Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus configured for determining a distance of the apparatus to an object according to the principle of triangulation. The apparatus comprises a transmissive device with a predefined distance between a first surface and a second surface of the transmissive device, and a detector that is configured to receive at least a portion of a radiation beam after interaction with the transmissive device and the object. The first surface is arranged to reflect a first part of the radiation beam, and the second surface is arranged to reflect a second part of the radiation beam. The predefined distance is used for determining the distance of the apparatus to the object.

Abstract: Rotary valve actuators having partial stroke damping apparatus are described herein. An example rotary valve actuator described herein includes a housing containing a first piston and a second piston opposite the first piston, where the pistons move in opposite directions to rotate a shaft of the rotary valve actuator. A damper is operatively coupled to at least one of the first piston or the second piston to slow the movement of the piston for only a portion of a stroke of the rotary valve actuator.

Abstract: Rotary valve actuators having partial stroke damping apparatus are described herein. An example rotary valve actuator described herein includes a housing containing a first piston and a second piston opposite the first piston, where the pistons move in opposite directions to rotate a shaft of the rotary valve actuator. A damper is operatively coupled to at least one of the first piston or the second piston to slow the movement of the piston for only a portion of a stroke of the rotary valve actuator.