Abstract: This invention has as its object to provide an ATM relay device which attains high-speed, large-capacity packet relaying by distributing the load on an IP forwarding unit without having to improve the operation speed, processing performance, and the like of an IP forwarding function. This invention has an ATM switch core (111) for distributing input ATM cells to corresponding ones of a plurality of output ports on the basis of their destination information. A plurality of IP forwarding units (120-1 to 120-n), which are provided in correspondence with the respective output ports of the ATM switch core (111) and have unique forwarding processing functions, execute predetermined forwarding processes for packets obtained by reassembling ATM cells input via the respective output ports.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a novel furnace top charging apparatus, especially of the bell-less type, having a rotating distribution chute, wherein there is provided a portal truck serving as a stand on a floor under chuting bunkers, which normally supports collecting chutes, and moves them when requested. The collecting chutes have a mouth for mounting a vertical chute at an upper portion between pivots of two swingable sealing valves. These members enable efficient preservation, checking inspection or repair of the collecting chutes, the vertical chute and the rotating chute.

Abstract: For the purpose of utilizing as a sinter raw material a rolling mill sludge with a grease deposit having a high moisture content, which is deposited in a waste water pit of a steel rolling mill, the moisture content of said rolling mill sludge is reduced to from about 1% to 10% by drying said rolling mill sludge at a temperature of from about 120.degree. C to about 200.degree. C, preferably of about 140.degree. C to about 150.degree.