Precision sensor for a hydraulic cylinder

A sensor for providing a position related signal for a piston in relation to a cylinder, the cylinder having a cylinder bore, the sensor comprising:

• a flexible connector having a first end attached to the piston;
• a rotating element attached to the cylinder and coupled to a second end of the flexible connector;
• a translating member in dependence with the rotating element, wherein a displacement of the piston causes a displacement of the translating member;
• and
• a transducer disposed to sense the translating member for providing the position related signal,
• the sensor being disposed in the cylinder bore.

A device comprising:

• a cylinder containing a working fluid;
• a piston slidingly engaged with the cylinder and responsive to the working fluid;
• and
• a sensor disposed within the cylinder for providing a position related signal, the sensor including:
• a flexible connector having a first end coupled to the piston,
• a rotating element coupled to a second end of the flexible connector;
• a translating member coupled translate in response to rotation of the rotating element, wherein a displacement of the piston causes a displacement of the translating member;
• and
• a transducer exposed to the working fluid and responsive to the translating member, the transducer providing the position related signal.