Abstract: This application provides a vertical sliding window, including horizontal frame side edges, vertical frame side edges, and an opening sash, wherein the opening sash slides up and down along a guide rail on the vertical frame side edge. In addition, the vertical sliding window further includes a balance weight device and a balance weight traction cable. The balance weight device includes an enclosure, a rotating shaft partially disposed within the enclosure, a spiral spring whose two ends are respectively fixedly connected to an inner wall of the enclosure and the rotating shaft, and a cone pulley fixedly connected to the rotating shaft, wherein a tapered surface of the cone pulley is provided with a spiral groove. A lower end of the balance weight traction cable is fixedly connected to the opening sash, and an upper end thereof is fixedly connected to the cone pulley.

Abstract: A large diameter portion is provided on one side of a closing side drum in an axial direction, a small diameter portion having a diameter gradually decreasing from the large diameter portion to the other side of the closing side drum is provided on the other side of the closing side drum, a partition wall disposed between adjacent small diameter cable grooves in the axial direction of the closing side drum to prevent a closing side cable from slipping out of the small diameter cable grooves is provided in the small diameter portion. Accordingly, the thick partition wall provided in the small diameter portion can reliably prevent the closing side cable from slipping out (derailing) from the small diameter cable grooves even when a winding position of the closing side cable on the closing side drum is changed and transferred from the large diameter portion to the small diameter portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a header for enclosing a counterbalance assembly for use with an overhead door assembly. The header comprises a top surface, a rear surface coupled to a rear end of the top surface, a bottom surface coupled to a bottom end of the rear surface, and at least one reinforcement member disposed rearward of the counterbalance assembly and forward of the rear surface. The at least one reinforcement member provides necessary reinforcement to the header while allowing for a vertical height of the header to be minimized.

Abstract: A vertically sliding frame mounting system that includes a frame, frame mounted first and second bracket assemblies, wall mounted first and second brace assemblies having recoil springs and self releasing latches. The bracket assemblies slide in the brace assemblies which act as vertical guides while the recoil springs tend to lift the frame. The latch assemblies secure the frame in a lowered position while the recoil springs bias the frame upward.

Abstract: A dampening translator for a sliding building closure comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and a traveler track with a longitudinally extending portion having a first end. A traveler is carried by the housing and includes a body carrying track followers carried in the traveler track of the housing, and carrying longitudinally spaced walls extending away from the body and establishing a catch space therebetween. A retractor is carried by the housing and has a housing portion coupled to the housing and a traveler portion coupled to the traveler to bias the traveler in a direction toward the first end of the traveler track. A dampener is carried by the housing to decelerate the traveler.

Abstract: A cable spool includes first and second curved flanges extending radially outwardly from first and second axial ends of a drum. The flanges have outer edges that cooperate to define an annular slot providing access to a passageway surrounding the drum. The slot has a width that is less than half the height of the drum. A cable is wrapped around the drum. A closure having an environmentally sealed interior may receive an end of the cable. A second cable can be deployed from a second spool and coupled to the end of the cable within the closure. The second spool can be mounted with the cable spool. A cover can be placed over the spools for aesthetic or protection reasons.

Abstract: In one aspect, a power assist module for covering for an architectural structure may include a spring and a spring shaft extending through the spring. Additionally, the power assist module may include a threaded shaft member coupled to the spring shaft and a follower member rotationally coupled to the threaded shaft member such that the follower member is moved axially along the threaded shaft member as the follower member is rotated relative to the threaded shaft member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight compensation device for a drive of a lifting door, for the position-dependent compensation of the weight force of a door leaf of the lifting door, with a force transmission unit which can be coupled to the drive in order to carry out an opening movement which raises the door leaf and a closing movement which lowers the door leaf, wherein at least one compression spring is provided which is arranged in such a way that it supports the opening movement. The invention also relates to a lifting door, in particular an industrial lifting door, which has a door leaf, with a drive, such as a motor, and with a weight compensation device according to the invention.

Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight compensation device for a drive of a lifting door, for the position-dependent compensation of the weight force of a door leaf of the lifting door, with a force transmission unit which can be coupled to the drive in order to carry out an opening movement which raises the door leaf and a closing movement which lowers the door leaf, wherein at least one compression spring is provided which is arranged in such a way that it supports the opening movement. The invention also relates to a lifting door, in particular an industrial lifting door, which has a door leaf, with a drive, such as a motor, and with a weight compensation device according to the invention.

Abstract: An operator for moving a barrier between closed and open positions mounted on, or close to, the counterbalance for said barrier. The operator is connected to the counterbalance shaft and lifts the barrier by rotating the counterbalance shaft with attached cable drums and thereby takes up cable connected to the bottom of the door. There is an upper cable connected to the top of the door through a cable drum in the operator. A power spring biases the operator cable drum to always take up the upper cable, keeping it wound. The operator cable drum is connected to the motor through a clutch which when engaged allows the operator to pull the door closed. While the door is closing the clutch can be disengaged to allow the operator cable drum to take up and then pay out the upper cable connected to the top of the door as needed.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drum to draw in or let out a line and a motor and transmission coupled to the drum to apply a torque thereto. Logistics electronics are mounted proximate a first end of the drum and power electronics are mounted proximate a second end of the drum. In general, the logistics electronics include lower power electronics that enable data processing as well as data and commands to be communicated to the apparatus from an external location. By contrast, the power electronics may include higher power electronics needed to receive power and drive the motor.

Abstract: A high-speed rolling gate comprising a door leaf in the form of a flexible curtain, lateral guides in which lateral edges of the door leaf are received, and a drive which generates a driving force for driving the door leaf, wherein the door leaf has an elastically designed terminating element on a forward edge which is tensioned between the lateral guides by means of laterally applied transverse force components. The driving force of the drive engages on the terminating element of the door leaf and provides the laterally applied transverse force components for tensioning the terminating element of the door leaf and a tension force component substantially directed in the movement direction of the door leaf for closing the door leaf.

Abstract: A garage door assembly that includes a torsion spring counterbalance apparatus mounted on a header wall above a garage door, the apparatus including at least one spring wound on a shaft, also includes a safety device. The safety device includes a capture device mounted on the header wall above the garage door, and a catch device attached to the shaft at a location proximate to the capture device on the header wall. The catch device rotates with the torsion spring counterbalance shaft, and the catch device is capable of extending away from the shaft under centrifugal force to engage the capture device and thereby stop the garage door from further free-falling.

Abstract: A device for securing a panel to a mounting stud with external teeth. An annular first body has an inner periphery, a plurality of lock fingers extending from the inner periphery, and a plurality of stop fingers extending from the inner periphery and circumferentially spaced from the plurality of lock fingers. An annular second body has a center opening, a plurality of lock openings spaced from the center opening for receiving the plurality of lock fingers to lock the first and second bodies together, and a plurality of legs extending inwardly overlying the center opening for engaging external teeth on the mounting stud.

Abstract: A side load constant force window balance assembly is disclosed. The balance assembly has a spring member, a spring housing, and a carrier module. The spring housing and carrier module are coupled to the spring member. The carrier module is configured to support a portion of a window sash and has an engagement feature configured to selectively engage the window frame.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting and rotating an axle of an overhead rolling door assembly while replacing a counterbalance spring. A support stand is provided. The support stand is positioned under the overhead door assembly. The overhead door assembly is disassembled enough to expose its main axle. The support stand is adjusted in height to engage the main axle so that the support stand holds the main axle at an elevated position. The broken counterbalance spring is replaced. The main axle is the reinstalled into the overhead door assembly. A pulley wheel is then attached to the main axle. The pulley wheel is turned by winding a cable around the pulley wheel and then unwinding the cable with a winch. This rotates the main axle with the torque needed to properly pre-tension the replacement spring.

Abstract: Window sash counterbalances using curl springs and holders can increase resistance to sash drop without causing sash hop by using a high coefficient of friction bearing surfaces against which curled up coils of curl springs slide when uncurling or re-curling. The higher friction bearing material produces more frictional resistance to spring uncurling than to spring re-curling and thus resists drop without causing hop. This allows a wider range of sash weights to be counterbalanced by a fewer number of counterbalance forces, saves manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A balance assembly for a sash window slidable within a master frame includes first and second springs, each having a coiled portion and a free end adapted to be attached to a shoe, and first and second substantially identical spring holders. The spring holder includes a plate adapted to be attached to the master frame, a first connector, a second connector, a first spring support, and a second spring support. The first connector is cooperatively dimensioned with the second connector such that the first connector of one spring holder connects to the second connector of the other spring holder. The spring holder can support the spring in one of two configurations. In the first configuration, the coiled portion of the spring is supported by the first spring support, and in the second configuration, the coiled portion of the spring is supported by the second spring support.

Abstract: A counterbalance system (25) for a door (D) movable between a closed position and an open position having an axle (20), a cable drum (15) attached to the axle, a winding shaft (35) interconnected with the axle by a counterbalance spring (26), and a pawl (70) selectively movable between a first position for adjusting tension in the counterbalance spring and a second position for preventing rotation of the cable drum upon failure of the counterbalance spring, thereby limiting movement of the door toward the closed position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring balance assembly for use with a sash window. The spring balance assembly comprises a plate, clip, pivot brake assembly, and first and second coil springs. The plate has a first portion, second portion, and a generally perpendicular transition portion thereby defining a cavity proximate the first portion. The cavity accommodates hardware mounted to the sash window during sliding movement of the sash window. The first coil spring is rotatably supported on a first spool and the second coil spring is rotatably supported on a second spool. A lower end of the first spring is connected to an attaching element of the clip. A lower end of the second spring is connected to a first wall of the pivot brake assembly and the clip is connected to the first wall to secure the first and second springs to the pivot brake assembly.

Abstract: A ratcheting system is used to wind a helical torsion spring around a torsion bar in a counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door having multiple panel sections. The ratcheting system contains: (1) a cylindrical sleeve encompassing the torsion bar, the sleeve having longitudinal channels and being secured to the torsion bar at the winding end of the torsion spring; (2) a winding cone adapted to fit over the cylindrical sleeve and having a cone-shaped section connected to the winding end of the torsion spring, a plurality of radial openings for receiving winding bars, a first threaded radial opening containing a set screw, and a second threaded radial opening containing a pull pin, the pull pin having a spring-biased beveled projection that extends inwardly from the winding cone to contact the longitudinal channels of the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A cord tensioned by a spring supports the sash of a hung window in a stationary position while the sash is tilted for cleaning. The cord pulls a pulley attached to the spring which extends as the sash is further tilted. A tubing houses the spring and pulley and provides a stop that limits the maximum tilt of the sash.

Abstract: A beam-type torquing and measuring tool having two telescoping members rotationally attached together at a first end of each, and they are relatively rotatable at the other end. One member transmits torque to the workpiece and has a pointer thereon, and the other member has a scale readable relative to the pointer to measure the torque being applied. The members have a central opening extending axially therethrough for canalization, and there may be adapters threadedly attached to the tool ends, and the scale and pointer can be read in their two diametrically opposite locations.

Abstract: A mount for one or more constant force curl springs uses a mounting block secured within a sash shoe channel to support the underside of a lowermost curl spring with a superposed curl spring mounted to counterrotate against an outer convolution of the lowermost spring. Uncoiled free ends of the curl springs pass downward on opposite sides of the mounting block and connect to opposite sides of a sash shoe arranged below the mounting block. This connection is made by laterally sliding the spring ends into slots molded in the sash shoe so that barbs struck and bent from the planes of the free ends of the springs are lodged in widened recesses of the slots to retain the spring ends against upward withdrawal from the spring slots.

Abstract: A security seal for a collar used for tensioning springs in garage door assemblies. A collar typically includes at least one set screw projecting outwardly and at least two winding holes. The security seal of the invention includes a generally longitudinal piece of flexible material having two opposite ends, the opposite ends being provided with a locking system for locking the opposite ends together in a permanent fashion. The seal also has at least one hollow cup adapted to receive the at least one set screw and at least two solid cups, each of the cups being adapted to fit with a corresponding winding hole. The hollow cup and the at least two solid cups are disposed on the security seal so that when the seal is locked above the collar, the hollow cup and the solid cups are in registration with the at least one set screw and the at least two winding holes respectively.

Abstract: A method of securing a torsion spring used in a counterbalance system in which the spring torsion cannot be released without first supporting any existing spring torque utilizes a torsion spring assembly including: a torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within a torsion spring; an anchor member retaining a first end of the torsion spring with the torsion rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the anchor member; and a winding cone retaining a second end of the torsion spring. The winding cone includes a first winding cone coupling member including a frusto-conical surface retaining the second end of the torsion spring; and a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener. The second coupling member defines an area in which the fastener is received for releasably mounting the second coupling member to the torsion rod. The first coupling member is disposed adjacent and abuts the second coupling member for limited rotational movement between first and second rotational positions.

Abstract: A counterbalance spring adjustment mechanism, particularly adapted for a rollup type upward-acting door which is supported between spaced apart wall brackets on a rotatable shaft. One end of the torsion spring is connected to a hub including a tubular hub member and a circumferential radially extending flange. The tubular hub member is disposed in a bore formed in one of the wall brackets and is retained in assembly therewith by a cylindrical collar. The door support shaft is disposed in a self-lubricating polymer bushing which is supported in the tubular hub member.

Abstract: An overhead door apparatus utilizing a torsion spring counterbalancing mechanism. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a worm drive ring-shaped gear winding mechanism for setting the appropriate torque or number of winds in the spring. A counting mechanism is provided to indicate to the installer the number of winds being given to the spring. Means are also provided for accommodating spring growth and contraction during winding and unwinding using the winding mechanism and during normal raising and lowering of the door. A spring clip gear retainer is disclosed for preventing rotation or creep of the worm drive gear and spur gear during normal raising and lowering of the door. A second embodiment is disclosed allowing more universal interchangeability of components between the left and right sides of the door system, easy snap-in assembly, and including a telescoping spring cover. Each embodiment includes a spring winding counter.

Abstract: A live axle tension device (15) that is suitable for adjusting the setting of a spring (16) on a live axle door (10). The tension device comprises a spring (16) that connects to a drum wheel (14) and to a spring connecting plate (22). The spring connecting plate (22) is attached to the outside of an axle housing tube (24) that houses the axle (12). The axle housing tube (24) also has two tension plates (26) connected to it which sandwich a tension bracket (20). The tension bracket (20) is fixedly attached to a supporting structure (21) and the axle (12) is free to rotate inside the bracket. The axle housing tube (24) and the plates attached to it can rotate relative to the tension bracket (20). With the spring (16) connected to the drum wheel (14) at one end and connected to the spring connecting plate (22) at the other end, the insertion of a tension pin (32) through the tension plates (26) and the tension bracket (20) fixes the position of the two ends of the spring (16) relative to each other.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is directed to a torsion spring counterbalance assembly for closures, preferably for aircraft doors, although it is applicable to closures in other environments. The counterbalance system is designed to reduce the total assembly weight by 50% relative to a steel spring assembly. A helical torsion spring is mounted on one or both sides of a support housing, the springs preferably being made of a fiber-reinforced epoxy. Duplicate springs (same part number, wound and loaded in the same direction) may be used on the left and/or the right sides of the assembly to reduce tooling cost and part inventory cost. Operating with duplicate springs is accomplished by placing fixed spring mounting plates for both springs on the left and the rotating end plates for both springs on the right. Both fixed end plates mount to the housing assembly while both rotating end plates mount to the torque output shaft. Similarly, end plates, torque tubes and shock support tubes, bearings, clips, e.g.

Abstract: An overhead door apparatus utilizing a torsion spring counterbalancing mechanism. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a worm drive ring-shaped gear winding mechanism for setting the appropriate torque or number of winds in the spring. A counting mechanism is provided to indicate to the installer the number of winds being given to the spring. Means are also provided for accommodating spring growth and contraction during winding and unwinding using the winding mechanism and during normal raising and lowering of the door. A spring clip gear retainer is disclosed for preventing rotation or creep of the worm drive gear and spur gear during normal raising and lowering of the door. A second embodiment is disclosed allowing more universal interchangeability of components between the left and right sides of the door system, easy snap-in assembly, and including a telescoping spring cover. Each embodiment includes a spring winding counter.

Abstract: An overhead door apparatus utilizing a torsion spring counterbalancing mechanism. The counterbalancing mechanism includes a worm drive ring-shaped gear winding mechanism for setting the appropriate torque or number of winds in the spring. A counting mechanism is provided to indicate to the installer the number of winds being given to the spring. The ring-shaped gear is a spur gear which is formed integrally with the fitting or cone which attaches by way of a threaded connection with one end of the spring. Means are also provided for accommodating spring growth and contraction during winding and unwinding using the winding mechanism and during normal raising and lowering of the door. A spring clip gear retainer is disclosed for preventing rotation or creep of the worm drive gear and spur gear during normal raising and lowering of the door.

Abstract: An extension spring overhead door system in which the spring may be quickly and easily placed in tension with the door in a closed position. A spring tensioning device is provided which eliminates the need for multiple installers to lift the full weight of the door and then clamp or otherwise prop the door in an open position. An extension spring containment tube is also provided which surrounds the entire periphery of the spring to fully contain the entire length of the extension spring.

Abstract: A block and tackle window balance includes an extension spring and two blocks of pulleys mounted within a rigid channel. A spring coupling connects a free end of the extension spring to the first block of pulleys. The pulleys of the first block are sized in width to center the spring coupling and the free end of the extension spring within the channel. The second block of pulleys are mounted on an axle that is received in slots formed in the channel. A center portion of the axle guides a pulley cord through the second block for exiting the balance.

Abstract: A counterbalancing mechanism (10) for a door (D) movable between a dosed position proximate a door frame (12) and an open position displaced therefrom including a pair of drums (100, 100) for reeving lengths of cable (C) thereabout which are affixed to the door (D), shafts (70) for freely rotatably mounting the drums thereon, a pair of brackets (60, 60) mounted in spaced relation on the door frame, one of the brackets supporting each of the pair of shafts, a drive tube (30) extending between the pair of drums and being non-rotatably affixed thereto, a coil spring (80) positioned interiorly of the drive tube, said coil spring having one end (82) thereof non-rotatably affixed to the drive tube and the other end (81) non-rotatably affixed to the shaft, and a tension adjusting mechanism (110) for normally restraining the shafts and for effecting rotation of the shafts to selectively adjust the torsional forces in the coil spring.

Abstract: An improved spring balancer (10) includes a shaft (13) rotatably mounted on a support (11). A first torsional spring (14) acts between the support and the shaft. A second torsional spring (19) acts between the support and a cable drum assembly (63) journalled on the shaft. A third spring (23) acts between the support and another cable drum assembly (26). A fourth cable drum (28) is fixed to the shaft. Four cables (141,142,143,144) are associated with the various cable drums (140,63,26,28) and are connected to a roll-up door (12). When the door is lowered, the various springs will absorb energy. When the door is raised, the various springs will give up energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for offsetting a constant force over a range of movement, includes a power spring or clock spring, defined by a length of resilient material wound in a spiral, the opposite ends of which are attached relative to one of the force and a fixed point, and to a pulley. The pulley is substantially coaxial with the spring and has a rounded outer contour defining a progressively varying slope proceeding axially along the pulley. A flexible cord wraps around the pulley and leads to the other of the force and the fixed point. The opposite (inner and outer) ends of the spring can be mounted such that the inner end of the spring is fixed relative to the fixed point and the outer end of the spring is attached to the pulley. The constant force can be the weight of a window sash, movable vertically in a frame.

Abstract: A pre-assembled, spring loaded, block and tackle window sash balance assembly is adapted for providing vertical support for a window sash running in an elongated, generally upright sash run having a generally C-shaped guide channel extending along its plow region. The assembly comprises a generally U-shaped housing for a block and tackle spring balance device. The assembly further includes spaced slide means which are discrete from the housing itself and which are slidably interengageable with the guide channel for removeably attaching the assembly to the sash run. Accordingly, the block and tackle balance assembly may be pre-assembled and then conveniently and efficiently attached to the sash run and supported in a position to provide spring balanced support for a window sash mounted in the sash run.

Abstract: A self-contained heavy duty constant force sliding sash counterbalance assembly embodying a stacked plurality of coil springs each having a uniform coiling and recoiling force throughout all of the various coils irrespective of the individual coil spring positions of extension or contraction, wherein the counterbalance assembly structure is provided with an elongated U-shaped housing adapted to adjustably accommodate the addition or removal of individual spring elements as necessary in order to achieve the proper counterbalance effect for the weight of the particular sash to be supported so that over the raising and lowering range of that sash to which the counterbalance assembly is affixed, and at all adjustably set sash opening elevations and corresponding coil spring positions of extension and contraction therebetween, there is a substantially constantly uniform counterbalance force effect exerted on the sash.

Abstract: An apparatus for counterbalancing an overhead door includes a spring anchor assembly adapted to be connected between one end of a torsion spring and a wall of a building at an overhead door opening and a spring winding assembly adapted to be connected between the opposite end of a torsion spring and a shaft rotatably mounted on the wall and coaxial with the spring. The shaft carries a pair of winding drums attached by cables to the bottom of an overhead door. Both the spring anchor assembly and the spring winding assembly have spring attachment means which are adjustable to accommodate different diameters of torsion springs and compensate for the helical form of the spring.

Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing spring for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing spring being movable at an inherently variable rate of force; a first biasing force transmission having a fixed rate of movement transmission part connected to the biasing spring and a variable rate of movement transmission part connected to the window sash and the like, the variable rate of movement transmission part having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing spring to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force throughout an operating range; and, a cable for interconnecting the biasing spring, the first biasing force transmission, and the window sash and the like, whereby loading forces on the first biasing force transmission are substantially constant throughout the operating range.

Abstract: Counterbalancing mechanism for a garage door or other device in which a torsion spring end member is fastened to a second member to which it is connected during normal operation of the counterbalance by cooperating interfitting elements on the members which allow longitudinal movement of the end of the spring during a spring adjusting operation. The counterbalance hardware includes a self-locking winding mechanism for winding or unwinding one or more torsion springs which operates to fix one end of the spring connected thereto against movement during normal operation of the counterbalance. The structure connecting the ends of each torsion spring into the hardware is such that each end of the spring is always connected for rotation with either the torsion shaft of the counterbalance or the self-locking mechanism including during the adjustment or setting of the torsion in the springs.

Abstract: A block and tackle balance system (10), contained within a spring cover (12) extending for the full length of a jamb liner (11), includes a guide (30) that directs a cord (25) through an angled course as it passes from the balance (20), through a hole (13) in the spring cover, to a support that moves up and down with a sash (15) outside the spring cover. The passing of the cord through the angled course in the guide produces load-related friction that helps prevent hop and drop of the sash. Guide (30) also preferably supports an end of the balance within the spring cover, and a support (50, 60) on the free end of cord (25) preferably engages sash (15) automatically as the sash assembled between a pair of jamb liners (11).

Abstract: A compound counterbalance system for window sashes and the like, comprising: a biasing mechanism for easing operation of a window sash and the like, the biasing mechanism being movable at an inherently variable of force; a first biasing force transmission, connected intermediately of the window sash and the like and the biasing mechanism, for increasing the effective range of movement of the biasing mechanism; and, a second biasing force transmission connected intermediately of the first biasing force transmission and the biasing mechanism, the second biasing force transmission having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing mechanism, to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force. The biasing mechanism preferably comprises a linearly extensible and contractible spring. In one embodiment, both the first and second biasing force transmissions comprise pulley and cable systems.

Abstract: This invention relates to a window sash balance of the coil spring and cord type in which a friction drag element is in frictional contact with multiple lengths of loops of said cord.

Abstract: A spring counterbalance mechanism suitable for counterbalancing window sashes or the like. In one embodiment of the invention, the device has two rotatable drums and a spring disposed within the drums. The spring is connected to a spring arbor on one drum and connected to the interior of the other drum to generate counterbalancing forces for resisting rotation of the two drums. Two rotatable reels are coupled to the drums by peripheral gear teeth on the drums and the reels, and cords are wound on the reels for transmitting the forces to loads. The hubs of the reels on which the cords are wound are substantially smaller than the drums. A clutch mechanism is provided for selectively decoupling the spring arbor from the drums, to permit presetting the spring tension by rotating the arbor without rotation of the drums. In an alternate embodiment, stronger and more uniform forces are obtained by providing two pairs of drums and two springs.

Abstract: A vertical baler includes a housing defining a compacting chamber which receives a vertically moveable and power operated horizontal platen. The chamber has a front opening, and the lower portion of the chamber is closed by a pivotal door member which is secured to the cabinet by a latch mechanism including two separate pivotal members releasably connected by an over-center lock element. The upper part of the opening is closed by a vertical safety gate member which retracts upwardly and is partially counterbalanced by a torsion coil spring having one end portion secured to the housing. The other end portion of the coil spring is connected to a shaft supporting a pair of winch members around which are wrapped corresponding cables connected to the lower portion of the gate member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a guide system for a counterweight that is mounted in a box-shaped profile beam, in particular for blackboards. The hollow profile beam has to this purpose on its inside longitudinal guides (17 and 18). Above and below on the counterweight (20) there are provided elastomeric bands (30) with integrally vulcanized hard-rubber elements (31) that are in light sliding contact with the longitudinal guides and that guide the counterweight during its upward and downward displacement.