Abstract: An actuator includes a housing and a stationary, annular magnet coil to which a reversible direct current can be supplied. A displacement member which partially surrounds the magnet coil is mounted within the housing so as to be linearly moveable. A first pair of permanent magnets is mounted in the displacement member so as to cover a portion of the coil, wherein the north pole is located above the coil and the south pole is located below the coil. A second pair of permanent magnets is also mounted in the displacement member so as to cover a portion of the magnet coil. The second pair of permanent magnets is arranged diametrically opposite the first pair relative to the magnet coil and the south pole of the second pair is arranged above the magnet coil and the north pole below the magnet coil. Thus, when the magnet coil is excited, the displacement member linearly moves within the housing relative to the stationary coil.