Abstract: A linear actuator includes a rotatable motor shaft. A gear package engages the shaft and a lead screw engages the gear package such that rotation of the shaft results in rotation of the lead screw. A nut cooperates with the lead screw and with the extrusion housing such that rotation of the output shaft causes axial travel of the nut. An output coupling cooperates with the nut such that axial travel of the nut causes axial travel of the output coupling. A control system is disposed internal to the housing and includes a controller, a plurality of feedback components and a communications network. The controller receives input data from external sources via the communications network and receives operational data from the feedback components. The controller controls the motor based on comparisons of the input data from the external sources and the operational data from the feedback components.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for use in a linear actuator comprises a hollow body permitting passage of a screw therein. At least one pair of legs extends longitudinally away from the hollow body and each leg of the at least one pair includes a first key feature configured for mating or complementary engagement with a second key feature of an housing used to enclose the screw, nut and anti-rotation device. In one embodiment, each leg is configured to extend or flex radially outward relative to an outer diameter of the hollow body. In another embodiment, the second key features of the housing are substantially longitudinally uniform, whereas the first key feature of at least one of the legs includes a longitudinally non-uniform feature. These pre-loading features induce self-centering of the anti-rotation device that reduces or eliminates play between the components and noise while also improving performance of the linear actuator.