STRIP GUIDING APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED METHOD FOR MAINTAINING LATERAL POSITION

摘要

Strip guiding apparatus and method including a roll (2) rotatable about its longitudinal axis over which strip (10) will travel while under tension. Sensing apparatus (70) determines the lateral position of the strip (10) with respect to the desired position and emits signals to control apparatus (80) which will effect responsive rotation of support apparatus (40) in order to effect rotation of the roll (2) about a second axis which is spaced from and oriented generally perpendicular to the roll longitudinal axis responsive to lateral movement of the strip in relation to the desired position. Drive apparatus (50) effects rotation of the support apparatus (40) responsive to receipt of signals from the control apparatus in order to move the strip (10) toward the desired position. Apparatus (72) is also provided for measuring strip (10) tension and emitting signals to tension controlling apparatus to adjust tension where it is not within a desired range. The drive apparatus (50) is adapted to effect rotation of the roll (2) about the second axis in either rotatable direction and up to about 15 degrees in each direction.