Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for determining the level of slag above a metallurgical melt, especially a steel melt, and for determining a physical characteristic or property of the slag, such as its viscosity or consistency, utilizes a plurality of nozzles opening into the bath-containing vessel at different levels above the melt and supplied with inert gas. The difference in hydrostatic pressures at the nozzles can be ascertained by measurement of the pressures upstream thereof and the measured values are converted into indications of slag level and consistency.

Abstract: A non-contacting surface contour measurement device includes movable member which can selectively be actuated to form a hermetic enclosure about a transmit and/or receive antenna. The measurement device, when employed in a blast furnace, need be exposed to the furnace environment only during measuring modes which constitute a small portion of the furnace operating cycle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for delivering predetermined metered quantities of molten metal having a holding vessel and pressure means for forcing molten metal out of the vessel through an outlet pipe, means for controlling the pressure means and sensing means for sensing when the molten metal has reached a discharge location in the outlet pipe from which it can be discharged, the sensing means being movably mounted above the discharge location.The sensing means are preferably mounted on a motorized carrier so as to be capable of and are advanced towards the discharge location and withdrawn therefrom being guided so as to be in contact with the metal surface but not dipping into it.

Abstract: An automatically operating casting ladle apparatus for the scooping up and delivery of an exactly measured amount of molten metal to die-casting machines, casting molds, etc., in which an exact positioning of the casting ladle is ensured, on the one hand by control means regulating the depth and the angle of tilt of the ladle in the metal bath on filling, and on the other hand by a compensatory movement to ensure that the point of impact of the stream of molten metal remains fixed at each pouring. The control and drive units are, as far as possible, located outside the radiation range of the crucible, and they are otherwise protected against heat influence by surrounding casings.