Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for manipulating and handling sampling tubes in relation to a metallurgical vessel. The apparatus includes a generally vertically oriented guide frame, mounted for limited tilting about a horizontal axis. Rails on the guide frame permit a carriage to run thereon, the carriage will carry a measuring lance. A tube manipulator is pivotably mounted to the guide frame, and includes a tube holding structure for holding a tube on an axis leading directly into the vessel and being coaxial with an axis of the lance, as moved by the carriage, while being alternatively positionable in coaxial relationship with a horizontal delivery axis.

Abstract: A transfer and storage mechanism is provided for disposable tube probes used in metallurgy. The transfer mechanism is arranged to select from several vertical stacks of such probes and to transfer the selected probe to a lance for insertion into a converter. The same mechanism provides several functions in that it holds the selected probe tube, pivots it into position for engagement with the lance and centers the probe for engagement for the lance. Moreover, arrangements are provided for engaging and sliding the selected tube out of the storage area into the transfer mechanism.