Abstract: A continuous casting machine has an open ended flow-through mold surrounded by a plurality of spray nozzles connected in groups to segregated sources of water and air for dispensing the same individually or in combination. The spray nozzles are positioned to provide multiple zones of cooling. Each nozzle may include a mixing valve operated by a control which in turn is connected to an individual temperature sensor mounted on the surface of the mold in an opposed relation to each nozzle. The control establishes the flow rates of air and water at each nozzle in accordance with the individual temperature of that portion of the mold whose temperature is affected by the respective nozzle.

Abstract: A continuous casting machine has a flow through mold and a flexible starting bar composed of a plurality of short sections coupled by hinges which permit the sections to pivot inwardly to a slight degree but prevent outward pivotal movement beyond the machine's arcuate casting path. A storage assembly for the starter bar includes a pair of support stands each having spaced drive rolls disposed along the arcuate casting path through which the starter bar passes as it is moved into and out of its stored position. One roll of each stand is fixed and the other is mounted on a pivotal arm engaged by a hydraulic cylinder to provide a pinching effect on the starter bar as it is moved between its operative and stored positions.

Abstract: An oscillator for the mold tube of a continuous casting machine having a vertically oriented arcuate mold passage. The mold is mounted at the free end of a mold plate, the other end of which extends from the upper portion of a support frame. A vertical support is fixedly mounted adjacent the support frame and is coupled thereto by first and second links which respectively are pivotally connected at their opposite ends to the upper and lower portions of the vertical support and the support frame. An eccentric drive is mounted on the vertical support between the links and is coupled to the first link for oscillating the mold tube along the arcuate path defined by the mold tube passage.

Abstract: A system for the rapid insertion and removal of a starting chain for the change of format or cross section of a continuous strand casting operation utilizing such starting chains, comprises an arcuate guide into which a portion of the chain can be drawn, a swingable ramp for lifting this portion of the chain into alignment with another arcuate guide at a device for separating the chain into segments or joining a segment of the chain to another portion thereof, and an automatic gripper, lifter and transport system for the chain segments. The latter mechanism is provided at the free end of the second arcuate guide.