Controlled deflection roll system

A controlled deflection roll system comprising a rotative cylindrical shell having a cylindrical inside and a cylindrical outside adapted to form a nip with a counter roll, a non-rotative shaft extending axially through and radially spaced from the shell's inside and having projecting ends extending beyond the shell's ends and free to radially displace relative to the shell in the direction of the nip, controllable means for applying variable force to the shaft's extending ends in a direction towards the nip, means for applying in said direction uniformly throughout the roll's length force transmitted from the shaft to the roll's inside, and automatic means automatically responsive to radial displacement of at least one end of the shaft relative to the shell for controlling said controllable means so as to hold the shaft at a predetermined position radially relative to the shell when the shell's outside forms a nip with a counter roll.