Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention is a rolling mill having rolls with inverse symmetrical profiles and a method of using the same. An inverse symmetrical profile is a profile in which the right and left sides of a roll, with respect to the roll center line, have the profiles that are described by the same polynomial function but with opposite signs. A family of metal strip profiles can be created by the method and apparatus of the present invention wherein the family of strip profiles created prior to roll shifting are strip profiles expressed by polynomial functions having terms of the n.sup.th order, where n is preferably 1-5 inclusive, and the family of strip profiles produced by shifting at least one upper roll having an inverse symmetrical profile and at least one lower roll having an inverse symmetrical profile are strip profiles expressed by polynomial functions having terms of the (n-1).sup.th order, where n is preferably 1-5, inclusive.

Abstract: The method and apparatus is directed toward an annealing furnace and a method of using the same where the annealing furnaces includes a layer forming apparatus suitable to create layers of metal product; an insulated housing having an interior cavity formed by a roof, a floor, opposing side walls extending the annealing furnace length, opposing side walls extending the annealing furnace width, said insulated housing also having an entrance for introducing metal product and exit for discharging metal product; a heating means in the interior cavity for heat treating metal product; transportation device suitable to convey the metal product in form of layers from the chamber entrance to its exit, whereas to guarantee a stay time inside said furnace suitable for obtaining a required heat treatment; and a discharging apparatus suitable to break up the product layers.