Abstract: The process is characterized in that, before starting casting, an initialization position is determined for the stopper rod control actuator when the stopper rod is resting on its seat under its own weight and after having filled the tundish equipped with this stopper rod, the actuator is operated to place it in a controlled superclosed position and, to start casting, the actuator is driven according to an imposed movement versus time law, time (t1) for start of casting being determined from this law and the control actuator continues to be driven in opening direction to enable the metal to flow into the ingot mould.

Abstract: An apparatus utilizing an endless blade for splitting hides, textile products and the like. A fixed assembly carries upper and lower cylinders or rollers for feeding the workpiece to the blade. A mobile or movable assembly carries the blade mounted on two spaced pulleys and is adjustable with respect to the rollers in order to change the spacing between the blade edge and the feeding plane between the rollers. Also mounted on the movable assembly is a sharpening device in the form of two grinding wheels which are biased toward the blade edge. A blade positioning mechanism controlled by a photocell sensing the position of the blade edge maintains the blade edge in the desired position relative to the rollers despite erosion of the blade due to sharpening and wear.

Abstract: Device for guiding a drilling string from a floating drilling rig comprises a flexible guide tube having an inner diameter which is constant and an outer diameter which decreases progressively from its median zone toward each end, the median zone being connected by swivel means to lateral and longitudinal members connected to the floating drilling rig.This device is especially adapted for floating drilling rigs having a well through which the string descends.