| 摘要 |
A coupling member 5 comprises a coupling ring wound helically with a conducting wire 9, the ring having a cross-section to fit a gap between a socket on one end of a pipe 3, and another pipe end 2 inserted into the socket. Electrical supply to the helical winding may cause it to heat the coupling member to melt and expand into the gaps between the pipe and socket to either side of the coupling member. At the same time melting of the outer surface of the pipe and the inner surface of the socket may occur to create a seal at the joint. The coupling member may be of tapered or rectangular (see fig7) cross-section, and may be used to enable the creation of a branch connection (see figs 10 and 11) or to enable the fitting of an accessory to a hole in the pipe. An external clamping system 8 may be provided, to urge the pipe end into the socket and hold it there until the joint has been created. |
