Abstract: The cuff (25) for connecting a tube (26) to two pipes (2) or two equipments together includes, at each end, a knuckle joint mechanism (31) bearing on a clamp (3) integral with the pipe (2) and which forces the end of the tube (26) against the mouth (4). The knuckle joint (31) is two pairs of rods (32, 35), whose interference produces a compressive stress on spring washers (37). The fixing force is consequently applied in simple and reliable manner and can be interrupted just as easily. The bearing surfaces of the connecting parts and the tube (26, 30, 43) with respect to one another, on the clamp (3) and the mouth (4) must be spherical and concentric in order to enable the pipes (2) to be angularly displaced by a few degrees relative to the tube (26).

Abstract: A saddle with two cutting stations, i.e., front and rear openings, moves forward and backward horizontally within a chassis. The rear opening includes a cutting blade. The chassis includes a front counter blade. A magazine holds a tube bundle and includes a rear face clamp and rear counter blade. In a first cutting operation, skirting at the base of the tube bundle is placed in the front opening and is cut by first moving the saddle rearward against the rear face clamp and rear counter blade, and then frontward against the front counter-blade. In a second cutting operation, the tube bundle is placed in the rear opening. As the saddle is moved frontward, the cutting blade in the rear opening cooperates with the front counter-blade on the chassis to cut the tubes. This second cutting operation is continued until the tubes are cut.