Abstract: A submerged nozzle mounting/dismounting apparatus for mounting a submerged nozzle (9) on and dismounting the same from a slide valve device (5) of a molten metal vessel (1) of a continuous casting system, is provided with a submerged nozzle holding mechanism (25) having support arms (27) for holding the submerged nozzle pressed against the slide valve device through mounting pins (13) on the upper part of the submerged nozzle. For automated operation to eliminate all kinds of heavy physical work in a hot environment, the submerged nozzle mounting/dismounting apparatus comprises a slide base (32) laterally slidably mounted for positional adjustment relative to the support arms (27) on a robot arm (21) supported for turning on a stand. A submerged nozzle hanger (40) is provided for supporting the submerged nozzle via support pins (14) projecting from the submerged nozzle. The hanger (40) is pivotally supported for turning in a vertical plane on the slide base.

Abstract: A plate brick assembly cartridge for a slide gate valve, in which metallic or ceramic holders are mounted to the outer peripheries of the sides of respective plates for the slide gate valve, and which is provided with an assembling mechanism for mutually engaging said holders, characterized in that both the faces of the holder for a slide plate are set slightly back from the sliding surface of said slide plate. The invention has any of the following constitutions. Voids for sensors for cold and/or temperature are provided in the holders, said voids communicating with one another. The sliding surfaces of the holders are provided with a ceramic coating. The plate brick for the slide gate valve is split. The contact faces of the holders with the plate bricks are made at angles of inclination. The surface pressure loading mechanism is of sliding, and opening and closing type, and provided with cylinders for surface pressure loading. All the above mechanisms are remote controlled.

Abstract: A fluid operated press having opposed first and second fluid chambers is employed for compressing a mixture of desired brick ingredients in a mold. Pressurized fluid, preferably hydraulic oil, is first delivered to the first fluid chamber of the press to cause the same to exert a prescribed pressure on the mixture. Then, with this prescribed pressure maintained, the pressurized fluid is directed alternately into the first and second fluid chambers at rapid intervals, with the result that the press imparts vibratory motion to the mixture being held under pressure. In a preferred embodiment, the selective delivery of the pressurized fluid to the fluid chambers of the press is controlled by a servomechanism, constantly comparing a reference pressure signal with an actual pressure signal representative of the actual pressure being exerted by the press and actuating a servovalve so as to make the difference between the reference and actual pressure signals zero.