Patent ID: 7320198

Claim:
An integrated spring and actuator assembly for controlling the motion of a closure panel of a motor vehicle comprising: a hollow cylinder having a closed end and an open end, the closed end forming a first vehicle mount, the hollow cylinder defining a longitudinal axis, internal threads formed along the inside of the hollow cylinder, a drive nut located within the hollow cylinder and having external threads meshing with the internal threads, a rod coaxially positioned on the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder and extending within the cylinder, the rod having a first end rigidly coupled with the drive nut and an opposite second end engaging a second vehicle mount, a gas seal cooperating with the hollow cylinder to define a gas chamber within the hollow cylinder, the gas chamber being charged with a pressurized gas with the rod passing through and sealingly engaging the gas seal, the drive nut and at least a portion of the rod disposed within the gas chamber, and an actuator for causing rotation of the rod, thereby causing the drive nut to move in the cylinder within the gas chamber along the longitudinal axis, moving the rod longitudinally through the gas seal, and causing the distance between the first and second vehicle mounts to change, thereby moving the closure panel.