Abstract: An interface (204) for an automatic call distributor (102) which connects incoming telephone calls to selected ones of a plurality of agents provides communications with a host computer (108). An agent (112) communicates to the automatic call distributor (102) through a host terminal (104) connected to the host computer (108). The interface (204) permits the agent (112) to request the assistance of a supervisor (116), to initiate an emergency and to repeat an announcement. The interface (204) receives signals from the host computer (108) via a data link (110). The signals being representative of the desired function requested by the agent (112). The interface (204) conditions the signals for proper receipt by the automatic call distributor (102) such that the automatic call distributor (102) performs the requested function.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for casting steel into a continuous casting mold, wherein the steel is introduced into the casting head to a point beneath the liquid metal pool and the steel, prior to its departure out of a pouring tube, is treated with an inert gas while forming small gas bubbles. The resultant steel-gas mixture during its outflow into the metal pool in the form of a thin, coherent fan or pattern is simultaneously introduced downwardly as well as also laterally. The pouring tube possesses an outlet opening in the form of a downwardly and laterally extending slot and a gas infeed means above such outlet opening.

Abstract: A flux powder for use during the continuous casting of steel, containing Portland cement, a fluxing agent and a carbon carrier. The carbon carrier possesses a grain size of less than 1 .mu., the powder having an aluminum oxide content in the range between 2 - 12 percent by weight, and a lime-silica ratio adjusted between 0.7 and 1.0 through the addition of quartz powder. The carbon carrier is carbon black containing carbon in an amount of 2 - 8 percent by weight, and wherein the carbon black is present as powder carbon black. The powder carbon black can be in the form of lamp black.