Abstract: A probe for immersion in a bath of liquid metal includes a gas supply pipe closed at its lower end by a stopper which melts in liquid metal, a gas collecting portion having a diaphragm which allows gas to pass but retains liquid metal for collecting the gas bubbling from the supply pipe through the metal, and a gas discharge pipe connected to the gas collecting portion. A gas circuit has one end connected to the gas supply pipe and another end connected to the gas discharge pipe. The circuit includes a gas detector and a pump mounted therein for moving the gas through the circuit. A lance through which the gas circuit extends, includes one portion of a two portion quick-acting coupling and the probe includes the other portion of the coupling. The gas is dried as it circulates in the circuit.

Abstract: A shock absorbing immersion probe comprises a probe body having a first end portion for immersion into a molten metal bath, a second end portion coupleable to support means and means for detecting characteristics of a molten metal, where shock absorbing means are positioned proximate the first end of the probe body for absorbing impact loads imposed upon the first end portion of the probe. A polymer foam shock absorber for immersion probes is also disclosed, as well as methods for making the same.

Abstract: A metal contact member for a measuring lance for taking measurements in metal melts, said contact member consisting of two tubes (10, 11) interconnected by a tapered portion (14) of one tube (11) being pushed into the widened opening (12) of the other tube (10) with the interposition of an insulating member (17) in the form of a sleeve, a cup-shape insulating member (26) being inserted into the widened interior of the end of the contact member (1) and containing the contact by which the contact member is electrically connected to the measuring probe. The sleeve-shaped insulating member (17) is sealed off from the wall of the widened portion (12) of the tube (10) and the wall of the tapered portion (14) of the tube (11) of the contact member by the insertion of annular seals (21) while sealing of the cup-shaped insulating member (26) from the wall of the widened interior of the tube end connected to the probe is provided by another annular seal (30).