Abstract: A boat launching device preferably includes an elastic line, a first elastic line loop and a second elastic line loop. The elastic line includes a first loop end and a second loop end. The first and second loop ends must be capable of being inserted through a rear line tie-off opening. The first elastic line loop is slidably retained on the elastic line with a first clip. The first loop clip is looped around the first elastic line loop and the elastic line. The second elastic line loop is secured to the first loop end with a second clip. The second loop clip is looped through the first loop end and the second elastic line loop. The first loop end is inserted through a rear line tie-off, the first loop clip and a front line tie-off. The second loop end is secured to the front line tie-off.

Abstract: Load carriage systems are described including one or more of a first chest panel, a first back panel, and a self-adjusting cummerbund connecting the first chest panel and the first back panel. The self-adjusting cummerbund may include a tensioning mechanism configured to allow the cummerbund to extend and retract, and may be configured to provide varying resistive force. The tensioning mechanism may include one or more of a sliding portion, a continuous patterned length of material that is folded over itself, and an elastic member that is attached to the sliding member and the length of material. Body armor plates may be held between outer and inner chest panels and/or between outer and inner back panels. A strip of webbing may be used to secure the body armor plate between the outer and inner panels.

Abstract: Load carriage systems are described including one or more of a first chest panel, a first back panel, and a self-adjusting cummerbund connecting the first chest panel and the first back panel. The self-adjusting cummerbund may include a tensioning mechanism configured to allow the cummerbund to extend and retract, and may be configured to provide varying resistive force. The tensioning mechanism may include one or more of a sliding portion, a continuous patterned length of material that is folded over itself, and an elastic member that is attached to the sliding member and the length of material. Body armor plates may be held between outer and inner chest panels and/or between outer and inner back panels. A strip of webbing may be used to secure the body armor plate between the outer and inner panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spring (1, 23) comprising at least one tensile body (2, 17, 71, 76) that can be subjected to tensile stress and/or at least one compressive body (37) that can be subjected to compressive stress, the spring also comprising a force-displacement conversion unit (3, 18, 24) for converting the force-displacement of the spring force F, said force-displacement conversion unit (3, 18, 24) having a moveable input control element (6, 19, 29), to which the spring force can be applied and a moveable output control element (7, 20, 30, 54, 60, 68, 72) which is operatively connected to the tensile body (2, 17, 71, 76) or to the compressive body (37) in such a way that the spring force F produces a tensile stress in the tensile body (2, 17, 71, 76) or a compressive stress in the compressive body (37) in a specific force-displacement conversion ratio.

Abstract: Load carriage systems are described including one or more of a first chest panel, a first back panel, and a self-adjusting cummerbund connecting the first chest panel and the first back panel. The self-adjusting cummerbund may include a tensioning mechanism configured to allow the cummerbund to extend and retract, and may be configured to provide varying resistive force. The tensioning mechanism may include one or more of a sliding portion, a continuous patterned length of material that is folded over itself, and an elastic member that is attached to the sliding member and the length of material. Body armor plates may be held between outer and inner chest panels and/or between outer and inner back panels. A strip of webbing may be used to secure the body armor plate between the outer and inner panels.

Abstract: A method and assembly for knotting a line restrains a fishing line in a loose knot pattern while a knot or splice is formed in the fishing line to enable tightening the knot by stretching the line. The assembly includes a pair of cylinders having an external surface, a first end, and a second end. A pair of tubes encapsulate the pair of cylinders to provide a slip resistant surface. Two pair of caps comprising an open end and a closed end detachably attach to the first and second ends of the tubes. The caps include at least one flat surface region having a depression. One cap per tube includes a light emitting diode (LED) which enables hands free illumination while knotting or splicing line. Magnets are integrated into the cap depressions to enable magnetic attraction between tubes. Fishing line wrap around the tubes to enable knotting and splicing.

Abstract: A device is configured to adjustably retain at least one strap and dampen forces exerted into or by the at least one strap. The device includes a main body including at least one strap adjustment channel configured to adjustably retain the at least one strap, and at least one tensile member formed on or within the main body. The at least one tensile member is configured to flex, bend, and/or stretch in order to absorb the forces exerted into or by the at least one strap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use on aquatic vessels for automatically retracting a docking line released from the vessel when undocking so that it is stored out of the water next to a fixed structure such as a piling, initiated with one simple manual operation; and extending the line when docking the vessel by engaging said line and attaching it to the vessel, also all with one simple manual operation. The means for generating the retraction forces acting on the docking line can be a spring-actuated reel mounted on the fixed structure, causing tension in a thin retrieving line attached to the docking line. Alternatively the forces can be generated by sets of weighted blocks and pulleys, or elastic cords. Use of the embodiments will avoid undocking stresses of using long boathooks to hang docking lines on pilings, and reaching them when docking; or throwing them.

Abstract: An apparatus for hardening a spring having a helical or beehive shape. The apparatus has a rotation support system and an induction heating system. The rotation support system is designed to support the spring while the spring is heated by the induction heating system. The induction heating system has an induction coil system having a coil system. The coil system has a spaced region designed to receive the spring and to heat the spring while the spring is supported on the rotation support system.

Abstract: A biasing device that returns to a rest position when the biasing device is subjected to one of a first compression by a first object and a first tension by a second object in which the first tension causes a second compression of a third object, in which the first compression causes a second tension of the third object, in which elongation of the rod assembly simultaneously occurs with the first tension and the second compression, and in which elongation of the rod assembly simultaneously occurs with the second tension and the first compression.

Abstract: Rate-dependent, elastically-deformable devices according to various embodiments can be stretched and recovered at low elongation rates. Yet they become stiff and resistive to stretching at high elongation rates. In one embodiment, a rate-dependent, elastically-deformable device includes an elastically-deformable confinement member; one or more filaments placed inside the elastically-deformable confinement member; and a fluid that substantially fills the remaining volume inside the elastically-deformable confinement member. The resistance force to extension of the device is designed to increase as the extension rate of the device increases. At low elongation rates the filaments can readily slide past each other. At high elongation rates, the fluid transforms to a less flowable material that greatly increases the force and energy required for elongation; or transforms to a non-flowable material that resists elongation.

Abstract: A stabilizing device for axles of vehicles, such as motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, or the like, including a hollow cylinder unit, which comprises a hollow cylinder containing a fluid therein, a piston unit with a piston which is arranged in the hollow cylinder and divides the hollow cylinder into at least two chambers, wherein the piston unit can slide relative to the hollow cylinder unit in that said piston unit can be moved from an original position to a deflected position, a pre-tensioning device which tensions the piston unit in the direction of the original position, and a control or regulating device which controls or regulates the fluid flow into/out of the chambers.

Abstract: An SEA architecture for controlling the torque applied by an SEA that has particular application for controlling the position of a robot link. The SEA architecture includes a motor coupled to one end of an elastic spring and a load coupled to an opposite end of the elastic spring, where the motor drives the load through the spring. The orientation of the shaft of the motor and the load are measured by position sensors. Position signals from the position sensors are sent to an embedded processor that determines the orientation of the load relative to the motor shaft to determine the torque on the spring. The embedded processor receives reference torque signals from a remote controller, and the embedded processor operates a high-speed servo loop about the desired joint torque. The remote controller determines the desired joint torque based on higher order objectives by their impedance or positioning objectives.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an elasticity adjustment structure of physical training device which comprise one elastomer adjustment set; said elastomer adjustment set further comprises one first elastomer and one second elastomer. Overlapping the said second elastomer and said first elastomer with different rigidities at different depth positions to create a smooth elastic curve of said elastomer adjustment set; as a result the elasticity of said elasticity adjustment structure may be adjusted in accordance with different needs.

Abstract: A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention.

Abstract: A moderation element may be incorporated into straps, handles, or other devices to moderate forces. As an example, a moderation element may include a housing and a fluid-filled chamber. The housing has an expandable configuration and defines an interior void. The housing also defines a pair of opposing compression surfaces within the interior void, with the compression surfaces being located to move toward each other when the housing expands. The chamber is located within the housing and between the compression surfaces.

Abstract: A hand-operated drive-in power tool for fastening elements is disclosed. The tool has a drive arrangement for a drive-in ram displaceably arranged in a guide, which has at least one drive element for the drive-in ram made at least partially of an elastomer that is tensible via a tensioning device. To improve the drive-in power tool, a heating device for the at least one elastomer drive element is provided.

Abstract: An elastic device includes a first elastic supporter; a second elastic supporter and a carbon nanotube film. The second elastic supporter is spaced from the first elastic supporter. The carbon nanotube film has a first side fixed on the first elastic supporter and a second side opposite to the first side and fixed on the second elastic supporter. The carbon nanotube film includes a plurality of carbon nanotube strings separately arranged, located side by side and extending substantially along a first direction from the first side to the second side and one or more carbon nanotubes located between adjacent carbon nanotube strings. The carbon nanotube film is capable of elastic deformation along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: An end effecter is positioned with high precision by stabilizing its attitude. Included are arms each having a pair of rods arranged in parallel, a bracket having the end effecter attached thereto and retained by the pair of rods, ball joints and each including a first joint element having a ball and displaceably connecting the bracket with the arm and a second joint element having a socket for retaining the ball, a connecting member for connecting the pair of parallel rods together and restricting rotation of the rods about an axis that is parallel to the longitudinal direction thereof, and a biasing member for providing a biasing force for retaining the ball in the socket.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices to assist a subject in lifting and associated methods. In one aspect for example, a lift assist device can include a harness operable to be secured about or to a torso of a user, and at least one cord having a first end operably coupled to the harness and a second end operably coupleable to a forelimb of the user. Additionally, at least one of the harness and the at least one cord are substantially elastic, and where the first and second ends of the at least one cord are positioned to assist the user in lifting an object. In one aspect, the at least one cord is substantially elastic and the harness is substantially inelastic.

Abstract: Systems and devices for storing mechanical energy in a spring motor or the like are described. In one implementation, an energy storage device includes an elastic rope, a spool and a control mechanism. The elastic rope is reversibly deformable from a relaxed state to a stretched state for storing mechanical energy. The spool is coupled to the elastic rope, and is configured to maintain the elastic rope in the stretched state while the elastic rope is wound around the spool. The control mechanism is coupled to the spool and is configured to allow the spool to rotate in response to the elastic rope relaxing from the stretched state to the relaxed state for retrieval of stored mechanical energy. In some implementations, the elastic rope may be formed from an elastomer wrapped with a fiber made from carbon nanotubes or other synthetic strengthening material.

Abstract: A force control strut including a housing having first and second ends and an internal chamber, a rod member having an inner end reciprocally movable inside the housing and along the internal chamber, a guide member allowing reciprocation of the rod member in the housing, a bottom portion fixed in the internal chamber, a guide piston secured to an inner end of the rod and slidable along an inner surface of the internal chamber, a first coil spring positioned between the guide piston and one end of the housing to bias the rod member in a given direction in the housing, a first external connector fixed to the rod member, a second connector fixed to the bottom portion, and a damper that includes a plunger reciprocally mounted in a force controlling passageway inside the rod member and movable in a passageway of the rod member.

Abstract: A spring counterbalance mechanism balances a load with a spring. A cable has a protrusion fixed to the cable midway between two ends of the cable. The two free ends of the cable are fixedly coupled to one of the load or the spring, and a cable attachment is coupled to the remaining member. The cable passes through the cable attachment such that the protrusion is captive in the cable attachment and is movable between two stops in the cable attachment. The cable forms two segments each of which couples the spring to the load. The two segments of the cable pass over a pulley. A sensor coupled to the pulley senses rotation of the pulley allowing cable breakage to be detected by the anomalous rotation of the pulley.

Abstract: A damper assembly includes a fixed rack gear, a rotary gear damper having a gear engaged with the rack gear, and a tether movable with the damper along the rack gear and connected to the movable object to be controlled by the damper. A biasing element normally urges the damper away from anti-rotation locking members.

Abstract: A self-retracting extension limiting device. It is designed to be attached between a first object and a second object, where the distance between the first and second objects is variable. The device exerts a restoring force tending to draw the two objects together. A first, relatively weak restoring force is exerted over a range of distance. Then, when the objects have been separated to a defined limit of travel, the device exerts a much greater restoring force. The invention includes overlapping and self-contained elements so that unwanted slack is minimized.

Abstract: A damping system of a glove box using a damper and a wire. The damper is attached to the glove box. An end of the wire is fixed to a fastener on a lower panel. Thereby, when a field problem occurs, the damper is mounted and demounted with ease.

Abstract: The method of easily and securely retaining components strung on a bead line by placing a portion of the bead line between coil members of a tension spring comprises applying torque action to leverable members of the tension coil between the thumb and index finger of the user's hand to spread apart contiguous coil members of the spring, placing a portion of the bead line between a pair of coil members which had been spread apart, releasing the torque action from the leverable members, and allowing coil members to close and securely maintain the portion of bead line in position on the coil spring in a manner to resist removal therefrom.

Abstract: A method of assembling a differential assembly and a biasing element for a differential wherein the biasing element may be added or removed from an assembled differential without having to remove the pinion shaft. The biasing element is generally a W-spring that includes a center opening and open sides that face the same direction to facilitate the addition or removal of the biasing element.

Abstract: A docking assembly configured to allow a first medical device to move with a second medical device includes a hitch, a base, and a connector. The hitch is configured to be coupled to the first medical device. The base is spaced apart from the hitch and is configured to be coupled to the second medical device. The connector interconnects the hitch and the base and permits movement of the hitch relative to the base.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for a heater for attaching the heater, which is configured in an almost circular shape in its side view and cut at a circumferential portion thereof to form opposite circumferential end portions, to an external peripheral portion of a heated member of a cylindrical or column shape, includes a pair of stop metal members fixed near the circumferential end portions of the heater and a spring, both end portions of the spring engaged with the stop metal members in a state being pulled by the stop metal members with a predetermined tension, respectively, the opposite circumferential end portions of the heater are attracted to each other and so the heater is elastically adhered to the external peripheral portion of the heated member.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for applying additional momentum to the movement of a body (1) adapted to reciprocate or flex through a substantially linear or arcuate path, notably for increasing the impact velocity of a linearly travelling weight upon an object (3), which apparatus comprises means (4) for retracting the body from its rest position, notably for retracting a weight from the point of impact between the weight and an object located at the rest position of the weight, means (5) for biassing the body towards its rest position, notably for urging the weight towards the object so as to impart additional impact velocity to the weight as it travels towards the object, characterised in that: a) the means for biassing the body towards its rest position is an elastic polymeric material which is retained under tension or compression when the body is in its rest position; and b) the biassing means is one which undergoes strain crystallisation.

Abstract: A manipulator comprising a linkage with at least two links (1, 4) which have ball joints (3, 6) at their ends, and a spring device (10) which exerts a tensile force between the links. The spring device (10) comprises a first drawing device (11) with a first angle device (18), a second drawing device (12) with a second angle device (19), which are arranged, displaceable in parallel, side-by-side, and a spring member (13) arranged between the angle devices. The tensile force arises by the spring member exerting a compressive force against the angle devices.

Abstract: A shock absorbing and adjustable-length mooring and utility securing line for mooring a boat to a dock in a marine environment utilizes a hollow flexible tubing constructed of substantially inelastic fabric material and a bungee cord disposed within the tubing. The hollow tubing has a central section disposed between the opposite ends of the tubing, and the fabric material of the central section is movable lengthwise between a gathered condition and a fully-stretched condition to accommodate a lengthening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved farther apart from a condition at which the central section is in a gathered condition and to accommodate a shortening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved closer together from a condition at which the central section is in a fully-stretched condition.

Abstract: Extricating apparatus and methods are disclosed for aiding movement of a snowmobile after becoming bogged in deep and/or soft snow. The apparatus includes at least a first unit having a stretchable cord with first and second implements joined thereto at opposite ends of the cord. A flexible jacket is provided around but unconnected to the stretchable cord and intermediate the first and second implements, the jacket being made of material that is relatively more rigid than the stretchable cord. The implements are preferably either first and second couplers or a coupler and a graspable member such as a handle, first and second units, one each thus equipped, being preferred.

Abstract: A linear motion absorber for damping linear movement utilizing a cylinder having a reciprocal piston located therein. The cylinder and piston are molded of synthetic plastic and the piston is of an extended length and a diameter slightly less than the inner diameter of the cylinder as to be self aligning therewith and includes a homogeneous annular lip seal to produce unidirectional sealing. The piston stem or rod is also of a synthetic plastic material and in the rigid stem embodiment homogeneously extends from the piston. The piston rod may also consist of a flexible synthetic strand attached to the piston for transmitting tension forces, and a compression spring within the cylinder acting upon the piston will position the piston to a retracted position. The open end of the cylinder is sealed by a removable cap entirely formed of a synthetic plastic material which may be readily affixed to the cylinder to produce a closed circuit during damping.

Abstract: A suspension component (300) has a pair of elongated slidably coupled in a telescoping arrangement. A pair of attachment plates (305, 306) are fixed to the respective suspension components (311, 314) inside an outer tube of one of the suspension components (314). An elastomeric section (303) is bonded to attachment plates (305, 306), so that collapsing the suspension components (311, 314) results in an extension of the elastomeric section (303). An adjustment mechanism is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded boss (316) mounted on one of the suspension components (314) and rotatably journaled to one of the attachment plates (306). Rotation of the suspension components causes attachment plate (306) to move axially along the length of the suspension component (314).

Abstract: A shock absorbing carrying strap for easing the ability to support loads. The strap includes two webbing sections, each of which includes an outer end and a connecting section to permit attachment to loads. The two webbing sections are also connected to a central elastic portion. That central elastic portion includes an outer envelope of elastic material which encloses an elastic strip connected to and between the two webbing sections. The outer envelope is secured to the elastic strip, and preferably to the webbing adjacent the elastic strip, so that the outer envelope and elastic strip form a composite member. The outer envelope is finished by binding the marginal edge and by applying a finishing cover over each end and where each webbing section extends from the central portion by a variety of techniques.

Abstract: A shock absorber (10) having an elongated first suspension component (12), a tubular second suspension component, (16) slidably coupled to the first suspension component, and an elastic cord loop (20) for restraining relative movement between the first and second suspension components. The second suspension component has an outer end (18) and the first suspension component has an inner end (19) and an outer end (14). An adjustment mechanism (36) is provided in the form of a rotatable threaded tube (38) mounted on first suspension component (12) and rotatably journaled to second suspension component (16). An adjustable lug (44) threads onto threaded tube (38). Elastic cord (20) wraps around lug (44) and inner end (19) of first suspension component (12). Rotation of tube (38) causes lug (44) to move axially along the length of first suspension component (12) to adjust the tension in elastic cord (20), to compensate for various loading conditions on the shock absorber.

Abstract: The lifting apparatus employs a plurality of stacked annular discs, each of which is secured at the inner and outer periphery to an adjacent disc to define a hollow space. Circular discs are secured at the opposite ends of the stacked annular discs to enclose the hollow space. The lifting apparatus is collapsible from an extended elongated position to a collapsed position. A nipple is provided to permit the entry of compressed air into the hollow space when the lifting apparatus is in the elongated extended position to allow the hollow space to be radially expanded while being longitudinally contracted in order to effect lifting of an object secured to the lower end of the listing apparatus.

Abstract: A plastic pipe butt fusion machine has a base, a clamp on the base for securing a first length of plastic pipe, a second clamp mounted on the base for securing a second length of plastic pipe to be fusion welded to the first in axial end-to-end alignment, the second clamp being moveable relative to the base, a spring positioned between the second clamp and the base so that when the spring is tension loaded the second clamp is urged in the direction toward the first clamp to thereby resiliently urge the plastic pipes held by the first and second clamps into axial abutted relationship during fusion.

Abstract: A shock absorber is incorporated into a tether line to provide a take up device for adjusting the effect of certain instantaneous stress forces in the tether line. This shock absorber is formed as part of an assembly and is positioned in transverse orientation to the longitudinal axis of the tether, to control a designated payout of the tether itself. The tether remains as one continuous lineal structure. The shock absorber, while operating on lineal stress forces in the tether, does not become a necessary support link of the tether. The tether may be of flexible line and the shock absorber structure is comparatively compact, thereby allowing the flexible tether line to be coiled and easily stored without the removal of the shock absorber mechanism. Upon reuse, care is not needed for orientation of the shock absorber, as stress is applied to the tether line.

Abstract: A tension relieving device for seismic cables or cable sections having a stretch element (4) which is passed in loops between two end pieces (1,2) designed to be attached to end contact pieces on the seismic cable. The stretch element (4) is passed in at least two loops, with at least four lengths (8) in the longitudinal direction of the device, in that the loops are passed through holes (6) and curved, tubular guides (12) in the end pieces. On their lengths (8) the stretch elements (4) are equipped with stoppers (10) with diameters greater than the holes (6) in the end pieces (1,2). In the central area of the end pieces (1,2) between the stretch element guides a preferably central opening (9) is made to allow the cable's wires etc. to pass through.

Abstract: A passive load limiting strut particularly useful in limiting loads between a spacecraft and an upper stage during booster first stage operation and thereby permit the launching of heavier spacecraft. The strut operates on the principle of snap through buckling of bar linkages. A tension shaft is telescoped into a compression shaft within a housing. A plurality of bar linkages are connected between each of the shafts and the housing, the bars being oriented at an acute angle in the direction of the tension shaft. In tension, the bar linkages connected to the tension shaft progressively buckle, absorbing tension loads. In compression, the bars connected to the compression shaft progressively buckle, absorbing compression loads. A compression spring intermediate the ends of the shafts further aids in load relief. Collars on the shafts prevent the shafts moving beyond preselected locations.

Abstract: A swimming harness for holding a swimming at a selected location in a body of water such as a swimming pool and giving the swimmer freedom of swimming movement. The swimming harness comprises an elongated integral braided cord having an inner end which is secured to a fixed object located directly adjacent the swimming pool and an outer end which is connected, such as by a belt, to the swimmer. The elongated integral braided cord includes an enlarged section within which is mounted a stretchable resilient solid cord. The resilient cord functions to stretch to substantially eliminate any jerking movements produced by the swimmer during the swimming motion. The enlarged section of cord that surrounds the resilient solid cord is capable of being expanded a limited amount thereby functioning as a stretch limiter for the resilient solid cord.

Abstract: Metallic force-introducing elements are fastened to the two ends of a fiber-reinforced synthetic resin material tube. These elements consist each of an inner and an outer part which are screw-connected with one another. The inner part comprises a bushing-shaped thread-bearing shaft having an external threading and being screwed into the respective tube end. The outer part comprises a supporting sleeve which surrounds the tube end and absorbs radial forces generated by the thread-bearing shaft. This type of connection of a synthetic resin tube with force-introducing elements is not critical with respect to temperature changes and is particularly simple to assemble in the manufacture of a novel tension-compression stay.

Abstract: A yieldable mooring line for a boat comprises a coil spring with first and second spring key clevises connected to opposite ends of the spring and projecting therefrom. A chain at one end is connected to the first spring clevis. A line is removably anchored to the boat, and a snap-on is secured upon one end of the line which is removably connected to the other end of the chain. The second spring clevis is adapted for connection to a dock or piling.

Abstract: A vibration damper is provided for a towed body usable more particularly as head section of an underwater antenna towed by a boat and containing detection and measuring instruments.The damper of the invention comprises at least one piece with high loss angle in contact with a traction element so that vibrations perceived by the traction element cause deformations of said piece.

Abstract: The instant invention is an apparatus for introducing resilient forces into a line when the line is tensioned. The apparatus comprises a housing to form and maintain a section of line into a loop or bight portion lying generally in planes substantially parallel to the line portions exterior of the housing when the line is in a tensioned condition. The apparatus further contains a resilient member to maintain the loop or bight in a relatively large diameter condition when the line is not tensioned. The resilient member resists a lessening in diameter of the loop or bight upon tensioning of the line.

Abstract: A force responsive, variable length push rod for connecting the motor and windshield blade of a windshield wiper unit. The variable response push rod includes a pair of members connected at one end to the motor and windshield blades respectfully and overlapped at the other end. Each member includes a plurality of lobes extending to the area between the opposed members and an elastomer adheres to the lobes and fills space between the plurality of lobes to form push rod. Interdigitized lobes and elastomer define the force characteristics of the push rod.