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: An improved panel mounting building wall construction is disclosed for use in curtain walls, store fronts and the like. The heart of the building wall construction comprises a J-shaped structural frame member adapted for universal use as a head member, side jamb member, a sill member, vertical mullion and horizontal transom member. The J-shaped frame member comprises a flat intermediate plate member, a head on one side of the plate members having portions thereof laterally extending outwardly in opposite directions from the plate member, and a foot member on the opposite side of the plate member laterally extending therefrom. The frame member further has a pair of opposed elongate lips on the plate member, one of the lips laterally extending from one side of the plate member and the other of the lips laterally extending from the opposite side of the plate member.