Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus including: a longitudinally extending base member; a moving carriage assembly member adapted to move axial back-and-forth in the longitudinally extending base member; two bearing members extending sideways, on opposite sides, from the moving carriage assembly and engaging longitudinal bearing guides disposed in the longitudinally extending base member; and single means engaging the bearing members to simultaneously adjust the bearing members to take up any slop between the moving carriage assembly member and the longitudinally extending base member. A method of manufacturing the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A linear actuator motor design including a rotor assembly that has an insert molded into a non-magnetic sleeve through a plurality of openings, which is kept from rotating within the non-magnetic sleeve by at least one opening arranged along the length of the non-magnetic sleeve which corresponds to at least one tab formed by the molded material of the insert and a stator assembly having a plurality of symmetrical and interchangeable magnetic pole plates. Each of the plurality of magnetic pole plates comprises a substantially planar plate portion with a central opening therein and a plurality of prongs extending from the central opening and substantially perpendicular to the plate portion. The prongs of the plurality of magnetic pole plates create an opening that is dimensioned to receive the rotor assembly therein. A non-conductive material is the molded over the plurality of magnetic pole plates.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus, including: a first nut half (40) and a second nut half (42) each having internal threads (50, 52) complementary with threads on a screw inserted therein; the first nut half (40) and the second nut half (42) having first and second tapers (60, 62), respectively, defined therearound in adjacent surfaces thereof on proximal portions of the first nut half (40) and the second nut half (42); an annular retaining ring (80, 200, 220) having complementary third (92) and fourth (94) tapers defined therearound, with the first taper (60) engaging the third taper (92) and the second taper (62) engaging the fourth taper (94); and biasing apparatus (110, 180, 266) forcing the annular retaining ring (80, 200, 220) inwardly, thus eliminating backlash.

Abstract: A method of providing axially alternating N and S poles in a portion of an axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft for a linear stepper motor and a method of manufacturing a magnetizing fixture are provided. A magnetizing fixture is provided including a hollow cylindrical mandrel formed from a non-magnetic material, a single conductive wire serially disposed in parallel, circumferential channels defined in an outer surface of the mandrel, and a central bore defined axially and centrally through the mandrel. The portion of the shaft is inserted in the central bore and a direct current is provided through the wire to magnetize alternating N and S poles along the cylindrical shaft. The wire may be placed in the parallel, circumferential channels such that the direction of flow of a direct current in one channel is in the opposite direction of the flow in the adjacent channels.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fixture for magnetizing axially alternating N and S poles defined circumferentially in a portion of an outer periphery of an axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft, the fixture including: a hollow cylindrical mandrel formed from a non-magnetic, non-electrically-conducting material; a conductive wire disposed in parallel, circumferential channels defined in an outer surface of the mandrel; a potting compound surrounding the mandrel to secure the conductive wire in place; and a central bore defined axially and centrally through the mandrel and exposing or nearly exposing the conductive wire; and the central bore being sized to accept axially inserted therein the portion of the axially extending, cylindrical, smooth shaft. Methods of using and manufacturing the fixture are also provided.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a linear actuator including: a rotary electric motor; a shaft (46) extending into a rotor (44) of the rotary electric motor and extendable into a body extension (30) of the valve; the shaft (46) having an externally threaded portion (36) extending into the rotor (44) and in engagement with a complimentary threaded internal surface of the rotor (44); and the shaft (46) having an externally splined portion (34) extendable into the body extension (30) of the valve and engageable with a complementary splined internal surface (110) of the extension (30) of the valve.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a threaded rotor for a linear actuator, including: a generally cylindrical, metallic shell/insert (20); and a generally cylindrical threaded thermoplastic member (72) disposed in a wall of the generally cylindrical shell/insert, the threaded thermoplastic member having threads formed on an inner surface thereof and engagable with complementary threads formed on an outer surface of a shaft to be inserted in the generally cylindrical shell/insert.