Abstract: A strapping machine comprising: —a feeding device for feeding astrap (3) around one or more objects and subsequently retracting the strap to draw it tightly around said objects; —a welding device for forming a welded joint between a first section at the leading end of the strap and an overlapping second section at the trailing end of a piece (3a) of the strap fed around said objects to thereby secure this piece in a loop around the objects; —a support member (24) for supporting said overlapping strap sections during the formation of the joint, a recess (25) being provided in an upper support surface (26) on the support member; and—a pressing element (27) with a shape adapted to the shape of said recess, the pressing element and support member being configured to form a permanent bulge (30) on the first strap section by a press forming action between the pressing element and the support member.

Abstract: In continuous casting of steel, the flow out of the tap hole (11) in the tundish (10) is controlled by a stopper rod that is rotatable so as to give the molten steel a swirling motion. This rotation reduces the risk of deposits in the tap hole and in the discharge tube (12). A non-rotatable sleeve around the stopper rod (16) extends through the slag layer (18) and into the molten steel (17). Protective gas is supplied to the gap between the stopper rod (16) and the sleeve (30) to prevent air from being drawn through the gap and into the molten steel.

Abstract: In continuous casting of steel, the flow out of the tap hole (11) in the tundish (10) is controlled by a stopper rod that is rotatable so as to give the molten steel a swirling motion. This rotation reduces the risk of depositions in the tap hole and in the discharge tube (12). A sleeve around the stopper rod (16) extends through the slag layer (18) and into the molten steel (17). Protective gas is supplied to the gap between the stopper rod (16) and the sleeve (30) to prevent air from being drawn through the gap and into the molten steel.