Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine (100) having a rotor (102) rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (104) having a rotating hub (3) and a plurality of rotor blades disposed along an outer periphery of the rotor (102), each of which have a lower segment (4) and an upper segment (5) attached to an upper distal end of the lower segment (4). The lower proximal ends of the lower segments (4) of the rotor blades are each attached to the rotating hub (3). To form a particularly stable and lightweight platform for the rotor (102) or rotor blades, it is proposed that the lower segments (4) of the rotor blades form an inverted pyramid in conjunction with the hub (3), guy wires (7) and bracing wires (8), wherein the guy wires (7) interconnect first attachment points (6) in the area of the distal ends of the lower segments (4) and the bracing wires (8) connect the first attachment points (6) to the hub (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a wind turbine (100) having a rotor (102) rotatable about a vertical axis of rotation (104) having a rotating hub (3) and a plurality of rotor blades disposed along an outer periphery of the rotor (102), each of which have a lower segment (4) and an upper segment (5) attached to an upper distal end of the lower segment (4). The lower proximal ends of the lower segments (4) of the rotor blades are each attached to the rotating hub (3). To form a particularly stable and lightweight platform for the rotor (102) or rotor blades, it is proposed that the lower segments (4) of the rotor blades form an inverted pyramid in conjunction with the hub (3), guy wires (7) and bracing wires (8), wherein the guy wires (7) interconnect first attachment points (6) in the area of the distal ends of the lower segments (4) and the bracing wires (8) connect the first attachment points (6) to the hub (3).

Abstract: A method for calibrating an optical arrangement in respect to a global coordinate system is provided. The optical arrangement includes a rigid carrier, an optical acquiring unit and a light emitting unit both releasably connected to the carrier. The optical acquiring unit or the light emitting unit is calibrated in respect to a reference coordinate system offline and independently from the optical arrangement. Values of a conversion matrix are determined for converting the calibration data into corresponding calibration data in respect to the global coordinate system. A calibration of the entire optical arrangement is performed once in respect to the global coordinate system. During the intended use of the optical arrangement, the calibration data acquired for the unit and/or the respective values of the conversion matrix are considered when generating control signals for the unit and/or when processing sensor signals received from the unit.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for in-line calibration of an industrial robot (1). The robot (1) comprises a fixed base section (2) and a multi chain link robot arm (3). The chain links (4) are interconnected and connected to the base section (2) of the robot (1), respectively, by means of articulated joints (5). An end effector (6) of the robot arm (3) can be moved in respect to the base section (2) within a three-dimensional workspace into any desired location. The idea is to move the end effector (6) into a predefined calibration location and to determine characteristic parameters of the robot (1) for that location. The characteristic parameters are compared to previously acquired values of the corresponding parameters for that calibration location.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an optical arrangement in respect to a global coordinate system is provided. The optical arrangement includes a rigid carrier, an optical acquiring unit and a light emitting unit both releasably connected to the carrier. The optical acquiring unit or the light emitting unit is calibrated in respect to a reference coordinate system offline and independently from the optical arrangement. Values of a conversion matrix are determined for converting the calibration data into corresponding calibration data in respect to the global coordinate system. A calibration of the entire optical arrangement is performed once in respect to the global coordinate system. During the intended use of the optical arrangement, the calibration data acquired for the unit and/or the respective values of the conversion matrix are considered when generating control signals for the unit and/or when processing sensor signals received from the unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable device (1) for measuring the position, shape and/or size of an object. The device comprises a carrier element (2), at least one transmission unit for generating and transmitting visible radiation towards the object and at least one receiving unit for receiving the radiation imaging the object. The transmission unit and receiving unit are mounted in a defined position relative to each other on the carrier element (2). Modular construction provides high variability of the device (1) so that it can be used flexibly for various applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a portable device (1) for measuring the position, shape and/or size of an object. The device comprises a carrier element (2), at least one transmission unit for generating and transmitting visible radiation towards the object and at least one receiving unit for receiving the radiation imaging the object. The transmission unit and receiving unit are mounted in a defined position relative to each other on the carrier element (2). Modular construction provides high variability of the device (1) so that it can be used flexibly for various applications.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (8) for measuring the width (b) of a gap (2) between two structural parts (3), wherein the gap (2) is delimited by edges (17) of the structural parts (3). The device comprises an illumination component (9) for illuminating the structural parts (3), a detection component (10) for detecting reflections caused by the illumination component (9) on the structural parts (3) in the area of the gap (2), and an evaluation component (19) for evaluating the detected reflections and for determining the width (b) of the gap (2). To measure the width (b) of the gap (2) in a simple, reliable, accurate, and reproducible fashion independently of the surface finish of the structural parts (3), the illumination component (9) and the detection component (10) are arranged and oriented relative to one another and relative to the gap (2) such that the detection component (9) detects line-shaped reflections at the edges (17) of the structural parts (3) delimiting the gap (2).

Abstract: A vehicle seat having a backrest part hingedly connected to the frame so as to break forwardly about the hinged connection from a normal substantially upright position includes a braking device for preventing forward movement of the backrest part about the hinged connection under forces equivalent to less than a predetermined maximum forward force applied to the top of the backrest part but to permit forward movement of the backrest part under greater forces against a reaction provided by the braking device. The backrest part is preferably so constructed that no significant force may be applied to it by the knees of a passenger in a seat immediately behind. For example it may have an aperture in the region which will be immediately in front of the knees of a passenger occupying a seat immediately behind.

Abstract: A barrel-type internal combustion engine 1 has double-ended pistons 10 reciprocally movable within cylinders 2 disposed in a ring about a central axis 3. The pistons 10 are interconnected with a central drive member 16, by means of a cam 17 carried by the drive member 16, whereby reciprocatory movement of the pistons causes the drive member to rotate. A closed circuit pressurized vapor system which makes use of waste engine heat, includes an expander 110, enabling mechanical energy obtained from expansion to be applied to the rotary member 16, to augment the power generated by the pistons 10. The expander 110 is formed by a hollow interior 31 in the rotary member 16, which houses a shaft 37, the shaft 37 defining with the member 16 an annular chamber 42. The rotary member 16 and shaft 37 rotate eccentrically relative to each other and in the same direction.