Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling at least one hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic system includes a flow rate measurement of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator. The flow rate is used to calculate piston information corresponding to a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of a piston of the hydraulic actuator. The piston information can then be provided to an output device to aid in the control of the hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the piston information can be compared to a reference signal relating to a desired position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of the piston to produce a control signal, which can be used to adjust the hydraulic fluid flow and provide the desired actuation of the piston.

Abstract: A method and device for use with a hydraulic system is adapted to measure a position, velocity and/or acceleration of a piston of a hydraulic actuator based upon differential pressure measurement. The device of the present invention utilizes a differential pressure flow sensor to establish a flow rate of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator, from which the position, velocity and acceleration of the piston can be determined.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining a position of a piston contained within a hydraulic actuator as a function of a hydraulic fluid flow. The measuring device includes a bi-directional flow sensor positioned inline with the hydraulic fluid flow and a piston position module. The flow sensor is configured to produce a flow rate signal that is indicative flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flow into and out of a first cavity. The piston position module is configured to receive the flow rate signal from the flow sensor and produce a piston position signal that is indicative of the position of the piston within the hydraulic actuator as a function of the flow rate signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling at least one hydraulic actuator of a hydraulic system includes a flow rate measurement of a hydraulic fluid flow traveling into and out of a cavity of the hydraulic actuator. The flow rate is used to calculate piston information corresponding to a position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of a piston of the hydraulic actuator. The piston information can then be provided to an output device to aid in the control of the hydraulic actuator. Alternatively, the piston information can be compared to a reference signal relating to a desired position, velocity, acceleration, and/or direction of movement of the piston to produce a control signal, which can be used to adjust the hydraulic fluid flow and provide the desired actuation of the piston.