Patent ID: 7104180
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: B60G

Abstract:
1. A linear actuator comprising: a cylinder; a piston slidably received within said cylinder and defining a piston chamber and a rod chamber in said cylinder; a rod connected to said piston; said piston having a plurality of orifices therethrough such that said piston chamber and said rod chamber are in fluid communication; and a sealing member mounted on said rod for movement between a closed position, wherein said sealing member substantially blocks fluid flow through at least one of said plurality of orifices, and an open position wherein said sealing member generally does not block fluid flow through said at least one of said plurality of orifices, wherein said plurality of orifices includes at least one always-open orifice that is not blocked by said sealing member when said sealing member is in said closed position and wherein said sealing member includes at least one opening that is generally aligned with said at least one always-open orifice.