Abstract: A device for the manipulation of immersion lances (5) for metallurgical furnaces (9) with the aid of a freely movable vehicle, for example a charging machine (2), comprises a lance mounting (3) which can be suspended at the head of the supporting arm (1) of a charging machine (2) or the like, the mounting being supported to be rotatable about two swivel and tilting axes (4--4, 6--6) extending at right angles to each other, separate hydraulic drive mechanisms for the swiveling and tiling motions of the immersion lance (5) being arranged in the charging machine (2) or the like and being connected to the lance mounting (3) by way of linkages (13, 17). Reversing valves correspondingly coupled with one another take care of deactivating and blocking the drive mechanisms of the machine not required for the movement of the lance (5).

Abstract: An improved device for distributing and stirring the contents of a furnace having a plurality of vertically disposed electrodes, said improved device including a circular track disposed adjacent the upper periphery of said furnace, a first transport carriage, motor means for moving said first transport carriage, an elongated non-circular trackway supported by said first transport carriage, a second transport carriage, a non-circular trackway, means to move said second transport carriage back and forth, a furnace contents working device connected to said second transport carriage, and means to vary the angular disposition of said furnace contents working device.