Self-centering rolls

Abstract

A self-centering roll has two tubular end rim portions mounted on a straight shaft by means of a deflectible end web connected to the outer end of each end rim portion. Each end web includes a bearing mounted on the shaft and a compressible member extending between and connected to the bearing and associated rim portion. An inner web mounted on the shaft adjacent the inner end of each end rim portion includes an eccentric hub, bearings mounted on the eccentric hub and a member eccentric with respect to the shaft axis mounted on the outside of the bearing concentric with the bearing axis. The eccentricities of the inner webs are the same so that the rim portions rotate on axes that intersect at a point between the inner webs and are arranged at the same angle to the shaft axis. In one embodiment the end rim portions are arranged with a slight space between their adjacent ends. In a second embodiment the end rim portions are separated by a large space and a central tubular rim portion is positioned therebetween with a slight space between each end of the central rim portion and the associated end rim portion. The central rim portion is mounted on the shaft by means of webs similar to the inner webs with its axis offset but parallel to the shaft axis. A connecting web is preferably connected to the rim portions spanning the slight space between adjacent rim portions. The connecting web includes a bearing surrounding the shaft and a central compressible member extending between the adjacent rim portions. A peripheral slot is provided in the compressible member in alignment with the slight space between the rim portions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.