Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments of the invention disclosed, the extension rce of a gas spring is controlled as a function of temperature by varying the volume of the working chamber entered by the piston rod, and thus the gas pressure within the working chamber, as a function of temperature.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments disclosed, one or more independent current paths are provided in a gas spring by use of printed circuit-type conductors. The printed conductor or conductors are preferably formed on a strip of insulating material using known printed circuit techniques, and the strip is then affixed to the cylinder member of the gas spring by an adhesive or, alternatively, by a heat-shrunken surrounding, plastic tube. A current path may be connected to provide a switch function or to establish a closed circuit over a substantial portion of or the entire stroke of the piston rod member. Where plural current paths are provided, the different paths can be given different functions.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments described, the two compartments of the cylinder cavity of a gas spring of the piston-and-cylinder type, separated by a piston assembly, are connected by first and second passages extending across the piston. A valve arrangement on the piston assembly opens the second passage in response to movement of the piston assembly towards a terminal position in the cylinder and closes the second passage in response to movement of the piston assembly away from the terminal position. The first passage is open at all positions of the piston assembly remote from the terminal position. Releasable locking structure in the cylinder is operable to close the first passage as the piston assembly approaches the terminal position, thereby to hold the piston assembly in such terminal position until the locking force is manually overridden.

Abstract: In the illustrative embodiments disclosed, a pressurized cylinder-and-piston rod device, such as a gas spring, includes structure for releasably retaining the piston rod at a terminal position within the cylinder against the fluid pressure tending to expel it. Provision is also made for the fluid pressure to aid in further withdrawing the piston rod into the cylinder after the retaining structure has been engaged.

Abstract: A spring arrangement includes a cylinder member and a plunger member axially movable inward and outward of the cylinder cavity and resiliently biased outward of the cavity. The members conductively engage each other at rest and at least during a portion of the axial plunger member movement. They carry respective conductive terminals outside the cylinder cavity. The two spring members each may be hingedly connected to associated structures by means of a first connector, a first fastening device made of metallic material for fixedly fastening the element to the spring member, a second connector element secured to the first element for pivotal movement, and a second fastening device for fastening the second connector element to the associated structure. Insulation is interposed between the spring member and the associated structure for preventing flow of electric current in a path including the two elements and the two fastening devices.