Patent ID: 8281759

Claim:
A mechanical lash control mechanism for two reciprocating bodies having opposing cylindrical surfaces, comprising: (a) an elongated outer housing having an outer surface and a cylindrical bore therein; (b) a cylindrical inner housing positioned in said bore for reciprocal movement therein, said inner housing having an outer cylindrical surface; (c) a radial U-shaped groove in the outer surface of the outer housing, said U-shaped groove having a first and second leg; (d) a first radial cut in the first leg of said U-shaped groove, said cut extending from said groove into said bore; (e) a U-shaped clip adapted to fit said U-shaped groove, said U-shaped clip having a first and second leg; (f) a first ledge on said first leg of said U-shaped clip, said ledge extending through said first cut and into said bore; and (g) a first stop on said outer surface of said inner housing, such that said first stop abuts said first ledge to control mechanical lash between the outer housing and the inner housing.