Abstract: For closing gaps between blocks of a moving edge dam prior to its travelling downstream into the entrance of a moving mold defined between upper and lower revolving casting belts moving downstream from the mold entrance to its exit, the moving edge dam is initially elevated into a crest, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. This crest is above a plane generally defined by the lower casting belt travelling downstream. Then, a guide roller positioned above thrusts downwardly upon the moving edge dam bending it convex downwardly as shown at "B" in FIG. 14 for causing its dam blocks to press against each other for sliding them along their high strength endless flexibile carrying member, thereby closing gaps between the blocks entering the mold entrance for sealing the entrance against outward leakage of molten metal between blocks.

Abstract: A pair of guide pins are mounted on sideplate extensions of the caster and mating roller pairs are mounted on the nozzle assembly. The nozzle is advanced toward the caster so that the roller pairs engage the guide pins. Both guide pins are remotely adjustable in the vertical direction by hydraulic cylinders acting through eccentrics. This moves the nozzle vertically. The guide pin on the inboard side of the caster is similarly horizontally adjustable. The nozzle roller pair which engage the inboard guide pin are flanged so that the nozzle moves horizontally with the inboard guide pin.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for synchronizing the travelling edge dams in the continuous casting of metal slab, strip, or bar, thereby providing a means for the continuous uniform casting of longitudinally spaced edge shapes, contours, or profiles such as integral shoulders, lugs, lobes, depressions, curves, or indentations in the opposite edges of the cast product. Shapes include the protruding lugs, cast directly opposite each other, for suspending copper anodes in electrolytic refining-also the intruding, material-saving contours in the tops of anodes. A belt-type continuous casting machine is shown wherein two moving contoured edge dam loops each comprise blocks strung upon flexible endless metal straps. The moving edge dams on each side of the mold must be synchronized, regardless of disturbing thermal variations notably.

Abstract: A symmetrical belt-steering and tensioning system and apparatus for twin-belt continuous metal casting machines are disclosed. A rigid squaring shaft passes through a hollow tension and steering roll and is rigidly secured to torque arms at opposite ends of the roll assuring that this roll remains parallel with the driving roll at the other end of the carriage throughout the range of tensioning travel, these arms each being associated with tension thrust means and steering means. The geometrical relationships assure that tension in the casting belts remains essentially directly proportional to the fluid pressure in the thrust cylinders, while a pre-loading arrangement removes back lash from the pivots to improve steering precision and also provides mechanical advantage. A symmetrical synchronized steering action is applied to both ends of the tension-steering roll, and axial thrust control means operate to force the roll skewing movement to center at a predetermined point.

Abstract: A symmetrical belt tensioning system and apparatus for twin-belt continuous casting machines are disclosed. A rigid squaring shaft passes through a hollow tension roll and is rigidly secured to torque arms at opposite ends of the roll assuring that this roll remains parallel with the driving roll at the other end of the carriage throughout the range of tensioning travel, these arms each being associated with tension thrust means. The geometrical relationships assure that tension in the casting belts remains essentially directly proportional to the fluid pressure in the thrust cylinders, while a pre-loading arrangement removes back lash from the pivots to improve steering precision and also provides mechanical advantage. Independent adjustment of the displacement of each end of the tension-steering roll from the pass line is provided by sleeves associated with the squaring shaft and bearings in the interior of the hollow roll.