Abstract: A mold oscillator for a continuous casting machine comprises at least two tensile elements disposed so as to always remain in tension. The tensile elements lie on respective radii extending from the radius of curvature of the casting radius and are anchored to a fixed external frame. The oscillating drive is in the form of a cam which moves the follower pivoted at one end. A transfer element between the follower and the mold transmits the oscillation to the mold and the oscillation stroke is varied by means changing the distance of the cam from the pivoted end of the follower.

Abstract: The flexible starter bar has a body which comprises a flexible substantially planar spine on one side, a series of blocks attached to the spine on the other side, and in a top portion thereof adjacent a head for the starter bar, a plurality of block supports disposed between adjacent pairs of blocks adapted to protrude from one block of a pair so as to lie in abutting and supporting relationship with the other block of the pair, thereby increasing the effective length of the operatively outer side of the starter bar body so that the starter bar may assume a curved configuration and be self-supporting. The block supports in the top portion of the starter bar are retractable to shorten the effective length of the starter bar body on the operatively outer side so that the starter bar may resume a straight configuration. The bottom portion of the starter bar is without any block supports and is supported in the curved configuration by a strand guide and support rolls.

Abstract: The starter bar has a free end portion which is flexible for storage and a substantially rigid portion at the end which plugs the mold. The starter bar is constructed in discrete blocks secured to one side of a planar spine provided in segments and arranged end to end. Adjustable spacers in the form of tapered blocks are disposed between the blocks of the bar to allow the starter bar to be self-supporting in a curved configuration corresponding to the casting path. A more flexible spine in the end portion of the starter bar allows the starter bar to be curved to a tighter radius than that of the casting path while the blocks fan out in an unsupported configuration. A storage ramp is provided to support the flexible end in the stored position.

Abstract: A flexible starter bar has a body which comprises a flexible substantially planar spine on one side a series of blocks attached to the spine on the other side, and a plurality of block support means disposed between adjacent pairs of blocks adapted to protrude from one block of a pair so as to lie in abutting and supporting relationship with the other block of the pair, thereby increasing the effective length of the operatively outer side of the starter bar body so that the starter bar may assume a curved configuration and be self-supporting. The block support means are retractable to shorten the effective length of the starter bar body on the operatively outer side so that the starter bar may resume a straight configuration.