Abstract: A “one-step”, single-handed device for obtaining small, precise volumes of fluid from animals is able to quickly and easily draw a fluid sample. The device comprises an extraction component and a collection component that are coupled together and disposed along a grip handle. The user manipulates the device so as to initiate the extraction of the fluid, and then collect the fluid in a component that can quickly and easily be removed from the grip handle—allowing the handle to be re-loaded and used again and again. The extraction component may comprise a hypodermic needle and the collection component may comprise a pre-calibrated pipette, where the pipette is positioned directly behind the needle and will thus draw the extracted fluid into a pre-sized chamber within the pipette.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of a safety block may include an actuator bracket pivotally engaged with a pivot arm. The actuator bracket may be configured to engage a master actuator having a first end moveable with respect to a second end. A secondary actuator may have a first end engaged with the actuator bracket and a second end engaged with the pivot arm such the secondary actuator may cause the pivot arm to move between a first position, in which first position the pivot arm prevents the master actuator from retracting, and a second position, in which second position the pivot arm allows the master actuator to retract.

Abstract: An improved process of operating a continuous casting mold of the type that includes at least one mold surface and at least one coolant passage that is in thermal communication with the mold surface includes determining based on at least one factor whether it would be most advantageous to direct coolant through the coolant passage in a first direction or in a second, opposite direction. For example, if the mold liner is beneath a predetermined thickness it may be advantageous to circulate the coolant so that it enters the water jacket and the coolant slots that are defined in the mold liner at the bottom and exiting from the top so that there is some prewarming of the coolant before it reaches the meniscus region. Conversely, if the mold liner is thicker it may be desirable to introduce the coolant at the top of the water jacket, thus enhancing the cooling effect in the meniscus region.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pouring tube such as a submerged entry nozzle (SEN) for use in a continuous casting machine includes steps of preheating at least one portion of the pouring tube by exposing the pouring tube to intensive radiative heat transfer; and installing the preheated pouring tube into a continuous casting machine. In the preferred embodiment the source of intensive radiative heat transfer is a high intensity infrared heat source that is capable of preheating the pouring tube to a temperature of up to 2000 degrees F. within seven to ten minutes. This compares with conventional gas preheating techniques that typically take over thirty minutes and thus require many steel producers to keep an SEN on constant preheat. By eliminating this necessity, the pouring tube may be prepared for use more quickly and in an environmentally sounder manner than through conventional preheating processes.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting system and process involves the removal of mold flux from the outer surfaces of the cast strand after it is withdrawn from the continuous casting mold. This will increase the quality of the cast product, as well as reduce the production of corrosive steams and liquids that typically form as a byproduct of the mold flux downstream of the mold. It will also reduce costs that are associated with water treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the mold flux is loosened from the strand by the application of pressurized fluid, and the flux and excess fluid are then removed by suction. The removed flux is preferably dried and then stored in a collection space. Multiple collection spaces may be provided for storing different type of recovered flux. Also disclosed is a system and process of removing flux from the collection space and then premixing it in predetermined proportions with virgin mold flux for reintroduction to the mold.

Abstract: An improved mold assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a mold liner assembly having an inner surface defining a casting space in which molten metal is shaped and cooled, an immersion nozzle, terminating within the casting space, for introducing molten metal into the casting space, and selective cooling structure for selectively cooling the mold liner assembly in such a manner that cooling is directed in varying intensities to different portions of the inner surface of the mold liner assembly according to predetermined circulation patterns in the molten metal, whereby heat transfer inequality as a result of convection is accommodated over the entire inner surface of the mold liner assembly.

Abstract: An improved guide segment assembly for a continuous casting machine includes a support frame and a guide segment that includes a bottom segment portion having a number of support rolls for engaging a bottom surface of a continuously cast strand, and a top segment having a number of guide rolls thereon for engaging a top surface of the strand. A force applicator is provided for urging the top and bottom segment portions toward one another against mechanical stops in order to provide support for the strand that is sufficient to counter ferrostatic pressure within the strand. A resilient mechanism is positioned between the support frame and the guide segment for permitting limited movement between the support frame and the guide segment during abnormal casting conditions. As a result of the resilient mechanism, both the support rolls and the guide rolls will be amply protected against overload conditions during abnormal conditions such as cold withdrawals.

Abstract: A mold clamping system for clamping a first mold component to a second mold component in a continuous casting machine includes a tensioning rod that is connected to the first mold component, a support frame that is connected to the second mold component and a load cell member that has an inner portion, an outer portion and a force measuring mechanism for measuring the amount of axial force that is transmitted between the inner and outer portions. The inner portion is secured to the tensioning rod, and the outer portion is acted upon by a compression spring that is interposed between the support frame and the outer portion of the load cell member. In order to permit adjustment of the clamping force, the system also includes anti-biasing structure that is positioned to apply force to the outer portion of the load cell member for countervailing the biasing of the compression spring.

Abstract: An improved continuous casting mold and foot guide assembly includes a mold having a casting passage defined therein, a frame member, mounting structure for mounting the frame member to the mold for relative movement toward and away from an axis of the casting passage, and a strand support member for providing support to a strand of continuously cast material as it emerges from the casting passage. Biasing structure is provided for biasing the frame member toward the axis of the casting passage and, advantageously, is positioned so as not to occupy space that is behind the frame member. As a result, the assembly is compatible with all models of casting machines and will be less susceptible to degradation as a result of radiant heat and steam that is emitted from the strand during operation. In addition, a load cell is provided for monitoring the amount of relative force between the frame member and the strand during operation.

Abstract: The mold includes an outer wall that has a plenum chamber defined in an inner surface thereof and at least one passage for communicating the plenum chamber with an external coolant conduit. The mold further includes a liner that is secured to the inner surface of the outer wall. The liner has a number of slots defined in an inner wall thereof which, together with the outer wall, define a number of passages for transporting coolant to cool the liner during operation of the mold. A recess intersecting at least one of the slots is provided in the inner wall of the liner. A restrictor plate is situated in the recess, and serves to strategically reduce the cross-section of selected slots in order to achieve the desired coolant flow profile among the slots. The mold may further include a velocity plate that is positioned between the plenum and the transition portion to limit an opening by which coolant may flow between the plenum and the transition portion.

Abstract: A heat-treated cladding on the working surfaces of continuous caster rolls reduces sensitization zones. The thermal treatment applied conditions the working surface of the roll substantially uniformly at all positions around the perimeter of the roll, thereby dissolving carbide formations into a austenite solution and removing carbide formations and chromium depletion sites or sensitized zones associated with the reheat regions occurring during the welding process. The heat treatment process is accomplished without thermally affecting or altering the properties and dimensions of the base roll material, either at a substantial depth beneath the body working surface or on or beneath the roll journal surfaces.