Abstract: The machine determines the cross sectional shape and area of an elongated wire or cable-like product by rotating the product about its longitudinal axis. A laser beam is directed at the longitudinal axis for transmitting a laser beam at the peripheral surface of the product at a plurality of predetermined angular increments during rotation of the product, e.g., 5000 times per revolution. The laser beam impinges on the plurality of points on the peripheral surface and is reflected from the peripheral surface to a laser receiver which is connected to a processor. The processor calculates the distance of the laser to the peripheral surface at each of the plurality of points whereby the magnitude of a radius of the product is obtained at each of the points.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved method of measuring oxygen concentration in molten metal using the galvanic oxygen concentration cell method. It consists of providing a layer of inert gas between the cell electrolyte and the melt, this prevents contamination of the electrolyte while at the same time allows it to be in thermal and chemical equilibrium with the melt, resulting in continuous measurements of oxygen activity from which oxygen concentration may be calculated. Novel probes are disclosed which include a solid electrolyte oxygen concentration cell, a cavity for containing the inert gas adjacent the cell electrolyte to prevent contact between it and the molten metal and a thermocouple for temperature measurements.