Abstract: Piston assembly includes a piston housing defining an interior and having a first housing end and a second housing end, a piston rod having a first rod end extending into the interior and moveable therein between an extended position toward the first housing end and a retracted position toward the second housing end, a first plate joined to the piston rod proximate the first rod end, a second plate joined to the piston rod and spaced apart a distance along the piston rod from the first plate, and a piston head slidably joined to the piston rod between the first plate and the second plate. A lift assembly including a piston assembly and configured to provide a damping force to a pivotable body during pivoting of the pivotable body relative a stationary body between a closed position and an open position is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for damping the motion of a tailgate attached to a truck bed comprising a damper having a truck bed attachment point at one end and a tailgate attachment point at the other end. The truck bed attachment point is secured to said truck bed, while the tailgate attachment point is secured to the tailgate.

Abstract: A temperature compensating valve assembly comprising a bimetallic spring, an O-ring, a body and a cap. The cap has at least one nib to provide compression on the bimetallic spring. The bimetallic spring is retained between the cap and the body, and the bimetallic spring forms a seal with the O-ring in the temperature compensating valve assembly's closed position.