Abstract: Angular movement detectors may be disposed within or proximate to joints in one or more members of articulated arms and linked via one or more communications networks to a controller to provide angular movement data to the controller for use in controlling movement of the articulated arm. The communications networks may be redundant. In an embodiment, the angular movement detector comprises a hydraulic motor drive sensor adapter which uses an eccentrically rotating main shaft to rotate a drive shaft to which the main shaft is loosely connected to further rotate a socket housing about a constant central axis. A trigger mounted in the socket housing generates a detectable field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of rotary actuators. Specifically, the present invention relates to rotary actuators comprising a rotatable top piston assembly and a stationary bottom piston assembly wherein rotation of the top piston assembly can be caused by pressurizing one or more cavities between the top and bottom piston assemblies.