Magnetized linear actuators and actuator assemblies using the same

An actuator assembly comprising:

• a latch;
• a magnetized linear actuator directly or indirectly coupled to the latch, the magnetized linear actuator including:
• a rod housing, a motor having a shaft, a worm gear disposed at least partially within the rod housing and defining a threaded surface and proximal and distal non-threaded surfaces, the worm gear being configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the shaft of the motor and the worm gear rotates about a rotation axis in response to motion of the shaft, an elongated rod defining a rod engagement surface disposed within the rod housing, the rod engagement surface configured to be engageably coupled directly or indirectly to the worm gear, and the elongated rod being mounted for movement between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the rod housing, a plurality of magnets directly or indirectly mounted on at least one of the elongated rod and the rod housing, wherein to be translated to the extended position from the retracted position, the rod is urged by a magnetic force of the plurality of magnets be in an engaged position in which the rod is engaged with the threaded surface of the worm gear, thereby causing or permitting the rod to translate in response to rotation of the worm gear along a first rotational direction, and the rod continues to translate until the rod is disengaged from the threaded surface and reaches the distal non-threaded surface of the worm gear;
• and
• wherein to be translated to the retracted position from the extended position, the rod is urged by the magnetic force of the plurality of magnets to return to the engaged position, thereby causing or permitting the rod to translate in response to rotation of the worm gear along a second rotational direction, and the rod continues to translate until the rod is disengaged from the threaded surface and reaches the proximal non-threaded surface of the worm gear.