Abstract: According to the present invention, a key box is provided to include: a body; a cover, pivotally connected with the body to render an open state and a closed state; and a panel set, embedded on the cover, comprising a keypad module and a lock module. Wherein, by manipulating either the keypad module or the lock module, the open state and the closed state can be switched.

Abstract: An electromechanical lock is provided that comprises a locking assembly and a latch solenoid with a plunger axially displaceable, by an electrical command signal, between retracted and extended states and being associated with a first urging arrangement that biases the plunger in a first axial direction from the retracted to the extended states. The locking assembly comprises a lock actuation member movable between first and second states for locking and unlocking the lock, respectively. A second urging arrangement is operative to bias the actuation member to move to the second state. A third urging arrangement is operative to bias the actuation member to move from the second to the first state.

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus for monitoring and conditioning strip material are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a plurality of sensors positioned across a width of a strip material, each of the plurality of sensors corresponding to a different one of a plurality of longitudinal zones along the width of the strip material. The example apparatus also includes a material condition monitor to determine a plurality of wave heights of the strip material based on information received from the plurality of sensors. Each of the wave heights corresponds to a respective one of the plurality of longitudinal zones. The material condition monitor is also to determine whether a measured portion of the strip material is substantially flat based on a comparison of each of the wave heights to a threshold value.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal working fluid composition which comprises a morpholine compound and an isothiazoline compound and a metal working method which makes use of the metal working fluid composition. The composition is excellent in antiseptic properties, and can widely be applied to metal working techniques such as cutting, grinding, form rolling, press working and plastic working techniques.

Abstract: An automated edge peener apparatus includes a peener housing, a slide carried by the peener housing, a shotpeener mechanism carried by the slide and a shot recovery system communicating with the shotpeener mechanism.

Abstract: A method for shot peening wherein the work is processed by being hit by shot materials that are shot by compressed air, and a machine for carrying out the method are provided. By the present invention the status of a work can be measured while the work is being processed. The requirements for maintaining and calibrating the sensor that is used for the measurement are reduced because the wear of the sensor is prevented. The method for shot peening is to process a work by shooting the shot materials with compressed air from a shooting nozzle against the work. The shooting nozzle is equipped with a transducer that detects elastic waves and transduces them to high-frequency electrical signals. The elastic waves are generated when the shot materials pass through the shooting nozzle. The characteristic values of the shot materials, which pass through the shooting nozzle, are measured and monitored based on the signals.

Abstract: A laminated tooling apparatus includes a first tooling die, a first susceptor carried by the first tooling die and having at least one straight susceptor portion and at least one angled susceptor portion adjacent to the straight susceptor portion, a first plurality of susceptor slots extending through the at least one angled susceptor portion of the first tooling die, a second tooling die adjacent to the first tooling die, a second susceptor carried by the second tooling die and having at least one straight susceptor portion and at least one angled susceptor portion adjacent to the straight susceptor portion; and a second plurality of susceptor slots extending through the at least one angled susceptor portion of the second tooling die.

Abstract: An apparatus for joining two fixed bases having a plurality of can necking stages, is provided. The apparatus minimizes space, and reduces the diameter of a can neck as it transfers a can body from a first fixed base to a second fixed base.

Abstract: A method of making wire has the steps of rolling out a wire in a mill having a finishing stand from which the wire exits at a predetermined and varying travel speed VD, pulling the wire through a cooling/equalizing stretch downstream in a travel direction from the finishing stand by means of a cooler drive at a downstream end of the finishing stretch such that the wire exits the cooler drive substantially at the travel speed VD, passing the wire through a looping stretch downstream of the cooler drive to a looper drive, operating the looper drive at such a speed that the wire forms a loop between the cooler drive and the looper drive and exits the looper drive at a looper speed VT normally different from the travel speed VD, and forming the wire into turns and depositing the turns as a coil downstream of the looper drive.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing an internally or externally toothed cup-shaped (body) sheet material component with alternating teeth and grooves that run in parallel to the center axis of the cup, especially of a clutch plate carrier. The method and device allow the use of profile rollers, the rollers controlling the true running, dimensional accuracy and the surface of the cup-shaped sheet material component having an internally and externally profiled wall in the shape of teeth, in such a manner that they guarantee a specifically variable position during production. An untoothed cup-shaped sheet material component is slid onto a pick-up mandrel which has an external toothing corresponding to the internal toothing of the sheet material component to be produced and the external profile is then rolled onto the cup-shaped sheet material component by pressing the cup-shaped sheet material component together with the pick-up mandrel by means of a set of profile rollers while exerting a radial pressure.

Abstract: A stripper device for can drawing and ironing apparatus can remove a drawn and ironed can material from a punch without causing buckling (curl and wrinkle) on the material. Each finger (2) is split into three small fingers (21), and an axial end of each small finger (21) is engaged with the lower part of a rocking arm (3) with an elastic member (24) in between. A head portion (33) of each rocking arm (3) is engaged with a cam portion (42) of a cam ring (4) to allow the finger (2) to be driven independently each other. Each rocking arm (3) is biased by an arm spring (32) in the direction of opening the small finger (21), while the small finger (21) is biased by a finger spring (22) in the direction of its closure.

Abstract: A folding device is provided for the processing of workpieces and includes, but is not limited to a holding device for the holding of a workpiece in a processing position in a holding plane and a folding slide for the folding over of an edge of the workpiece into a folding position. The folding slide at least includes, but is not limited to a first folding surface and a second folding surface. The first folding surface with the second folding surface forms an angle ?, the first folding surface with the holding plane forms an angle ?1 and the second folding surface with the holding plane forms an angle ?2 and the first folding surface and the second folding surface are intended for pressing onto the workpiece during the folding over of an edge.

Abstract: A pipe bender includes first and second handles pivotably secured together wherein the second handle includes first and second rotatable pipe receiving grooves at both ends of a forward U; a support member threadedly fastened between a forward bifurcation of the first handle, the support member comprising a spring depressible detent on the bottom, and a plurality of markings on the top; and a slide member comprising a plurality of parallel arcuate pipe receiving channels of different arcuate perimeters on a lower surface, a central U-shaped trough on the top for receiving a lower portion of the support member, retaining holes on the bottom of the U-shaped trough, each retaining hole being aligned with one pipe receiving channel and one retaining hole adapted to lockingly receive the detent for positioning. The slide member is slidably retained by the support member.

Abstract: The cylinder/piston unit for a counterforce ram or vee ring of a fineblanking or stamping press equipped with at least one tool is continuously maintained at a preadjustable cushion pressure (P1) and is then subjected to a preadjustable displacement pressure (P2) from a connectable high-pressure source, with said pressure being set to a pressure (PU) varying between the cushion pressure (P1) and the pressure for forming or blanking by supplying a separate control oil quantity to a second accumulator via a central control unit, whereby a rise in pressure caused by the impact between the tool and the workpiece is regulated, independently of quantity of the control oil, from the pressure (P3) in the second accumulator to a permissible set pressure by discharging a significant part of the pressure pulse into a separate tank and the available cushion pressure allows ejection of the workpiece to be synchronized with retraction of the press ram.

Abstract: An apparatus (7) for monitoring particles flowing in a stack (6), comprises: an electrical-interaction monitor (1) operable to provide a signal (300) resulting from electrical interaction of the particles with the monitor (1). a scattered-light monitor (10) operable to provide a signal (310) resulting from detection of light scattered from the particles, and a controller (320) arranged to alter the calibration of the electrical-interaction monitor 1 in response to changes in the relative magnitude of the electrical-interaction (signal 300) and the scattered-light signal (310).

Abstract: This application is directed to a shock sensor mounted in an electronic device. The shock sensor includes both active and passive shock detection methods that allow a technician to determine whether the electronic device was subjected to a shock event that exceeded an impact threshold level. The shock sensor may include shock detection contacts that form an electrical circuit that remains open in the absence of a shock event that exceeds an impact threshold level. In response to a significant shock event, a movable component or substance of the shock sensor may move from a first position to a second position, thereby closing the electrical circuit formed by the shock detection contacts. The change in circuit may be detected and used to provide active indication of whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event. In addition, the shock sensor may be observed to passively determine whether the electronic device has been subjected to a substantial shock event.

Abstract: An electrochemical piezoelectric sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate, three (or more) electrodes over a first surface of the substrate, and another electrode over a second (opposing) surface of the substrate. An ionic liquid in the form of a film is adhered, bound, immobilized, or otherwise positioned over the substrate and electrodes of the first surface. The ionic liquid film permits the absorption and detection of analytes from a gaseous sample, for environmental gases, example explosive vapors and/or explosive vapor species in the gaseous sample. Detection (optionally including analyte quantitation and qualitative identification) can be performed by both electrochemical and piezoelectric techniques using a single sensor. Systems incorporating and methods of using the electrochemical piezoelectric sensor also are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR) by controlling a residual gain in a high speed packet access system are provided. The apparatus includes a gain controller for measuring an intensity of a signal outputted from a residual gain controller, for outputting a gain control signal for controlling a gain of an interval of a preset gain resolution of a radio frequency integrated circuit according to the intensity of measured signal, and for outputting a residual gain value for controlling a residual gain less than the preset gain resolution, wherein the radio frequency integrated circuit gain-controls a signal inputted according to the gain control signal, and the residual gain controller multiplies the gain-controlled signal by the residual gain value to compensate the residual gain.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for leak detection through use of an adapter containing a chamber, an air pressurization port, and detection media instillation port. The apparatus is sealingly or relatively sealingly coupled to a turbo inlet air duct on an internal combustion engine under study, such that the apparatus chamber communicates with the engine's interior void. The apparatus permits pressurized air and detective media, such as smoke or fog, to be introduced through the chamber and into the void of an engine to determine the presence and location of engine system leaks.

Abstract: Viscometer (80) with a closed bottom rotor assembly (51) rotatable by a coupling magnet (34) and a driving magnet (38) to shear a tested fluid thus imparting torque to a bob (30) mounted on a bob shaft (24) supported via bearings (22 and 18) inside rotor assembly (51). An upper chamber (96) located in the upper portion of rotor assembly (51) is at least partially filled with sample and communicates pressure with lower portion of rotor assembly (51) and rotor top via small gap (106) and small gap (110). A spiral spring (70) restricts the rotation of bob shaft (24). Magnetometer (10) measures the angular position of a top magnet (72) connected to the top of bob shaft (24). This angular position information is further converted to the viscosity of the tested fluid.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy in analysis repeatability of a liquid chromatography apparatus that feeds different eluent by use of a plurality of pumps and achieves the mixture of eluent. Each of the pumps includes means for notifying an automatic sampler and a higher-level control unit that the specified timing of a liquid feeding cycle is reached. A pump whose liquid feeding cycle is the slowest transmits own information so that analysis is synchronized with a liquid feeding cycle. Moreover, a cycle position of a liquid feeding cycle at the end of analysis is expected, and the analysis time is automatically adjusted so that the wait time until the start of the next analysis becomes the shortest.

Abstract: Methods of determining the wettability of a surface under predetermined conditions, wherein the surface simulates or is a downhole surface for use in an oil or gas operation. The methods include the steps of: (A) contacting the surface with at least a first fluid; and then (B) observing the surface for the presence or absence of a marker to determine the wettability of the surface. According to a first aspect of the inventions, the first fluid comprises a first marker, and the step of contacting is under first predetermined conditions. This aspect also includes the additional step of contacting the surface with a second fluid comprising a second marker. According to a second aspect of the inventions, the step of contacting the surface with the first fluid is under predetermined conditions, and the surface is contacted with a second fluid comprising a second marker.

Abstract: A scratch testing apparatus for performing a scratching test while gradually increasing or decreasing a load, in which a pressure applied to the surface of a test specimen gradually increases or decreases as a head unit, to which a tip is attached, moves horizontally. The scratching testing apparatus includes a head unit having a bottom to which a tip attached; a guiding unit for guiding the head unit to move horizontally; and a pressure changing unit for changing pressure applied to the tip while the head unit is moving along the guiding unit. Therefore, the scratch testing apparatus may perform a scratching test as gradually increasing or gradually decreasing a load applied to the test specimen by the tip by moving the head unit, to which the tip is attached, horizontally.

Abstract: The power of internal combustion engines is conventionally determined on special power-test stands on which all connections, in particular coolant connections, of the engine must be fitted. In particular, if a cold test of the internal combustion engine is carried out beforehand, it is necessary for said internal combustion engine to be dismounted from the cold-test stand and mounted on the power-test stand, which is time-consuming. The invention indirectly predetermines the power of the internal combustion engine during the cold test. In this way, the determination of the power can be carried out on the cold-test stand without the need for a power-test stand or for the internal combustion engine to be mounted thereon.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an in-cylinder pressure curve representative of the evolution of the pressure within a cylinder of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. The method includes, but is not limited to setting a timeframe during the engine functioning, sampling pressure within at least two sensed cylinders of the engine, the samplings being performed during not contemporary sampling periods within the assumed timeframe, in order to acquire a partial in-cylinder pressure curve for each of the sensed cylinders, and using the partial in-cylinder pressure curves for reconstructing a whole in-cylinder pressure curve.

Abstract: A pressure measurement system includes a multiplexer unit which inputs a plurality of electrical signals representative of pressures, and a comparison unit which compares the electrical signals among each other to determine a specified signal characteristic, wherein the multiplexer unit selects one of the electrical signals as an output signal based on the determination of the specified signal characteristic, and outputs the selected signal.

Abstract: An engine control module having an environmentally-sealed housing includes a housing-mounted air pressure sensor for providing a reliable measure of atmospheric air pressure to a control circuit mounted within the housing. The sensor is mounted on an inboard face of the housing, and includes a sensor element, a body portion and a riser portion. The sensor element is mounted in the body portion, and the riser portion protrudes through an opening in the housing to couple the sensor element to atmospheric pressure outside the housing. The body portion is sealingly secured to the inboard face of the housing, and a set of conductor pins molded into the body portion extend inward to engage a circuit board enclosed by the housing, and thereby directly couple the sensor element to the ECM's control circuit. The top of the riser portion is capped by a splash-proof lid to prevent water intrusion.

Abstract: A method for determining an absolute rotational position of a vehicle steering column is provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the method determines a relative position of a steering assist motor utilizing a relative position sensor. Thereafter, the method determines the absolute rotational position of the vehicle steering column based upon the relative position of the steering assist motor.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments concerns a traction pad to be bonded for coating adhesion or surface cohesion tests by tearing including a counterbore designed to control the thickness of the adhesive film. Support elements such as wedges or a border maintain the base of the counterbore at the required distance from the tested surface and openings are provided for evacuating the adhesive prior to its controlled hardening when the traction pad is applied on the tested surface.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is an arrangement for determining the pressure in an undercarriage tire of an aircraft, which arrangement has a measurement matrix (1) with a plurality of load sensors which are arranged in an area over which the aircraft tire can roll. The invention provides that the arrangement is designed to measure the pressure difference between two or more undercarriage tires.

Abstract: A model hull testing method, platform, and system are disclosed that acquire model hull performance data about one or more hulls in an open-water environment, preferably testing two hulls simultaneously as they encounter essentially the same sea state. Avoiding tow-tank testing by providing a powered watercraft as an open-water testing platform, the method proceeds by supporting the model hulls on the testing platform, so they float in outboard positions, and then by acquiring data about hull performance as the testing platform and model hulls move together through an open body of water. A complement of data acquisition components acquires digital and analog data about the testing environment and model hull performance, preferably including platform motion, time and location information, wave characteristics, apparent wind speed and direction, and model hull drag and motion, with all data being recorded on an onboard laptop computer for later processing and analysis.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting the filling level of a container, such as a bottle, using a measuring probe that can be introduced into the container and comprises a resistance section which is electrically contacted at two points. The resistance section can be brought into contact with the product with which the container is to be filled, at different heights, the measuring probe comprising an electrically contacted reference potential electrode.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring energy expenditure of individuals by measuring force from a plurality of foot-borne force sensitive resistors and calculating incline from a foot-borne tri-axial accelerometer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved gravity gradiometer are disclosed.

Abstract: A rotation-rate sensor having at least one quadrature compensation pattern, which includes at least one first electrode and one second electrode. The second electrode has a first electrode surface and a second electrode surface which are situated opposite to each other. The first electrode is situated in an intermediate space, between the first electrode surface and the second electrode surface. The first electrode surface and also the second electrode surface, over their extension, are at a different distance from the first electrode. The first electrode surface and the second electrode surface of the second electrode are at generally the same distance from each other, over their extension.

Abstract: A rotation rate sensor includes a substrate having a main extension plane, and a Coriolis element movable relative to the substrate, the Coriolis element being provided to be excitable to perform an oscillation deflection substantially parallel to the main extension plane; and the Coriolis element further being provided to be deflectable, by way of a Coriolis force acting on the Coriolis element, to perform a detectable Coriolis deflection perpendicular to the main extension plane; and the rotation rate sensor further including at least one compensation electrode that is provided for at least partial compensation, as a function of the oscillation deflection, for a levitation force acting on the Coriolis element.

Abstract: A device that detects a rotation around a first axis, the device including: a substrate; a first zone having a first thickness and including at least one mass, defining, idle, a plane, arranged at a distance from a second axis of rotation contained in the plane, the mass being able to be caused to vibrate in the plane, perpendicular to the first axis of rotation, and at least two connecting arms that connect the mass to the second axis of rotation; and a vibration inducing device that causes the mass to vibrate in the plane.

Abstract: A MEMS gyroscope includes: a microstructure having a fixed structure, a driving mass, movable with respect to the fixed structure according to a driving axis, and a sensing mass, mechanically coupled to the driving mass so as to be drawn in motion according to the driving axis and movable with respect to the driving mass according to a sensing axis, in response to rotations of the microstructure; and a driving device, for keeping the driving mass in oscillation with a driving frequency. The driving device includes a discrete-time sensing interface, for detecting a position of the driving mass with respect to the driving axis and a control stage for controlling the driving frequency on the basis of the position of the driving mass.

Abstract: An angular velocity detection apparatus (i.e., physical quantity detection apparatus) includes a gyro sensor element (i.e., physical quantity detection element) that allows an angular velocity detection signal that corresponds to the magnitude of an angular velocity (i.e., physical quantity) and a leakage signal of vibrations based on a drive signal (square-wave voltage signal) to flow through a detection electrode, a driver circuit that generates the drive signal, a synchronous detection circuit that performs a synchronous detection process on a detection target signal that includes the angular velocity detection signal and the leakage signal based on a detection signal that is synchronized with the drive signal, and a phase change circuit that changes a relative timing of at least one of a rising edge and a falling edge of the detection signal with respect to the detection target signal based on a control signal so that at least part of the leakage signal is output by the synchronous detection process.

Abstract: A capacitive MEMS gyroscope and a method of making the same are disclosed. The capacitive MEMS gyroscope comprises a semiconductor substrate and a suspended composite wheel.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope according to this invention includes a ring-shaped vibrating body 11 having a uniform plane, a leg portion 15 flexibly supporting the ring-shaped vibrating body and having a fixed end, a fixed potential electrode 16, and a plurality of electrodes 13a, 13b, . . . , 13f formed on the plane with a piezoelectric film sandwiched between an upper-layer metallic film and a lower-layer metallic film in a thickness direction thereof. In this case, in a representative example shown in FIG. 1, when one of driving electrodes 13a for exciting a primary vibration of the ring-shaped vibrating body 11 in a vibration mode of cos N? is set as a reference driving electrode, the plurality of remaining electrodes 13b, . . . , 13f are disposed at specific positions.

Abstract: This invention is for a hermetic piezoelectric accelerometer sensor that can operates at high temperatures without the degradation observed on the piezoelectric elements, due to Oxygen depletion of the piezoelectric materials, when they are exposed to high temperatures, in reducing atmospheres, or low partial Oxygen pressure, inside a sealed housing. When a piezoelectric element loses Oxygen, becomes more electrically conductive, and this severe loss in resistivity, exacerbated with the increase of the temperature, makes the sensor inoperable, unreliable, or with permanent damage. The accelerometer of this invention operates effectively over a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures above 1600° F., depending of the piezoelectric element used on the construction. The housing of the accelerometer uses a small section of metal made with Silver (or Silver alloys) to allow Oxygen diffusion through the metal, when it is exposed to high temperature.

Abstract: An operation-position detector having a tube that allows an ultrasonic signal to propagate therethrough. The tube has a plurality of holes capable of being selectively closed or opened by an operation and is provided with an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver arranged at a first end thereof. A signal processor drives the ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and causes an ultrasonic signal to propagate through the inside of the tube, receives a reflection signal corresponding to a closed or open state of each of the holes, and detects the state of each hole on the basis of the reflection signal, thereby detecting the operation position of an operation conducted by an operator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the non-destructive ultrasound inspection of a high-pressure line as a testing piece by means of the pulse-echo method, where the high-pressure line is conveyed to a near-field range of at least one ultrasonic transducer and an ultrasonic pulse is emitted with a perpendicular sound incidence on the high-pressure line in such a way that the high-pressure line is completely captured in its cross section by the near-field sound emission caused by the ultrasonic transducer, and the reflected ultrasonic pulse(s) is/are received by the ultrasonic transducer and/or, optionally, further ultrasonic transducers, the associated echo delay times are recorded and, optionally, evaluated.

Abstract: A sensor assemblage, in particular a high-pressure sensor assemblage, includes a substrate element and a connector element, the substrate element comprising a sensor structure having a pressure-sensitive diaphragm and a cavity disposed in the region of the diaphragm, the substrate element being connected to the connector element in such a way that the cavity is connected to a hollow space of the connector element, the substrate element moreover including at least one further sensor structure having a pressure-sensitive further diaphragm and a further cavity disposed in the region of the further diaphragm, the further cavity being connected to a further hollow space of the at least one connector element or of a further connector element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the operation of a pressure measuring device for the measurement of the pressure in a system through which fluid flows, in particular in an extracorporeal circuit of a medical unit, with the pressure measuring device having a measuring chamber which is bounded by a flexible membrane, through which fluid flows in the operation of the system or which is filled with fluid and also having a pressure sensor connected to the membrane for the purpose of pressure measurement, with the method including the following steps not requiring any intervention of the staff: a. increasing the pressure in the measuring chamber (12) to a pressure value at which the membrane (13) is at least slightly outwardly curved relative to the measuring chamber (12) in the state not connected to the pressure sensor (14) or determining such a pressure value; b: separating the membrane (13) of the measuring chamber (12) from the pressure sensor (14); c.

Abstract: An external pressure measuring device having a base and a tubing system bent with various radii. Pressure inside the bent tubing causes the tubing to move in such a way that can be measured and can provide an indication of internal pressure.

Abstract: Methods and devices for adhesively bonding a sensor die to a substrate are described. In some cases, a sensor assembly may include a pressure sensor die mounted to a substrate with an adhesive. The pressure sensor die may be fabricated to include a back-side having one or more adhesion features (e.g. recesses or indentations), which increase the surface area of the pressure sensor die that is in contact with the adhesive, to thereby increase the adhesion force therebetween. In some cases, the one or more adhesion features may define a non-planar interface between the pressure sensor die and the adhesive which, in some instances, may reduce the formation and/or propagation of cracks in the adhesive, which also may help increase the adhesion force therebetween.

Abstract: A compression sensor gasket and method of construction thereof is provided. The gasket has a body with opposite sealing surfaces and a through passage configured to align with a chamber to be sealed. A through opening extends between the sealing surfaces to the through passage and has an annular chamfered surface. A pressure sensor assembly having a housing and a pressure sensor extending at least partially through the housing is disposed in the through opening. The pressure sensor has a pressure sensor tip configured to sense pressure within the chamber to be sealed. The housing has an outer annular tapered surface configured to register in radial alignment with the chamfered surface to facilitate forming a hermetic seal between the pressure sensor assembly and the gasket body.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor has a magnetized piston free to move in a cylinder. Magnetic endcaps seal the ends of the cylinder, forming chambers on either side of the piston. The moveable magnetic piston is constrained by the opposing magnetic fields of the endcaps. The piston is covered with magnetic ferrofluid, providing a low friction gas-tight seal around the piston. The cylinder has two pressure input lines, one being connected to the chamber on either side of the piston. The relative pressures of the input lines cause the piston to move to a position of equilibrium within the cylinder, with the magnetic fields of the endcaps holding the piston in place against the pressure. A magnetic field angle sensor detects flux lines on the outside of the cylinder, and the reading is correlated with the pressure differential between the two input lines.