Abstract: Described herein is a method of splitting slabs of steel produced by the continuous casting process. Molten steel, molded into strands proceeds on rollers where it is formed and cut transversely into individual slabs. Then, according to the method described herein, each individual slab is split lengthwise by the coordination of a pair of cutting torches positioned medially over the stabilized slab, each torch moving from each end of the slab and coordinated to complete the longitudinal cut and return to its original position to await the next slab and continue the splitting of slabs into more manageable units.

Abstract: The brush and handle assembly described herein are specifically designed to scrub and clean all interior surfaces of a bathtub. The elongated handle and brush-head are designed and constructed to permit pivoting the brush-head relative to the handle, but the pivoting movement is confined to a range of 0° to less than 180°. In the preferred embodiment of the disclosed brush, the range of pivoting movement is about 135°. Limiting the pivotal movement of the brush-head relative to the handle enables the user of the disclosed bathtub brush to scrub and clean, easily and efficiently, all interior surfaces, including the interior far-side, the interior near-side, the interior ends and the bottom surface of the typical bathtub without uncomfortable body contortions.

Abstract: Disclosed and described herein is a nail extractor adapted for the powered extraction of partially exposed headed-nails from a substrate. The extractor has a housing with a threaded opening for the fitment of a threaded spindle having a hexagonally-shaped proximal end for the attachment of a power tool and a claw assembly attached to the distal end of the spindle so as to permit free rotation of the spindle while the claw assembly is confined and sized to prevent turning within the housing. Additionally, the claw assembly has a cleft for engaging and grasping the partially exposed portion of the headed nail. When activated by the powered tool, the threaded spindle and claw assembly are vertically elevated within the housing and the partially exposed nail is extracted from the substrate.