Abstract: A submerged nozzle changing apparatus comprises: a slide valve device (32) for controlling the rate of discharge of a molten metal from a molten metal container (30) a nozzle holding cylinder actuator (42) supported in a vertical position under the slide valve device; and a guide arm unit (44) supported on the piston rod (43) of the nozzle holding cylinder actuator in a horizontal position. The guide arm unit (44) has a pair of parallel guide rails (45) provided in their inner surfaces facing each other with guide grooves (46) having open opposite ends and a length long enough to hold at least three nozzle cases (48) fitted on the upper parts of submerged nozzles (47). A new submerged nozzle is supported on the guide arm unit with portions of a nozzle case fitted on the upper part thereof engaged in the guide grooves of the pair of guide rails and is moved to a nozzle setting position by a nozzle changing cylinder actuator (56).

Abstract: A submerged nozzle mounting/dismounting apparatus for mounting a submerged nozzle (9) on and dismounting the same from a slide valve device (5) of a molten metal vessel (1) of a continuous casting system, is provided with a submerged nozzle holding mechanism (25) having support arms (27) for holding the submerged nozzle pressed against the slide valve device through mounting pins (13) on the upper part of the submerged nozzle. For automated operation to eliminate all kinds of heavy physical work in a hot environment, the submerged nozzle mounting/dismounting apparatus comprises a slide base (32) laterally slidably mounted for positional adjustment relative to the support arms (27) on a robot arm (21) supported for turning on a stand. A submerged nozzle hanger (40) is provided for supporting the submerged nozzle via support pins (14) projecting from the submerged nozzle. The hanger (40) is pivotally supported for turning in a vertical plane on the slide base.

Abstract: A process for producing a laminate-shaped zirconia refractory heating element which generates heat by passing a current therethrough or by induction heating including the steps of incorporating a flexible binder in a filler composed of zirconia fibers and stabilized zirconia powder, forming the mixture into a refractory sheet having flexibility at room temperature, laminating the refractory sheet to form a multi-layer and firing the laminate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a zirconia fiber-based or zirconia fiber-reinforced zirconia heating element which can be used in an oxidizing atmosphere at an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A fluid operated press having opposed first and second fluid chambers is employed for compressing a mixture of desired brick ingredients in a mold. Pressurized fluid, preferably hydraulic oil, is first delivered to the first fluid chamber of the press to cause the same to exert a prescribed pressure on the mixture. Then, with this prescribed pressure maintained, the pressurized fluid is directed alternately into the first and second fluid chambers at rapid intervals, with the result that the press imparts vibratory motion to the mixture being held under pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the selective delivery of the pressurized fluid to the fluid chambers of the press is controlled by a servomechanism, constantly comparing a reference pressure signal with an actual pressure signal representative of the actual pressure being exerted by the press and actuating a servovalve so as to make the difference between the reference and actual pressure signals zero.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a solid electrolytic having oxygen ion conductivity to measure the amount of oxygen in molten metal by forming an oxygen concentration cell in which the solid electrolytic element is coated on the surface thereof with mixture which is composed of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 powders and metallic fluoride powders such as MgF.sub.2 or CaF.sub.2.The present coating does not exfoliate at immersing the sensor into the molten metal and fully maintains wettability of the solid electrolytic element 1 and the molten metal, and since it does not hinder oxygen ion conductivity of the solid electrolytic element 1, the sensor rapidly reaches up to the thermal and electrical equilibrium state, thereby to obtain satisfactory emf wave.

Abstract: A graphite refractory article having a dense structure with a low porosity, which has a chemical composition consisting essentially of:100 wt. parts of natural flake graphite, as the carbonaceous raw material, comprising at least 70 wt. % flake graphite having a particle size within the range of from 0.1 to 3 mm and up to 30 wt. % flake graphite having a particle size of under 0.1 mm; from 4 to 10 wt. parts of powdery phenol resin as the binder; and, incidental impurities;said graphite refractory article being obtained by press-forming a dry mixture having said chemical composition under a forming pressure of from 700 to 2,000 kg/cm.sup.

Abstract: A stamping apparatus for applying a lining material to an iron runner comprising:Arm means mounted at the base thereof to a travelling device and including a base member vertically mounted to one end thereof, said arm means further including a link mechanism and a swivelling mechanism, whereby said arm means is adapted to vertically and horizontally move said base member;A balancing cylinder vertically supported on said base member through the intermediary of turning means, said balancing cylinder holding therein a piston by upper and lower cylinder chambers, said balancing cylinder including compressed air inlet means, setting regulator means and main control regulator means for maintaining the pressure in each of said cylinder chambers at a setting pressure and a piston rod whereby maintaining constant the pressing force of at least one rammer mounted to one end of said piston rod, said balancing cylinder being rotatable so as to be held horizontally as well as in an inclined position; andSaid at least one