Automatic adjustment device for cable control systems

Abstract

An automatic control device for cable control systems comprising a first member adapted to be fixed, a second member connected to the conduit of a cable control system, and a third member interposed between the first member and the second member. The third member has one-way ratcheting teeth engaging complementary teeth on the first member. A spring is interposed between the third member and the second member. The second member includes circumferentially spaced helical teeth that engage complementary grooves in the first member. The second member further includes circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending ribs which engage the grooves of the third member. The device includes a mechanism for locking the parts together against longitudinal movement. When the mechanism is released, the force of the spring urges the second member axially away from the first member and the ratcheting teeth permit the second member to rotate relative to the first member, thereby elongating the conduit relative to a core element that extends through the first member and second member. After adjustment, the one way clutch defined by the ratchet teeth permits relative rotation in one direction only by preventing rotation between the third member and the first member thus preventing axial inward movement between the first member and second member. This retains the adjusted position.