Patent ID: 8365470

Claim:
A lead screw window operator for moving a window sash between an open and closed position relative to a fixed window frame, the lead screw window operator comprising: (a) a lead screw support structure; (b) a lead screw operatively supported on the lead screw support structure, the lead screw having a longitudinal axis; (c) the lead screw having a first collar operatively connected to a first end of the lead screw, and a second collar operatively connected to a second end of the lead screw; (d) the collars each having an inside edge; (e) a nut positioned around the lead screw, wherein rotation of the lead screw results in movement of the nut along the longitudinal axis of the lead screw; and (f) the lead screw support structure having first and second cavities to receive the first and second collars, the cavities each having an inside stop wall, the collars inside edges are positioned outside of their respective stop walls, wherein rotational movement of the lead screw in either direction along the longitudinal axis results in movement of the nut and places the lead screw in tension when the one of the inside edges contacts the one of the inside stop walls.