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 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.

Abstract: A pipe coupling including cooperating male and female threaded elements and the female threaded element has a recess containing a pipe-gripping collar which has cause to contract radially on to the pipe upon tightening of the male element relative to the female element.In order to facilitate storage and transport of the coupling components, a washer is provided which is resiliently engageable with the thread of the female element and serves to retain the pipe-gripping collar within the recess of the female element. This washer is preferably a metallic thrust washer which has a peripheral rubber flange which provides the resilient engagement with the thread of the female element.