An improved method and apparatus (100) are provided for constructing and operating a linear actuator (108), and equipment incorporating a linear actuator, by operatively connecting a pressure biasing pneumatic arrangement (116) between the driving member (112) and the driven member (144) of a mechanical linear actuator for applying a unidirectional biasing force between the driving and driven members, along an axis of motion, regardless of the location or movement of the driving and driven elements with respect to one another along the axis of motion. The pneumatic biasing arrangement (116) is also configured, connected and operated to reduce the force which must be exerted by the driving (112) and driven (114) members in extending and retracting the linear actuator (108). The pneumatic biasing arrangement may further be configured for preferentially aiding extension or retraction of the actuator.
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