Patent ID: 8667659

Claim:
A system for coupling an extendable element to an actuator, comprising: an actuator housing containing an actuator, said actuator housing having an integral distal connecting end, said integral connecting end having a cross-sectional shape that terminates in a cover plate mating face defined by a plane that runs substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the actuator housing; an opening in a distal end of said integral connecting end of said actuator housing, said opening allowing passage of an extendable element therethrough; a cavity in said integral connecting end of said actuator housing; a rotatable collar located within said cavity, said rotatable collar adapted for rotation about one end of an extendable element so as to couple said extendable element to a motive element of said actuator; a cover plate of a size and shape that compliments said integral connecting end of said actuator housing, said cover plate having an opening in its distal end for allowing passage of an extendable element therethrough, said cover plate adapted to mate with said cover plate mating face of said integral connecting end of said actuator housing to enclose said rotatable collar and a portion of an extendable element; and a substantially hollow end cap for enclosing said integral connecting end of said actuator housing and said cover plate, a proximal end of said end cap releasably attached to said actuator housing, a distal end of said end cap having a hole for passage therethrough of an extendable element.