Abstract: A machine lays a bituminous carpet for closing microtrenches. The machine includes a truck having a drive system, which defines a footprint area on a surface whereon the truck can move, and a preparing device for preparing bitumen for laying. The preparing device includes a bitumen container having an inlet into which bitumen in introduced, an outlet through which the bitumen prepared for laying exits, a heating system for raising the temperature of the bitumen introduced into the preparing device. A laying device receives the bitumen prepared for laying and lays the bitumen in carpet form. The laying device includes a forming element for shaping and laying bitumen as a carpet over a laying area; a drain channel, between the outlet of the preparing device and the forming element, conducting bitumen towards the forming element. The preparing device includes a mixing device mixing the bitumen while preparing it for laying.

Abstract: A machine lays a bituminous carpet for closing microtrenches. The machine includes a truck having a drive system, which defines a footprint area on a surface whereon the truck can move, and a preparing device for preparing bitumen for laying. The preparing device includes a bitumen container having an inlet into which bitumen in introduced, an outlet through which the bitumen prepared for laying exits, a heating system for raising the temperature of the bitumen introduced into the preparing device. A laying device receives the bitumen prepared for laying and lays the bitumen in carpet form. The laying device includes a forming element for shaping and laying bitumen as a carpet over a laying area; a drain channel, between the outlet of the preparing device and the forming element, conducting bitumen towards the forming element. The preparing device includes a mixing device mixing the bitumen while preparing it for laying.

Abstract: In an electrical device controlled by infrared signals from a remote control, a power saving device has an infrared detection module and a processor. The infrared detection module includes an infrared sensor configured to monitor the output of the remote control device, and a shield which is at least substantially impervious to infrared radiation, and which at least partially shields the infrared sensor from infrared radiation which does not emanate from the remote control device. The processor is coupled to the infrared detection module, and supplies power to the electrical device at least substantially only when the electrical device is in active use by a nearby user, and based at least in part upon input from the infrared sensor.

Abstract: In an electrical device controlled by infrared signals from a remote control, a power saving device has an infrared detection module and a processor. The infrared detection module includes an infrared sensor configured to monitor the output of the remote control device, and a shield which is at least substantially impervious to infrared radiation, and which at least partially shields the infrared sensor from infrared radiation which does not emanate from the remote control device. The processor is coupled to the infrared detection module, and supplies power to the electrical device at least substantially only when the electrical device is in active use by a nearby user, and based at least in part upon input from the infrared sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to probes used in the ground for the collection of data relating to soil conditions and in particular to a construction and method of insertion of probe bodies that will house such probes. A probe body insertion apparatus comprises a tool for forming an opening in the soil using a stabilization device that encourages the excavation of an opening that is orthogonal to the surrounding ground level and which is smaller in diameter than the soil probe body to be inserted. The inserted end of the probe body is formed with a hollow portion having an opening that is downwardly facing and adapted to slice away a portion of the prepared opening. The soil sliced away falls to the base of the prepared opening. The hollow portion of the inserted end of the probe body envelopes the loose soil but allows the probe body to be inserted to the desired depth.

Abstract: This invention relates to probes used in the ground for the collection of data relating to soil conditions and in particular to a construction and method of insertion of probe bodies that will house such probes. A probe body insertion apparatus comprises a tool for forming an opening in the soil using a stabilisation device that encourages the excavation of an opening that is orthogonal to the surrounding ground level and which is smaller in diameter than the soil probe body to be inserted. The inserted end of the probe body is formed with a hollow portion having an opening that is downwardly facing and adapted to slice away a portion of the prepared opening. The soil sliced away falls to the base of the prepared opening. The hollow portion of the inserted end of the probe body envelopes the loose soil but allows the probe body to be inserted to the desired depth.