Abstract: A robust mechanical actuation design for an autonomous sailing buoy (1) is disclosed based on an internal actuation system. The buoy (1) consists of a simple closed body (3) taking the form of a ship hull to which are attached two fixed appendages (2, 4): one rigid wing (4) to catch the wind, and a keel (2). The design is completely rudderless. Steering is performed using only an internal actuation system. This system includes a moving mass system (5, 6, 7), a processing unit (9), and a navigation unit (8). The navigation unit (8) consists of a GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes, and a wind direction and velocity sensor. The processing unit (9), using information given by the navigation unit (8), automatically controls the moving mass (6) to hold the buoy (1) on a desired course.

Abstract: A robust mechanical actuation design for an autonomous sailing buoy (1) is disclosed based on an internal actuation system. The buoy (1) consists of a simple closed body (3) taking the form of a ship hull to which are attached two fixed appendages (2, 4): one rigid wing (4) to catch the wind, and a keel (2). The design is completely rudderless. Steering is performed using only an internal actuation system. This system includes a moving mass system (5, 6, 7), a processing unit (9), and a navigation unit (8). The navigation unit (8) consists of a GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes, and a wind direction and velocity sensor. The processing unit (9), using information given by the navigation unit (8), automatically controls the moving mass (6) to hold the buoy (1) on a desired course.

Abstract: A system (1) for optically determining a concentration of a substance of interest, e.g. glucose, in a body fluid. The system (1) comprises a probe head (2) adapted to be positioned in direct contact with a body fluid to be analysed, e.g. subcutaneously, in a blood vessel or in direct contact with a sample. The probe head (2) defines an analysis volume (5) which is at least partly delimited towards the body fluid by a semi-permeable membrane (6) allowing substances of interest to enter the analysis volume (5). The system (1) further comprises first light guiding means (7) arranged for guiding primary light (9) to the analysis volume (5), and second light guiding means (8) arranged for guiding secondary light (11) away from the analysis volume (5). The primary light (9) is scattered, preferably Raman scattered, and the scattered spectrum is used for determining the concentration of the substance of interest.

Abstract: A miniature mounting device on which elements such as optical filters can be accurately held. The device includes a substrate having a machined groove with an enlarged opening for receiving the element, and an overlayer extends at least partially over the groove to clamp the element.