Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a piston member to a rod member to create a piston and rod assembly are provided. The piston and rod assembly may include a piston member having a longitudinal bore and first and second retaining passages in communication with and extending away from the bore. The piston and rod assembly may further include a rod member having a third retaining passage arranged therein, a portion of the rod member being received within the bore of the piston member so that the third retaining passage is arranged within the bore in an offset configuration relative at least one of the first and second retaining passages. The piston and rod assembly may further include a retaining member arranged within the first and second retaining passages of the piston member and the third retaining passage of the rod member.

Abstract: An actuator arrangement includes a body and at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly slideably disposed in the body. A sensor arrangement includes a sensor, a sensor electronics module, and an interactive element. The interactive element is moveable relative to the sensor, wherein a position of the interactive element indicative of a position of the at least one of a piston assembly and a rod assembly is communicated to the sensor electronics module through the sensor. A housing assembly is attached to an end of the body and includes a sensor pilot portion. The sensor pilot portion in the housing assembly is structured and arranged to sealably receive the sensor electronics module therein, wherein the sensor electronics module is encased within the housing.

Abstract: A position sensor assembly adapted to mount externally to a linkage system may comprise first and second sensor housing members and first and second sensor portions. The first housing member may be adapted for external connection to the linkage system, may have a first sensor conduit therein, and may be configured and arranged to at least partially enclose the first and second sensor portions. The second sensor housing member may be slidably received within the first sensor housing member and may have a second sensor conduit therein. The first sensor portion may be connected with the first sensor housing member, and the second sensor portion may be connected with the second sensor housing member. The position sensor assembly may be operable to register a position of the first sensor portion relative to the second sensor portion as a result of cooperation between the first and second sensor portions.