Patent ID: 7066041

Claim:
A linear actuator for moving first and second elements of a construction relative to one another, said linear actuator comprising: a housing provided by a first housing part and a second housing part, said housing defining a front end and a rear end, a console located in said second housing part, said console providing a journal bearing and defining a front end and a rear end, a reversible electric motor positioned in said first housing part and connected to said console, a worm which extends into said journal bearing and connects with a worm wheel, said worm being driven by said electric motor, an outer tuber which is connected to a front end of said console and extends through an opening in the front end of said housing to a free end spaced forwardly of the front end of said housing, an activation rod which extends from within said housing through and beyond the free end of said outer tube to an end providing a first fitting for connection to one of said first and second elements to be moved relative to one another, said activation rod being telescopically movable relative to said outer tube, a spindle nut connected to said activation rod, a spindle bearing supported by said rear end of said console, a spindle which is mounted in said spindle bearing and extends through said console and through said spindle nut, rotation of said worm wheel by said electric motor causing said spindle to rotate and, via said spindle nut, telescopically move said activation rod relative to said outer tube, a rear mounting which is connected to said rear end of said console and extends through an opening in the rear end of said housing, said rear mounting including a fitting for connection to another of said first and second elements to be moved relative to one another, and said console absorbing forces occurring on the outer tube and the rear mounting.