FORCE APPLYING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

A force applying apparatus includes a housing that supports a drive motor. A first extendable member is telescopically received in the housing and moves between a retracted position within the housing and an extended position axially of the housing. A second extendable member is telescopically received in the first extendable member and moves between a contracted position within the first extendable member and an expanded position axially of the first extendable member. The motor drives a ring gear that advances the first extendable member, and a ball nut is mounted in the end of the first extendable member to advance the second extendable member. A spline helps retain the first and second extendable members against rotation but a detent assembly selectively releases the first extendable member for rotation. The apparatus may be used to lift and level a recreational vehicle. A method implemented by this structure is also claimed.