Linear actuator with coil winding portions having opposing current flow directions

A method of operating a linear actuator, comprising:

• supplying a first current through a first part of an electrically conductive coil that is wound in a rotary direction about an axis in a first current flow direction about the axis and through a second part of the electrically conductive coil that is wound in the rotary direction about the axis in a second current flow direction about the axis, wherein the first and second parts are both wound in a same direction along the axis, and wherein the first current flow direction is opposite to the second current flow direction;
• and
• moving, in response to supplying the first current, a magnet in a first direction along the axis, wherein the magnet includes a first pole on a first axial end of the magnet and a second pole on a second axial end of the magnet, wherein moving the magnet in the first direction includes:
• attracting, with the first part of the electrically conductive coil, the first pole of the magnet;
• and
• repelling, with the second part of the electrically conductive coil, the second pole of the magnet.