Abstract: A method for supply chain design may include identifying nodes, links connecting the nodes, and replenishment strategies for moving materials along the links, in a supply chain. The method may also include determining a value indicative of the complexity of the supply chain based on a characteristic of the nodes, links, and replenishment strategies. The method may also include identifying whether core competencies of the nodes are underutilized. The method may also include reducing the complexity of the supply chain to increase utilization of the core competencies of the nodes.

Abstract: A method for supply chain design may include identifying nodes, links connecting the nodes, and replenishment strategies for moving materials along the links, in a supply chain. The method may also include determining a value indicative of the complexity of the supply chain based on a characteristic of the nodes, links, and replenishment strategies. The method may also include identifying whether core competencies of the nodes are underutilized. The method may also include reducing the complexity of the supply chain to increase utilization of the core competencies of the nodes.

Abstract: A support system for a heavy sash that is laterally removable from between opposed window jambs includes a pair of sash support arms pivotally mounted on each sash stile and counterbalance shoes that engage the support arms to uphold the sash. The support arms, in inwardly dependent positions, can engage the shoes as the sash is lowered onto the shoes; and the support arms, in outwardly extending positions, support the weight of the sash on the shoes. Hooks dependent from the shoes can lock the shoes to the jambs during sash removal or replacement; and the sash support arms, the shoes, and the hooks are all preferably cut from metal extrusions.

Abstract: A tilt sash counterbalance system has a carrier shoe with a locking cam that moves a locking component to a corner-to-corner locking position within a shoe channel. This is done by moving the locking component to a locked position where the locking component simultaneously increases both the width and the thickness of the carrier shoe. This presses the locking component into one inside corner of the shoe channel while pressing an opposite edge of the carrier shoe in a diagonally opposite direction against a diagonally opposite inside corner of the shoe channel.

Abstract: A coupling between a twisted rod and a torsion spring of a spiral counterbalance is found to be subject to deformation against the twisted rod from compressive force of the grip of the terminal convolutions of the torsion spring. This problem is solved by using a metal cylinder in the rotation transmission sleeve of the coupling to resist the compressive force and prevent deformation so that the twisted rod can move freely within the coupling. This solution also allows the use of a stronger torsion spring to exert a larger counterbalance force.

Abstract: A spring balance for counteracting the weight of heavy window sashes includes both a torsion spring and a tension spring. The two springs are separated by a rigid tube. One end of each spring is connected to an end of the rigid tube. A spiral member engages a follower carried by the other end of the torsion spring and includes a stop along its length for engaging an anchor carried by the other end of the tension spring. The spiral member can be attached by conventional means to a shoe or other connection to the window sash.

Abstract: Counterbalance mechanisms for a vertically movable sash have components extending downward within guides on which the sash moves. The guides can move laterally of the sash to allow the sash to tilt and be removed from the window, and the counterbalance components are arranged within the guides to accommodate such lateral movement. Slots in the guides accommodate interconnections between counterbalance components within the guides and the sash running vertically against outward surfaces of the guides, and these interconnections also allow lateral movement of the guides and tilting of the sash. The guides are mounted on window jambs by resilient elements that bias the guides into engagement with sash grooves and also accommodate lateral movement of the guides out of the sash grooves, to allow the sash to tilt.

Abstract: A window counterbalance spring (10, 30) enclosed within a spring cover (35) or tube (25) is sound deadened against rattling by having its outer surface (16) coated with a hot melt adhesive (11). Hot melt (11) is preferably sprayed on outer surface (16) of the spring, at it is wound; and for rotationally tensioned springs (10) surrounding twisted rods (20), some hot melt is deposited on the interior (17) of the spring to cushion its vibration against the twisted rod.

Abstract: A coupler connects end regions of different sizes of coiled tension springs 30 and 40 to components of block and tackle window balance systems 10. Each coupler 15, 20, or 25 has a snug fit within terminal coils 41 of the strongest spring 40 having the smallest inside diameter, and weaker spring 30 with a larger inside diameter has its terminal coils 31 necked down to fit the coupler. The coupler has a notch or opening with an abrupt edge 18, 22, or 28 axially spaced from an end of the coupler so that the notch is at least twice as long as the largest wire diameter used in the coil springs. At least one of the terminal coils of each spring is indented into the notch or opening in the coupler to a depth of more than one-half the wire diameter so that the indented coil interlocks with edge 18, 22, or 28 and keeps the spring from slipping off the coupler.

Abstract: Molded resin vibration dampener is mounted on coiled tension window balance springs arranged within spring covers. A resin wall of the vibration dampener, shaped for fitting around the tension spring, has a slot oriented longitudinally of the spring, and the wall is flexible enough to allow the slot to be spread open so that the body can be pressed onto a mid-region of the spring. Resilient fins extend obliquely outward from the body far enough to engage an interior surface of the spring cover and thereby hold the body and the spring spaced away from the spring cover to prevent rattling of the spring within the cover.