Abstract: The invention relates to more accurate rotative and linear positional measurement for a rotary-linear drive. A measuring system comprising a linear sensor (12) and a rotary sensor (20) is disclosed. A decoupling unit (11,14,17) decouples the rotary displacement from the linear displacement of a shaft (10); The decoupling unit (11,14,17) has either a first measuring section (11), which is coupled in a fixed manner to the shaft to be measured (10) and tapped by the linear sensor (12) and a second measuring section (17), which is exclusively non-rotatably coupled to the shaft to be measured (10) and is tapped by the rotary sensor (20), or a first measuring section, which is coupled in a fixed manner exclusively linearly to the shaft to be measured and is tapped by the linear sensor and a second measuring section, which is non-rotatably coupled to the shaft to be measured and is tapped by the rotary sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a magnetic scale including a pipe, a strip-shaped magnetic member having a one side surface in the direction across the thickness thereof as a contact surface adapted to be closely attached to the inner surface of the pipe and the other side surface opposite to the one side surface as a back surface, the magnetic member being inserted in the pipe so as to extend straight in the longitudinal direction of the pipe, the magnetic member being formed with magnetic marks provided by a plurality of N poles and S poles alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic member, and a retainer member inserted in the pipe to press the back surface of the magnetic member toward the contact surface of the magnetic member, thereby maintaining a closely contact condition of the contact surface to the inner surface of the pipe. Accordingly, the magnetic member can be reliably protected to thereby improve its durability.

Abstract: First, an inner tube member is accommodated in an outer tube member. Then, rigid powder, having high rigidity and a hard-to-magnetize characteristic, into the inner tube member. Next, magnetic powder is filled into a recessed portion of the inner tube member. Then, the inner tube member is drawn out of the outer tube member. Then, a composite filler composed of the rigid powder, magnetic powder and outer tube member is subjected to a cold hydrostatic pressure pressing process as pre-processing. Next, the composite filler is heated and solidified into a billet. Then, the billet is subjected to a hot extrusion process so that it is formed into a bar-shaped workpiece. The bar-shaped workpiece is rolled onto a roller, and then the outer tube member is peeled off. Next, the bar-shaped workpiece is subjected to a cutting process so that it is formed into an elongated bar. Then, a magnetic section of the elongated bar is magnetized into a scale structure.

Abstract: To improve the measurement precision and the robustness of the time measurement in spite of low installation size and cost, e.g. at a magnetostrictive position sensor, according to the invention a specific process for determining a time interval between a start impulse and a position impulse of a position sensor according to the travel time principle is proposed. The start impulse is generated by the position sensor and the position impulse is generated by a position magnet as response to the start impulse depending on the position of the position magnet.

Abstract: To provide a magnetic line-type position-angle detecting device capable of detecting an absolute position on a non-contact basis and with high resolution and inexpensive construction, the magnetic line-type position-angle detecting device includes a magnetic line sensor 1 having a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 1a arranged in line, and a magnetic generating element 2 confronting the magnetic line sensor and movable in a direction conforming to the line of the magnetic sensor elements 1a. The magnetic sensor elements 1a of the magnetic line sensor 1 are sequentially selected by a scanning circuit 3, a signal from the selected sensor element 1a is processed into a digital signal through an amplifier 4, and an analog-to-digital converting circuit 5. By a calculation processing circuit 6, a distribution of magnetic fields applied to the magnetic line sensor 1 are measured to calculate the position and/or angle of the magnetic generating element 2.

Abstract: Apparatus to determine the position of a movable member of an actuator operating a valve assembly are disclosed. The movable member of the actuator displaces an actuation arm of a position sensor such that relative displacement occurs between a magnetic flux source and a magnetic flux sensor of the position sensor.

Abstract: A field-altering device for an inductive sensor has an elongated body with a substantially saw-tooth profile. The body is made of steel or other type ferrous material. With use in a Hall-effect sensor, the body moves relative to the sensor causing the field to vary periodically with time. The sensor generates an electrical signal in dependence on the field variations, the electrical signal having a saw-tooth pattern.

Abstract: A linear position sensor having a transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of electrical energy and wound in a first direction. A receiver coil is contained within the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes both a first loop wound in a first direction and a second loop wound in the opposite direction. A coupler element linearly moves along a first direction relative to the transmitter coil which varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the linear position of the coupler element to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil. The first and second loops of the receiver coil are linearly aligned with each other along the first direction.

Abstract: A position measuring apparatus includes (a) a sleeve that has an open first end and a second end opposite the first end, (b) a guide pin guided at least partly in the sleeve, (c) a spring, (d) a linear magnetic field sensor and (e) a magnet disposed adjacent to the linear magnetic field sensor. To avoid wear even in the presence of large temperature fluctuations, the magnet is disposed on a face of the guide pin facing the second end of the sleeve, and the spring is disposed between the second end of the sleeve and the magnet such that the spring urges the magnet against the guide pin.

Abstract: A non-contacting position measuring system comprising a sensor that includes a measuring coil which can be energized with alternating current, where the measuring coil comprises at least two voltage taps, an electrically or magnetically conductive object to be measured which is assigned to the sensor, and an evaluation circuit, where the sensor and the object to be measured can be displaced relative to one another in a longitudinal direction of the measuring coil. The position-measuring system presented is formed in such a manner that the object to be measured comprises at least one marking affecting the impedance of the measuring coil between two voltage taps so that the evaluation circuit provides an output signal correlating with the position of the object to be measured in relation to the voltage taps.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus, comprising a field emission source having polarities and positions in accordance with a code, a plurality of connected coils adapted to move proximate to said field emission source and having positions in accordance with said code, and wherein an electrical pulse is created when said field emission source is aligned with said plurality of connected coils according to said code.

Abstract: A detector for detecting movements which, in its simplest form of embodiment, has one exciter magnet: (EM) and only one individual pulse wire (FE) with one induction coil (SP1) and with a sensor (SP2, HS) for determining polarity and position of the moveable exciter magnet (EM). All information is simultaneously determined at the time (Ts), that the ferromagnetic element (FE) is triggered and remagnetized by said magnet (EM). For counting operation a further information about the last established position and polarity of the exciter magnet is used, which is stored in a nonvolatile memory (36) of an associated evaluation circuit.

Abstract: A position sensor with excellent linearity of coil impedance is provided. This position sensor is equipped with a tubular detection coil, a magnetic core movable in the detection coil, a drive circuit for the detection coil, a signal processing circuit for converting a change in impedance of the detection coil into an electric signal, and a shield member disposed around the detection coil. The shield member is a tubular member having a first inner surface for surrounding an axial region of the detection coil, and a second inner surface for surrounding another axial region of the detection coil. The tubular member is formed such that a distance between the second inner surface and the detection coil is smaller than the distance between the first inner surface and the detection coil.

Abstract: A position sensing system for positioning a linear motor that includes a stator and an armature having magnets, the armature moving relative to the stator along a path. A sensor determines a position of the armature based on measurements of a magnetic field generated by the magnets of the armature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical motor having a stator that has a drive unit and a frame component in which the drive unit is held, and a sliding element that is constructed such that, actuated by the drive unit, it performs a movement with respect to the stator in a direction of translation, wherein the drive unit has at least one electromechanical drive element that extends in the direction of translation and a power transmission element that is constructed so as to transmit a movement of the drive element to the sliding element. The sliding element has a supporting component and a drive rail, the drive rail extending in the direction of translation and interacting with the power transmission element and the drive rail being held at both its end faces in the supporting component, and between the supporting component and the frame component of the stator, there is a bearing for supporting the sliding element in the frame component.

Abstract: A position sensing system includes a member movable along a path, the member having an elongated magnet extending along the path, the magnetic field orientation of the elongated magnet being at an angle with respect to the path. A sensor determines a position of the member along the path based on a measurement of a magnetic field generated by the elongated magnet.

Abstract: Position sensors, metering valve assemblies, and fuel delivery and control systems are provided. In an embodiment, by way of example only, a position sensor includes a rotor, a primary winding wound around the rotor, a stator surrounding at least a portion of the rotor and the primary winding, and a secondary winding disposed adjacent to the stator. At least one of the primary winding and the secondary winding comprises copper and nickel.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor for determining positions of an activation magnet along a monitored distance with at least two sensor elements. Both sensor elements are subjected to at least one component of a magnetic field of the activation magnet. An evaluation unit coupled to the sensor element generates at least one switching element that corresponds to a desired magnet position. Each sensor element is operative over the entire monitored distance, and for each desired magnet position there is one unambiguous group of signal values which is used by the sensor elements for generating the switching signals in the evaluation unit.

Abstract: Hall sensor arrangement is disclosed for detection of the change in the position of two components which can move relative to one another into two end positions, with a Hall sensor with at least one Hall measurement field (H; H1, H2) and a field magnet. An actuator is provided for transmitting to the Hall sensor the change in the position of the two components which can move relative to one another. The Hall sensor and the field magnet are combined into a preassembled structural unit. When the position of the field magnet changes relative to the Hall sensor from one end position into the other end position the polarity of the magnetic field acting on the Hall measurement field (H; H1, H2) can change, e.g., the polarity becomes reversed.

Abstract: A motion transducer comprising one or more electromagnetic coils provided on a first element, each of the coils having a magnetic axis of symmetry.

Abstract: A position sensor arrangement and method for determining the position of a movable device, such as an electronic gear shifter for vehicle. According to one embodiment, the position sensor arrangement is arranged in a skewed or offset fashion, with respect to the shifting pattern of the electronic gear shifter, such that movement of the gear shifter from one discrete position to an adjacent discrete position causes a change in both an x-axis coordinate and a y-axis coordinate.

Abstract: The length in the direction of movement of a magnet is effectively used for position detection without using a gap of a stator, where the magnet moves, as a magnetic path. According to a proportion of the slider (110), having a magnet (111), that enters into a region where the slider is movable with a predetermined gap maintained between the stator (120) made from a magnetic body, a magnetism sensor (130) provided at a stator (120) detects the position of a slider (110). A magnetic flux leakage prevention member (140) prevents leakage of magnetic flux caused by that portion of the magnet (111) that has not entered in the region.

Abstract: A seat position detecting apparatus includes a fixed rail fixed on a vehicle floor, a movable rail at which a vehicle seat is supported for sliding on the fixed rail, and a position detecting mechanism directly mounted at one of either the fixed rail or the movable rail for detecting a relative position between the fixed rail and the movable rail by detecting the other of either the fixed rail or the movable rail, wherein a first engaging mechanism is provided at either the fixed rail or the movable rail at which the position detecting mechanism is mounted, and a second engaging mechanism provided complementarily to the first engaging mechanism engages with the first engaging mechanism through the position detecting mechanism.

Abstract: A detector for measuring relative position along a measurement path comprising: a passive, laminar electrical intermediate device extending along the measurement path wherein the extent of the said electrical intermediate device in an axis normal to the measurement path varies along the measurement axis; at least one laminar transmit winding and at least two laminar receive windings wherein the said at least two laminar receive windings are displaced from each other along the measurement path wherein each laminar receive winding is substantially electrically balanced with respect to the at least one laminar transmit winding; arranged such that the mutual inductance between at least one laminar transmit winding and at least two laminar receive windings indicates the relative position of the electrical intermediate device.

Abstract: A position detecting mechanism for specifying the position of a movable body using magnetism includes a magnetic device mounted to the movable body and a magnetic sensor mounted to a housing. The magnetic device includes a pair of yokes made of a magnetic substance, a plurality of permanent magnets interposed between the yokes, and a holder for holding the magnets. The magnets are disposed in such a manner that the north and south magnetic poles are in contact with the yokes on both sides.

Abstract: The linear sensor 1 for measuring an axial path L0 of a part 2 sliding in an axial direction 20 in a frame 3 comprises a mobile part 4 cooperating with a fixed part 5, said mobile part 4 comprising: a longitudinal element 40 cooperating at one end 400 with said part 2, any translation of said part 2 in said axial path causing a corresponding displacement of its other end 401; and a magnetic field source 41 integral with the end 401, said fixed part 5 comprising a receiving means 50 for said magnetic field. The linear sensor is characterized in that said fixed part 5 comprises an angular redirection means 53 cooperating with said longitudinal element 40 and thus transforming said axial path of the end 400 into a radial path of the other end 401.

Abstract: A position sensor according to the transit time principle of a mechanical-elastic wave. The position sensor includes a waveguide made out of electrically conductive material, and a detector coil in a detector range being arranged coaxially on the waveguide. A position magnet moveable along the waveguide. A position magnet moves along the waveguide and a flux guide unit is assigned to the detector coil.

Abstract: A sensor used to sense the position of an attached movable object. The sensor can be mounted to a pneumatic actuator. The sensor includes a housing that has a pair of cavities or pockets separated by a wall. A magnet carrier is positioned within one of the cavities and a magnet is coupled to the magnet carrier. The magnet carrier is coupled to the moveable object. A magnetic sensor is positioned in the other of the cavities. The magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal that is indicative of a position of the movable object.

Abstract: The position of a movable downhole component such as a sleeve in a choke valve is monitored and determined using an array of sensors, preferably Hall Effect sensors that measure the strength of a magnetic field from a magnet that travels with the sleeve. The sensors measure the field strength and output a voltage related to the strength of the field that is detected. A plurality of sensors, with readings, transmits signals to a microprocessor to compute the magnet position directly. The sensors are in the tool body and are not mechanically coupled to the sleeve. The longitudinal position of the sleeve is directly computed using less than all available sensors to facilitate the speed of transmission of data and computation of actual position using known mathematical techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to an incremental displacement transducer for determining a displacement of a first object relative to a second object with a scanning unit linked with the first object for scanning a division track linked with the second object having first areas and second areas alternately arranged with a period length, the first areas having a first physical property and the second areas a second physical property differing therefrom. The scanning unit has a plurality of sensors for scanning the first areas and second areas on the basis of the first and/or second physical property. An evaluating unit is linked with the scanning unit for determining the displacement on the basis of the measuring signals of the sensors.

Abstract: A linear sensor uses four spaced apart magnets arranged in a rectangular array and has an axis of symmetry. Each magnet has a staircase shape of at least two steps ascending towards a centerline. Each magnet of the array has a single N-S with magnets arranged as mirror images about the axis of symmetry having opposed poles, and magnets located on diagonals defined by the rectangular array having the same pole facing the axis of symmetry. The linear sensor employs a magnetic field sensor such as a programmable Hall effect sensor that is mounted for movement relative to the magnetic array along the axis of symmetry. The height of the steps defining the staircase shape of the magnets is selected to produce a magnetic field of selected linearity along a selected portion of the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a member position detecting apparatus having a high degree of freedom for design and layout of a seat rail, capable of suppressing accumulation of dust and eliminating influence of an external magnetic field. A member position detecting apparatus 1 has a function of detecting whether a metallic seat rail (a moving member) 3 guided by a metallic stationary rail 2 has reached a front end position (a predetermined position) P on the stationary rail 2. The openings of the stationary rail 2 and the seat rail 3 face each other and the end portions thereof are folded and engaged with each other. The stationary rail 2 is disposed on the floor of a vehicle, and a planar magnet 5 is provided at a front end portion thereof. The seat rail 3 is fixed on a lower portion of the vehicle seat, and a magnetic sensor 7 is provided to face the magnet 5 at the front end portion of the seat rail.

Abstract: Sensors and methods for measuring displacement are disclosed. In one embodiment, among others, a resistive element is configured to receive an alternating voltage between a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal, the first and second electrical terminals defining a length of the resistive element. A signal pickup is capacitively coupled to the resistive element and is configured to be moved along the length of the resistive element at a substantially fixed distance from the resistive element and without contact between the resistive element and the signal pickup. A shielded cable, such as a coaxial cable, electrically connected to the signal pickup carries a signal having an amplitude proportional to the position of the signal pickup with respect to the first and second electrical terminals.

Abstract: A transducer for measuring a displacement along an axis of movement of a first part relative to a second part, comprises a magnetic source for generating a magnetic field mounted to the first part, and a plurality of magnetic field sensing devices mounted to the second part to be movable relative to the magnetic field generated by the magnetic source. The sensing devices are spaced in the direction of the axis. A circuit arrangement is provided to which the sensing devices are connected to generate an output signal dependent on contributions from the sensing devices of the plurality. The magnetic source has North and South poles oriented in the direction of the axis. The sensing devices are each oriented to respond to an axially-directed component of magnetic field, and comprise at least two axially-spaced sensing devices whose contributions to the output signal are combined in a subtractive fashion.

Abstract: A linear motion control device for use in a linear control system is presented. The linear motion control device includes a coil driver to drive a coil that, when driven, effects a linear movement by a motion device having a magnet. The linear motion control device also includes a magnetic field sensor to detect a magnetic field associated with the linear movement and an interface to connect an output of the magnetic field sensor and an input of the coil driver to an external controller. The interface includes a feedback loop to relate the magnetic field sensor output signal to the coil driver input.

Abstract: A sensorless position measurement method may be used to determine the position of a solenoid-based actuator which controls some substance. The sensorless position measurement method of the present invention eliminates the need for a dedicated sensor in the actuator device, as well as the associated electrical connections between this sensor and the system controller.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a displacement detector which can compensate a change in temperature coefficient of impedance of a coil to a displacement of a core. The detector comprises a constant-current supply unit for outputting a constant current including an alternating current, a coil portion, to which the constant current is supplied, a magnetic core supported to be movable relative to the coil portion in a movable range, and a signal processing circuit for determining a displacement of the core to the coil portion according to a change in output voltage of the coil portion under the supply of the constant current to the coil portion, characteristic-value extracting unit for extracting a characteristic value(V1) from the output voltage of the coil portion, and a level shift circuit for adding a level shift voltage (Vsh) to the characteristic value.

Abstract: In the case of a longitudinal adjuster (1) for a vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, with at least one first seat rail (5), at least one second seat rail (8) which is displaceable relative to the first seat rail (5) and is guided therein, at least one locking device (11) for locking the first seat rail (5) to the second seat rail (8), wherein a locking row (19) of the first seat rail (5) is assigned to the locking device (11), and a position recognition device (20) with a sensor (24), the sensor (24) interacts with the locking row (19).

Abstract: A speed sensor for a moving member (8) comprises means (27; 34) for constituting a magnetic singularity on a portion of the moving member, and a sleeve slidably receiving said portion and including at least an annular coil (20, 21) and an annular permanent magnet (22, 23) disposed on a common axis between annular pole pieces (24, 25).

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes first through fourth GMR elements. The fixed layers of the first through fourth GMR elements have respective magnetization directions toward the X-axis positive, X-axis negative, Y-axis negative, and Y-axis positive directions. When a magnet is located at the initial position, the free layers of the first through fourth GMR elements have respective magnetization directions toward the Y-axis positive, Y-axis negative, X-axis negative, and X-axis positive directions. When the magnet is located at the initial position, the magnetization axis of the magnet passes through the centroid of the first through fourth GMR elements. The magnetic sensor detects, from the resistances of these GMR elements, changes in horizontal magnetic fields of the magnet which pass through the first through fourth GMR elements and which change in accordance with the moved position of the magnet, to thereby determine the position of the magnet.

Abstract: As imaging devices are miniaturized, and optical devices are miniaturized, lens moving mechanisms are also miniaturized. Thus, position sensors for them are required to be miniaturized and have high accuracy at low cost. A magnet 2 of a pillar shape and a yoke 3 which move in X axis direction with respect to a magnetic field detection element 1 are provided, and a shape of a cross section of the yoke 3 which is orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the magnet 2 changes along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A technique for locating stationary magnetic objects comprises placing magnetic sensors on a movable platform; for each sensor, measuring a total magnetic field signal in an area of detection; using the sensors to identify a line upon which a target stationary magnetic object is located; and fixing a location of the object by moving the platform in substantially straight lines until the object is detected by at least two of the sensors; using the measured signals to determine a first path on which the object lies; positioning the sensors so that a line connecting two of the sensors intersects the first path on which the object lies; moving the platform along a second path substantially parallel to the first path; recording two positions at which at least two of the sensors detect a maximum total magnetic field signal from the object; and identifying a third path through the two positions.

Abstract: A linear displacement detection apparatus is configured to convert a linear displacement of a shaft into a rotary displacement of a sensor rotor of a rotary displacement sensor so as to detect the linear displacement. A sensor lever is fixed to the sensor rotor and rotatable about an axis of the sensor rotor. A sensor rod is located closer to the shaft than the sensor lever and configured to transmit the linear displacement of the shaft to the sensor lever. A bearing member is located closer to the shaft than the sensor rod and configured to release rocking of the shaft.

Abstract: A position detecting sensor for detecting a position of a magnetic body includes a first yoke, a first pair of magnets respectively possessing first and second poles and provided at both sides of the first yoke, a magnetic detecting element located at a distant position at a right angle from a center portion on a line connecting the first pair of magnets. The first pole of one of the first pair of magnets faces one side of the first yoke and the second pole of the other one of the first pair of magnets faces the other side of the first yoke. The first pole of the one of the first pair of magnets is the same as the first pole of the other one of the first pair of magnets.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a linear/rotation drive with an improved transmitter device for detecting the linear and rotational movements. For this purpose, the transmitter device (12, 14, 16, 17) for detecting the linear movement and/or rotational movement of the secondary part (4) of the linear drive (2) configured as an external rotor is at least partially arranged inside the primary part (6) of the linear drive (2). In this manner, the transmitter device (12, 14, 16, 17) is located in a magnetically shielded area. In order to avoid eccentricities in the transmitted device (12, 14, 16, 17), a journal (10) of the secondary part (4) is mounted on a bearing (11) in the primary part (6).

Abstract: A position-sensing system magnetically senses the position of a piston rod moving with respect to a cylinder. A magnetically hard layer on the piston rod provides a recording medium. Information is perpendicularly magnetized in regions of the magnetically hard layer. These regions provide an encoding scheme for determining the position of the piston rod. Magnetic-field sensors are positioned over redundant tracks of magnetically recorded regions. Each magnetic-field sensor positioned over a given track senses the same magnetized regions while the piston rod moves with respect to the cylinder. Other magnetic-field sensors can sense ambient fields for use in performing common-mode rejection. A write head can dynamically repair damaged or erased regions detected by the magnetic-field sensors. Energized by a battery-backup power source, the magnetic-field sensors and associated circuitry can continue to track movement of the piston rod when the machinery is off.

Abstract: Disclosed is a displacement measuring apparatus that includes a composite scale having a magnetic pattern and a diffraction grating each aligned in a direction of measuring axis, and a detector head moving in a direction of measuring axis relative to the composite scale. The detector head has a magnetic detection unit detecting a magnetic field exerted by the magnetic pattern to generate first reproduced signals, a light source irradiating the diffraction grating with light, and an optical detection unit detecting the light diffracted by the diffraction grating to generate second reproduced signals. In composite scale, the magnetic pattern and the diffraction grating are arranged such that a pitch of the first reproduced signals is larger than that of the second reproduced signals.

Abstract: An apparatus providing a signal related to a position of a coupler element comprises an exciter coil and a receiver coil, the apparatus being operable to provide a signal correlated with the position of the coupler element using a receiver signal generated when the exciter coil is energized due to an inductive coupling between the receiver coil and the exciter coil. In some examples, the receiver coil has first and second sections generating a first section signal and a second section signal respectively, and an electronic circuit is operable to generate a position-independent signal using the first section signal and the second signal. This position-independent signal may then be subtracted from a baseline voltage to provide an improved reference signal for ratiometric position sensing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device to mechanically secure in position a magnetic linear position sensor that includes a support (4) equipped with detection cells that are sensitive to magnetic induction and a target slide (5) fitted with magnetic elements and mounted to slide on the support in relation to the detection cells. According to the invention, the device includes: mechanical locking resources (12) between the target slide and the support, in order to place the target slide in a reference position in relation to the support, and resources (13) for controlling the locking resources so that the latter can pass from a locked position to an unlocked position of the target slide (5) in relation to the support (4), and vice versa.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder designed to convert compressed air into mechanical output is disclosed. The pneumatic cylinder includes a piston and rod assembly with supporting components coaxially disposed and arranged to achieve a linear mechanical force in accordance with a differential pressure across the piston. A cylindrical sleeve, secured to end caps on both openings, encircles the piston and rod assembly and helps guide the piston during travel. A conductive coil is coupled to the cylindrical sleeve to provide sensing of a position of the piston. Additionally, a manifold, which serves as a conduit for airflow between each individual cylinder volume and an external air control device, is disposed such that the cylindrical sleeve and end caps are nested, in a concentric manner, within the manifold. A manifold divider assembly is disposed such that a plurality of end channels are isolated from each other.