[Dan Zollman]

I don't think a lever is going to do what you want. A lever would trade off between strength (torque) and the distance you can push the ramp.

If you have the piston push the shorter end of the lever, and the longer end of the lever push the ramp over, then the end of the lever might go a farther distance, but you lose torque.

If you have the piston push the longer end, then you'll end up with more torque but a smaller output distance.

EDIT: Similar thing with a wheel...in terms of transferring rotational motion, levers, gears, and wheels are similar.