representative embodiments of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the drawing wherein fig1 is a side elevational view partly in section of an actuator according to a first embodiment of the invention fig2 is a side elevational view of an actuator according to a second and presently preferred embodiment of the invention and fig3 is an end elevational view of an actuator according to the invention illustrating a typical array of reed switches around the actuator referring first to fig1 the actuator according to the first embodiment of the invention includes a base support not shown which may be arranged as desired according to the designer 39 s choice an armature 10 in the example shown includes a disc shaped permanent magnet and an axially movable shaft 12 fixed to the magnet the opposite ends of the shaft 12 extend respectively into two electrical coils 14 and 16 which are fixed in coaxial alignment with each other and the shaft the shaft carries two soft ferromagnetic pieces 18 and 20 one at each end of the shaft the soft magnets 18 and 20 are spaced apart from each other a distance less than the distance on centers between the two coils 14 and 16 by an amount equal to the travel it is desired to impart to the armature permanent magnets 22 and 24 are fixed within the respective coils 14 and 16 for engaging the respective soft magnets 18 and 20 when they reach the travel.