A system includes a cylinder and a piston that moves within the cylinder from a retracted position to an extended position. A vacuum port facilitates application of a vacuum pressure to the cylinder that results in a vacuum force being applied to the piston, which causes the piston to move toward a top end of the cylinder to the retracted position. A spring member applies a spring force to the piston when the piston is in the retracted position. The spring force offsets at least a portion of the vacuum force. A sensor generates a displacement signal in response to detecting movement of the piston from the retracted position toward the extended position. A control unit receives the displacement signal generated by the sensor and generates a valve control signal to be communicated to a valve located on a vacuum line connecting a vacuum source to the vacuum port.
