Abstract: An apparatus for securing a flexible pipe (101) to a further flexible pipe (102) in an end-to-end configuration. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular element (30) comprising a first and second end (33, 34) and an outer surface comprising a raised central region (35). At least one vent passage (55) extends at least partially across the raised central region (35).

Abstract: A wired communications device configured to: receive a spread-spectrum timing-reference signal through a wired communications medium, from a second wired communications device; detect a code-phase of the received timing-reference signal; and transmit data to the second device through the wired communications medium, with a timing that is defined relative to the detected code-phase. Also provided is a master device configured to communicate with the wired communications device. The master device is configured to generate and transmit a spread-spectrum timing-reference signal to one or more first devices, through a wired communications medium and to receive, through the wired communications medium, data transmitted by the one or more first devices.

Abstract: A power-consumption monitoring device, for taking measurements of the power consumed by an appliance. The device is connectable to a mains electrical circuit and operable to transmit the measurements to a master device through the circuit. Also presented is a master device, for receiving over a mains electrical circuit power-measurements transmitted by one or more power-consumption monitoring devices. Also presented is a power-line communications network comprising: a master device; and one or more power-consumption monitoring devices.

Abstract: A pipe end fitting assembly that includes an outer body having an outer surface, an inner surface defining a first bore, and an end surface, and an inner body having an inner surface defining a second bore and an outer surface. A portion of the inner body outer surface is secured to the outer body inner surface. A passage formed in the outer body includes a first portion extending from the end surface and parallel to the first bore, and a second portion extending from the outer body outer surface to the passage first portion. A pipe end is disposed around and secured to a portion of the inner body outer surface. A jacket is disposed around the pipe and has an end secured to the outer body outer surface. The passage portions are in fluid communication with each other and a space between the jacket and the pipe.

Abstract: A power-consumption monitoring device, for taking measurements of the power consumed by an appliance. The device is connectable to a mains electrical circuit and operable to transmit the measurements to a master device through the circuit. Also presented is a master device, for receiving over a mains electrical circuit power-measurements transmitted by one or more power-consumption monitoring devices. Also presented is a power-line communications network comprising: a master device; and one or more power-consumption monitoring devices.

Abstract: A power-consumption monitoring device, for taking measurements of the power consumed by an appliance. The device is connectable to a mains electrical circuit and operable to transmit the measurements to a master device through the circuit. The device is adapted: to measure the energy consumed by the appliance in each of a series of time intervals, and maintain a first cumulative sum of the resulting energy measurements; to periodically transmit, to the master device, a first quantised value representing the cumulative sum; and to subtract the transmitted quantised value from the cumulative sum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for securing a flexible pipe (101) to a further flexible pipe (102) in an end-to-end configuration. The apparatus includes an elongate tubular element (30) comprising a first and second end (33, 34) and an outer surface comprising a raised central region (35). At least one vent passage (55) extends at least partially across the raised central region (35).