An operator suitable for opening and closing casement windows includes a
housing (e.g., a base and a cover), and an operator arm subassembly
driven by a worm. The operator arm subassembly may include at least one
operator arm pivotally disposed in the housing via a flanged bearing. The
operator arm may define a gear. If a plurality of operator arms are
present, a sun gear may be used. The flanged bearing properly aligns the
components to reduce stresses encountered during use. The flanged bearing
may have a base portion, a middle portion, and an upper portion in a
stepped configuration. The base may engage the base of the housing. The
upper portion of the bearing may engage a cover of the housing. A middle
portion of the bearing pivotally joins the arm and/or sun gear. The
instant flanged bearing provides a smoother, more efficient operation and
increases the useful life of the operator.