Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an actuator that includes a piston configured to actuate relative to a housing, a sensor rod configured to be actuated by the piston, a sensor affixed to the housing and configured to detect a piston position of the piston relative to the housing based on a sensor rod position of the sensor rod relative to the sensor, and a linkage configured to couple the sensor rod to the piston, and to offset a change to the sensor rod position due to a temperature-induced dimensional change to at least one of the housing, piston, the sensor rod, and the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are seal arrangements in a hydraulic device. The seal arrangement includes a seal channel defining a loop. A seal is seated within the seal channel. A coolant flow passage has a first part intersecting with the seal channel at a first point and a second part intersecting with the seal channel at a second point. The first part of the coolant flow passage is configured to provide hydraulic fluid to the seal channel such that, at the first point, a first portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in a first direction around the loop and a second portion of the hydraulic fluid flows in a second direction opposite to the first direction around the loop. At the second point, the first portion of hydraulic fluid and the second portion of hydraulic fluid are configured to flow into the second part of the coolant flow passage.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, an actuator that includes a piston configured to actuate relative to a housing, a sensor rod configured to be actuated by the piston, a sensor affixed to the housing and configured to detect a piston position of the piston relative to the housing based on a sensor rod position of the sensor rod relative to the sensor, and a linkage configured to couple the sensor rod to the piston, and to offset a change to the sensor rod position due to a temperature-induced dimensional change to at least one of the housing, piston, the sensor rod, and the sensor.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a position sensor system that includes a sensor housing defining a first cavity having a first face, a fluid effector including an actuator housing having an inner surface defining a second cavity, and a moveable body having a second face and configured for reciprocal movement within the second cavity, an acoustic transmitter system configured to emit a first emitted acoustic waveform toward the first face, and emit a second emitted acoustic waveform toward the second face, and an acoustic receiver system configured to detect a first reflected acoustic waveform based on a first reflection of the first emitted acoustic waveform based on the first face, and detect a second reflected acoustic waveform based on a second reflection of the second emitted acoustic waveform based on the second face.

Abstract: Embodiments of a slotted grommet configured to manage a cable in an electrical cavity are provided. The slotted grommet includes a body structure having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces. A first slot is formed in the first surface and extends through the body structure towards the second surface. The first slot defines a chamber having sidewalls in the body structure configured to hold a loop of the cable. The first slot has a first width that is less than a cross-sectional dimension of the cable such that the cable is pinched within the chamber between the first sidewalls to prevent vibration-related chafing of the cable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe the arrangement of bearings in actuators. In particular, the bearings are fit into a surface of the actuation member instead of into the housing for the actuation member. In an exemplary embodiment of a rotary vane actuator, the bearings are fit into the axial surfaces of the vane actuation member instead of in the floor and rotor cap of the housing. In this way, the problem of an axial bearing working loose and grinding a leak path into the actuation member is addressed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention describe the arrangement of bearings in actuators. In particular, the bearings are fit into a surface of the actuation member instead of into the housing for the actuation member. In an exemplary embodiment of a rotary vane actuator, the bearings are fit into the axial surfaces of the vane actuation member instead of in the floor and rotor cap of the housing. In this way, the problem of an axial bearing working loose and grinding a leak path into the actuation member is addressed.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator that includes a stator having at least one vane stop and a rotor having vanes projecting from a central shaft. The vane is adapted to contact said stop of the stator, and a high pressure chamber is defined by the stator and a first side of the vane and a low pressure chamber on a second side of the vane. The actuator further includes at least a first aperture connected to the high pressure chamber a second aperture connected to the low pressure chamber. A fluid flow passage connects the first aperture in the high pressure chamber to the second aperture in the low pressure chamber.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a rotary vane actuator that includes a stator having at least one vane stop and a rotor having vanes projecting from a central shaft. The vane is adapted to contact said stop of the stator, and a high pressure chamber is defined by the stator and a first side of the vane and a low pressure chamber on a second side of the vane. The actuator further includes at least a first aperture connected to the high pressure chamber a second aperture connected to the low pressure chamber. A fluid flow passage connects the first aperture in the high pressure chamber to the second aperture in the low pressure chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus having a position sensor for determining a position of a moveable component is provided. The apparatus comprises a housing, a positioning member, a shaped magnetic pole, a magnet, and a hall effect sensor. The positioning member, the shaped magnetic pole, the magnet, and the hall effect sensor are each disposed within the housing. The positioning member is operably coupled to the moveable component and moveable relative to the housing. The magnet induces a magnetic flux in the shaped magnetic pole. One of the shaped magnetic pole and the magnet move in conjunction with the positioning member. The hall effect sensor is adapted to sense an intensity of the magnetic flux in the shaped magnetic pole and generate an output corresponding to the sensed intensity such that the position of the moveable component can be determined.