Three position cylinder

Abstract

A three position cylinder assembly having an outer cylinder connected between two bases defining a cap end and a head end. A stationary tubular member is secured to the cap end of the outer cylinder at a port to provide fluid access into the outer cylinder. A first and second piston are disposed within the outer cylinder and have reciprocal movement therein. Each piston is connected to a rod which is concentric with the tubular member. The head end has an aperture for receiving the rods for extension beyond the outer cylinder. The tubular member has a stop at an end and the first piston and rod have reciprocal movement along the tubular member, wherein the stop defines a stable mid-position of the cylinder assembly. The second piston and rod have reciprocal movement along the first rod between the first piston and head end, wherein the head end defines a stable fully extended position of the cylinder assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.