Abstract: A stopper for a tap hole of a steel converter has a plug which can at least partly be fitted into the tap hole, and holding means for holding the plug in place in the tap hole. To avoid entry of slag into the tap hole, even on initial tipping, the plug is substantially cylindrical in shape and can be moved along the whole length of the tap hole. The holding means are adapted to lose their holding action when the stopper is subjected to the heat of the molten steel upon tipping of the converter.

Abstract: For packing stacks of tinplate sheets on pallets a packing line is disclosed by which a variety of different packagings of the stacks can be realized. To minimize the manual labor a plurality of endless chain conveyors is provided, forming together a path for the stacks. The first conveyor is liftable and rotatable and acts as collector on a pallet for the sheets. After the forming of a stack on the pallet on the first conveyor the first conveyor is rotated over 90.degree. to align the runners of the pallet transversely to the travel direction of the stacks on the conveyor. At a manual packing station, the packaging is applied. Automatic strapping machines tie strips around each packed stack to complete the packaging. To provide temporary storage for the stacks in different stages, branch conveyors are provided in the form of roller conveyors.