US Patent 7597221 Elongated stopper device

An enlongated stopper device for flow-control of molten metal from a vessel, containing molten metal, said device comprising: a) a body (10) made of a refractory ceramic material, b) a bore hole (12), having a longitudinal axis (A) and extending from an upper surface (10u) of said body downwardly, c) a rod (14), penetrating with one end (14l) into said bore hole (12) and being fixedly secured within said body (10), d) a sealing member (18), being arranged within a space adjacent to or being part of said bore hole (12), said space being defined at least partly by unlike surface sections (12a, 12i, 14s) of said rod (14) and said body (10) respectively.