This looks to be a solenoid or motorized linear actuator of some type.

If anyone can help identify what this is and where one could purchase such a device I would greatly appreciate it!

 

Its a power door lock actuator from a car. they can be found at a wrecking yard or here; http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DLA-1/DOOR-LOCK-ACTUATOR//1.html

You could also get them at a Autozone or similar parts place but Allelctronics is the cheapest I've found.

 

Thank you big time! Now I just need to find one with a long strong and lots of power.

 

http://www.firgelliauto.com/show_info.php?page_id=35
Just Google: linear actuator

Ken

 

Thank you big time! Now I just need to find one with a long strong and lots of power.

How long of stroke and how much power? And what voltage do you need?

 

1 inch stroke would be ideal. 12VDC and at least 10# force.

 

What is that picture? I want to say I've seen this before, but where? (i know it's a car door lock actuator, I'm asking what is the contraption)

 

Here is one that has 15/16" stroke http://www.surpluscenter.com/item.asp?item=5-1554&catname=electric

It's from an electric seat in a car. Again a wrecking yard will have them also, different car models use different length actuators in them. It's worth a trip to a "Pick a Part' type yard to look.

Window actuators in cars are also a good source. They have usually a plastic chain type of mechanism that moves the window that can be cut to any length you need.

Is that a shooting target, reset mechanism your making? Often times you can make a shorter stroke work by adding a bell-crank to the system, if there's room.