Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device including at least two assemblies each composed of a clamp (10) pivoting about a horizontal axis (11) and fitted with a groove (12) receiving a shoe (13) generally cylindrical in shape incorporating a flat surface (14) parallel to the axis of said cylinder, said shoe being capable of pivoting in the groove. The present invention also relates to a one-piece inner nozzle (2) particularly adapted for use with this clamping device. The one-piece inner nozzle according to the invention is thus composed of a tubular part (6) defining a pouring channel (4) and a flat part or plate (7) providing contact with the downstream component (8) of the pouring channel.

Abstract: In a slide valve closure for the casting of a metal melt a slider plate and a stationary closure part are braced against each other by means of spring units or by other means. There is provided a casing framework attachable to a mould or the like, in which is fixed a detachable casing part on which the spring units are held and in which the stationary closure part and the slider plate can be accommodated. This allows safe operation and simple and rapid mounting and dismounting of the slide valve closure.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a refractory pouring tube including a contact face (15) capable of bearing against a contact face (11) of another refractory component (9), the said pouring tube being arranged to be displaced. The said pouring tube is characterised by the fact that its contact face (15) incorporates a cleaning groove (26, 27) delineated notably by a wall presenting an edge capable of exerting a scraping action, as the said pouring tube is displaced, at least partially on the determinate part of the contact face of the other refractory component. The cleaning groove makes it possible to preserve the integrity of the contact surface of the other refractory component and, consequently, the joint surface formed between the two components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grooved refractory pouring tube for pouring a molten metal between an upper metallurgical vessel and a lower metallurgical vessel, a refractory assembly incorporating such a pouring tube, and a casting installation incorporating such an assembly.

Abstract: A metering gate for liquid metal flow control with reduced clogging with a top plate, having a first flow channel bore with an inlet having an inlet axis and an outlet having an outlet axis. The inlet axis and the outlet axis are offset. A throttle plate slidably mounted on the top plate selectably receives flow from the top plate. The metering gate provides a less tortuous and more symmetrical flow path when the gate is partially open, but provides a relatively straight downward flow channel allowing full flow when the gate is fully open.

Abstract: A drawing-off device (18) is used to empty a molten material (28) such as glass contained in a cooled crucible (10), in which there is an elongated pour orifice (30), a cooled slide valve (32) and a bar (36) forming a thermal bridge between the molten material (28) and the bottom (24) of the crucible (10), along one end (30a) of the orifice (30).

Abstract: The object of the present invention is a clamp for clamping device for a refractory plate in a seating of a slide valve in a casting installation, the said clamp having on one hand a thrust zone whereon it can receive a clamping force tending to push the clamp against a refractory plate located in the seating and, on the other hand, two ends of which each is capable of being applied against one edge of the refractory plate. The clamp is characterised in that it is capable of being elastically deformed in that each of its two ends is conformed such that it bears against the corresponding edge of the refractory plate when a clamping force is applied to the clamp also bears against the wall of the seating under the effect of expansion of the plate or a greater clamping force.

Abstract: A pouring device for metallurgic vessels, particularly for steel melts, with slide plates which can be adjusted and slid out again one behind the other in a row under a vessel opening and into which filters can be inserted, and with an immersion pipe projecting into a mold. The slide plates have a filter part which is provided with openings arranged in the casting direction and at least one solid web plate part actuators are provided by which the slide plates can be displaced in the conveying direction (x-direction) and, in addition, in the same plane, but vertical to the conveying direction (i.e., in the y-direction).

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of refractory assemblies, which is capable of being used between an upstream container and a downstream container of a plant for transferring liquid metal, in particular steel, comprising: a tapping spout via which the metal flows from the upstream container into the downstream container, each refracotry assembly of the tapping spout having at least one surface forming a mating surface with a corresponding surface of an adjacent refractory assembly; a flow regulator for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the tapping spout; a shroud channel placed around the tapping spout near at least one mating surface between refractory assemblies and having an inlet capable of allowing the intake of a fluid; in which the shroud channel has an outlet capable of allowing the fluid to escape to the outside of the plant.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve (20) for a container containing molten metal has a housing portion (14) securable to the container and a slider unit (30) which is longitudinally movable with respect to the container. Respective refractory valve plates (22, 23) are insertable into the housing portion, and may be pressed against one another by spring elements (26). The refractory valve plates serve to open and close the valve (20). The slider unit (30) is mounted so as to be longitudinally movable on the housing portion by a plurality of mounting components (40) aligned perpendicular to the slider unit 30. The mounting components (40) are each secured to the housing portion (14) and on an opposite end have a guide which slides on a guide track (36) constructed on the slider unit (30). The mounting components (40) have a respective peg-shaped connecting element (25), a spring element (26) acting on the connecting element in the axial direction, and the guide supported on the connecting element (25).

Abstract: A valve plate for a sliding gate valve has a refractory plate and a metal shell surrounding it. Associated with the plate is a centering device which is preferably constituted by two abutment surfaces, which are arranged at a defined spacing from one another and which rise up substantially and at least partially perpendicular towards a plate support constituted by a metal shell and have a thickness substantially equal to the metal shell thickness. These abutment surfaces are so arranged that, in an inserted and centered state of the plate, they engage correspondingly shaped abutment surfaces on a metal frame. The plate may, thus, be manufactured simply and economically.

Abstract: This invention intends to provide a molten metal pouring amount control apparatus in which a sliding resistance of a slide frame is small and a pressing force around a nozzle hole is stabilized so that there is no fear that any trouble such as a molten metal leakage occurs and further, a structure thereof is simple and maintenance cost is low. More specifically, this invention provides a molten metal pouring amount control apparatus for adjusting an opening of a nozzle hole in a fixed plate and an opening of a nozzle hole in a sliding plate by sliding a slide frame by means of a driving means, the control apparatus further comprising guide units each including a plurality of steel balls arranged in line between the slide frame and springs, the guide units being provided on both sides of the sliding plate.

Abstract: A slide gate includes a frame fixed to a bottom of a molten-steel vessel, a guide frame attached to a bottom of the frame which can opened and closed, a plurality of refractory plates, a pair of surface-pressure bars and a cylinder. The plurality of refractory plates are disposed in a space surrounded by the frame and the guide frame with one of the refractory plates being slidable to control an amount of opening of a nozzle gate. The cylinder drives the slidable refractory plate to move a slide block with a protrusion. The protrusion moves a connecting member of the pair of surface-pressure bars so that the guide frame is connected with the frame and the slidable refractory plate is pressed to an immediate upper refractory plate by coil spring.

Abstract: The slide valve plate comprises the plate main body 11 and the sleeve 13 having the jaw part fitted in the through hole 12 formed in the plate 12, and the plate 11 and the sleeve 13 are integrally joined with the mortar, while the releasing member 15 is interposed between the part corresponding to the jaw part of the sleeve and/or the vicinity of the edge part of the through hole and the jaw part of the sleeve and/or the vicinity of the jaw part.

Abstract: A slide gate plate throttling mechanism for the continuous casting of molten metal includes a gate plate assembly. The gate plate assembly is connected to an upper nozzle disposed below a vessel for containing molten metal and is disposed above an elongated lower nozzle that directs flow of molten metal. Each plate of the gate plate assembly includes an opening that forms a portion of a passageway for the molten metal. The gate plate assembly comprises a gate plate that is moved so as to open and close the passageway, a lower plate connected to an upper surface of the nozzle, and a groove disposed in a bottom surface of the lower plate around the lower plate opening. The mechanism further comprises at least one control device for regulating flow of inert gas and graphite into the groove. The system may include a device for measuring back pressure in the groove to determine when to seal the groove by injecting graphite therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for transferring liquid metal, in particular steel, between an upstream container (2) and a downstream container (10), comprising: an upstream container (2); a tapping spout (28); a downstream container (10), a flow regulator (26) for regulating the flow of liquid metal through the tapping spout (28); a set of refractory assemblies (8, 12, 30, 32, 64, 66, 74) which are placed between the upstream container and the downstream container, delimiting the tapping spout (28) via which the liquid metal flows from the upstream container (2) into the downstream container (10), each refractory assembly of the tapping spout (28) having at least one mating surface (22) forming a joint with a corresponding surface of an adjacent refractory assembly; a shroud channel (18; 40) placed around the tapping spout (28) near at least one mating surface (22) between refractory assemblies (8, 12, 30, 32, 64, 66, 74), this shroud channel having an inlet (44) capable of allowing the introduction of mat

Abstract: A refractory plate for a sliding gate valve at the outlet of a vessel containing molten metal has a polygonal external shape and has a longitudinal axis, on both sides of which at least two side surfaces, disposed at an obtuse angel (.gamma.) to one another, extend and serve as clamping surfaces of the plate in a metallic frame (11) or the like. The shorter side surfaces are arranged to extend at an angle (.alpha.) of between 20.degree. and 50.degree. to the longitudinal axis while the longer side surfaces are arranged to extend at an angle (.beta.) of between 10.degree. and 30.degree. to the longitudinal axis. The refractory plate can thus be optimally clamped and an increased service life is thus consequently achieved.

Abstract: An internal nozzle/plate assembly for a distributor, wherein the plate is placed against a support (13) with an aperture (30) therein. A central portion is arranged opposite the aperture (30) and a peripheral portion is placed against the support (13). The central and peripheral portions are linked via a weakened portion (32) so that the central portion may be separated from the peripheral portion by exerting a slight force. A metal shell (22) partially surrounds said central and peripheral portions and the weakened portion (32) may be formed from a scored or notched portion in the shell.

Abstract: A coupling is used to couple a linear actuator with a slider valve unit in a sliding gate valve for a molten metal vessel. The slider valve unit is slidably mounted in a slider housing for movement in a longitudinal direction, and has a push rod for this purpose. A linear actuator mounting is provided on the slider housing, and the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting. The linear actuator has a drive rod movable in a longitudinal direction when the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting. The coupling has a structure such that when the linear actuator is mounted in the linear actuator mounting, and the drive rod is moved toward the slider valve unit, the coupling automatically couples the drive rod with the push rod. Furthermore, when the linear actuator is removed from the linear actuator mounting, the coupling automatically uncouples the drive rod from the push rod.

Abstract: With a rotary nozzle of the type in which a slide plate brick having at least one nozzle bore is rotated so as to adjust the degree of overlapping between the nozzle bore thereof and a nozzle bore of a fixed plate brick to control the rate of pouring of molten steel or the like, the bricks constituting the fixed plate brick and the slide plate brick are formed into the most rational and economical shape for the purpose of seeking a reduction in their cost and also the bricks are used for the purpose of seeking a reduction in the running cost of the rotary nozzle. To achieve these purposes, the shape of the brick 40 is formed into a substantially elliptic shape and nozzle bores 41a and 41b are provided in the respective eccentric positions.

Abstract: Plate change drawer for a metallurgical vessel such as a continuous casting distributor (2). The drawer has a chassis (12) mounted under the metallurgical vessel, at least one fixed upper plate (18) and at least one replaceable lower plate (22), means of applying pressure to force the lower plate (22) against the fixed plate, the chassis (12) having guide means for receiving a lower replacement plate (22) alongside the lower plate (22) during pouring, and actuation means for bringing the lower replacement plate (22) in place of the plate during pouring. The upper fixed plate (18) and the lower replaceable plate (22) have identical polygonal peripheries and are offset angularly so that they do not overlap completely. The polygonal periphery of the plate is a square or a square with rounded corners.

Abstract: A process in which, during the flow of molten metal in a conduit an inert gas and oil are injected at the position of the joint plane between two refractory parts in such a manner as to prevent the introduction of gases from the atmosphere into this conduit at the position of the joint plane. Apparatus. Advantages: plugging of leaks at the position of the joint plane, lower inert gas consumption absence of degradation of the quality of the molten metal by the inert gas.

Abstract: A refractory pouring-assembly component is disclosed for use in the continuous casting of molten metals, especially steel. The invention is described as reducing thermal shock-induced cracking, including both radial and horizontal cracks. The component comprises a copressed plate and depending pour tube having a bore. The surface of the plate is made from a scratch-resistant refractory material and the pour tube is made from a thermal shock-resistant refractory material. The pour tube extends through and is substantially coplanar with the plate, so that the molten metal sees a joint-free, thermal shock-resistant material throughout the entire length of the bore.

Abstract: Tapping method for molten metal from containers (13) including at the lower part a tapping channel (14) associated at the end part with a discharge hole (15) substantially vertical or sub-vertical, the discharge hole (15) being associated at the lower part with a sliding interception device (19), wherein the tapping channel (14) comprises, associated with the walls, an electromagnetic device (17) with spirals (18) and a system for cooling the walls, wherein, during the end-of-tapping step of the liquid metal the sliding interception device (19) is activated by closing the discharge hole (15) and allowing the metal in the tapping channel (14) to solidify so as to form at least a layer which lines both the tapping channel (14) and the discharge hole (15) filling it completely, and that during the start-of-tapping step the sliding interception device (19) is activated by leaving the discharge hole (15) free and the metal which is blocking the discharge hole (15) is melted by means of the electromagnetic device (

Abstract: A sliding gate valve for a vessel containing molten metal is provided which includes a housing and a lid pivotally mounted thereon. A sliding plate is sandwiched between two fixed plates and the three are received within the housing. Clamping elements are provided and are used in conjunction with the lid to secure the plates. A lock is provided to prevent movement of the lid in a direction parallel to movement of the sliding plate while allowing movement of the lid in a direction perpendicular to movement of the sliding plate. The lock is designed to assume a locked position whenever the sliding gate valve is mounted onto the vessel.

Abstract: A refractory slide-gate plate including a refractory base plate which is designed in a ring shape or so as to have a recess portion on a surface thereof, a refractory plate member which is fixedly engaged with the inside of the ring-shaped refractory base plate or with the recess portion of the refractory slide-gate to be integrated with the refractory base plate, and an inert gas supply groove comprising a step portion which is formed in 2 to 20 mm width and in 2 to 20 depth on at least one of the inner peripheral portion of the ring-shaped refractory base plate and the inner peripheral portion of the recess portion. The refractory plate member is preferably formed of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --ZrO.sub.2 --C-based refractory material or ZrO.sub.2 -based refractory material.

Abstract: A refractory pouring member such as a tundish nozzle or tube and integral plate for use in a slide gate valve or stopper rod valve system in continuous steel casting has selected portions made from an erosion and abrasion resistant refractory composition. The composition comprises: up to 95 wt. % Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ; up to 15 wt. % C; up to 10 wt. % SiO.sub.2 ; and up to 3 wt. % antioxidant. At least an upper surface of the slide plate is formed from the erosion and abrasion resistant refractory composition to prevent in-service wear of the slide plate and a selected portion of the tube bore is formed of the erosion and abrasion resistant material, preferably extending a distance of about 50 to 300 mm from the top of the slide plate to protect the tube bore from the erosive action within a turbulent flow zone of molten metal which exists when the slide gate valve is in a throttling mode of operation.

Abstract: A refractory block for continuous casting comprising: a unitary assembly comprising: a plate brick having a top, a bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough, and a submerged nozzle having a top, a bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough, the sides of the submerged nozzle having a shoulder portion, the bottom of the plate brick joining the top of the submerged nozzle; a metal casing surrounding the unitary assembly such that the metal casing surrounds and supports a portion of the sides of the plate brick, a portion of the bottom of the plate brick and a portion of the sides of the submerged nozzle including the shoulder portion, and an air cooling jacket surrounding the metal casing.

Abstract: Process for reusing the plates of a slide gate for a metallurgical container. The gate has an upper indentation and a lower indentation for receiving a set of two refractory plates, each of these plates resting in an indentation by a face that becomes its support face and cooperating with the other plate by a face that becomes its characterized sliding face. A set of refractories comprised of a new plate associated with a plate that had been used once is used in the slide gate (2), and in that when the plates (12, 16) are changed the new plate is mounting in a lower or upper charging indentation (14, 18), this indentation remaining the same at the same at each plate change, the plate used once being mounted in the other indentation, which forms a recycling indentation.

Abstract: The device is made up of two refractory plates, one of them fixed (15) and externally joined to the melt recipient and fitted with a hole matching the outlet nozzle of the recipient, and a sliding one (16) fitted with a refractory melted metal conveyance pipe, which sliding plate is fitted on a tilting frame (25) so that it is capable of sliding linearly. The sliding refractory plate (16) and the refractory pipe (5) are composed of two independent parts that are assembled upon a metal plate (11). The stationary (15) and sliding (16) refractory plates feature similar dimensions and structures and are fitted with a peripheral compression collar (2).

Abstract: A refractory pour tube with a wear resistant plate includes a one-piece composite member formed of different refractory compositions, a casing disposed around a portion of the member, and castable refractory material disposed within the casing. The composite member has a tubular body portion defining an interior bore and an end portion defining a flat plate surface including an opening communicating with the bore. The end portion is formed of a hard refractory composition resistant to abrasion, while the tubular body portion is formed of a refractory composition resistant to thermal shock. First and second castable refractory materials are poured into the casing to form a refractory ring surrounding the flat plate surface and a refractory sleeve surrounding the tubular body portion. The refractory ring cooperates with the flat plate surface to form a hard, wear resistant plate suitable for use in a sliding valve assembly.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve arrangement is provided with a molten metal vessel having an outlet and guide tracks secured to the vessel extending transverse to the outlet. The housing frame is slidably mountable on the guide tracks. The housing frame has a refractory base plate and a slider unit therein and a plurality of spring elements. The slider unit includes a refractory sliding plate that can be sealingly pressed into engagement with the refractory base plate with the spring elements. A drive element is connectable with the slider unit for moving the slider unit back and forth. The guide tracks are of a predetermined length such that the housing frame, when disposed on the guide tracks, is slidable over a predetermined distance between a first position in which the housing frame positions the refractory base plate and the slider unit below the outlet of the molten metal vessel and a second position in which the housing frame is released from the guide tracks and the molten metal vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a slide valve for use in high pressure, high temperature, erosive environments. The slide valve includes a valve housing, a liner defining a flow passage within the valve housing through which a medium which contains fluidized iron oxide particles can pass, a stationary valve member fixed relative to the flow passage, and a valve member movable relative to the flow passage and to the stationary valve member for restricting and/or blocking flow through the flow passage. The movable valve member has an orifice therein and is movable between a first position wherein the orifice is aligned with the flow passage and a second position wherein the orifice is non-aligned with the flow passage. The valve is in a fully closed position when a solid portion of the movable valve member closes the flow passage. In a partially open or partially closed positions a solid portion of the movable valve member partially obstructs the flow passage.

Abstract: A sliding gate valve comprising a chamber (22), a stationary mounted plate (2) and a sliding plate (1) that is movable in relation to said stationary plate, and sliding plate being supported within a slide frame (20) that is movable in relation to the chamber (22), and of spring elements (10) which press the sliding plate against the stationary plate (2). The slide frame (20) has a shape in the form of a trough, of which the upper longitudinal edges (17) protrude laterally outwardly and form slide surfaces (18) that correspond to the slide surfaces (19) of the chamber during operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recycle slide gate plate, said slide gate plate being connected to a lower portion of a molten metal container and used for sliding a plate to control a flow of molten metal drained from the molten metal container, comprising an upper plate and/or a lower plate obtained by polishing a sliding surface of a slide gate plate used at least one time, at a predetermined smoothness tolerance, a tubular ring fixed to a through hole obtained by cutting out a molten metal outlet portion of the upper plate and/or the lower plate having a projecting portion on a side opposite to a sliding surface of the upper plate and/or the lower plate, said projecting portion having a total height of a sum of a height dimension substantially equal to a height of a projecting portion of a new plate before use and a thickness dimension to be reduced by polishing out the sliding surface, the projecting portion being provided with a molten metal outlet hole formed inside the projecting portion, and a cushi

Abstract: In an arrangement for supplying steel from a base outlet of an intermediate vessel (2) in a continuous casting installation, the intermediate vessel (2) is provided with an outlet block (3). Beneath the outlet block (3) there is arranged a first change-over part (6) which is movable transversely to the discharge direction (4) and can be pushed out of the casting position by a moving arrangement (30) and a second change-over part (38). An arrangement of this type is to be improved in such a way that the casting nozzle body has a longer service life and is cheaper to produce. Furthermore, security on the casting platform is to be improved during interruptions in casting, the extraction speeds during continuous casting are to be altered and the positional accuracy of the outlet block is to be increased. For this purpose, the change-over part (6) is made up of a holding frame (12) and a casting nozzle body (11). The holding frame (12) is guided and positioned on guide strips (14) in guide rails (7, 7').

Abstract: A flow rate adjusting plate for a rotary-nozzle-type molten-metal pouring unit has a shape in which one side or two sides of an octagon is or are replaced by one arc or two arcs. The arc or arcs are connected smoothly to adjacent straight sides. The plate has one hole or two holes for passing molten metal. The center of the hole corresponds to the center of the arc, and the distance between the arc and the hole is larger than the diameter of the hole.

Abstract: A metallurgical vessel has a refractory head piece and a vessel outlet at the refractory head piece. A sliding gate valve for this metallurgical vessel includes a housing frame that is mounted to the vessel at the outlet so as to be removable therefrom. A slider unit is mounted in the housing frame having a sliding plate therein. A refractory base plate is also mounted in the housing frame, and has an upper side with a plane sliding surface that is engaged with the refractory head piece and a lower side having a lower sliding surface that is parallel to the plane sliding surface. The sliding plate is pressed against the lower sliding surface of the refractory base plate. The refractory base plate is fixed in the housing frame in a direction parallel to the sliding surfaces of the refractory base plate, but is movable in the housing frame in a direction perpendicular to the sliding surface of the refractory base plate.

Abstract: The device for controlling a pour rate according to the invention, which comprises a stationary upper plate (8), a movable plate (10) carried by a carriage (9) and a pouring tube (2). Control of the rate takes place by gliding the movable plate (10) against the upper plate (8), the pouring tube (2) being immobilized against the movable plate (10), just beneath the pouring orifice (27) of the movable plate (10) which blocks the tap hole (15). The immobilization of the pouring tube (2) with respect to the movable plate (10) is obtained by means (31) for pushing upwards which are secured to the carriage (9).

Abstract: The invention concerns a component for the pouring of steel that has a body (2) of a refractory material containing carbon. It has a layer (10) that covers the body partially or completely and is capable of forming a surface layer (10a) that is oxidized and densified and is impermeable to gases when it is brought to a temperature above 1000.degree. C. The layer (10) is comprised of a refractory material containing sintering precursors chosen in the group consisting of calcined alumina, reactive calcined alumina, silica fumes and clays.

Abstract: In the continuous casting of steel, gas is prevented or inhibited from contacting molten steel through the valve slide plate by feeding inert gas through channels in the slide plate and adjacent parts; the channels contain porous refractory inserts and can be connected to outside sources through juxtaposed side channels.

Abstract: A fixing device for a ceramic sealing plate in a carrying frame or cassette of a seal on a metallurgical vessel has the sealing plate held by a band on the carrying frame or the cassette. To press the sealing plate evenly along its perimeter, the band is corrugated in its longitudinal direction. One set of ridges of the band lies elastically on the sealing plate. The ridges lying between the one set lie elastically on the carrying frame or on the cassette, or on a spacer sheet between the band and the carrying frame of the cassette.

Abstract: A surface pressure loading and releasing mechanism in a sliding nozzle device for a molten metal vessel is used to reduce the hot manual work involved in loading and releasing surface pressure on plates and to carry out loading and releasing of the surface pressure by a simple operation. In a sliding nozzle device for applying and releasing surface pressure between plate bricks by moving an opening/closing metal frame having elastic force loading and a sliding metal frame disposed between a fixed metal frame and the opening/closing metal frame, a surface pressure block is removably disposed between brackets for mounting the opening/closing metal frame on the fixed metal frame. Surface pressure loading and releasing is carried out by moving the opening/closing metal frame, by causing a projecting portion of the sliding metal frame to project into the opening/closing metal frame, and by having a molten steel passage hole in the sliding metal frame passing therethrough abut with the opening/closing metal frame.

Abstract: A cartridge handling hand of a cartridge system sliding valve apparatus for a molten metal vessel is mountable to a general purpose robot. The hand includes a cartridge pressing cylinder secured to a mounting plate whose one side surface is provided with a device for mounting a carrier arm. A first pair of cylinder support arms for lock pins and a second pair of support arms are attached vertically to the other side surface of the mounting plate. Lock pins are attached to piston rod ends of cylinders which are secured to the cylinder support arms 2. Cartridge clamp arms are slidably fitted into guide pins provided vertically in the outside of the second pair of support arms. The cartridge clamp arms are coupled through a cylinder which opens or closes the arms. A cartridge system sliding valve apparatus includes positioning metal fittings for interfitting with the lock pins of the cartridge handling hand of the invention and positioning pins which fit in the positioning recesses of a cartridge.

Abstract: A device for automatically operating slide gates for liquid metal containers, involving a fixed plate assembly rigid with a container base and a movable plate assembly hinged to the fixed plate assembly along a support element provided near a lateral edge thereof, and engageable with the fixed assembly when the slide gate structure is close. The device has means which first cause the pure axial translation of the support element so as to cause the movable plate assembly to slide tangentially with respect to the fixed plate assembly thus disaligning the pouring holes of the two plates, and then cause the axial rotation of the support to cause the movable plate assembly to rotate relative to the fixed plate assembly thus carrying out the opening of the slide gate structure.

Abstract: A crack resistant valve plate assembly is provided for use in a slide gate valve. The valve plate assembly includes a refractory valve plate having an orifice positioned along its longitudinal center line, and truncated corners for focusing a clamping force toward the center line in the vicinity of the orifice to prevent the formation and spreading of cracks. The angular orientation of each of the truncated corners varies with respect to the position of the orifice along the longitudinal center line. Specifically, each of the truncated corners are orthogonal to a line extending from a point tangent with the orifice, across the center line, and through an intersection lines drawn parallel to the converging lengthwise and widthwise plate edges that is spaced from the edges a distance equal to one-half of the maximum diameter of orifice that the plate can effectively operate with.

Abstract: A refractory block for continuous casting is disclosed comprising a unitary assembly including a plate brick having a top, bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough; a gas permeable porous brick having a top, bottom, sides and a passageway therethrough, where the top of the porous brick is attached to the bottom of the plate brick, a gas pool for containing gas surrounds the sides of the porous brick, and a submerged nozzle having a top, bottom and sides, where the sides have shoulder portions, has the top of the submerged nozzle attached to the bottom of the porous brick. A metal casing surrounds the unitary assembly so that the metal casing surrounds and supports a portion of the sides of the plate brick, a portion of the bottom of the plate brick, the sides of porous brick, and a portion of the sides of the submerged nozzle, including the shoulder portions. The metal casing further includes gas feed and discharge pipes therethrough in communication with the gas pool.

Abstract: A spout-filling composition has from about 50% to about 70% by weight magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate, from about 50% to about 30% by weight quartz sand, and lampblack in an additional amount of from about 0.25% to about 5.00% by weight of the magnesium-aluminate spinel aggregate and quartz sand admixture.

Abstract: A closing apparatus for the bottom pouring hole of a casting ladle, comprising a mounting plate mounted on the bottom of the ladle with a head plate resting against it, in which head plate a port is formed to pour out the melt, and further comprising a slide plate supported for pivoting movement about two axes and adapted to be pressed resiliently against the head plate. The slide plate is supported for reciprocating movement inside a housing. The housing is supported by a housing carrier structure, especially between the legs of carrier bracket for the housing, for pivoting movement about a first pivot axis, while the carrier bracket for the housing is supported by the mounting plate for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes extend parallel to each other and to the sealing face between the head and slide plates.

Abstract: A slide gate valve having a cementless joint between the valve and a metallurgical vessel containing molten metal is provided for facilitating the replacement of worn refractory components in the valve.