Abstract: A device for supplying power to an external data medium reader unit, in particular a CD-ROM and/or hard disk drive, connected to a computer via a first port, in particular a PCMCIA port or a parallel port. The device includes an energy store means charged by the first power supply voltage source (Vcc), a current limiting circuit connected between the first power supply voltage source (Vcc) and the energy store means, and a circuit for raising the output voltage of the energy store means to a first voltage level required for the power supply of the logic components of the external reader unit.

Abstract: A marine platform comprising a structure composed of a lattice of tubular elements sealingly connected to one another, includes a crack detection system comprising pickups provided on at least some of the elements and adapted to detect the passage of fluid through a wall, each pickup including an autonomous energy source and an acoustic signal transmission means. A signal acquisition unit adapted to receive signals from the pickups is disposed on a non-submerged part of the platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marine platform comprising a structure consisting of a lattice of tubular elements sealingly joined to one another. Pickups are provided on at least some of the tubular elements, to detect the passage of a fluid through the wall of an element. At a junction of one tubular element with another element whose interior space is monitored by a pickup, a backing plate is disposed in the one element facing the junction zone and sealed around the junction zone to define an intermediate space which is in communication with the interior space of the other element.