Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a connector for interconnecting a first tube to a second tube, the connector including a pin member extending into a box member. The pin and box members have cooperating support means arranged to support the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of the end portion of the pin member relative to the box member. The method involves radially expanding the connector, and supporting the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of the end portion of the pin member relative to the box member.

Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a connector (24) for interconnecting a first tube (18) to a second tube (20), the connector including a pin member (26) extending into a box member (28). The pin and box members have cooperating support means (26, 28) arranged to support the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of said end portion of the pin member relative to the box member. The method comprises radially expanding the connector (24), and supporting the pin member so as to prevent radially inward movement of said end portion of the pin member relative to the box member.

Abstract: A device for producing a thin steel strip, comprising at least one or more continuous-casting machines (1) for casting thin steel slabs, a furnace device (7) which is suitable for heating and/or homogenizing a slab, and at least one rolling device for reducing the thickness of a slab which is conveyed out of the furnace device (7), a welding machine being arranged between the continuous-casting machine (1) or continuous-casting machines (1) and the rolling device (10), for the purpose of joining slabs together.