Abstract: The present invention is directed for use in a valve assembly including a housing having an axis and defining an interior, with fluid provided in the housing and substantially filling the housing interior, a valve stem disposed in the housing interior and a piston attached to the valve stem, wherein the piston and valve stem are moveable along the housing axis within the housing interior between first and second positions. The present invention includes a valve actuation control device disposed in the housing interior, the valve actuation control device allowing the fluid to freely flow from one side of the piston to the other side during at least a portion of the piston's movement between the first and second positions.