Abstract: A magnetic field generator (50) having at least one magnet (51) extending along a longitudinal axis (101), wherein the magnetic material of the at least one magnet is arranged such that the at least one magnet produces a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density that changes substantially continuously in magnitude in the axial direction substantially along the length of the at least one magnet in the axial direction such as to enable the axial position of the magnetic field generator to be determined by a position sensing assembly comprising the magnetic field generator (50) and at least one magnetic sensor (105).

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting or mutually isolating two or more electrical circuits is provided. The connector comprises first and second inter-engageable connector parts. A first part comprises a spigot and first contact pins for connection to an electrical circuit. The second connector part comprises a socket and second contact pins for connection to an electrical circuit. The second part has a lock ball projecting into the socket. The first part defines a groove for receipt of the lock ball. The first contact holder has a first shroud disposed around the first contact pins. The first shroud extends beyond the first contact pins. The second contact holder has second shrouds disposed around the each second contact pin. The second shrouds extends beyond the second contact pins. The contact holders are arranged such that when the spigot is received in the socket, the connector parts are moveable between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A linear actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder has linear position sensing apparatus. At least one magnet is provided in a recess in outer surface of the piston for generating a magnetic field that passes through the wall of the cylinder housing. A magnetic sensor arrangement determines the axial position of the piston relative to the housing and comprises at least a pair of magnetic sensor elements arranged at spaced apart locations along the external surface of the wall for sensing the strength of the magnetic field passing through the wall of the housing. The recess in the piston is axially positioned between the first and second end surfaces of the piston and the at least one magnet is disposed between axially spaced north and south pole pieces.

Abstract: A linear actuator such as a hydraulic cylinder has linear position sensing apparatus. At least one magnet is provided in a recess in outer surface of the piston for generating a magnetic field that passes through the wall of the cylinder housing. A magnetic sensor arrangement determines the axial position of the piston relative to the housing and comprises at least a pair of magnetic sensor elements arranged at spaced apart locations along the external surface of the wall for sensing the strength of the magnetic field passing through the wall of the housing. The recess in the piston is axially positioned between the first and second end surfaces of the piston and the at least one magnet is disposed between axially spaced north and south pole pieces.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting or mutually isolating two circuits one of which is connected to a first connector element (1) and the other of which is connected to a second connector element (2) which is interengageable with the first. One of the connector elements supports a first contact (12) connected to a respective circuit and a displaceable contact holder (4) carrying interconnected second (14) and third (15) contacts. The contact holder is displaceable between a first position in which the first (12) and second (14) contacts are separated and a second position in which the first and second contacts are interconnected. The connector elements are formed such that on interengagement the contact holder is displaced from the first to the second position after the third contact is interconnected with a contact (34) of the other connector element (2). The arrangement is such that on disengagement of the connector elements (1, 2) the contact holder is displaced from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A connector comprising first and second interengagable connector elements, the first comprising a socket and the second comprising a spigot insertable into the socket of the first element, wherein the first element supports at least one radially displaceable locking member protruding into the socket and a displaceable collar for controlling the radial position of the or each locking member. The second element defines at least one groove extending from adjacent an end of the spigot and aligned to receive the or a respective locking member projecting into the socket. The collar is displaceable relative to the first element between a first position in which the or at least one locking member is caused to project at least a first distance into the socket and a second position in which the or at least one locking member is caused to project at least a second distance in the socket, the first distance being greater than the second.