Systems and methods for piston assemblies

A lift assembly having a first lift end and a second lift end, the lift assembly 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, the lift assembly comprising:

• a piston assembly comprising:
• 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 first energy storage member disposed within the housing proximate the first housing end between an end wall of the piston housing and the first plate, and a second energy storage member disposed proximate the second housing end between an opposing end wall of the piston housing and the second plate;
• wherein at least one of the first and second energy storage members comprises a spring;
• and
• wherein when the piston rod is in the extended position, the first plate engages the first energy storage member and when the piston rod is in the retracted position, the second plate engages the second energy storage member;
• and
• a first fitting operably coupled to the piston assembly proximate the first lift end and configured to engage the pivotable body;
• and
• a second fitting operably coupled to the piston assembly proximate the second lift end and configured to engage the stationary body.