Abstract: A pipe coupling comprises a first pipe-encircling member having an outwardly extending peripheral flange, a sealing ring disposed within the first member to provide a seal between the member and a pipe, a second pipe-encircling member having an outwardly extending peripheral flange, a pipe-gripping collar within the second member having an external frusto-conical surface so arranged that, upon axial movement of the second member towards the first member, the collar is contracted radially to grip the pipe, and a number of axially extending clamping bolts passing through registering holes in the outwardly extending flanges, so that by tightening the clamping bolts the second member is moved axially towards the first member, causing the collar to grip the pipe, without relative rotation between the members.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive actuator for opening and closing a louvre window of the type in which the louvre blades are mounted fast with bell-cranks having their free ends pivotally connected to an operating member which has a pivotal link coupled thereto. The thermally sensitive actuator comprises a housing for mounting on the frame of the window and containing a channel of uniform cross-section having a block slideably mounted therein, and a piston and cylinder assembly, the cylinder of which contains a thermally expansible flowable material and is mounted on the housing with the piston in engagement with the slideable block so that expansion of the flowable material causes displacement of the block. The side walls of the housing contain elongate slots through which projects a pivot pin which is movable in an oblique slot in said block and has connecting means on its projecting end for attachment to the pivotal link of the louvre window.

Abstract: A thermally sensitive actuator consists of a pressure cylinder comprising a tube, two end closure elements each secured to a respective end of the tube, a body of flowable material contained within the tube between the end closure elements, and a piston extending through a through-bore in one of the end closure elements and projecting into the body of flowable material. During assembly, the said body of flowable material is disposed within the tube between and abutting said end closure elements, while at least one of said end closure elements is not secured to the tube, so that said body of flowable material determines the distance apart of said end closure elements. The end closure elements are secured to the tube by displacing the peripheral edges of the ends of the latter inwardly.