Abstract: A method for use in connection with installing a cable into a conduit having a first conduit end and a second conduit end, comprising the steps of —providing the cable with a metallic attribute, —providing within or proximate to the conduit, sensing means for sensing the metallic attribute, —introducing the cable into the first conduit end and driving it towards the second conduit end and —detecting that the sensing means has sensed the metallic attribute by sensing a change in inductance levels of the sensing means.

Abstract: A blowing head for installing blown cable, comprising a low-inertia motor using electrical current, operable to obtain the advance of the cable within the blowing head, adjusting means operable to vary the level of current of the motor, and low-inertia sensing means to sense movement and changes in the level of movement of the cable within the blowing head, wherein in use the adjusting means varies the level of current used by the motor in response to changes in the level of movement sensed by the sensing means, and wherein the varying level of current does not exceed a maximum current level.

Abstract: A method for use in connection with installing a cable into a conduit having a first conduit end and a second conduit end, comprising the steps of—providing the cable with a metallic attribute,—providing within or proximate to the conduit, sensing means for sensing the metallic attribute,—introducing the cable into the first conduit end and driving it towards the second conduit end and—detecting that the sensing means has sensed the metallic attribute by sensing a change in inductance levels of the sensing means.

Abstract: A blowing head for installing blown cable, comprising a low-inertia motor using electrical current, operable to obtain the advance of the cable within the blowing head, adjusting means operable to vary the level of current of the motor, and low-inertia sensing means to sense movement and changes in the level of movement of the cable within the blowing head, wherein in use the adjusting means varies the level of current used by the motor in response to changes in the level of movement sensed by the sensing means, and wherein the varying level of current does not exceed a maximum current level.

Abstract: Apparatus powered from a communications line minimizes current drawn from the line by use of a variable power supply having a DC to DC conversion circuit controlled by an oscillator. The output of the DC to DC conversion circuit in a first lower power drawing mode is used to power a tone detection circuit which monitors the line for a wake-up tone. On receipt of an appropriate wake-up tone, the tone detection circuit provides an interrupt signal to a microprocessor which, in response, causes an increase in the oscillator frequency. The increased oscillator frequency then increases power drawn from the line via the DC to DC conversion circuit for operation in a second higher power drawing mode.

Abstract: A power supply receives and rectifies mains voltage using bridge D1-D4. This is used by a pair of transistors Q1 and Q2 to alternate the supply to a transformer T via capacitor C8. Outputs are available from secondary windings T2, T6 and T7. Further windings T4 and T5 provide an internal power source for system circuitry which includes optical regulation via IC1 and optical switching control using IC2.