Abstract: A portion of a continuously forwardly moving conveyor is caused to move backwards or effectively stand still by virtue of making the conveyor move rearwardly.

Abstract: A system for pouring molten material from a ladle having a pouring nozzle and a cooperating stopper rod is shown having a pressure responsive piston and cylinder assembly effective for causing the initial opening of the stopper rod for providing a relatively high rate of flow of molten material through the nozzle; a linear transducer coupled with the piston and cylinder assembly assures that the piston has the opportunity to move a preselected distance within the cylinder to thereby in turn assuring that the stopper rod will also move to a preselected open position with respect to the nozzle.