Cal Poly Senior Project Assistance Needed!!!

Hi!

I am currently working on adaptive feeding device for my mechanical engineering senior project. The device will feed people at the touch of a button. My team needs to control 2 servo motors and 1 linear actuator for our project. We need basic help just getting the code started. The linear actuator needs 12 volts and 1 amp, and the servos need 5-6 volts and 1 amp. The arduino and the linear actuator are connected to the 12v battery, and the servos are connected to the 5v output of the arduino uno board. Is this correct or do the servos need a power supply independent of the arduino?

Any basic code help or general tips would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Thanks very much, look forward to talking with you!

John
Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering

Please don't crosspost - http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,52182.0.html - one discussion is easier for all.