Abstract: A pipe connector or coupling for providing a coupling to a pipe, the pipe coupling comprising: at least one gripper ring which receives a pipe therewithin, wherein the at least one gripper ring comprises a gripper which includes a plurality of blade elements which are displaceable between a first, pipe-receiving configuration in which the pipe is receivable within the at least one gripper ring and a second, inwardly-displaced inserted configuration in which the blade elements are inserted into an external wall of the pipe; and a clamp for applying a radially-inward compressive load on the at least one gripper ring to displace the blade elements thereof from the pipe-receiving configuration to the inserted configuration.

Abstract: A pipe connection (101a, 101b) for providing a connection to a pipe, the pipe connection comprising: a sleeve (103) which receives a pipe and has a seat (109); a first sealing or gripping element (111) which is disposed adjacent the seat; an intermediate member (115) which is disposed adjacent the first sealing or gripping element; a second sealing or gripping element (123) which is disposed adjacent the intermediate member; an end member (131) which is disposed adjacent the second sealing or gripping element; at least one fixing (159) which engages the end member and is configured to displace the same axially inwardly relative to the sleeve on torquing; and at least one support (151, 153) which is disposed between one of the sleeve (103) and the intermediate member (115) or the intermediate member (115) and the end member (131), wherein the at least one support is configured to maintain the sleeve and the intermediate member or the intermediate member and the end member with a predetermined spaced relation u

Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.

Abstract: A stopper device for use in molten-metal auto-pouring apparatus comprising an attachment part constructed to be releasably fixedly attached to a stopper device operator of such apparatus and a stopper support part adjustably connected to the attachment part so as to permit a degree of movement therebetween. Locking means are provided to enable the stopper support part to be retained in a given position relative to the attachment part. As a result, when the device is prepared for use, and the attachment part is fixedly attached to such an operator, the latter operates to move the device downwardly so that a lower end of a stopper mounted on the stopper support part engages the outlet of the apparatus, the said degree of movement enabling that end to be seated properly in the outlet, whereupon the locking means are used to retain the resulting position of the stopper support part relative to the attachment part to ensure that the stopper will be properly seated after subsequently being raised and lowered.

Abstract: A pressure tapping comprises first valve means selectively operable to be in an open or a closed setting, and second valve means connected to an outlet from the first valve means, which second valve means tends to be closed when fluid pressure acts on it from the said outlet, so that accidental leakage of fluid from the pressure tapping, by failure to close the first valve means when the adapter is removed from the pressure tapping, is less likely.