Linear Actuator question

Well, I went to my favorite flea market this weekend, and got a few more
stepper driver boards. :-) Yes, Harvey, phase 2 of my project is starting!

But, I also picked up a linear actuator -- or at least that's what I
assume it is. Believe me...for the price I paid, I can afford to take
chances.

Basically it's a gigantic solenoid, with about a 2 inch travel, a rubber
boot over the moving parts, 3 wires (black, white, red), and the
following on a label:

Trombetta +-
Electromagnetics
3921978
12VDC 0139

This thing is huge...it's a cylinder probbly 4 inches long, with a
movable end that sticks up another 4 inches. The shaft diameter is
probably 3/4"! It's a big one, and I assume it's pretty beefy, too.

Anyway, the first thing I did was to go to the Trombetta web site
http://www.trombetta.com , and tried to find information. None of their
product numbers match anything on this unit. Anyone know anything about
them? I'll email the company too, but with the wealth of information on
this list...can't hurt to ask here!

My first thought on seeing it, was a 2-1/2D router. Implementing
something with a router, akin to pen up and pen down on a plotter...just
for cutting simple shapes.

Any ideas?

-- Chuck Knight