Patent ID: 8113076

Claim:
A mechanical linear actuator that includes: a housing having an opening that extends axially through said housing: an elongated lead screw that is slidably contained within said opening, said lead screw having a male threaded section upon the outer surface thereof; a cylindrical drive nut mounted for rotation within said housing, said cylindrical nut having an axial outer diameter and a female thread that mates with said male thread on said lead screw so that said lead screw can move axially within said opening as said cylindrical nut rotates within said housing; a spring clutch brake for engaging said axial outer diameter of said cylindrical drive nut when said spring clutch brake is in a first position to restrain said drive nut from rotating and for releasing said cylindrical drive nut when in a second release position wherein said cylindrical drive nut can freely rotate within said housing; and said spring clutch brake being manually movable between said first and second positions.