Abstract: A mold oscillator for a continuous casting machine in which a mold is mounted for vertical reciprocation on a mold table frame, the machine having an enclosed spray chamber beneath the mold for spray cooling of a continuous casting therein as it emerges from the mold, in which an oscillator cam connected to a drive motor is connected through a yoke to first and second vertical shafts fixed to the mold table frame at their upper ends, and are seated within and vertically oscillatable within tubular guide means and ball bushings therein, which control the alignment of the shafts, thus reducing horizontal vibration and strand misalignment.

Abstract: A shrouding apparatus protects a molten metal stream from atmospheric contamination by establishing a protective atmosphere around the molten metal stream. The apparatus is held tightly against the vessel from which the stream is poured. The apparatus includes means for elevating and lowering the shroud, means for aligning the shroud with the pouring stream, and means for introducing a protective atmosphere to the interior of the shroud.