Abstract: The invention relates to a worm-like mechanism comprising a support structure, which extends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism, and at least two actuating units, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the support structure and each of which has two supporting elements, which while extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the support structure are attached to the latter at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, and at least one actuating element, which is arranged between the supporting elements and by which the supporting elements can be moved in relation to one another. In order to provide a further worm-like mechanism, which provides precise open-loop or closed-loop control of its movements while in particular being of a simplified, slender construction, it is provided that the actuating elements can be activated individually or in group by way of a central line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a worm-like mechanism comprising a support structure (10), which extends in the longitudinal direction of the mechanism, and at least two actuating units (14), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the support structure (10) and each of which has two supporting elements (11), which while extending transversely in relation to the longitudinal direction of the support structure (10) are attached to the latter at a distance from one another in the longitudinal direction, and at least one actuating element, which is arranged between the supporting elements (11) and by which the supporting elements (11) can be moved in relation to one another. In order to provide a further worm-like mechanism, which provides precise open-loop or closed-loop control of its movements while in particular being of a simplified, slender construction, it is provided that the actuating elements (12) can be activated individually or in groups by way of a central line (31, 35).

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring the pose of mechanisms includes at least one effector object fixedly joined to a mechanism (e.g., industrial robot, hexapod) in which the at least one effector object moves along one of several axes. The ideal, effective shape of the at least one effector object is a point, a straight line, a plane, an ellipsoid, a cylinder, a hyperboloid or a combination thereof. The movable effector objects interact with reference objects which are arranged in defined positions relative to the mechanism. The interactions are detected by a suitable sensor. The interactions are detected, only the pertaining joint configuration of the mechanism is transmitted to the information processing unit and evaluated and no further continuous values of measuring parameters are required for the evaluation.

Abstract: A device and a method for measuring the pose of mechanisms includes at least one effector object fixedly joined to a mechanism (e.g., industrial robot, hexapod) in which the at least one effector object moves along one of several axes. The ideal, effective shape of the at least one effector object is a point, a straight line, a plane, an ellipsoid, a cylinder, a hyperboloid or a combination thereof. The movable effector objects interact with reference objects which are arranged in defined positions relative to the mechanism. The interactions are detected by a suitable sensor. Once said interactions are detected, only the pertaining joint configuration of the mechanism is transmitted to the information processing unit and evaluated and no further continuous values of measuring parameters are required for the evaluation.

Abstract: A programmable memory for the automatic control of a heating or cooling plant over a 24-hour, 7-day or longer cycle comprises a frame with a multiplicity of mutually parallel printed-circuit strips whose major surfaces carry two sets of conductors arrayed in an orthogonal matrix, the strips being overlain by a cover plate with slits for the insertion of jumpers bridging selected conductors at their points of intersection. The conductors of one set are sequentially energized while those of the other set are rapidly scanned to detect an output signal representing a selected time in the program cycle at which a command for a change in thermostat setting is to be emitted. The cycle is established or modified by a program plate superimposable upon the cover plate to block some of its slits and/or to actuate one or more switches correlating the several matrix outputs with respective clock readings different for the various cycles.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling room temperature in conjunction with a heating or air conditioning system which operates throughout successive and uniform periods of time, each period of time being divided into a first time interval and a second time interval and including a first computer for a rapid heating or rapid cooling curve and a second computer for computing an actual value room temperature curve in accordance with input data including outside weather conditions, building value etc., the heating or air conditioning system being switched off at the beginning of the second time interval and switched on at a predetermined instant during the second time interval thereby effecting a substantial savings in energy.