low

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS F'ORv SHAPING METAL DELIVERED IN A MOLTEN CONDITION Original Filed July 9,

w L mi AN x mmf n m n i A m. MM. Q QM. Q uw G mm m mvv v I mmv n m-P Feb. 15, 1938. M. L ow METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING METAL DELIVERED IN A MOLTEN CONDITION originalkFiled July 9,

1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 un llll III!!! Feb. 15, 193s. M. LOW l 2,108,753

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING METAL DELIVERED IN A MOLTEN CONDITION Original Filed July 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet C l WWWWWWWMWWWMWWWWWWWWWWWW @mwwxwexx mia M. LOW

Feb. 15, '1938.

METHOD OF' AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING METAL DELIVERED IN A MOLTEN CONDITION Original Filed July 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Feb. l5, 1938. M Qw 2,108,753

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS EOE sEAPING MEI'AIJ DELIVERED IN A MOETEN CONDITION Original Filed July 9, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 m nv i Mg!!! 73 @f/f@ in. f Z 2 Feb. 15, 193s. M, Low 2,108,753

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR SHAPING METAL DELIVERED IN A MOLTEN CONDITION Original Filed July 9, 1934 @Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented Feb. 15, 1938 vPA'IENT OFFICE METHOD F AND APPARATUSFOR SHAP- ING METAL DELIVERED CONDITION.

1N A MOLTEN Marshall LOW, Washington, D. C.

Application July 9, 1934, Serial No. 734,350 I Renewed January. 17, 1938 25 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to a method of and apparatus for shaping plastic material and it has particular relation to a' method of and apparatus for continuously solidifying and shaping ma- 5 terial which is fluid when subjected to heat, such as is disclosed in applicants copending continuing application, Serial No. 636,080, led October 3, 1932, of which this application is a continuation in part.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a method of and apparatus for continuously rolling sheets, bars and the likefrom metal having a relatively high melting point such as iron and steel anddelivered in a molten condil5 tion. 4

Another object of the invention is to provide a method of and apparatus for rendering the metal relatively plastic prior to its contact withv the sheet forming rolls by controllably reducing the temperature of the metal at intervals and according to aV temperature gradient determined by the temperature and characteristics of the metal. Y

A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of and apparatus for automatically controlling the rate of .ow of the metal to the shapingrolls in accordance with the temperature oi the metal.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the character de' scribed in which the molten metal is rendered plastic and supplied to the shaping rolls in an inert or relatively non-oxidizing atmosphere. 4 A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus oi' the character described in which the metal may be rolled to the desired form at a plurality oi points or locations along its path of travel through-the apparatus thus insuring that the rolling operation occurs when the metal reaches the proper degree of plasticity.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anapparatus of the character described which is notonly capable of producing a plurality of sheets or bars simultaneously but which may be employed to produce but a single sheet if so desired.

A'stili further object oi' the invention is to provide an apparatus o! the character described which may quickly and easily be adjusted to fabricate sheets or bars of different thickness and in which the cooling and shaping rolls may be separated to discharge the metal therefrom and to provide access thereto when the operation of the apparatus kis discontinued.

With such objects in view, as well as other advantages which may be incident to the use of the improvements. the invention consists of the parts and combinations thereof hereinafter set forth and claimed with the understanding that the several necessary elements constituting the same 5 may be varied in proportions and arrangement without departing from the nature and scope of the invention as dened in the appended claims.

In order to make the invention more clearly understood there are shown in the accompanying l0 drawings, means for carrying the invention into practical eect, without limiting the improvements in their useful application to the particular constructions and arrangements which, for the purpose of explanation, have been made the l5 subject of illustration.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a'plan view of an apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention,

Figure 2 is a sideelevational view of the struc- 2o ture illustrated in Fig. l,

Figure 3 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view taken on line 3-3Lof Fig. 1,

Figure l is a. front elevational view of the 25 structure shown' in Fig. 1,

Figure 51s a vertical transverse sectional view taken online 5?-5 of Fig. 1, and illustrating the movable end members and operating means therefor, 30

Figure 6'is a vertical transverse sectional view taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 1, and illustrating the metal being passed through the several conditioning chambers and being ilnally rolled into sheet form, 4 35 Figure '7 is a vertical transverse sectional v iew taken on line 1-1 of Fig. 1 and illustrating the mechanism for rotating the upper rolls in their various positions of adjustment,

Figure 8 is a vertical transverse sectional view 40 K of another embodiment of the invention for rolling plastic materials and metals having a relatively low melting point.

Figure 9 is a view similar to Fig. 8 but with the rolls separated to discharge material from the 45 chamber deiined thereby, and

.Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view ofthe thermo-responsive means for automaticallyvaryingthe speed of rotation of the rolls in accordance with the temperature of the metaL Referring to the drawings, an apparatus embodying the present invention is shown' as comprising a base I, preferably of cast construction, suitably anchored upon a. concrete foundation 2, and having a pair of parallel frame 55 members 3 secured thereto along its edges, at what may be termed the front and rear of the apparatus, by bolts 4 passing through flanges 5 formed on the lower edges of the frame members. 'I'he frame members 3 may be suitably tied together adjacent to their upper edges to provide a rigid structure and support a. plurality of pairs of upper and lower cooling and shaping rolls 6 and l respectively arranged in side-byside contiguous relation and together dening a centrally disposed receiving" chamber 8 and a series of conditioning chambers 9 communicating therewith and with one another throughA spaces or sheet .forming passes Ill between the rolls 6 and 1 of each pair of rolls (Fig. 6).

The upper rolls 6 at the center of the apparatus are of slightly less diameter than the rolls located outwardly therefrom so as to define a restricted opening or throat II through which molten metal or other material is adapted to be introduced downwardly into the receiving chamber 8, from a feeding device I2, such as a forehearth or ladle located above the rolls. This feeding device may constitute a part of the apparatus and is formed with arcuate lower surfaces I3 conforming with the radius of curvature of the central rolls 6. When the feeding device I2 occupies its operative position the'faces I3 are disposed in intimate contact with the centrai rolls 6, thus vpreventing air from the outer atmosphere from entering the several conditioning chambers 9 through the throat II and receiving chamber 8.

The upper rolls 6 comprise tubular shafts I4 the ends of which are journaled in bushings I5 carried by slide bearings I6 which are mounted for vertical adjustment in ways I1 formed in the frame members 3. The bushings I5 may be of the eccentric type so as to enable the rolls 1 to be accurately adjusted relative to one another and to provide for any reduction in the diameter of these rolls due to wear. The intermediate portions of the shafts I4 are formed with spaced collars I8 upon which outer cylindrical shells I9 are fixed, preferably by shrinking. The collars I8 are formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 20, the openings in each of the collars being angularly staggered or offset relative to those of the adjacent collars so as to cause a temperature. controlling medium to traverse a tortuous path in passing through the rolls from end to end, as will presently be described. The tubular shafts I4 are provided with partitions 2l intermediate their ends and also with radial openings 22 adjacent to the ends of the rolls 6 for establishing communication between the shafts and the interior of the rolls (Fig. 3).

A temperature controlling medium which may be live steam, air or water refrigerated or otherwise, according to the nature and characteristics of the material being shaped by the rolls, is directed through the upper rolls 6 from end to end, from flexible inlet pipes 23. the upper ends of which are secured by means of clamping straps 24 to tubular anged nipples 25 which are bolted to the outer surfaces of the slide bearings I6 at the front of the apparatus and in axial alignment with the tubular shafts I4. The lower ends of the pipes 23 are secured by means of clamping straps 26 to flanged nipples 21 mounted on inlet valves 28 which control communication between the inlet pipes 23 and a supply main or conduit (not shown) also located 75 at the front of the apparatus.

After passing through the upper rolls 6, the temperature controlling medium escapes from these rolls through flexible outlet pipes 29 the upper ends of which are secured by means of clamping straps 30 to flanged nipples 3| which are bolted to the slide bearings I6 at the rear of the apparatus and in axial alignment with the tubular shafts I4. The lower ends of the pipes 29 are secured by means of clamping straps 32 to flanged nipples 33 which communicate with a. common discharge main or conduit (not shown) also located at the rearof the apparatus.

The lower rolls 1 of the several pairs of rolls are of substantially the same construction as the upper rolls just described in that they also comprise tubular shafts 34 the ends of which are journaled in bushings 35, which may also be of the eccentric type, carried by horizontally movable elongated slide bearings 36 mounted in ways 31 formed in the frame members 3. 'I'he intermediate portions of the shafts 34 are formed with spaced collars 38 upon which outer cylindrical shells 39 are xed, preferably by shrinking. The collars 38 are provided with spaced openings 40 similar to those described in connectionwith the upper rolls 6.. The tubular shafts 34 are also provided with partitions 4I` intermediate their ends and also with radial openings 42 for establishing communication between the shafts 34 and the interior of the lower rolls 1 at the ends thereof.

A temperature controlling medium is also directed through the lower rolls 1 in opposite directions with respect to that of the flow of the medium through the associated upper rolls 6, from flexible inlet pipes 43 the upper ends -of which are secured by means of clamping straps 44 to tubular flanged nipples 45 bolted to the outer surfaces of the slide bearings 36 at the rear of the apparatus. 'Ihe lower ends of the inlet pipes 43 are secured by means of clamping straps 46 to flanged nipples 41 mounted on inlet `valves 48 which control communication between the inlet pipes 43 and a supply main or conduit (not, shown) located at the rear of the apparatus.

After passing through the lower rolls 1 the temperature controlling medium escapes from these rolls through flexible outlet pipes 49, the

upper ends of which are secured by clamping straps 50 to anged nipples 5I which are bolted to the outer faces of the slide bearings 36 at the front of the apparatus. The lower ends of the outlet pipes 49 are secured by means of clamping straps 52 to flanged nipples 53 which communicate with a common discharge main or conduit (not shown) also located at the front of the apparatus. It will be observed that the cooling medium is thus directed through the upper and lower rolls 6 and 1 in opposite directions, thus equalizing the dissipation of heat from the metal transversely of its pathof travel.

The lower rolls 1 are additionally supported by back-up rolls 54 of solid construction which are journaled in bearings 55 carried by the base I.

The upper rolls 6 may be raised and lowered independently of one another in order to adjust the size of the spaces I 0 or to transform these spaces into sheet forming passes of equal size or into passes decreasing progressively in size outwardly according to the temperature, nature, rate of heat dissipation, or other characteristics of the particular metal or material being rolled, by means of adjusting screws 56 having heads 51 at their lower ends which are rotatably confined within keepers 58 bolted to the upper surfaces of amarte the slide bearings I9. 'Ihe upperportions of the adjusting screws 56 are threaded into worm nuts 59 which are confined between the upper 94 by means of which both ends of the upper rolls 6 may be raised or lowered simultaneously between the positions shown in full and broken lines in Fig. 6.

The lower cooling and shaping rolls 1 may be separated at the middle of the aparatus, that is to say the rolls 1 on opposite sides of ay vertical medial plane are moved in unison awayffrom one another, as indicated by broken lines inFig. 7, so as to provide a space between the two central rolls 1 through which the apparatusmay be emptied of lmaterial when operation' is discon` tinued.y This is accomplished by means of jack screws B5 havingN/heads 96 at their inner ends which are rotatably confined within keepers 61 bolted to the outer ends of the slide bearings 36. The outer portions of the jack screws 65 are threaded into worm nuts 69 which are conned between the outer edges of the frame members 3 .and bars 69 secured to` the frame members 3 by side plates 10. The worm nuts 58 are rotated by means of worms 1l which are ilxed to shafts 12 extending between the frame members 3 and journaled in the side plates 19, and are provided at their forward ends with hand wheels 13 by means of which the opposite ends of the lower rolls may be moved in unison from the front of the apparatus.

Mounted contiguous with the ends of the upper rolls 6 and with the lower rolls 1 of each of the pairs of rolls, is an end member 14. When the rolls occupy their operative positions these end members abut one another and prevent the escape of material from the chambers 8 and 9 and the spaces i9 in a direction longitudinally of the rolls. These' end members may be constructed of any suitable refractory materlaL-such as iire brick or lava rock, or they may be of hollow cast metal construction, in which case a temperature controlling medium may also be circulated therethrough by providingsuitable pipes for such y purpose. The end members 14 are supported by hangers 15 which are pivotally connected thereto at their lower ends and which are provided with strap portions 16 at their upper ends for engagement with eccentrics 11 fixed to the shafts i4 of the upper rolls 9. By means of this construction the end members 14 are reciprocated vertically as the rolls 6 are rotated, thus exerting a shearing action against the ends of the rolls such as will prevent material from adhering to the end members during its passage through the chambers. The endmembers are prevented from endwise'displacement by the eccentrics 11 and hangers 15.4 l

The lower rolls 1 of the severallpairs of rolls are rotated in the directions indicated by the arrows in Fig. 6 in order to fabricate two sheets simultaneously when the rolls occupy their operative positions, and also to free-them from material when they occupy their inoperative or separated positions, as shown by broken lines inv Fig. 6; by means of a plurality of elongated worms 'g 19 which are fixed to a Jackshaft 'I9 and which mesh with worm gears 99 keyed to the tubular shafts 34 of the lower rolls 1. The jack shaft 19 is journaled in bearings BI xed to the front frame members 3 and carries a worm wheel 82 for intermeshing engagement with a worm 83 fixed to a transversely extending drive shaft 84. The drive shaft 941s journaled in the front frame member 3 and in a bearing 85 carried by the base I and is suitably driven by a variable speed electric motor M (Fig. in a manner hereinafter to be described.

Theupper cooling and shaping rolls 6 of the several pairs of rolls are rotated in the directions 5 indicated by the arrows in Fig. 6, by means of spur gears 96 which are fixed to the lower tubular shafts l34 at the rear of the apparatus (Fig: '1) and which drive gears 91 fixed to the upper shafts I4 through the medium of intermeshing upper and lower pinions 88 and 89 respectively. These pinions are iournaled on stud shafts 90 and 9| carried by arms 92 which are mounted on the lower"shafts 34 for swingingmovement thereon. The stud shafts 90 upon which the upper pinions 99 are journaled, are pivotally connected to arms 93 which are mounted on the upper ,shafts I4 for swinging movement thereon. This construction insures that the pinions B9 will traverse paths concentric or planetary with respect to both the gears 96 and 91 and thus maintain driving connections between the rolls 6 and 1 when either the former are adjusted vertically or the latter are adjusted horizontally, as is shown by broken lines in Fig. 7. 4

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the molten metal introduced into the receiving chamber 8 is moved laterally outwardly therefrom in opposite directions through the chambers 8 and spaces 9 until it reaches a plastic condition and is rolled into sheet form by the rolls 9 and 1. The particular point where thesheet forming operation occurs depends upon the initial temperature of the metal, rate of heat dissipation and the speed of the rolls. If the metal reaches a plastic' condition at an early stage and is shaped into a sheet by certain of the intermediate rolls, the rolls` disposed outwardly from. such rolls merely function as supporting.l and as additional cooling and smoothing means: On the other hand, if the metal does not become plastic until it reaches the outermost rolls theseoutermost rolls perform the shaping function and .the rolls located inwardly therefrom act as cooling and feeding means. Obviously the particular number of pairs of rolls employed depends upon operating conditions, and may be reduced in number or added to according to requirements.

For example, there is shown in Figures 8 and 9 anembodiment of the invention in which only two pairs of rolls are employed. 'Ihis construction may be preferable in rolling plastic materials and 'metals having relatively low melting points. Inasmuch as this construction is practically the same as that hereinbefore described and is the subject of applicants co-pending application hereinabove referred to, a detailed description thereof isI believed to be unnecessary.

As in the rolling operations hereinbefore de- I scribed, the metal Within the chamber 8 is rendered plastic in zones 8 of substantially equal -areaabove and below the passes I0. The rota- Also, it will be apparent that the surtzces o the corresponding rolls of the several pairs of rolls move in opposite directions at the lines of contact therebetween and consequently exert a scraping or scouring action against one another such as will not only prevent the metal from escaping therebetween but will free the metal from the rolls in the event oi any tendency to adhere thereto during its passage through the apparatus. En this respect the assembly may be termed a continuous selfstripplng ingot mold. This contiguous relation of the upper and lower rolls also tends to exclude air from the outer atmosphere from the several chambers, thus preventing undue oxidation of the metal during its conditioning stages.

Obviously if the cooling and shaping rolls i5 and 'i are rotated too rapidly with respect to the rate at which the metal dissipates its heat, the metal will not become suciently solidified to retain its sheet form after passing between the outermost pairs of rolls. On the other hand, if the rolls are rotated too slowly the metal may reach such a degree of solidity as to subject the rolls to excessive strain if not actually freezing while in contact therewith. Also, the temperature of the metal as well as that of the cooling medium owing through the rollsfmay uctuate to such an extent and so frequently as to render any constant roll speed impractical.

According to the present invention these difculties and uncertainties are avoided by the provision of thermo-responsive means for automat,- ically varying the speed of the motor M and that of the rolls t and 1 in accordance with the temperature of the metal and any iluctuations there- With particular reference to Fig. 10 of the drawings, the armature winding of the motor M is shown as being energized by direct current which traverses a circuit from a suitable source, such as positive bus wire 94, through wire 95,

armature winding of motor M, and wire 96, to-

negative bus wire |04. The ileld winding of motor M is also energized by current which traverses a circuit from positive bus wire 9d, through wires 95, and 95', eld winding f of motor M, wire 96, manually operable switch 91, wire 98, manually adjustable rheostat 99, wire/ |00, back contacts |0| and connecting wires |02 of a series of relays, indicated by the letter w with exponents according to their order f energizing, and wire |03 to negative bus wire |04. Under these conditions the motor M will drive the cooling and shaping rolls 6 and1 at a maximum speed determined by the manual adjustment of the rheostat 99 and the rolls will fabricate` sheets, as previouslyy described, if the metal dissipates its heat the proper rate at Vsuch roll speed.

The speed of the motor M and the rolls 6 and 1 driven thereby is automatically controlled by a thermocouple T which is positioned adjacent to the molten metal within the feeding device |2 or Within certain of the chambers 8 and 9 or both,

so that the temperature of the metal will gen'-A erate an electric current, in the well known manner, in a circuit including wires |05, and |06, connecting the terminals of the thermocouple T with those of a galvanometer G. The hot end of the thermocouple T is suitably connected with the outer end of a metal bar |01 the inner end of which is exposed to the hot metal and which is provided with a suitable heat insulating covering |08 so as to insure a uniform drop in temperature from end to end. The temperature of aioavee the inner end of the bar |01 is that of the metal with which it is in contact but the drop in teniperature longitudinally of the bar is such as to prevent the thermocouple from being damaged by being subjected to excessive heat. However, sumcient heat is transmitted to the thermocouple T by conduction to insure that the same will operate properly in accordance with iiuctuations in the temperature of the metal within the feeding device or chamber.

rIhe galvanometer G operates a disk or shutter 09 provided with an aperture i0 through which light rays emanating from a source of light, such as an electric lamp L, may progressively be admitted into a series of chambers c. Located within each of the chambers c is a selenium cell or resistor s and also a lens Z for focusing lthe light rays admitted through the aperture |||i upon the light sensitive element of the cells su.

When the temperature of the metal in the vicinity of the thermocouple T reaches a predetermined degree, the galvanometer G will swing the shutter |09 to a position in which its aperture ||0 registers with the iirst chamber c1 of the series so that light from the lamp L will be focused upon the selenium cell s1 thus ren- 'dering the light sensitive element thereof sufficiently conductive to effect the energizing of relay w1 by current traversing a circuit from positive bus wire 94, through a manually adjustable resistance element ill, wires H2, and H3, light sensitive element of. the selenium cell s1, wire H4, winding of relay w1, and wires ||5 and H6 to the negative bus wire |04. The energizing of the relay w1 by current owing in the circuit just traced causes it to open its back contact |0| and to close a front contact ||1 thereof. This opens the circuit previously traced for the motor M but establishes an auxiliary circuit therefor through the first section 'r1 of a resistance R, front contact ||1 of relay w1 and wires ||8 and ||9to the negative bus Wire |04. The introduction of this additional resistance r1 into the motor circuitv causes the speed of the motor and that of the rolls 6 and 1 to decrease a predetermined amount so as to allow a greater period of time for the metal to dissipate its heat and reach the desired degree of. plasticity before passing between the rolls performing the shaping function.

Ifthe speed of the rolls is still too high to permit the metal to become suiciently plastic to retain its sheet form after passing between the shaping rolls, the galvanometer G will swing the shutter |09 until the aperture ||,0 therein registers with the next adjacent chamber c2 of the series so that light from the lamp L will render the next succeeding selenium cell s2 electrically conductive and cause the energizing of the relay wz.- The energizing of the relay w2- introduces th next section r. of the resistance R into lthe motor circuit so as to cause the motor M to rotate at a still further reduced speed. It will l be understood that when the front contact ||1 of. one of the succeeding relays w is closed, as above described, the front contact ||1 of the preceding relay w is opened so that the current in the motor circuit will be compelled to traverse all of the sections r of the resistance R which are introduced into this circuit by the closing of the front contact ||1 of. the relay last energized. The above described operations are repeated successively until the desired amount of resistance is included in the circuit of the motor M.

It will be understood that the chambers c are impervious to light except when the aperture il@ in the shutter |09 is moved into registry therewith. Also, it will be understood that suitable amplifying means may be provided in the circuits of the several selenium cells if so desired.

For the purpose of illustration, the current is schematically shown as passing directly through the contacts i0! and lll of. the relays w, but it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the contacts of these relays may be employed to energize auxiliary circuits including circuit makers and breakers of a type particularly adopted to carry the .current employed,

especially where normally high current values are to be dealt with.

rPhe hereinabove described control system is given by way of example only, it not being intended to limit the instant improvements to any particular circuit or circuits.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that an apparatus is provided in which the metal la not only rolled to sheet form but in which the metal is also conditioned prior to the rolling operation. By regulating properly the rate of ilow of the cooling medium through the several rolls, or by regulating the speed of the rolls, or both, the rate of dissipation of heat from the metal may be adjusted in accordance with a temperature gradient determined by the initial temperature of the metal or the characteristics of the particular metal being rolled. This gradient may be uniform in character or it may be shaped according to requirements.

The sheets of metal issue from the apparatus in a relatively hot condition and may immediately be fed to other instrumentalities for further shaping or conditioning operations. For example, the sheets may be fed directly to drop hammers to be forged thereby into articles of appropriate shape while the metal is still hot from its original heat. Also the sheets may be fed to other rolls for further reduction in thickness, or they may immediately be introduced into annealing ovens or subjected to tempering, carburizing, or other heat treating prcesses or operations.

The apparatus hereinabove described may be employed to roll a single sheet by disconnecting or entirely dispensing with the outer roll or rolls at one side of the apparatus and by altering the gearing so that the innermost lower roll 'l on the side where such disconnection is eiected, will rotate in a direction opposite to that shown. In such event the upper roll 6 associated with said innermost lower roll 1 should be adjusted downwardly so as to close the space I0 between these rolls. When these slight changes are made a single sheet will be fabricated by the rolls on the opposite side of the apparatus. An apparatus of this type which is specifically designed to fabricate a single sheet only is disclosed in applicants copending application, Serial No. 734,349, filed July 10, 1934.

Il. desired the entire series of rolls on both sides of the apparatus may be enclosed within a casing or housing through which an inert or nonoxidizing atmosphere may either be circulated having loose or lost motion connections therebetween.

When thus mounted the jack screws 65 will separate the rolls 'i progressively inwardly so as to provide discharge openings between each of the lower rolls. In such an arrangement the ways 3l may be inclined slightly downwardly toward the lcenter of the apparatus so that the rolls l Will frictionally engage one another under the influence of gravity. i

Other modifications and changes in proportion and arrangement of the several necessary elements constituting the invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the nature and scope of the `invention as deiined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. The method of rolling sheets or 'bars from material -delivered in a molten condition which acteristics of the material. y

2. 'I'he method of rolling sheets or bars from `material delivered ina molten condition which comprises the steps of passing `the molten material in two streams from a single source of supply in opposite directions through series of chambers defined by a plurality of p irs of rolls arranged'in side by side relation; `rendering the material relatively plastic by progressively reducing the temperature of the material during its passage through said chambers in accordanceV with a predetermined temperature gradient; simultaneously rolling the plastic material oi each of said streams into sheet or bar form while it is still hot from its original heat; and anto= matically controlling the speed of rotation voi' said rolls by and in accordance with the temperature and characteristics of the material.

3. The method of rolling sheets or bars from oxidizable metal such as iron or steel delivered in a molten condition which comprises the steps of passing the molten metal through a series of chambers dened by a plurality of pairs of rolls arranged in side-by-side contiguous relation, said chambers being substantially closed to the outer atmosphere, by rotating said rolls; rendering the rality of pairs oi' rolls arranged in side--by-slde` contiguous relation, said chambers being substantially closed to the outer' atmosphere, by rotating said rolls; rendering the metal relatively plastic by progressively reducing the temperature of the metal during its passage through said chambers in accordance with a predeterminedtemperature gradient to render the same relatively plastic;

and finally simultaneously rolling f the plastic metal of each oi? said streams into sheet or bar form while it isstill hot from its original heat. I

5. Apparatus of the character described comprising a pair of shaping rolls; a series of chambers communicating with one another and with l said rolls for receiving a supply oi molten metal,

means for moving a wall of each of said chambers to move the metal in said chambers toward said rolls; and means for reducing the temperature of the metal moving through said chambers to render the metal relatively plastic prior to its contact with said rolls.

6. Apparatus oi the character described comprising a pair oi shaping rolls; a series oi charnbers communicating with one another and with said rolls for receiving a supply oi molten metal; means for moving a wall of each oi said chambers to move the metal in said chambers toward said rolls, means for. reducing the temperature of the metal moving through said chambers to render the metal relatively plastic prior to its Contact with said rolls; and means responsive to the temperature of said metal for controlling the rate of movement of said walls and the resulting movement of said metal.

7. Apparatus of the character described comprising two pairs of laterally spaced shaping rolls;

a series of chambers located between said pairs of rolls and communicatingv with one another and with said rolls for receiving a supply of molten metal from a single source and directing the same in opposite directions towards said rolls; means for moving a wall of each of said.

chambers to move the metal in said chambers toward said rolls; means for reducing the temperature of the metal in said chambers to render the metal relatively plastic prior to its contact with said rolls; and means responsive to the temperature of the metal for automatically controlling the rate of movement of said metal toward said rolls.

8. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and together defining a series of chambers communicating with one another through the relatively narrow spaces between the rolls of the several pairs of rolls, said-rolls being operable when rotated to move molten metal introduced into one of said chambers through successive chambers, to reduce progressively the temperature of the metal and render the same relatively plastic, and finally to impart to the plastic metal a predetermined configuration.

9. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and together defining a series of chambers communicating with one another through the relatively narrow spaces between the rolls of the several pairs of rolls, said rolls being operable when rotated to move molten metal introducedinto one of said chambers through successive chambers, to'reduce progressively the temperature of the metal and render the same relatively plastic, and

- finally to impart to the plastic metal a predetermined configuration; and means for independently varying the size of the spaces between the rolls of the several pairs of rolls in accordance with, the degree of plasticity of the metal.

c Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in side-by-side contiguous relation and together denlng a Series of champrising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls'arranged in side-by-side relation and together dening a series of chambers communieating with one another through sheet forming passes vdefined by the rolls of the several pairs of rolls, said rolls being operable when rotated to move molten metal introduced into said chamber through successive chambers, to reduce progressively the temperature of the metal and render the same relatively plastic and finally to roll the plastic metal into sheet or bar form.

i2. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and together dening a plurality of chambers communicating with one another through the relatively narrow spaces between the rolls of the several pairs of rolls, said rolls being operable when rotated to move moltenmetal introduced into an intermediate chamber in' opposite directions through successive chambers, to reduce progressively the temperature of the metal and render the same relatively plastic, and finally to impart to the plastic metal predetermined configurations at opposite sides of the apparatus.

13. Apparatus of the character described comprising a plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in slde-by-side relation and together deiining a. plurality of chambers vcommunicating with one another through the relatively narrow spaces between the rolls ofthe several pairs of rolls, said rolls being operable when rotated to move molten metal introduced into an intermediate chamber in opposite directions through successive chambers, to reduce progressively the temperature of the metal andrender the same relatively plastic, and finally to impart to the plastic metal predetermined configurations at opposite sides of the apparatus; and means for independently varying the size of the spaces between the` rolls of the several pairs of rolls in accordance 'with the plasticity of the metal.

14.. Apparatus of the character described comprising a. plurality of pairs of relatively closely spaced rolls arranged in side-by-slde contiguous relation and together defining a. pluralityl of chambers substantially closed with respect to the outer atmosphere and communicating with one another through the relatively narrow spaces between the rolls of the several pairs of rolls, said rolls being operable when rotated to move molten metal introduced into an intermediate chamber in' opposite directions through successive chambers, to reduce progressively the temperature of the metal and render the same relatively plastic, and iinally to impart to the plastic metal predetermined configurations at opposite sides of relatively plastic, and nally to roll the plastic i metal into sheet or bar form at opposite sides oithe apparatus.

16. Apparatus of the character described comprising a pair of shaping rolls; metal condityming means communicating with -said rolls for receiving a supply of molten metal and directing the same towar the rolls, said conditioning means including'a plurality of chambers communicating with one another through restricted passages; means for reducing the temperature of the metal passing along said conditioning means, controllable as to its temperature reducing eiects and applicable at intervals along said conditioning means to render the metal relatively plastic prior to its contact with the said rolls, and means responsive to the temperature of the metal for automatically controlling the rate of movement of said metal toward said rolls.

17. Apparatusof the character described comprising two pairs of laterally spaced shaping rolls; a series of chambers located between said pairs of rolls and communicating withone another and with said rolls for receiving a supply or molten metal from a single source and directing the -same in opposite directions. towards said rolls; means for moving al wall of each of said chambers to move the metal in said chambers towards said rolls to be simultaneously shaped thereby into two sheets; and means for reducing the temperay ture or the metal in said chambers to render the same "relatively plastic prior to its contact with said rolls.

4o 18. Apparatus of the character described comprising two pairs of 'superposed rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and cooperating to denne a substantially closed chamber for receiving the supply oi molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced into said chamber and a sheet forming pass communicating with said chamber; means for cooling said rollsto extract heat from the metal in said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for 'rotating said rolls to move the plastic metal from said chamber outwardly through said pass to form a sheet; and a receptacle removably seated' upon the upper rolls oi' said pairs oi rolls and communicating withvsaid 55. throat for supplying molten metal to said, chamber, said'receptacle having arcuate surfaces corresponding in curvature to that o' said rolls to sexcess heat therefrom prior to its introduction into said chamber.

" fprovide'intimate contact therewith, thus to exclude air from the outer atmosphere from said throat and said chamber.`

1.9. Apparatus of the character described conprising two pairs of superposed rolls arranged in' side-by-side relation and cooperating to define a substantially closed chamber for receiving the supply of molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced into said chamber and a sheet forming pass conrmunicating with said chamber; means for cooling said rolls to extract heat from the vmean m said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for rotating said rolls to move the plasticmetal from said chamber outwardly through said pass to form a sheet;` a receptacle removably seated upon the upper rollskof said pairs of rolls and communicating with said throat asubstantially closed chamber for receiving the 20. Apparatus of the character described com- 10 prislng twol pairs of surposed rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and cooperating to define asubstantially closed chamber for receiving the supply oi molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced 15 into said chamber and a sheet forming pass communicating with said chamber; means for cooling said vrolls to extract heat from the metal in said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for rotating .said rolls to move 20 the plastic metal Vfrom said chamber outwardly through said pass to form a sheet; a receptacle removably seated upon the upper rolls of said pairs of rolls and communicating with said throat for supplying molten metal to said chamber, said 25 receptacle having arcuate surfaces correspondingy in'curvature to that of said roll to provide intimate contact therewith, thus to exclude air from the outer atmosphere from said throat and chamber; and means for separating the lower rolls' oi 30 said pairs of rolls to discharge metal from said chamber.

21. Apparatus ci the character described comprising two pairs oi superposed rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and cooperatingv to dene 35 a. substantially closed. chamber for receiving the supply of molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced into said chamber and a sheet forming pass communicating with said chamber; means for cool- 4e ing said rolls to extract heat from the metal in said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for rotating said rollsr to move the plastic metal from said chamber outwardly through said pass to form a sheet; a receptacle 45.

removably seated upon the upper rolls of said pairs of rolls and communicating with said throat for supplying molten metal to said chamber, said .receptacle having arcuate surfaces corresponding in curvature to that ci said roll to provide intl- 5g mate contact therewith. thus to exclude air from the outer atmosphere from said throat antichamber; means for separating the lower rolls of said i pairs of rolls to discharge metal from said chamber; and means for rotating said lower rolls when 55 separated' to free metal therefrom.

22. Apparatus of the character described comprising two pairs of superposed rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and cooperating to denne supply oi' molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced into said chamber and Va sheet forming pass communicating with said chamber; means for cooling said rolls to extract heat i'rom the metai in A615 said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for rotating said rolls to move the plastic metal from said chamber outwardly through said pass to form a sheet; a receptacle' removably seated upon the upper rolls of said 704 pairs oi rolls and communicating with said throat iorsupplying molten metal to said chamber, said receptacle having arcuate surfaces corresponding in curvature to that of said roll to provide 4 intimate contact therewith, thus to exclude air 75 encarta from the outer atmosphere from said throat and chamber; means for separating the lower rolls of said pairs of rolls tor discharge metal from said chamber; means for separating the rolls of said pairs of rolls to facilitate access to said rolls and chambers; and means for rotating the upper and lower rolls of said pairs of rolls when thus separated to free metal therefrom.

23. Apparatus of the character described com' prising two pairs of superposed rolls arranged in side-by-side relation and cooperating to deiine a substantially closed chamber for receiving the supply of molten metal, a restricted throat through which metal is adapted to be introduced into said chamber and a sheet forming pass communicating with said chamber; means for cooling said rolls to extract heat from the metal in said chamber and render the same relatively plastic; means for rotating said rolls to move the plastic metal from said chamber outwardly through said. pass to form a sheet; a receptacle removably seated upon the upper rolls of said pairs of rolls and communicating with said throat for supplying molten metal to said chamber, said receptacle having arcuate surfaces corresponding in curvature to that of said roll to provide intimate Contact therewith, thus to exclude air from the outer atmosphere from said throat and chamber; and means responsive to the temperature of the metal for controlling the speed ci rotation oi said rolls.

24. The method of rolling sheets or bars from material delivered in a molten condition which comprises the following steps: delivering the molten material to an initial receiving chamber; causing the material to move from the said initial receiving chamber through a series of chambers successively connected by restricted passesg wherein heat is abstracted from Vthe material rendering it relatively plastic by progressively reducing the temperature thereof during its pas-n sage through said chambers, in accordance with a predetermined temperature gradient; subjecting the material to progressive forward feeding action between successive chambers, and nally rolling the plastic material into sheet or bar form While it is stili hot from its original heat.

25. The herein described method of rolling sheets or bars from oxidizable metal such as iron or steel, delivered in a molten condition, which..

comprises the following steps: delivering the molten metal into an initial receiving chamber; passing it therefrom through a series or chambers connected successively with each other by passes of reduced dimensions, the said chambers being substantially closed against the admission oi atmospheric air, rendering the metal relatively plastic by progressively reducing the temperature thereof during its passage through the said chambers in accordance with a predetermined temperature gradient, and. inally rolling the plastic metal into sheet or bar iorm while it is still hot from its original heat.

MARSHALL LOW.