Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the torque of a compound balance in order to substantially cancel out the torsional force of the torsion spring acting on the spiral rod by creating an equal and opposing torsional force on the extension spring. The apparatus is an assembly connector that is non-permanently engaged with the extension spring, with the spiral rod being tensioned by the torsional force of the torsion spring. Alternatively, the extension spring may be turned in a direction to apply more torque than is required for operation of the compound balance. It is then engaged with a non pre-tensioned spiral rod sub-assembly to transfer the excess torque to the torsion spring of the spiral rod sub-assembly. In this manner, the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring and the extension spring acting on the spiral rod substantially cancel out each other.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to substantially cancel out the opposing torsional forces of the torsion spring of a spiral rod subassembly and the extension spring of a compound spiral rod balance on the carrier element. The extension spring and the rod spiral balance subassembly are parallel, connected at their lower ends to a carrier element and at their top ends either to an upper mounting cap or separately to the wall of the jamb channel. The spiral rod is turned a pre-determined number of times in a direction opposite from that in which the extension spring is turned so that the torsional forces acting on the carrier element from the torsion spring and the extension spring substantially cancel out each other. The balancing out of the counteracting torsional forces eliminates or substantially reduces the friction between the carrier element and the jamb channel.

Abstract: A system for support of a sash that is laterally removable from between opposed window jambs that uses sash support arms that are movably arranged for transferring the weight of the sash to the shoes and for bridging distances between the sash stiles and the shoes. When not supporting the weight of the sash, the support arms move to positions that allow the sash to be lifted off of counterbalance support shoes and laterally removed from between the window jambs and conversely reinserted between window jambs and lowered onto the shoes. This is done while the shoes are locked in positions within the window jambs. When the support arms support the weight of the sash, they are in positions that rest the sash weight on the counterbalance shoes to support the weight of the sash. The shoes have hooks that can be deployed to lock the shoes reliably in the jambs by engaging projections formed in the jambs for this purpose.

Abstract: A new process for producing 13-cis retinoic acid in high yields from the reaction product of a butenolide and a Wittig salt.