Abstract: A fastener puller capable of removing fasteners embedded in a material having a surface, the puller having a handle, a horn having a wedge, connecting means form mounting the horn to the handle and an elongated ram slidably mounted with respect to the handle. As the ram is moved along a slide path, the ram abuts the horn causing the wedge to be forced underneath the head of a fastener. As the ram continues along the slide path and contacts the surface, the horn and handle are pushed away from the surface causing the fastener to be pulled out of the material.

Abstract: A continuous casting mold for producing strands in the form of slabs, thin slabs, blooms, and billets resulting in highly reliable casting at casting speeds of up to 6 m/min. The cambered shape of the mold causes the strand to be centered during casting by the mold so that sideways movement of the strand shell toward one of the narrow sides (snaking) is suppressed or moderated. This symmetrical running of the strand shell box during casting in the mold results in a uniform symmetrical formation of the strand shell and its temperature field (isotherms), the withdrawal forces, and the loading of the strand shell in relation to the strand axis in the casting direction, even despite weaving of the strand in the region of the strand guide.