Abstract: This invention relates to a machine for the curved continuous casting of metals, particularly steel, with a semi-rigid starting bar (20) comprised of two successive segments (120, 220) pivoted to each other (21). In the stowed position of the starting bar (20), the leading segment (120) of the starting bar (20) is folded upwards, together with a swingable arm (122) of the supporting structure (22) for the starting bar (20), to a position wherein the inspection and maintenance of the connecting or coupling head may be effected more easily. Preferably, the trailing segment (220) of the starting bar (20) has the same cross section as the strand of the smallest section to be cast in the machine, whereas the leading segment (120) has a cross section corresponding to that of the strand which is cast at each time, so that it can be removed and replaced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an extractor/straightener device for continuous metal casting installations, particularly for curved continuous casting. In order to cast either round-section strands and square-, rectangular- or polygonal-section strands, the extractor/straightener device (10) comprises two successive pairs of extractor rollers, one pair including rollers (11, 12) with a groove or race therein (15) for round-section strands (7'), the other pair including cylindrical rollers (13, 14) for square-section strands (7"). The two pairs of extractor rollers (11, 12 and 13, 14) are followed by a straightener roller (31). Means are provided to regulate the distance between the rollers (11, 12 and 13, 14) of each pair of extractor rollers so as to exert a tractive action on the strand (7' or 7"), alternately, by means of either the former or the latter pair of said rollers (11, 12 or 13, 14) depending upon the profile of said strand.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous casting of metals, particularly of steel in curved path, in which in the initial portion of the curved path of the casting bar below the mold the bar-guiding means are missing. According to the invention, in the apparatus of this type the casting bar-guiding means provided only in the final portion of the curved path of the casting bar, upstream of the withdrawing and straightening mechanism, comprise at least one pair of powered pulling rollers arranged near their upper, or mold-facing end. To this apparatus there is associated a curved, rigid starter bar which is bent substantially to the same curvature as the curved path of the bar, and is of such a length that when it is positioned to close the mold outlet, it is still engaged between the first pair of powered pulling roller of the casting bar-guiding means provided in the last portion of the curved path of the casting bar, upstream of the withdrawing and straightening mechanism.

Abstract: A mold plate for molds for the continuous casting of metals comprising a copper plate provided on one side with a number of grooves; a bar of plastics material inserted in each of said grooves, with a side clearance so as to define between its outer periphery and the inner periphery of the groove a flow passage for the refrigerating water of reduced flow section with respect to the section of said groove; a metallic closure list in said groove above said bar, so as to firmly maintain said bar in place in said groove, and means for sealingly securing said closure list to said mold plate.

Abstract: In a continuous casting plant comprising a fixed frame, a table, and a mold supported by said table, a mold rocking device comprising at least one first bell-crank lever keyed at its apex to a first shaft rotatably journalled by said fixed frame, said first lever being pivotably connected at one end to one side of said table; at least one second bell-crank lever keyed at its apex to a second shaft, parallel to said first shaft, rotatably journalled by said fixed frame, said second lever being connected, in a slidable and pivotable manner, at one end to the side of said table opposite to the one to which the said first lever is pivotably connected; the second end of said second bell-crank lever being connected to a rocking device; and means for transmitting the said rocking movement from said second bell-crank lever to the second end of said first bell-crank lever.