Abstract: A continuous chain caster has upper and lower mold assemblies comprising endless belts and chains traveling at synchronized speeds. The mold assemblies meet to form a mold channel which is filled with molten metal from a headbox and feed tip. As the molten metal passes through the mold channel, the metal solidifies into the shape of the mold channel. Each belt is positioned outside the corresponding chain so that the smooth surface of the belt defines the surface of the mold channel thereby preventing the formation of fins between mold blocks which make up the chain, protecting the chain blocks, and neutralizing deformations in the chain blocks. The upper and lower blocks of the chains have protrusions at opposite ends which engage the opposing blocks to form the sides of the mold channel. By sliding the chains relative to each other, the width of the mold channel is adjustable.

Abstract: A continuous chain caster has upper and lower mold assemblies comprising endless belts and chains traveling at synchronized speeds. The mold assemblies meet to form a mold channel which is filled with molten metal from a headbox and feed tip. As the molten metal passes through the mold channel, the metal solidifies into the shape of the mold channel. Each belt is positioned outside the corresponding chain so that the smooth surface of the belt defines the surface of the mold channel thereby preventing the formation of fins between mold blocks which make up the chain, protecting the chain blocks, and neutralizing deformations in the chain blocks. The upper and lower blocks of the chains have protrusions at opposite ends which engage the opposing blocks to form the sides of the mold channel. By sliding the chains relative to each other, the width of the mold channel is adjustable.

Abstract: A continuous strip coating machine has top and bottom applicator rolls and a backup roll adjacent the top applicator roll. A lift roll to lift the strip of material and thus vary the angle of wrap of the strip about the bottom applicator roll is provided. The use of the lift roll in turn varies the pressure between the strip and the roll and thus the thickness of the coating applied to the strip bottom. Thickness may be measured indirectly by measuring pressure of the strip on the applicator roll. Thickness may also be measured directly. Oscillations of the strip in a drying oven may also be sensed and compensated for. Feedback control is used with the thickness measuring techniques to control the coating thickness by varying angle of wrap, relative speed between the applicator roll and strip, and/or nip pressure between the applicator roll and a transfer roll that transfers coating material to the applicator roll.

Abstract: An oven for drying and curing a film of paint, ink, or the like on a continuous strip of metal has a non-rectangular, and preferably oval, elongated oven chamber without sharp internal corners. By avoiding sharp corners in the oven, air flow is more uniform and deposits of condensed fumes are minimized. In some embodiments no internal bracing structure required. The absence of internal structure is permitted by the oven's walls, oval shaped in transverse cross section, which result a naturally self supporting structure. Cleaning nozzles may be provided for washing the inside of the oven without need for people to enter the oven.

Abstract: Thickness of metal sheet being cast is continuously controlled by passing a light beam through the gap between the casting machine rolls and measuring the amount of light passing through. The width of the gap is controlled in response to the measured light. To prevent interference in the hostile environment of a casting machine, the light is transmitted along an enclosed path and air is blown through the enclosed path into the roll gap. Both the thickness can be controlled in this way, and the profile can be controlled by axially shifting at least one of a pair of non-cylindrical work rolls.

Abstract: Heat treating apparatus for continuous painted strip, comprising an elongated, convective heating oven through which painted strip is passed while jets of hot gas are directed against the top and bottom surfaces of the strip to dry and cure the paint film. The strip is suspended from tension bridles at opposite ends of the oven, and hangs in a relatively flat catenary curve therefrom. Spaced longitudinally within the oven is a plurality of pairs of headers which are arranged to follow the catenary curve of the strip, each of said pairs comprising an upper header located above the strip and a lower header located below the strip. Each of the headers has a plurality of jet nozzles directed toward the strip, and duct means is provided for supplying hot gas to the headers so that the nozzles send jets of hot gas impinging against the strip.

Abstract: A continuous chain caster has upper and lower mold assemblies comprising endless belts and chains traveling at synchronized speeds. The mold assemblies meet to form a mold channel which is filled with molten metal from a headbox and feed tip. As the molten metal passes through the mold channel, the metal solidifies into the shape of the mold channel. Each belt is positioned outside the corresponding chain so that the smooth surface of the belt defines the surface of the mold channel thereby preventing the formation of fins between mold blocks which make up the chain, protecting the chain blocks, and neutralizing deformations in the chain blocks. The upper and lower blocks of the chains have protrusions at opposite ends which engage the opposing blocks to form the sides of the mold channel. By sliding the chains relative to each other, the width of the mold channel is adjustable.