Abstract: A screw and nut linear drive assembly includes a housing, a screw within the housing, an electric motor for rotating the screw, a nut which is driven, when the screw is rotated, to move linearly in a longitudinal direction coinciding with the screw axis, and an axial force transfer arrangement to transfer force from the nut to a push rod to be connected to a member to be actuated by the assembly. The transfer arrangement includes a sequential arrangement of a first and a second axial force transferring component in force transmitting contact that are configured such that first contact points between the first and second axial force transferring components define a first axis (in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, about which the second axial force transferring component is capable of tilting with respect to the first axial force transferring component to reduce torque transfer to the nut).

Abstract: A clutch actuator (1) has a preload plunger able to move a clutch actuating pushrod (49) wherein the preload plunger (19) is able to be preloaded by a preload spring (21) arranged between the preload plunger and a movable body (17). The clutch actuator is adapted to be operated such that during use when the clutch is engaged there is a force-reducing gap (61) of width (x5) between the movable body and the preload plunger. Control means for controlling such a clutch actuator are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clutch actuator (1) has a preload plunger able to move a clutch actuating pushrod (49) wherein the preload plunger (19) is able to be preloaded by a preload spring (21) arranged between the preload plunger and a movable body (17). The clutch actuator is adapted to be operated such that during use when the clutch is engaged there is a force-reducing gap (61) of width (x5) between the movable body and the preload plunger. Control means for controlling such a clutch actuator are also disclosed.