Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a sling or sock configured for contacting a wind turbine blade. A reinforcement member attached to the sling or sock. The reinforcement member configured to resist sling or sock collapse and maintain the sling or sock in an open configuration. A method is also provided for moving a wind turbine part, such as a rotor or blade. The method includes the step of attaching a sling or sock to the wind turbine part, where the sling includes a reinforcement member attached thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided having a sling or sock configured for contacting a wind turbine blade. A reinforcement member attached to the sling or sock. The reinforcement member configured to resist sling or sock collapse and maintain the sling or sock in an open configuration. A method is also provided for moving a wind turbine part, such as a rotor or blade. The method includes the step of attaching a sling or sock to the wind turbine part, where the sling includes a reinforcement member attached thereto.

Abstract: A rotor blade for a wind turbine may include a body extending between a root end and a tip end. The body may include a root portion extending from the root end. The root portion may include an inner surface defining an inner circumference. The rotor blade may also include a root stiffener disposed within the root portion of the body. The root stiffener may be substantially ring-shaped and may extend around the inner circumference of the root portion. The root stiffener may define a plurality of radially oriented openings configured to receive fasteners for coupling the root stiffener to the root portion.