An improved push-pull cable assembly (10) is provided with means for automatically compensating for changes in the cable's effective length, thus requiring a minimum of adjustment over an extended period. To this end, the cable's actuating rod (124) may be provided with a spring-loaded backlash compensating coupling (30) operatively connecting the actuating rod with an operating lever (106) on the controlled mechanism. A helical compression spring (198) is provided at the end of the push-pull cable assembly such that the spring exerts a compressive force in the longitudinal direction of the actuating rod between a spring retainer (196) and a clevis fitting (122) pivotally connected to the controlled mechanism's operating lever. The clevis fitting is slidably mounted with respect to the actuating rod such that the spring will tend to displace it from a compressed position (210) closer to the spring to an extended position (216) further away. The positions of both ends of the spring are adjusted with respect to the actuating rod such that the spring's compressive force will exceed the force required to operate the valve and also any backlash will be fully taken up and a continuing force applied to the lever when a handle (116) at the other end of the cable is fully pushed in.
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