Abstract: The device comprises a heat-sensitive element which is heated to a controllable extent so as to keep it at a predetermined temperature, for example, average body temperature. Detector means measure the power or energy required to keep the heat-sensitive element at this predetermined temperature, thus providing a signal indicative of the thermal comfort conditions of the environment. The heat-sensitive element has a general elongated shape so that it can be inserted, for example, into a motor vehicle safety belt, ensuring that the indication obtained indicates the general thermal comfort conditions throughout the entire region of the environment in which the heat-sensitive element extends.

Abstract: The sensor unit consists of a scale model of the vehicle mounted on the roof of the vehicle itself. The sensor unit measures the amount of energy exchange necessary to obtain the desired air-conditioning in its interior environment and generates a signal, which is of a predictive nature, indicating the amount of energy exchange necessary to obtain the corresponding air-conditioning in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power distribution system is provided which includes:a plurality of power outlets connected to the supply conductors of the system and enabling the connection of a corresponding plurality of electrical loads to the system; anda control unit connected by control conductors to the power outlets and arranged to monitor both the power suppliable by the system and the power required by the electrical loads for their operation.Each power outlet includes a switching arrangement with two operating states. In its first state, the switching arrangement enables a load connected to the power outlet to be measured by the control unit, this switching arrangement being thereafter switched into its second state by the said control unit to enable the load to be supplied with the power required for its operation only if this power does not exceed the yet-unused electric power capacity of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in monitoring the numbers of a selected species of insect comprises one or more traps into which is put a synthesized pheromone to attract that particular insect. Each trap has a grille comprising a plurality of bars between which is applied a high voltage so that when an insect of the selected species tries to enter the trap it touches adjacent bars and is electrocuted by the electric discharge between them. This discharge is detected by a discharge detector connected to the trap and the detector passes a signal to a transmitter which transmits it to a central receiver equipped with a discriminator for ignoring signals other than those from the transmitter and for passing the signals representing discharges to a pulse counter whereby a total of the number of insects trapped in a given time can be obtained at a central station without visiting each trap.