Abstract: A method of production of sorbents involving acylation of a macroporous styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer in the presence of the Friedel-Crafts catalyst—aluminum chloride. The acylation reaction is carried out using acetyl chloride in a dichloroethane solvent at boiling the solution. This is followed by phosphorylation of the obtained acylated copolymer with phosphorus trichloride at room temperature; the product is hydrolyzed with water, washed and dried. The technical result consists in production of a complexing adsorbent highly selective for scandium and simplification of the production process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for using a flow cell array are provided herein. An apparatus includes an array comprising one or more pixels, wherein each of the one or more pixels comprises multiple reaction sites openings; a first set of one or more sub-surface channels, wherein each of the multiple reaction site openings is connected to a sub-surface channel from the first set of one or more sub-surface channels; a second set of two or more sub-surface channels; and multiple vias connecting each channel from the first set of one or more sub-surface channels to (i) a first sub-surface channel from the second set of two or more sub-surface channels and (ii) a second sub-surface channel from the second set of two or more sub-surface channels.

Abstract: A method of quantifying nucleic acids in a sample includes generating a plurality of droplets in oil within a microfluidic device, wherein at least some of the droplets comprise a nucleic acid, amplification reagents, and a fluorescent probe or dyes contained therein. The droplets are delivered to a collection chamber to form an array of droplets. The droplets are subject to thermal cycling within the collection chamber a plurality of times to perform nucleic acid amplification within the droplets. The array of droplets is imaged during the plurality of thermal cycles as well as at a thermal cycle endpoint. An initial concentration of nucleic acid in the sample is calculated based on at least one of: a ratio of aqueous phase droplets exhibiting fluorescence within the array at the thermal cycle endpoint or a cycle threshold (Ct) of one or more aqueous phase droplets within the array.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for separating an analyte from a sample fluid including a series of fluidic channels including at least one first region and at least one second region. The first region includes a plurality of L-nodes, which connects to each other in series. The second region includes a plurality of R-nodes, which connects to each other in series. The first region is configured to trigger at least about one lamination process cycle for both the sample fluid and the buffer fluid and the second region is configured to trigger at least about one reverse lamination process cycle for both the sample fluid and the buffer fluid, whereby the lamination process cycle and the reverse lamination process cycle causes the analyte to diffuse to the buffer fluid from the sample fluid. A method for separating the analyte is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method that includes providing a phase-separation device having a porous membrane with a filter surface. The filter surface has a non-planar contour that forms a receiving cavity. The method also includes providing a liquid mixture into the receiving cavity of the porous membrane. The liquid mixture includes a polar liquid and a non-polar liquid that are immiscible with respect to each other. The filter surface along the receiving cavity has a surface energy that impedes flow of the polar liquid through the filter surface and permit flow of the non-polar liquid into the porous membrane. The method also includes permitting the non-polar liquid to flow into the porous membrane. The polar liquid forms a droplet within the receiving cavity as the non-polar liquid flows into the porous membrane.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a reaction vial and a transfer mechanism. The housing defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing has transfer port defining an opening in fluid communication with the second flow path and a volume outside of the housing. The transfer port includes a flow control member to limit flow through the opening. The reaction vial is coupled to the housing and defines a reaction volume, which is in fluid communication with the transfer port via the second flow path. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a sample from an isolation chamber of an isolation module to the reaction chamber via at least the first flow path when the transfer mechanism is actuated. The transfer mechanism configured to produce a vacuum in the reaction vial to produce a flow of a sample from the isolation chamber to the reaction volume.

Abstract: A rack for holding assay tips with improved stacking is provided. The rack has guiding elements arranged near opposing edges of at least two substantially orthogonal side walls of the peripheral wall of the rack configured to provide an early alignment of the rack with a similar rack, such that assay tips received in the rack nest into the assay tips received in the similar rack when the racks are stacked.

Abstract: A method of washing an array of pipette tips (94) with residual biological material includes lowering the array of pipette tips (94) into a wash basin (20) that includes an array of flush ports (22). A vacuum is generated such that the residual biological material in the array of pipette tips (94) is evacuated through the array of flush ports (22). A wash cycle is performed that includes raising the array of pipette tips (94) from the wash basin (20), filling the wash basin (20) with a primary wash fluid, lowering the array of pipette tips (94) into the wash basin (20), miming a pipette tip cleansing cycle, and generating a vacuum such that the primary wash fluid in the array of pipette tips (94) and the wash basin (20) is evacuated through the array of flush ports (22).

Abstract: Disclosed is a roller mill having two roller units disposed in a machine frame with each having one grinding roller rotatably mounted in two bearing jewels. The two grinding rollers are disposed mutually opposite each other and counter-rotatingly driven by a drive mechanism. A force-application system configured to generate a grinding force is coupled between the machine frame and at least one roller unit, wherein the grinding force is transmitted to the grinding rollers. The machine frame is composed of a plurality of frame parts, wherein for transmitting the grinding force a releasable and positive locking connection to two mutually compressed connection faces is provided between at least two interconnected frame parts, and/or between at least one frame part and one of the bearing jewels, wherein at least one of the two mutually compressed connection faces has a coating which generates a micro positive lock.

Abstract: The inventive apparatus for comminuting abrasive materials having at least one component is provided with a wear-protection profile which is formed by a multiplicity of welds made of an iron-chromium-carbon hard alloy having a hardness of greater than 55 HRC, wherein the welds have a geometric length-to-width ratio of ?4, preferably ?2.5, more preferably ?1.5.

Abstract: A system for the continuous monitoring of wear is disclosed. The system comprises a grinding mill (100) having at least one grinding disc (106). At least one detector (141) is provided to the at least one grinding disc (106), and at least one sensor (120) is provided to the grinding mill (100) which is configured to communicate with the at least one detector (141) during operation of the grinding mill (100). In use, the at least one grinding disc (106) wears away and ultimately affects a function of the least one detector (141). The at least one sensor (120) is configured to monitor said function of the least one detector (141). When the at least one sensor (120) detects a change in the signal of the at least one detector (141), an operator is notified that maintenance or grinding disc replacement may be necessary.

Abstract: A closed-circuit grinding installation for comminuting material to be ground, the grinding installation having at least one high-pressure roller press, at least one apparatus for sifting out fine material from the material to be ground which is situated within the closed circuit and at least two apparatuses for conveying the material to be ground. The at least one high-pressure roller press is arranged at a spatial distance from and approximately at the same height as the at least one apparatus for sifting out fine material from the material to be ground, wherein the at least two apparatuses for conveying the material to be ground, when viewed from the side, intersect approximately in the center of the spatial distance, wherein the spatial distance is at least between five and twenty times the width or length of the high-pressure roller press.

Abstract: A process for refining sand for use as frac sand includes the steps of passing the sand through a first fines separation stage to remove fine particles of contaminant from the sand, reducing the water content of the sand (such as to less than 20%), passing the sand into an attrition scrubber unit containing moving blades to delaminate clay and other contaminants from the sand grains, passing the sand from the attrition scrubber unit through a second fines separation stage to separate fine contaminants from the sand, and dewatering the resulting sand product in a further dewatering stage.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid. The microfluidic delivery system may be provided in a variety of orientations. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is vertical so that fluid being expelled opposes gravity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is orientated sideways so that fluid being expelled has a horizontal component. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system faces downward.

Abstract: A dispensing device is selectively operable in a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The device comprises a base and a refill removably connectable with the base. The base comprises a first dispensing system and a first actuator communicably connected with the first dispensing system. The refill comprises a reservoir having a sidewall and an orifice. The first dispensing system is in fluid communication with the refill in the first mode of operation and the refill is disconnected from the base in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A varnishing plant comprising: a platform on which a plurality of work stations are defined, each of which is adapted to receive a vehicle, a spray booth movable on the platform and positionable on each of said work stations, and an air supply and extraction system associated with the spray booth, wherein said air supply and extraction system comprises a fresh air intake duct and a polluted air exhaust duct, stationary and communicating with an external environment, wherein the polluted air exhaust duct communicates with air suction volumes located below said platform, wherein said fresh air intake duct has a plurality of openings located at respective work stations, and wherein the spray booth comprises a fresh air suction mouth selectively connectable to the opening located at the work station on which the spray booth is located.

Abstract: A method for producing an assembly of particles bound by a substrate, including: making a compact film of solid particles floating on a carrier liquid, the solid particles potentially holding objects between them; spraying particles onto a face of the compact film opposite to the one immersed in a carrier liquid, to create a substrate-forming-skin adhering to the solid particles; and extracting an obtained assembly outside the carrier liquid.

Abstract: Laser pre-processing to stabilize high-temperature coatings and surfaces. One method involves melting a surface of a metal substrate (2) with an energy beam (22) to form a melt pool (24), allowing the melt pool to cool and solidify into a melt-processed alloy layer (28) bonded to the metal substrate, and coating the melt-processed alloy layer with a protective alloy layer (4) to form a coated substrate. A flux composition (18) may also be deposited onto the surface of the metal substrate, such that the melt processing also forms a slag layer (30) at least partially covering the melt-processed alloy layer. A protective material (34) containing a carbon source may also be deposited onto the surface of the metal substrate, such that the melt processing forms a carbon-enriched melt-processed alloy layer (36) having a higher proportion of carbon than the metal substrate.

Abstract: A device and method for applying a material to a surface to repair, restore or refurbish at least a portion of the surface. The device has a sensor and one or more applicator nozzles. The device further includes a reservoir for containing a material to be deposited, and a CPU. The method includes providing information from the sensor about the surface to the CPU, which uses the information to identify where the material is to be deposited and/or how much to deposit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that can include a driver side and a bias voltage side. A higher voltage source can be electrically connected to the bias voltage side through a first resistor. A lower voltage source can be electrically connected to the driver side of through a second resistor. A field effect transistor or other suitable switch can be included, having a source, a gate and a drain. The source can be electrically connected to ground and the gate can be electrically connected to a control signal source. The drain can be electrically connected to the lower voltage source through a second resistor and be electrically connected to the driver side of the ultrasonic transducer. The gate can be electrically connected to a signal source through a third resistor.

Abstract: The use of power-efficient transmitters to establish acoustic wave energy having low undesirable harmonics is achieved by adjusting the transmitter output waveform to minimize the undesirable harmonics. In one embodiment both the timing and slope of the waveform edges are adjusted to produce the desired output waveform having little or no second harmonics. In the embodiment, output waveform timing adjustments on the order of fractions of the system clock interval are provided. This then allows for very fine control of a coarsely produced waveform. In one embodiment, the user can select the fine tuning to match the transmitter output signal to a particular load transducer.

Abstract: In some examples, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) apparatus includes one or more CMUTs formed on a CMUT substrate to have an operational direction facing away from the CMUT substrate. As one example, the one or more CMUTs may include a plurality of CMUT cells arranged in groups to form CMUT elements, and a plurality of the CMUT elements may be configured as an array on the CMUT substrate. An acoustic window is disposed over the one or more CMUTs and may contact an external medium. For instance, the acoustic window may be positioned to pass acoustic energy to or from the one or more CMUTs in the operational direction. A coupling medium may be disposed between the CMUTs and the acoustic window to couple acoustic energy between the one or more CMUTs and the acoustic window.

Abstract: There is provided a piezoelectric vibration actuator including: a flat cover member; a vibration portion including a vibration plate that is spaced apart from the cover member in parallel by a predetermined distance and a piezoelectric element that generates a vibration force by repeatedly expanding and contracting according to power applied from the outside; a weight portion disposed on the vibration portion to increase the vibration force of the piezoelectric element; and a binding member fixing the vibration portion and the weight portion. In addition, an enclosure portion is interposed between the weight portion and the vibration portion to enclose the center areas of the vibration portion, thereby making it possible to protect the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: System, method and/or apparatus repairs an area of damaged mesh in a sifter screen (80). Such sifter screens (80) have woven wire mesh (81) stretched, tensioned and/or secured over a supporting frame (85) having cells (82). Damage occurs to the mesh (81) over certain cells (82). A plug (10) having a mesh layer (14) inserts and/or locks into place in the damaged cell (89). The mesh layer (14) of the plug (10) is flush with the mesh (81) on the sifting screen (80). Ridges (62) and/or ledges (66) secure the plug (10) in place by engaging a lip (96) in the damaged cell (89) to snap-fit the plug (10) in place.

Abstract: The invention provides an adjustable and automated process for sorting shell cases of multiple caliber sizes. The machine consists of a frame with multiple levels of sorting sections. Each sorting section consists of two adjustable sloped spinning rollers driven by electric motors, which increase in separation distance to allow smaller shell case sizes to fall earlier, and larger shell cases to fall later in the process. The shell cases are fed from a hopper to the rollers until sorted into containers. The containers can be adjusted along with the separation distance between rollers to accommodate a range of shell case caliber sizes.

Abstract: A washer configured to wash a product includes a support frame, a transmission mechanism mounted to the support frame, a guide mechanism mounted to a top of the transmission mechanism, and a washing mechanism mounted adjacent to the transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism includes a plurality of rollers mounted to the ends of the support frame and a plurality of transmission belts mounted to the rollers. The washing mechanism includes a plurality of washing elements. The plurality of washing elements are arranged at the top and bottom edges of the plurality of transmission belts. A plurality of outlet holes are defined in positions of washing elements adjacent to the plurality of transmission belts. Cleaning fluid sprayed from the plurality of outlet holes forms an intersecting liquid curtain to wash the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gun for cleaning by way of air or a sprayed air/liquid mixture, having: a body (2), from which there extends a butt (3) provided with at least one inlet (5) for a pressurized liquid and an inlet (6) for pressurized air, a mechanism (12) for selecting the operating mode of the gun, interposed on the air circuit (9) and liquid circuit (8) thereof, a device (60) for breaking up the liquid into droplets by throwing the liquid flowing in the liquid circuit (8), and a trigger (14) that controls the selection mechanism (12) and is able to take up a first position closing the outlet nozzle (7) and a second position in which only the air exits through the outlet nozzle (7) or a third position in which the air loaded with droplets exits through the outlet nozzle (7).

Abstract: The separator/dryer includes a housing, removable collection trays, a separator assembly, a rinse assembly, and a heater/blower. The separator assembly separates the ammunition casings from the clean media and the rinse waste and includes a rotating separator basket disposed within the housing on a motor driven shaft. The rinse assembly provides a water shower to rinse any cleaning residue, carbon particulate and dust from the ammunition casings and the cleaning media. The heater/blower circulates a stream of hot air into the housing interior to dry ammunition casings and the cleaning media. The removable collection trays are vessels for collecting both the rinsed and dried ammunition casings and the rinsed and dried clean media.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a coating apparatus that has been coated with a coating such as an oil-based paint using bio-diesel.

Abstract: A method of cleaning calibration and other substrates that improves the correlation of measurements from calibration and product substrates and increases the useful life of the calibration substrates is herein disclosed. By exposing a calibration substrate to ultraviolet light, a reaction is triggered that results in the cleaning of the contaminants from the calibration substrate. For instance, monatomic oxygen is introduced to contaminants on the surface of a calibration substrate to remove the contaminants without inducing modifications in the substrate itself. Through the cleaning process, the temperature of the calibration substrate may be controlled to limit adverse effects caused by the overheating of the calibration substrate.

Abstract: In a process for cleaning contaminating silicon dioxide SiO2 off of turbine blades, silicon dioxide that is on the turbine blades is reduced selectively in a vacuum process that takes place in dry conditions and at elevated temperature inside a high vacuum furnace, by feeding gas having a reducing action, consisting of hydrogen gas or carbon monoxide, is introduced into the high vacuum furnace. The temperature inside the high vacuum furnace is at least about 1000 degrees Celsius, and the residence time of the turbine blades in the high vacuum furnace is determined with reference to the diminishment of the SiO concentration, as analysed with a mass spectrometer. The electrically heatable high vacuum furnace is evacuable by means of a vacuum system that consists of a backing pump and a turbomolecular pump with an adjustable throttle valve and a water-cooled baffle.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses a water dispenser, comprising a water container, a water supply system, a fluid pump and a control unit. The water supply system is configured to supply water from the water container to a hot water reservoir and to a cold water reservoir and is further configured to provide hot water from said hot water reservoir and cold water from said cold water reservoir to a user of said water dispenser. The fluid pump is fluidly coupled to a fluid flow system and the water supply system and is configured to pump a quantity of hot water from the hot water reservoir to the water container via a fluid flow conduit of the fluid flow system for a cleansing operation of at least the fluid flow system. The control unit is in communication with the fluid pump for controlling the cleansing operation.

Abstract: A device for cleaning hand tools comprises a substrate, teeth protruding from the substrate, and an attaching/clipping mechanism that can attach/clip the device to a corresponding apparatus.

Abstract: Described herein is a mineral-releasing compost prepared by combining a prebiotic material, a probiotic material, and one or more mineral gluconate salts to form a composting mixture, controlling composting conditions to allow for the composting mixture to decompose, and allowing the composting mixture to fully stabilize and mature, wherein the compost includes one or more minerals as digested products of the respective mineral gluconate salts. The mineral-releasing compost is particularly suitable for remediation of soil contaminated with heavy metals and for amendment of soil deficient of certain minerals.

Abstract: A method and device for rapid discharging of metallic plates (21, 22) particularly thick plates, from a rolling mill, to enable secure discharge of relatively short plates (21, 22) from the rolling mill at high velocity and low cycle times by transporting a first plate (21) on a roller bed (9, 13) in the transport direction (T), and preferably the first plate (21) is accelerated in the transport direction (T); depositing the first plate (21) on the roller bed (9, 13); transporting a second plate (22) on the roller bed (9, 13) in the transport direction (T); depositing the second plate (22) in the transport direction before the first plate (21) on the roller bed (9, 13); and discharging the first and the second plates (21, 22) from the roller bed (9, 13) onto a storage (24), wherein the discharging occurs crosswise to the transport direction (T).

Abstract: In a rolling device at least one roller associated with a multi-zone cooling has at least one spray bar having a plurality of nozzles for a coolant. At least one short-stroke cylinder or mechanical movement or movement mechanics is arranged and adapted such that the spray bar is adjustable therewith in and against the feed direction of a material strip to the at least one roller, to be rolled, relative to the at least one roller. The temperature of the roller is affected locally corresponding to each nozzle on at least one roller by a multi-zone cooling with at least one spray bar. The spray bar is adjustable by means of at least one short-stroke cylinder or mechanical movement or movement mechanics in and against the feed direction of a material strip to the at least one roller, to be rolled, relative to the at least one roller.

Abstract: A hot extrusion die tool and a method of making the hot extrusion die tool are provided. The hot extrusion die tool includes a die tool component including a nickel-based super alloy; and a wear resistant coating deposited on the die tooling component. The method of making the hot extrusion die tool includes coating at least one portion of an extrusion die tool component comprising a nickel-based super alloy with a wear resistant coating at a high temperature; and hardening the extrusion die tool component and the at least one coated portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for reducing ovality in pipe for joining to pipe components by using a plug coupled on an inside surface of the pipe and a sacrificial component coupled to the end of the pipe to establish a coupling interface. The plug, the sacrificial component, or a combination thereof assists in minimizing ovality changes during use of the pipe, particularly at the end of the pipe. When the pipe is to be coupled with a pipe component, the pipe and sacrificial component are separated at a different location than the coupling interface along the pipe in proximity to the plug. The plug is left coupled to the sacrificial component, and generally slidably engaged with the pipe. The plug and the sacrificial component can be removed from engagement with the pipe. The pipe and the pipe component can be coupled together.

Abstract: A roller set for roll forming pipe elements has an outer roller that engages the pipe element at three points to prevent teetering of the pipe element. Inner and outer rollers cooperate to form pipe elements having a projection engageable by keys of mechanical couplings, the projection extending beyond the outer surface of the pipe element and increasing the pressure and bending performance of the combination pipe elements and coupling.

Abstract: A spinning thickening forming method is a method of, while rotating a plate including a center portion fixed to a fixing jig, increasing a thickness of a peripheral portion of the plate. Specifically, while locally heating the peripheral portion of the plate such that at least a portion of the plate which is adjacent to the fixing jig maintains stiffness, a forming roller is pressed against the peripheral portion of the plate to compress the peripheral portion in at least a direction perpendicular to a thickness direction of the peripheral portion.

Abstract: Example methods and devices for producing a shaped component may involve positioning a workpiece having a hollow region and consisting at least partially of steel in a mold of a device. One or more docking punches may secure the workpiece within the mold and serve to introduce a pressurized fluid into the hollow region of the workpiece within the mold. The workpiece may be hot-formed in this process. The present disclosure concerns a variety of methods and devices that may be utilized to counteract a cooling of the workpiece in a region of the docking punch and reduce a temperature difference that may exist between the workpiece and the device.

Abstract: A punching apparatus includes a beating element that is arranged for interacting with at least one punching tool and is movable inside a container along and around a work axis, a first rotating actuator coupled to the beating element to move it linearly along the work axis between internal and external operating positions and drive the punching tool, and a second rotating actuator connected to the beating element and arranged for rotating it around the work axis, in particular for angularly orienting the punching tool. The second rotating actuator comprises a second electric motor having a stator fixed to the container and a rotor that is internal to the stator and connected to the beating element to rotate it. The rotor extends along the work axis to face, and be engaged with, the stator between the operating positions.

Abstract: A punching device for forming a predetermined pattern (20) on a surface near a discharge hole (11) and an intake hole (11) of a valve plate for a compressor comprises: a seating jig (100) to which the valve plate (10) is fixed; a processing pin (200) in which a pressing part (210) for pressing the valve plate (10) is formed at a distal end thereof; and a moving unit (300) which is disposed on an upper portion of the seating jig (100), horizontally moves the processing pin (200) at a constant speed while allowing the processing pin (200) to vertically reciprocate at a constant speed, so as to form the pattern (20) on the valve plate (10).

Abstract: An assembly for a vehicle and a method of making an assembly including more than three panels stacked together and joined by self-piercing rivets or by clinch joints. A first panel and a second panel are joined together at a first attachment point. A third panel and the first panel are joined together at a second attachment point. A fourth panel and the third panel are joined together at a third attachment point. The first, second and third attachment points are spaced apart to avoid interference between the self-piercing rivets or the clinch joints.

Abstract: A casting apparatus for manufacturing a cast product from molten metal includes a molten metal and a cooling portion. The molten metal contacts a surface for contact with the molten metal. The cooling portion forms a cooling flow passage. The cooling flow passage is configured to cool the molten metal contacting surface. At least a part of an inner surface of the cooling flow passage is constituted of a welding portion formed by welding, the welding portion sealing the cooling flow passage. The welding portion is constituted such that an exposure to the molten metal becomes equal to or less than a predetermined ratio with respect to an area of the welding portion constituting the inner surface of the cooling flow passage.

Abstract: The invention describes a feeder insert (2, 2?, 2?, 2??, 2IV) for use for the casting of metals in vertically separable casting moulds, having a first shaped element (8, 8?, 8?, 8??, 8IV) and a second shaped element (10) which (i) are moveable telescopically relative to one another, (ii) delimit a feeder cavity (30) for receiving liquid metal, and (iii) are designed for being position by means of a centring pin (20, 22?) that can be positioned along a centring axis (28), wherein the first shaped element (8, 8?, 8?, 8??, 8IV) has a passage opening (18) for the liquid metal, and wherein the feeder cavity (30) is designed such that, in the case of horizontal arrangement of the centring axis (28), a predominant volume fraction of the feeder cavity (30) can be positioned above the centring axis.

Abstract: A coating layer including solely silicon alkoxide or mixed alkoxide of silicon alkoxide and aluminum alkoxide is formed on a surface of a sintered precision-casting core body mainly including silica particles so as to seal holes formed in the surface. As a result, it is possible to prevent the breakage of the core during casting.

Abstract: Additive manufacturing devices operable in various external force environments are disclosed. In an aspect, an additive manufacturing device operable in microgravity is disclosed. In other aspects, devices which are operable in high-vibration environments or varying external force environments are disclosed. Additive manufacturing devices herein may produce parts from metal, polymer, or other feedstocks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for continuously producing steel intermediate products are disclosed. Liquid steel is cast into plural moulds to continuously produce plural bloom strands using continuous casting apparatus. Subsequently, one or more of the bloom strands is fed in-line to respective rolling mills configured to hot roll the input continuously cast bloom strands to produce rolled billets.

Abstract: A pulling-up-type continuous casting apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a holding furnace that holds molten metal, a shape defining member configured to define a cross-sectional shape of a cast-metal article to be cast by a molten-metal passage section through which the molten metal passes, and a nozzle that blows a cooling gas on the cast-metal article, the cast-metal article being formed as the molten metal that has passed through the molten-metal passage section. The shape defining member includes cooling means for cooling the molten metal on an outlet side of the molten-metal passage section, and temperature-maintaining means for maintaining a temperature of the molten metal on an inlet side of the molten-metal passage section. An end face shape of the molten-metal passage section is curved to conform to a surface shape of the molten metal pulled up from the molten-metal surface.