Abstract: A fluid pressure cylinder assembly has a sensor to provide a signal indicating the amount of extension of a piston rod from the cylinder. The sensor includes a sleeve that is fixed relative to a base of the cylinder and passes into a longitudinal bore in the piston rod, and the piston rod carries a sensor core that is in the bore and is secured to the piston rod at an end opposite from a piston on the rod. The core slides on the interior of the sensor sleeve. A connection is provided to the sensor sleeve such that as the core moves relative to the sensor sleeve a signal indicating the amount of movement and the relative position of the cylinder base and the piston rod is provided.

Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic distributor (2) of a servo-control (1) of an aircraft, the hydraulic distributor comprising main distributor member (10) and emergency distributor member (20) that are coaxial, said emergency distributor member (20) being caused to move by said main distributor member (10) in the event of said main distributor member (10) seizing, said hydraulic distributor being provided with a detector device (60) for detecting said seizing. The detector device (60) is provided with a reed switch (66) and with amplification means (62, 69, 68) for amplifying said movement of the emergency distributor member, said amplification means comprising a lever (62) having a magnetized free end (62?) that activates said reed switch (66) in the event of said emergency distributor member (20) moving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pumping device including a pump (1) comprising—a pumping chamber (11) having a variable volume,—an inlet (2) communicating with the pumping chamber (11) and comprising a valve,—an outlet (5) communicating with the pumping chamber and comprising a valve,—an actuator adapted to change the volume of the pumping chamber,—a fluidic pathway comprising said inlet (2), said pumping chamber (11), said outlet (5) and a downstream line (7) situated downstream of the outlet valve,—a pressure sensor (4) for measuring the pressure between the valves of said pathway,—processing means for processing the received pressure data from the pressure sensor (4). The invention also covers a method for detecting a dysfunction in a pumping device as defined above.

Abstract: An actuator and sensor assembly comprising respective sensor and actuator housings defining an interior chamber. Clips on the sensor housing engage the actuator housing for coupling the sensor and actuator housings together. The sensor housing includes a wall defining a pocket. A connector with a sensor couples to the sensor housing in a relationship wherein the sensor extends into the sensor housing pocket. A movable piston is located in the interior chamber and a tube thereon defines a receptacle for a magnet located adjacent the pocket. The piston is seated on a flexible diaphragm. An actuator shaft includes one end coupled to the piston and an opposite end coupled to a movable object. A plurality of pins in the actuator housing mount the assembly to a support bracket. The sensor senses changes in the magnetic field in response to changes in the position of the magnet relative to the sensor.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake booster 1 comprising: a sealed structure 3 comprising a rigid casing 11 forming a funnel 19 furnished with an opening and a movable wall 13 dividing the sealed structure 3 into a low-pressure chamber 25 and a working chamber 27, a pneumatic piston 5 comprising a boss 31 fixedly attached to the movable wall 13 and mounted so as to slide in the funnel opening, a valve element 33 housed in the boss 31 and a seal 35 positioned between the boss 31 and the funnel 19, an input rod 7 and an output rod 9 coupled on either side of the pneumatic piston 5, and a return spring 37 to return the pneumatic piston 5 to a rest position, the return spring 37 being placed in the low-pressure chamber 25 between an internal surface 45 of the rigid casing and the pneumatic piston 5, and a force sensor 39 placed in the low-pressure chamber 25 and subjected to the pressure variations of the return spring 37.

Abstract: Method of indicating the position of a hydraulically actuated armature, comprising an adjust cylinder for actuating the armature, connected by at least one pressure medium line to an adjustment valve through which the pressure medium line can be switched between pressure-causing forward flow and pressure-less backward flow. wherein the flow through the pressure medium line is converted into a number of electric pulses and the number of pulses reflecting the flow is processed in a program in an indicator unit such that the number of pulses occurring in a predetermined adjustment travel when the flow in the pressure medium line is pressure-less is calculated as being the same adjustment travel as when the pressure medium line is switched to be the pressure line.

Abstract: A system (13) for determining the position of a piston (3) along its path of travel (9) in a cylinder (2) of a fluid-dynamic actuator (1), wherein the surface of the rod (5) of the piston (3) is provided with first grooves (14) machined on respective sections (15) of the rod (5), so that projections of the first grooves (14) onto a first plane parallel to the rod axis (6) define segments (14a) arranged obliquely with respect to the axis (6), and second grooves (17) extending parallel to the axis (6) for respective lengths such that a respective number of second grooves (17) run across each section (15), optical sensors (19, 21) detect the presence of second grooves (17) through a second plane (20) transversal to the axis (6) and a displacement (32) of segments (14a) along a line (31) coplanar with the second plane (20) due to a movement of the piston (3), and a processing unit (22) counts the detected second grooves (17) and determines the position of the piston (3) as a function of the count of second groove

Abstract: The invention provides a variable displacement axial piston machine comprising a cylinder block with at least one main cylinder and main piston, a swash plate, a plunger arrangement with a plunger and auxiliary cylinder, and a sensor. The swash plate is arranged to effect movement of the main piston in the main cylinder upon rotation of the swash plate relative to the cylinder arrangement, the plunger being arranged to tilt the swash plate relative to the cylinder arrangement and thereby to control a stroke of the main cylinder In the main piston. To provide a simple and reliable measurement of displacement of the main piston in the main cylinder, the invention provides a sensor element which is fixed in the auxiliary cylinder and which is adapted to sense movement of the plunger therein.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluidic actuator and a control system for the fluidic actuator may be provided. A first component of the actuator may have two openings interconnected by a passageway. A second component may be moveably housed within the passageway and divide the passageway into two portions. A fluid delivery system may be connected to the two openings. The fluid delivery system may supply a first pressure of fluid to the first portion of the passageway causing the second component to move within the passageway at a first speed. When the second component is in a selected position within the passageway, the fluid delivery system may reduce the pressure of the fluid, causing a reduction in speed of the second component. The fluidic actuator may be used in a wafer processing system.

Abstract: The invention concerns a hydraulic system for moving automatic closing apparatuses, comprising hydraulic actuating means capable to move at least one movable member coupled to at least one closing apparatus, wherein said hydraulic actuating means is operated by at least one low voltage dc motor. Preferably, the electronic unit controls, through an encoder and microswitches, the position of a piston or a rotating shaft that operates the automatic closing apparatus during closing and opening phase, favouring an automatic learning of operation times.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for at least one pneumatic valve actuator arrangement, comprises a pressure sensor, a volumetric flow sensor, a control means for producing control signals for the valve actuator arrangement and position sensors for detecting the position of at least one moving actuator member. The diagnostic device also includes a first diagnostic module for leak detection, a second diagnostic module for the detection of a choking effect in pneumatic supply and venting lines and at least one third diagnostic module for the detection of load and friction changes in the case of the moving actuator member and/or of valve switching faults, switching means being provided for deactivating the at least one third diagnostic module in the case of the detection of a fault by the first and/or second diagnostic module.

Abstract: An apparatus for bidirectionally translating and positioning loads under tension includes a linear hydraulic actuator suspendible from a hoist such as a crane and is useable to support, raise and lower heavy loads in precisely controllable small incremental distances. The apparatus utilizes a strain-gauge type load cell positioned between an upper end of the actuator and an upper anchor connector eye suspendible from a crane. A digital display device operatively coupled to the load cell provides an accurate indication of static weight of a load supported by a load connector eye attached to a lower end of a piston rod protruding from the actuator, and accurate and immediate indications of any load weight deviation resulting from contact of a load with an obstruction while being raised or lowered. A pressure relief valve is provided to enable flow of hydraulic fluid from the actuator cylinder to a fluid reservoir to prevent inadvertent over-pressuring of the cylinder.

Abstract: A fluid pressure actuator includes: an actuator body which expands and contracts through supply/discharge of a fluid to generate a driving force; a sensor for detecting a condition of the actuator body; and a control part for controlling a fluid regulator for adjusting a pressure of the fluid supplied to and discharged from the actuator body based on a detection signal from the sensor. The sensor is mounted in the actuator body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for state monitoring in hydrostatic displacement units (2), in particular in axial piston machines (3) operated as a pump or as a motor. The device (1) comprises an acquisition unit (4) with a multiplicity of sensors (5) which are attached to the hydrostatic displacement unit (2) and serve to acquire monitoring data (6) and operating data (7), and an evaluating unit (8) which has a device (9) for analysing the monitoring data in the frequency range and a device (10) for analysing the monitoring data in the time range. A diagnostic unit (11) with an output unit (13) is connected to the evaluating unit (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) and a method for the condition-dependent maintenance of hydrostatic displacement units (2), in particular axial piston machines (3) operated as pumps or motors. Mounted on the hydrostatic displacement unit (2) are acceleration sensors (4) and/or contamination level sensors (5) which capture vibration data and/or contamination data of the hydrostatic displacement unit (2) and are connected to an evaluation unit (6) which temporarily stores the vibration data and/or contamination data. A communication unit (7) connected to the evaluation unit (6) retransmits said data.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing movement of a first object relative to a second object. The apparatus includes indicia markings formed on the first object and a sensor capable of reading the indicia markings. A slipper element is secured relative to the sensor and is biased into engagement with the first object. The slipper element maintains the sensor within a predetermined range of distances from the indicia markings on the first object. In one embodiment, the first object is a piston rod of a piston assembly and the second object is a cylinder in which a piston of the piston assembly is located.

Abstract: A clutch booster usable for an automobile having a clutch. In one embodiment, the clutch booster includes a booster member coupled with the clutch for engaging or disengaging the clutch from the engine of the vehicle in response to a force applied to the clutch of the vehicle and means for determining the status of the clutch of the automobile.

Abstract: A drive device comprises a fluid driven drive (2), which defines a drive space (8), in which at least one drive piston (14) is located which is able to be linearly shifted by fluid actuation and is kinematically coupled with an output drive part (17). Furthermore there is a position regulator (3) which is responsible for setting the position of the at least one drive piston (14), such regulator having a electronic regulation circuitry (26) and a valve means (27) and being a component of a regulator cartridge (28) which is inserted as a unitary assembly from the side, which is axially opposite to the drive space (8), through an installation opening into a accommodating space (25) defined by an integral extension of the drive housing (4) made in one piece therewith and axially in sequence with the drive space (8).

Abstract: A system and a method detect a position of a movable element within the interior of the compartment via a light source and/or a light sensor. The light sensor is connected to a platform and/or to a film for detecting an intensity of a light within the interior of the compartment. The film, a bottom surface of an end cap and/or a surface of the movable element and/or the compartment attenuate light within the interior of the compartment and/or within an interior of the end cap. The intensity of the light detectable by the light sensor corresponds to the position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment. The position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment is detected by the light sensor via the intensity of the light detectable by the light sensor.

Abstract: A system and a method emit and/or detect light within a compartment via one or more lenses. A light source emits the light in an interior of the compartment via one or more lenses and/or an optical fiber. Further, the system and the method may provide a light sensor for measuring and/or for detecting an intensity of the light within the interior of the compartment via one or more lenses. A movable element is located within the interior of the compartment which moves inwardly and/or outwardly with respect to the light source, the light sensor and/or one or more lenses. A surface of the movable element, a shaft attachable to the movable element and/or the compartment absorbs an amount of the emitted light. The amount of the emitted light absorbed by the surface of the movable element, the shaft of the movable element and/or the compartment is based on the position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: Between an air source and a first pressure chamber of a double-acting main cylinder having a length measurement sensor for measuring an acting position of a piston, a supply solenoid valve is connected; between the first pressure chamber and the atmosphere, an exhaust solenoid valve is connected; and between a second pressure chamber and the air source, a stop solenoid valve is connected. When a target acting position of the piston is inputted into a controller, the controller moves the piston to the target acting position so that a position measured by the length measurement sensor agrees with the target position by on-off controlling the solenoid valves. Upon reaching the target position, the piston is stopped and held in the stopped state by confining air within the pressure chambers.

Abstract: A collar, a system and a method detect a mark on a rod within an interior of the collar. The mark and the rod move from a first position to a second position within an interior of the collar between a first end and a second end of the collar. A light emitter and/or a light detector is connected to the collar for determining the first position and/or the second position of the mark and/or of the rod within the interior of the collar. An exterior surface of the rod and/or a mark on the rod absorb an amount of light emitted from the light emitter within the interior of the collar. The light detector measures and/or detects an intensity of light within the interior of the collar which is not be absorbed by the mark and/or by the exterior surface of the rod.

Abstract: A microwave measurement system is utilized for the determination of displacement of a piston in a fluid filled cylindrical structure. The piston plus cylindrical encasement of the hydraulic system is modeled as a uniform cylindrical waveguide terminated in a metal plate. A novel shaped probe antenna to measure the slope of the relative phase of the reflected equivalent voltage wave with respect to frequency. The idea to measure the slope of the relative phase is novel and requires a new antenna structure. Instead of using the phase slope with respect to frequency, the total phase shift in a given frequency range is used to determine the location of the piston in the cylindrical chamber. Simulation and measurement will be used to determine the impedance of the antenna as well as the electromagnetic field at different locations inside the cylinder. In addition, the antenna will be analyzed to optimize its design, which ought to result in minimizing the reflections.

Abstract: A machine configured to prevent unintentional motion in a linkage pivotally connected to a frame may include a first hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the linkage. The machine may include a sensor and an electronic control module in communication with the sensor. The electronic control module may be configured to close a valve of the first hydraulic cylinder and/or cancel an actuation command to one of the first hydraulic actuator and the second hydraulic actuator in response to the electronic control module determining unintentional motion of the linkage has occurred based on the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydraulic distributor (2) of a servo-control (1) of an aircraft, the hydraulic distributor comprising main distributor member (10) and emergency distributor member (20) that are coaxial, said emergency distributor member (20) being caused to move by said main distributor member (10) in the event of said main distributor member (10) seizing, said hydraulic distributor being provided with a detector device (60) for detecting said seizing. The detector device (60) is provided with a reed switch (66) and with amplification means (62, 69, 68) for amplifying said movement of the emergency distributor member, said amplification means comprising a lever (62) having a magnetized free end (621) that activates said reed switch (66) in the event of said emergency distributor member (20) moving.

Abstract: A system and a method detect that a movable element within an interior of a compartment is at an end of a stroke and/or a beginning of the stroke within the interior of the compartment. A switch and/or an electrical circuit is connected to the compartment for detecting that the movable element may be at the beginning of and/or at the end of the stroke. A microprocessor is connected to the switch or to the electrical circuit for detecting that the movable element is at the end of and/or at the beginning of the stroke within the interior of the compartment. An end cap having a light detector is connected to the compartment to measure an intensity of the light within an interior of the end cap which is attenuated by and/or is diffused by a surface of the movable element and/or of the compartment. The intensity of the light within the interior of the end cap corresponds to a position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: An actuator or servo device comprises an actuator member adapted to move linearly in the motion space of an actuator housing, a microwave position detecting device for detecting the position of the actuator member in the motion space, the actuator member being capable of producing a pressure wave acting on the position detecting device on approaching the position detecting device and a high frequency microwave antenna arrangement for emitting and receiving microwaves, which are at least partially reflected by the actuator member. The actuator device includes dielectric guard cover means, arranged in front of the microwave antenna arrangement. For mechanically uncoupling the guard cover means from the microwave antenna arrangement between the guard cover means and the microwave antenna arrangement a clearance is maintained to allow deformation of the guard cover means thereinto owing to pressure waves.

Abstract: An attachment control system includes an electrical control system and hydraulic control system. The electrical control system interfaces with the hydraulic control system to ensure that attachment decoupling in response to operator electrical control can occur only when at least one hydraulic threshold condition is satisfied as indicated by a hydraulic pressure sensor. Attachment decoupling is prevented unless the pressure sensor outputs an electrical signal that indicates that the attachment is safely positioned (e.g., full-extend or full-curl). In one example, this is indicated with the attachment positioning cylinder is pressurized above a select threshold as indicated by a pressure sensor.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a fluidic actuator and a control system for the fluidic actuator may be provided. A first component of the actuator may have two openings interconnected by a passageway. A second component may be moveably housed within the passageway and divide the passageway into two portions. A fluid delivery system may be connected to the two openings. The fluid delivery system may supply a first pressure of fluid to the first portion of the passageway causing the second component to move within the passageway at a first speed. When the second component is in a selected position within the passageway, the fluid delivery system may reduce the pressure of the fluid, causing a reduction in speed of the second component. The fluidic actuator may be used in a wafer processing system.

Abstract: A system and a method detect an intensity of light within an interior of a compartment and/or of an end cap to locate a position of a movable element within the interior of the compartment. A platform is attached to interior walls of the end cap for positioning a light source within the interior of the compartment and a first light detector within the interior of the end cap. A second light detector is attached to the interior walls of the end cap which is adjacent to the platform. The platform is located between the light source and the first light detector and/or the second light detector to prevent light transmitted by the light source from being directed inwardly with respect to the first light detector and/or the second light detector. A bottom surface of the end cap reflects or diffuses light within the interior of the end cap inwardly with respect to the first light detector and/or the second light detector.

Abstract: A switch in particular for a master cylinder unit, for opening and/or closing an electrical circuit, for example, for switching on the brake lights, comprises a casing suitable for being housed in a compartment of the cylinder body, a first electrical contact fixed firmly to the casing, a movable element slidable in the casing, a second electrical contact associated with the movable element, and a resilient element for keeping the movable element constantly urged against the piston of the master cylinder unit. The switch forms a switch box which is produced separately and can be associated with the cylinder body in the compartment provided therein.

Abstract: A system and a method detect a position of a movable element within an interior of a compartment. The interior of the compartment has a light source, a light sensor, a base, a support and/or a movable element. The base is located between and/or is connected to the light source, the light sensor and/or the interior surface of the compartment. The base prevents the light source from being directed towards the light sensor. The light sensor detects an intensity of an emitted light in the interior of the compartment. The intensity of the emitted light detected by the light sensor corresponds to a position of the movable element within the interior of the compartment. The light sensor detects, measures, calculates and/or determines the position of the movable element based on the intensity of the emitted light within the interior of the compartment.

Abstract: In a variable displacement type hydraulic pump/motor assembly including at least one internally movable component, such as a yoke, a swashplate, and the means for moving the swashplate, the improvement includes imparting on this component absolute location indicia markings and the addition of an optical/electronic sensor unit capable of reading such indicia markings fixedly located on a housing of the pump/motor assembly and including an optical read head extending into the housing interior and located at a spaced distance from the indicia markings for reading same, relative to a reference location, and producing a signal indicative of the absolute position of the movable component. The signal can then, in turn, be used for controlling the displacement of the pump/motor assembly. A method for determining the absolute component position is also set forth.

Abstract: A device for detecting the position of a hydraulic piston-cylinder system, where the hydraulic piston-cylinder system is connected to a position-detecting means which comprises a magnet and a Hall sensor and the connection between the hydraulic piston-cylinder system and the position-detecting means comprises a lever.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a sensor attachment mechanism capable of attaching a position detecting sensor having directivity in a proper direction to a fluid pressure cylinder having a rail extending along the length of a cylinder tube on the outer surface thereof. Embodiments include a position detecting sensor for sensing the operating position of a piston is attached with a sensor holder to a grooved rail extending along the length of a cylinder tube on the outer surface thereof. The position detecting sensor has directivity in magnetic detection. The sensor holder includes a base mounted on the rail and a sensor holding part extending from the base. The sensor holding part is close to or in contact with the surface of the cylinder tube outside rail walls.

Abstract: A piston rod is guided with freedom of axial movement in a cylinder, where the position of the piston rod is detected by a first position-measuring device, which travels along with the piston rod, and by a second position-measuring device on the cylinder side. The two position-measuring devices are radially adjacent and axially parallel, and are supported in such a way that they cannot rotate with respect to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for monitoring position of a machine element within a mechanical system and/or cleaning a machine element. A light source and sensor may be positioned within a cylinder. The sensor may detect the intensity of light within the cylinder as a shaft element moves throughout the cylinder. The measurement may indicate the position of the shaft element within the cylinder. An aperture may be placed within the cylinder to enable light to enter the cylinder. In addition, a seal, a wire brush and/or a bronze brush may be placed near an end wall of a cylinder. The seal may surround the shaft element.

Abstract: A cylinder rod with wear-resistant surface markings is provided. The cylinder rod may include a rod substrate, a thermal-spray coating disposed on a surface of the substrate, and one or more surface markings disposed on the coating at predetermined locations along the length of the cylinder rod.

Abstract: A controller is disclosed for control operations in underground mining, especially for controllers to control support shields. The controller utilizes a central unit with a microprocessor and assigned, programmable memory devices for the storage and processing of software as well as a connector unit with connectors or circuits for communication between the controller and other controllers and/or actuators, sensors or the like, that are to be controlled with the controller. Both the central unit and the connector unit utilize a modular design. A collection of modules with different performances and/or functionalities are provided for both the central unit and the connector unit to form the hardware of a controller. The modules can be combined with one another and coupled together according to a modular concept.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder has a tube with a first end and a section end. The hydraulic cylinder also has a piston assembly movably disposed within the tube and configured to move between the first and second ends of the tube. The hydraulic cylinder further has a valve plunger connected to the piston assembly and having an axial bore. The hydraulic cylinder additionally has a cap assembly connected to the tube to close off the first end of the tube. The cap assembly has a fluid passageway and the valve plunger is configured to progressively restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway as the piston assembly approaches the first end of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (10) for a vacuum brake booster with a brake booster housing comprising at least one vacuum chamber and at least one working chamber that is separated from the latter by a moveable wall and is connectable either to vacuum or at least atmospheric pressure, as well as a bore (34) disposed in the brake booster housing. The sensor arrangement (10) comprises a partition (16) which seals the brake booster housing off from ambient atmosphere when the sensor arrangement (10) is assembled. The sensor arrangement (10) also comprises a carrier element (14), which is passed through the bore (34) and disposed in the interior of the brake booster in the assembled state. A pressure sensor (12) is disposed on the carrier element (14). The carrier element (14) with the pressure sensor (12) projects into the interior of the brake booster housing such that the pressure sensor (12) is positioned in the vacuum chamber or the working chamber of the brake booster.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the position of a rod member of a cylinder assembly are provided. The cylinder assembly may have a cylinder body with a cylinder chamber therein, a gland member disposed within the cylinder chamber, and a rod member movably arranged within the cylinder chamber and a rod opening of the gland member. The method may include moving the gland member within the cylinder chamber to substantially align a gland aperture of the gland member with a cylinder aperture of the cylinder body; substantially fixing the gland member relative the cylinder body; positioning a position sensor within at least one of the cylinder aperture and the gland aperture; moving the rod member within the rod opening of the gland member and the cylinder chamber of the cylinder body; and operating the position sensor to detect the position of the rod member.

Abstract: An attachment control system includes an electrical control system and hydraulic control system. The electrical control system interfaces with the hydraulic control system to ensure that attachment decoupling in response to operator electrical control can occur only when at least two different hydraulic threshold conditions are satisfied. In one example, decoupling is prevented unless the attachment is safely positioned (e.g., full curl) in response to operator manipulation of a joystick or other attachment positioning device. This can be detected, for example, when the hydraulic system has an overall operating pressure at or above a first threshold and a joystick pilot pressure at or above a second threshold.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure actuated piston/cylinder assembly having a sensor capable of reading at least one indicia marking on a piston rod in order to determine the movement and specific location of the piston rod and cylinder relative to each other. The sensor is housed within a sealing gland that is incorporated into the piston/cylinder assembly and is isolated from the fluid pressure and external elements outside of the assembly. The method of providing a compact, accurate position detecting system for the noted piston/cylinder assembly is also set forth.

Abstract: A switch adapted to be positioned on the pushrod of a hydraulic cylinder assembly and including a housing adapted to be positioned against an end of the hydraulic cylinder assembly and including a plurality of axially spaced electrical contacts, and a plunger mounted for axial sliding movement in the housing and adapted to be fitted over the pushrod with a driving connection between the pushrod and the plunger whereby the plunger is moved slidably forwardly in the housing in response to forward movement of the pushrod for selective coaction between the contacts to selectively generate a plurality of control signals. The driving connection between the plunger and the pushrod includes a notch opening in a rear face of the plunger and a lug formed as an eccentricity on the pushrod and fitted in the notch. A shoulder on the pushrod proximate the lug presses against a bottom surface of the notch to provide the driving connection between the pushrod and the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a method are provided for monitoring position of a machine element within a mechanical system and/or cleaning a machine element. A light source and sensor may be positioned within a cylinder. The sensor may detect the intensity of light within the cylinder as a shaft element moves laterally throughout the cylinder. The measurement may indicate the position of the shaft element within the cylinder. In addition, a seal, a wire brush and/or a bronze brush may be placed near an end wall of a cylinder. The seal may surround the shaft element. Furthermore, the shaft element may be coated with a compound, such as a nitrile compound or a ceramic compound or the like. The wire brush and bronze brush may be in contact with the shaft element and may scrape any contaminants, such as weld spatter, which may be deposited on the shaft element.

Abstract: A fluid-powered mechanical actuator having a proximal end and a distal end and having a plurality of hollow tubular elements hingedly connected in end-to-end linked relationship to form a variable angle therebetween, each such link having one degree of freedom; provision to bias the elements in a direction to minimize the angle between them; a flexible elongated chamber enclosing a space within it, the chamber situated within the linked elements and within the link therebetween, substantially contained thereby, the chamber having a flexible but non-expansible wall; and apparatus to provide to the space within said chamber a pressurized working fluid; whereby the pressure of the working fluid causes said chamber to straighten within said elements, especially at said links, thereby moving the relative position of the elements in a manner to act against the biasing means, thereby to cause an increase of the angle between them by providing an increase in working fluid pressure.

Abstract: An arrangement for axially variably mounting a magnetic field sensor in a guide groove arranged on the exterior of an operating cylinder in which a piston reciprocates. The groove is longitudinally slitted and the sensor has a generally elliptical cross-section which is dimensioned so that the sensor can be inserted into the groove through the slit. By turning the sensor about its longitudinal axis, it becomes restrained to the groove while permitting sliding movement of the sensor over the length of the groove. A screw with an oval head is threaded into the sensor, is disposed inside the groove, and upon turning it the head of the groove engages interior shoulders extending along both sides of the slit. By turning the screw so that the head engages the shoulder, the sensor becomes clamped and thereby fixedly positioned at the desired location along the groove.

Abstract: A fluid-pressure actuated piston/cylinder assembly having a sensor capable of reading at least one indicia marking on a piston rod in order to determine the movement and specific location of the piston rod and cylinder relative to each other. The sensor is housed within a sealing gland that is incorporated into the piston/cylinder assembly and is isolated from the internal fluid pressure and external elements. A method for determining the exact location of one of a piston rod and cylinder, relative to the other, is also set forth.