A method for determining the position of a first part moving in relation to a second part in a system, comprising forming a code on a surface of the first part or the second part, yielding an encoded surface; detecting the code on the encoded surface; decoding the code; and determining the position of the moving part from the decoding of the code; the code comprises microstructures at precisely selected positions on the surface of the encoded part; detecting the code comprises scanning the encoded surface with a sensor in conditions selected in relation to the code formed and to the encoded surface to precisely read the code on the encoded surface.

A method for producing round stock (10) which is provided with at least one inscription and/or marking (16), at least the surface (12) of the round stock (10) consisting of a metallic material, in particular of chromium or steel, for example of hardened steel, chromium-plated steel or stainless steel. In order to improve this method such that disadvantages and shortcomings are avoided, the method includes the following steps: placing on the surface (12) at least one cover (20) which is adapted to the shape of the surface (12) and in particular has the inscription and/or marking (16), such that the region to be provided with the inscription and/or marking (16) is not covered by the cover (20),—exposing the round stock (10) to a first electrolyte (30) together with the cover (20), material being removed from the surface (12) by said electrolyte in the region to be provided with the inscription and/or the marking (16) while producing depressions (14), and—exposing the round stock (10) together with the cover (20) and the depressions (14) not covered by the cover (20) to a second electrolyte (32) by which the depressions (14) are filled to produce the inscription and/or marking (16) which differs from the surface (12) optically, in particular with respect to color. The present invention also relates to round stock (10) which is manufactured from a metallic material, with the round stock being provided with a correspondingly produced inscription and/or marking (16).

A method is provided for detecting a reciprocal position between a cylinder and a piston of a piston-cylinder unit of a vehicle. The method includes measuring, by means of an optical sensor, a value of an indicative parameter of a color of a reference mark positioned on a portion of the piston. The method also includes comparing the measured value with at least a predetermined threshold value thereof different to a minimum detected threshold of the indicative parameter by the optical sensor; and

emitting an alarm signal perceptible by a driver of a vehicle if the measured value is comprised between the threshold value and the minimum value.

A cylinder with position feedback sensor, including a barrel (11), a piston rod (12) and piston (15). Markings (M) associated with a central portion of the piston rod (12C) are readable by a sensor (S). In practice, the freedom of slidable movement of the piston rod (12) is such that the markings are retained at all times entirely within the barrel (11) during use so that the external environment cannot influence (e.g. damage) the markings.

A fluid pressure actuator including a fluid pressure cylinder having a first position detector and a second position detector, a piston body having a piston head and a rod, the piston head mounted on the rod and slidably accommodated in the fluid pressure cylinder, the rod including a first scale and a second scale, the first scale facing the first position detector and the first position detector configured to detect a position in a sliding direction of the piston body, the second scale facing the second position detector and the second position detector configured to detect a position of the rod in a rotation direction of the piston body, and a controller configured to perform a first positioning control of a position of the rod in the sliding direction and a second positioning control of the rod in the rotation direction may be provided.

A piston rod defining a surface and including a structure on the surface configured to be traced by a position sensor during a stroke of the piston rod. The surface, and consequently the structure, are covered by a coating by build-up welding. The structure is produced in the same operation during the build-up welding of the coating. The entire structure may be formed by the build-up welding, or a coded basic profile is incorporated before the build-up welding.

A measuring system and a pressure medium cylinder having a measuring system are disclosed.

A power transmission device with a clutch plate wear sensor system includes a power transmission shaft configured to transmit torque and a clutch configured to selectively deliver power into or out of the power transmission shaft. The clutch includes a clutch stack and clutch piston that moves to selectively actuate the clutch stack between an engaged state to deliver power through the clutch and a disengaged state to not deliver power through the clutch. The clutch stack wear sensor system includes at least one detectable element arranged for movement in unison with the clutch piston and a sensor arranged to detect the detectable element and provide a signal indicative of a wear characteristic of the clutch stack.

A method for determining the position of a first part moving in relation to a second part in a system, comprising forming a code on a surface of the first part or the second part, yielding an encoded surface; detecting the code on the encoded surface; decoding the code; and determining the position of the moving part from the decoding of the code; the code comprises microstructures at precisely selected positions on the surface of the encoded part; detecting the code comprises scanning the encoded surface with a sensor in conditions selected in relation to the code formed and to the encoded surface to precisely read the code on the encoded surface.

A power transmission device with a clutch plate wear sensor system includes a power transmission shaft configured to transmit torque and a clutch configured to selectively deliver power into or out of the power transmission shaft. The clutch includes a clutch stack and clutch piston that moves to selectively actuate the clutch stack between an engaged state to deliver power through the clutch and a disengaged state to not deliver power through the clutch. The clutch stack wear sensor system includes at least one detectable element arranged for movement in unison with the clutch piston and a sensor arranged to detect the detectable element and provide a signal indicative of a wear characteristic of the clutch stack.