Patent ID: 7594466

Claim:
An actuator for heavy machinery comprising: a) a cylinder forming a chamber for receiving a fluid, the cylinder comprising an external flange extending radially and outwardly from the cylinder; b) a piston operable to translate axially relative to the cylinder between an open position and a closed position, the piston comprising a first extremity positioned outside the cylinder and a second extremity positioned within the chamber, the second extremity sealingly engaging the chamber; and c) an unsealed protective sleeve for protecting the piston in the open position, the protective sleeve being movable with the piston and operable to overlap at least a portion of the cylinder in the closed position, the protective sleeve comprising an internal flange extending radially and inwardly from the protective sleeve, positioned for abutting the external flange when the piston is in the open position, and thereby limiting the axial translation of the piston out of the cylinder.