Abstract: A hydraulic control valve system comprising a hydraulic valve block with a plurality of control valve segments arranged in a juxtaposed manner, each control valve segment comprising a first line, for example a pump line, a second line, for example a return line, and a displaceable valve rod adapted to open and close the first line, respectively close and open the second line to varying degrees depending on a position of the valve rod. The valve system further has a plurality of actuators arranged in a juxtaposed manner, one actuator for each valve segment, each actuator comprising an electrical motor connected to a respective said valve rod through a coupling mechanism. Each motor has a rotor and a stator, whereby a ratio DS/HS of an average diameter DS of coils of the stator divided by an overall height HS of the coils in a direction parallel to an axis of rotation of the rotor is greater than four.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: A roll support for use in transporting a support beam along a track having two opposed surfaces. Such roll support is particularly useful for transporting a support beam in a continuous block caster for casting metal. The invention can include mechanisms for adjusting the support beam on the roll support, devices for driving the support beam along the track and apparatus for meshing the roll support with the devices for driving.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, a prestressed beam chain is provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast.

Abstract: The strip casting plant has a casting nozzle (10) displaceable in the direction of flow (F) of the liquid metal and adjustable perpendicular to this, to supply liquid metal to the adjustable roller gap (30) between rotating dies (26, 28). The casting nozzle (10) consists of an upper and a lower nozzle element (14, 16) and in vertical strip casting plants a left and a right nozzle element (14, 16) mounted on a melt distribution trough, and two side limiters which form a slot-like outlet opening (20) for the liquid metal. One or both of the nozzle elements (14, 16) is adjustable at least in the area of the outlet opening (20). On operation of the strip casting plant, the casting nozzle (10) is advanced at the start with outlet opening (20) in start position (S) and then withdrawn to work position (W), where the outlet opening (20) is expanded under adaptation to the casting rollers (26, 28).

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods and apparatus for continuously casting molten metal in a block caster. In accordance with the present invention, novel track and drive systems are provided for reducing imperfections that can be created in a cast by movement of a beam chain through a casting cycle.