in the illustrated embodiment torque converter 56 includes crank 64 connected to actuator 44 via shaft 66 and connected to synchronization ring 58 via shaft 68 torque converter 56 pivots on shaft 70 which extends between supports 72 and 74 in alternative embodiments torque converter 56 can be another type of torque converter that functions to increase torque synchronization ring 58 is connected to the vane stems 48 via vane arms 60 in alternative embodiments actuator 44 can be connected to movable vanes without use of synchronization ring 58 an exemplary vane position sensor that can be used as vane position 52 or 54 is depicted in fig3 as shown in fig3 vane position sensor 52 includes a distance sensor 76 exemplary distance sensors include those that depend utilize an electromagnetic signal directed onto a target whose distance is to be detected such as radio frequency rf distance sensors or microwave sensors by receiving an excitation signal 78 from controller 79 and returning an output signal 80 a movable target for the distance sensor 76 is provided by inner threaded member 82 which can also serve as vane stem 48 that is disposed in outer threaded member 84 that is fixed to the turbine case 55 inner threaded member 82 is operatively connected to blade 50 only the end portion of blade 50 near the turbine case.