Gas springs, a valve therefor, and a valve housing.

摘要

A spool valve for use in the piston (12) of a gas spring to allow compressed gas to be transferred to extend or retract the spring comprises a tubular sleeve (18) which is a composite of two identical complementary interlocking sleeve sections (18A, 18B), each of which has one flat end surrounded by a base flange (32) and the other end formed with diametrically opposite projecting steps (34) between diametrically opposite receiving steps (36), so that when the two parts are fitted together, gas ports (38) are formed between the respective steps. These ports can be partly occluded by hinged flaps (40), which allow gas to flow in one direction through the valve faster than in the other direction. <IMAGE>