Abstract: For closing gaps between blocks of a moving edge dam prior to its travelling downstream into the entrance of a moving mold defined between upper and lower revolving casting belts moving downstream from the mold entrance to its exit, the moving edge dam is initially elevated into a crest, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. This crest is above a plane generally defined by the lower casting belt travelling downstream. Then, a guide roller positioned above thrusts downwardly upon the moving edge dam bending it convex downwardly as shown at "B" in FIG. 14 for causing its dam blocks to press against each other for sliding them along their high strength endless flexibile carrying member, thereby closing gaps between the blocks entering the mold entrance for sealing the entrance against outward leakage of molten metal between blocks.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing the travelling edge dams in the continuous casting of metal slab, strip, or bar, thereby providing a means for the continuous uniform casting of longitudinally spaced edge shapes, contours, or profiles such as integral shoulders, lugs, lobes, depressions, curves, or indentations in the opposite edges of the cast product. Shapes include the protruding lugs, cast directly opposite each other, for suspending copper anodes in electrolytic refining-also the intruding, material-saving contours in the tops of anodes. A belt-type continuous casting machine is shown wherein two moving contoured edge dam loops each comprise blocks strung upon flexible endless metal straps. The moving edge dams on each side of the mold must be synchronized, regardless of disturbing thermal variations notably.