Abstract: A hollow pile suitable for being sunk substantially vertically into the soil by screw-sinking, said hollow pile being characterized in that it has: at least one helical fin (2) having a flattened shape and a small pitch suitable for causing the pile to be sunk by a few centimeters per turn, when said pile is caused to move in rotation, the helical fin (2) finding itself united mechanically with and in thermal contact with the outside wall of the pile (1); and internal partitioning (3) defining an axial compartment (11) and an outer compartment (12) that communicate with each other at the bottom (13) of the pile; said hollow pile being characterized in that: the helical fin (2) is in direct thermal contact with the outer compartment (12) through the thickness of wall of the pile (1); and the outer compartment (12) has a flow section (S2) that is significantly smaller than the flow section (S1) of the axial compartment (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold sales cabinet for conserving foodstuffs. It applies to cabinets having means for circulating a flow of air and associated with an internal or an external refrigeration unit. A cold sales cabinet of the invention is characterized in particular in that it comprises at least one enclosure (12) containing an evaporator (2), said enclosure being provided with microwave energy transmission means (10) and presenting two opposite walls (15, 16) that are proof against microwave radiation and not airtight. The microwave radiation is used to limit quickly and cheaply phenomena of frosting or icing on the evaporator (2) so as to improve refrigeration performance.

Abstract: A roofing member for collecting solar energy defines an external shape and has dimensions similar to traditional roofing means such as tiles or slates. The roofing member comprises at least one transparent wall with a closed cavity below this wall, and a dark area in contact with the cavity below said wall. First and second complementary connecting means are located respectively in an area of a side of the member intended to be placed at an upper level and in an area of a side of the member intended to be placed at a lower level. In this way a mechanical connection can be made simultaneously between the first complementary connecting means of a second similar member superimposed by the said area of the side intended to be lowermost and the second complementary connecting means of the member simultaneous therewith a sealed interconnection of the respective cavities of these two members can be made in order to allow the circulation of a heat-carrying fluid from one member to the other.