Abstract: A continuous press machine includes a pressure applying device for urging a pair of opposed endless belts toward each other to compress a sheet-like material passing therebetween. The pressure applying device includes a stationary housing defining a pressure chamber and having a peripheral edge facing and spaced slightly from a back side surface of each endless belt, and a device for supplying a pressurized urging fluid to each of pressure chambers, so that the pressure in the pressure chamber is applied to the back side surface of each endless belt so as to urge each endless belt against the material. A seal device is provided for sealing a gap between the peripheral edge of each housing and the back side surface of each endless belt facing the peripheral edge, so as to prevent the pressurized urging fluid in the pressure chamber from flowing through the gap.