Abstract: A coupling member is disclosed for use in connecting together flexible tubes and the like. The coupling member is adapted for connection with a mating coupling member, and includes an outer rigid coupling component which is thermally resistant and an inner coupling component which is thin and flexible, so that the inner coupling component can provide a penetrable seal and whereby the overall coupling member is capable of withstanding autoclaving temperatures so that it can be sterilized prior to use. A coupling device including such a coupling member is also disclosed, including a second coupling member which is capable of mating with the first coupling member and which includes a penetrating portion so that when the two coupling members are mated, the penetrating portion of the second coupling member penetrates the inner coupling component of the first coupling member.

Abstract: A PCM codec for converting between PCM words and analog signals has at least one element which is used for both types of conversions even though the clock pulse frequencies of the incoming and outgoing PCM words are different; a timing unit for generating time intervals wherein a first and second number are needed at the very most to carry out the respective conversion operations, the shorter of the period lengths determined by the two clock pulse frequencies includes at least the sum of the two numbers of time intervals; and a control unit for receiving the clock pulses in order to indicate the respective conversion type and for generating conversion type signals by means of which each of the time intervals is associated with one of the two conversion types. In order to control states where a type signal is generated delayed with respect to a notification pulse, the codec includes information memories to store the influenced information.