Abstract: A counter balance device for a sash window includes a spiral balance having a hand-wound spiral rod connected to wind a torsion spring to generate an initial spring force that counter balances the window's weight for keeping the sash up when raised. The lower end of the spiral rod is connected to a rotation shaft rotatably disposed on a slide block. When a large repulsion force produced by the torsion spring is applied to the spiral rod, the rotation shaft is urged in a direction reverse to the rotation direction of the spiral rod by a buffer spring having a spring force which is larger than the initial spring force so that the rotation of the rotation shaft is tolerated.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium are disclosed for performing a data center monitoring and management operation. The data center monitoring and management operation includes: identifying a plurality of asset resources within a data center; monitoring workloads within the data center, the monitoring providing data center workload data, the data center workload data including asset resource utilization data; determining whether certain asset resources are underutilized; presenting a load balance configurator user interface, the load balance configurator user interface enabling allocation of asset resources to target workloads; and, performing a data center asset allocation operation, the data center asset allocation operation reallocating workloads in response to the allocation of asset resources to target workloads.

Abstract: A balance shoe for a block and tackle window balance system includes an enlarged head portion housing a locking system configured to receive at least a portion of a pivot bar and releasably engage a jamb track. An elongate tail portion configured to couple at least partially within a U-shaped channel of the window balance system. A front face, the front face of the elongate tail portion being adjacent to a base wall of the U-shaped channel when the elongate tail portion is coupled therein. The front face including an elongate channel configured to allow passage of the pivot bar from the elongate tail portion towards the locking system. The balance shoe also including at least one protrusion extending from the front face of the elongate tail portion and disposed at least partially within the elongate channel.

Abstract: A cordless roller shutter structure includes a roller shutter fixing seat, a sleeve controller, a tension adjuster and a shutter sheet locating unit. The sleeve controller is fitted in a sleeve and securely disposed on the roller shutter fixing seat. The shutter sheet is controlled to suspend downward or roll upward directly by means of pulling and releasing the lower weight of the shutter sheet without using the bead chain. A bearing is received in each of two collars so that the sleeve can more easily drive the shutter sheet to save strength. In addition, by means of the adjustment disc of the tension adjuster and the shutter sheet locating unit, the ascending/descending speed of the shutter sheet can be adjusted and the sunshade position of the shutter sheet can be locked. Accordingly, the utility and effect of the cordless roller shutter are enhanced.

Abstract: A constant force window balance system includes a mounting bracket defining a longitudinal axis, a coil spring, and a shoe. The shoe includes a first arm having a first inner surface and a second arm having a second inner surface. The shoe also includes a member extending between the first arm and the second arm. An opening is defined between the first inner surface, the second inner surface, and the member. The opening is configured to removably receive a portion of a pivot bar. The shoe is moveable between a locked position that prevents movement of the shoe along the longitudinal axis, when the pivot bar is not received within the opening, and an unlocked position that allows movement of the shoe along the longitudinal axis, when the pivot bar is received within the opening.

Abstract: A removable balance system for a sash movable vertically between a pair of window jambs. The balance system includes a U-shaped balance channel member and a double block and tackle system disposed within the U-shaped balance channel with a locking feature selectively operable between extending laterally outwardly from the shoe for engagement with an opening in the jamb channel and recessed within the shoe. In operation the locking feature is inserted into an upper most opening in the jamb channel and the cord of the double block and tackle is withdrawn to an extent sufficient for the locking feature to engage a second opening in the jamb channel thereby securing the balance system in place within each jamb providing a seat for the sash atop the two laterally disposed shoes.

Abstract: An inverted constant force window balance system includes a carrier assembly and a mounting bracket. The carrier assembly includes a housing, a coil spring disposed within the housing, and a shoe assembly coupled to the housing. The shoe assembly is configured to receive a pivot bar from a window sash and extend at least one brake upon rotation of the pivot bar. The mounting bracket is releasably coupled to the housing opposite the shoe assembly and is coupled to the free end of the coil spring. At least a portion of the mounting bracket is configured to slideably move in relation to the free end of the coil spring between at least two positions. When at least a portion of the mounting bracket moves between the at least two positions, the mounting bracket disengages from the housing and releases the mounting bracket from the carrier assembly.

Abstract: A window balance has a channel with two ends. A top guide is disposed at one end of the channel and a bottom guide is disposed at the other end of the channel. One end of a spring is fixed within the channel. A movable block is secured to the other end of the spring. Rollers are rotatably mounted in the movable block. A single roller is rotatably mounted to a fixed block which is secured to the channel. A cord exit roller is disposed proximate the bottom guide. The first end of a cord is fixed relative to the channel. The middle portion of the cord is routed about the rollers mounted in the movable block and mounted to the fixed block. A second end of the cord is routed around the cord exit roller and is attachable to a window jamb.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for a sunscreen, for use in an open roof construction for a vehicle, includes a winding shaft which is supported at each longitudinal end to a stationary part of the open roof construction and forming a central axis for rotation. A winding tube for the sunscreen is rotatable around the central axis. At least one spring member is configured to bias the winding tube in a direction for winding the sunscreen thereon. The spring member is arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the winding tube and an outer surface of the winding shaft. At least one sleeve is configured to engage the spring member and inhibit noise from the spring member. The sleeve comprises an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the at least one sleeve is connected along its inner surface to the winding shaft or along its outer surface to the winding tube.

Abstract: A spiral balance device for sash windows has a pipe inside of which extends a spiral rod having a screw section. A lower end of the spiral rod extends through a slot in a coupling rotatably disposed inside the lower end of the pipe and projects from the lower end of the pipe. A torsion spring has an upper end fixed near the upper end of the pipe and a lower end fixed to the coupling. A fixing member is fixed within the upper end of the pipe, and an adjustment member rotatably disposed below the fixing member engages with the upper end of the spiral rod. A ratchet mechanism disposed between the fixing member and adjustment member allows rotation of the adjustment member in a direction of winding the torsion spring and prevents rotation of the adjustment member in a direction of unwinding the torsion spring.

Abstract: A snap lock balance shoe of a balance system may be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows. In one embodiment, the snap lock balance shoe includes a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance channel. The shoe includes a locking member that extends toward a window jamb when a cam of the shoe is rotated. This extension locks the balance system in place in the window jamb.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a window sash in a window frame. The window frame has guide tracks. The guide tracks have wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are supported by reinforcement ribs. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track. The mounting slot is formed in a limited area of a wall that is not supported by a reinforcement rib. A coil spring is provided. The coil spring is made of a steel ribbon having a first end, an opposite second end, and a slot engagement configuration proximate said second end. The coil spring has a wide first width from its first end to the slot engagement configuration. This first width is too large to directly engage the mounting slot. The steel ribbon is reduced to a second width through the slot engagement configuration and continuing to the second end to pass into the mounting slot.

Abstract: An anchor mount system for anchoring a free end of a ribbon coil spring to a guide track of a window. The ribbon coil spring has an opening formed through its structure at a first distance from the free end. The anchor mount has a body with a first section and a second section. A first tab and a second tab protrude from the second section of the body. The second tab is angled toward said first tab at an inclined angle. A second distance exists between the first tab and the second tab. This second distance is generally equal to the first distance along the ribbon coil spring. This enables the end of the ribbon coil spring to become entrapped between the tabs when engaged with the tabs and manipulated in a certain manner.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

Abstract: A carrier for a window sash has a balance connecting portion configured to be connected to a window balance. A vertical rail system is configured to slidingly engage a bracket of the window sash.

Abstract: Locking balance shoes and balance systems to be incorporated in pivotable double hung windows include, in one embodiment, a pair of retractable tabs that partially extend through openings within an inverted window balance. In one embodiment of the method of installing such a system, an enlarged portion of the balance shoe is inserted into a window jamb and then rotated into position.

Abstract: The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may be in a window jamb channel to provide a biasing force urging a window sash toward an open position. The window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a latch, a first head portion, and a first projection. The latch may engage the second portion of the spring element. The first head portion may be configured to abut a first wall of the window jamb channel when the window balance assembly is installed in the window jamb channel. The projection configured to extend through and engage an aperture in a second wall of the window jamb channel when the window balance assembly is installed in the window jamb channel.

Abstract: A set of components is provided that may be adapted for constructing a plurality of window balance assemblies. The set of components may include a spring module and a carrier module. The spring module may include a housing engaging a first portion of a spring member. The housing may have a first engagement feature disposed at a first end and a second engagement feature disposed at a second end opposite the first end. The carrier module may be configured to receive a portion of a window sash and may include a third engagement feature. The third engagement feature may be connectable with the first engagement feature. The third engagement feature may also be connectable with the second engagement feature.

Abstract: A window balance assembly comprising an improved locking carrier mechanism is disclosed. The locking mechanism is actuated when the window sash is tilted. Cam surfaces on the receiver of the mechanism engage cam followers in the clamshell-type housing of the carrier forcing them apart outwardly to lock the carrier in the jamb channel of a window assembly and prevent movement of the carrier in the channel. The receiver incorporates two cams that engage two cam follower surfaces in the housing to improve the distribution of the locking forces of the carrier in the jamb channel. A dual-locking carrier expands in both the axial and lateral directions to contact both front and back surfaces and opposing side surfaces of the jamb channel.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

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: The lifting device comprises abiased slide shoe adapted to be slidable with respect to a member of an openable structure, a lifting arm having two ends, one end adapted to be pivotally connected with a member of the structure and the other end associated with said slide shoe, and a braking device comprising at least one brake shoe slidable on a respective brake face of said lifting device, said braking device modulating the force resulting from the bias on said biased slide shoe. An adjusting device is adapted to adjust said progressive modulation of said force resulting from the bias on said biased slide shoe, and comprises a manipulation member, which when manipulated by a user activates said adjusting device to adjust a brake force of said brake shoe exerted on said brake face in a given position of said brake shoe.

Abstract: A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.

Abstract: The static air dam includes at least one mounting feature, which is preferably at least one hole or slot to allow a fastener, such as a screw, bolt, rivet, weld, or other similar attachment devices, to secure the air dam to a wall of a jamb channel. Air passage through the jamb channel is prohibited or at least substantially inhibited by the static air dam that is designed to approximate the size and dimensions of the cross section of the jamb channel. At least one side of the air dam includes a tab or similar structure for securing the free end of the curl spring of a curl spring balance. The air dam includes integrally formed reinforcing elements that either abut or are adjacent to the side walls of the jamb channel. The air dam preferably includes a pair of flexible projections for engaging ears on the curl spring carrier.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a side load window assembly having a window sash and side frame jambs. A spring carriage is provided. The spring carriage has a first section that fits into a gap space between the window frame and the window sash. The spring carriage also includes a second section that passes under the window sash. A locking mechanism is disposed in the second section that selectively engages the side jambs and locks the spring carriage in place. At least one coil spring is provided. Each coil spring has a wound body that is held within the spring carriage. Each coil spring also has a first end that extends out of the spring carriage is anchored to one of the side frame jambs. The coil springs bias the spring housing upwardly. Since the window sash rests upon the housing, the window sash is counterbalanced.

Abstract: A system and method for mounting a coil spring to a brake shoe in a guide track of a window frame. A brake shoe and coil spring are provided. A housing is provided to hold the coil spring. A stop mount is also provided for limiting the movement of the housing in the guide track. The housing and the stop mount are temporarily joined into a common assembly. The coil spring is placed in the housing. The stop mount is mounted in the guide track at a fixed position, wherein the housing is positioned above the stop mount. The free end of the coil spring is connected to the brake shoe below the stop mount The stop mount is then detached from the housing. This enables the housing to move freely within the guide track independently of the stop mount.

Abstract: A draft guard balancer is provided that attaches to, or is otherwise mechanically coupled to, or an integral part of, an existing balance shoe or balancer for a fenestration product such as a double hung window. The draft guard balancer creates a weatherstop along the track of the fenestration product that resists air, water, dirt, dust, pollen, and insects from entering the track and then the building. The draft guard balancer may be used with a balancer having a variety of springs, spring assemblies, balancer shoes and pivot bar arrangements. The draft guard balancer creates a seal that also prevents the increased friction that results from dirt and debris entering the track, thus making for a more energy efficient, easier to operate fenestration product. The draft guard balancer is equally applicable to both top and bottom sashes of a double hung window as well as other fenestration products.

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 system and method for supporting and operating a heavy window sash includes a spring assembly, a balance guide connected to the spring assembly, and a sash clip adapted to mate with the balance guide, wherein the sash clip and balance guide have mating guide surfaces and retention elements so that the sash clip is received in a fixed position relative to the balance guide when installed.

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 counterbalance system for counterbalancing the weight of a window sash in a window frame and the structure of the springs that provide the counterbalance force. Guide tracks are provided on a window frame to guide the movement of the window sash. Mounting slots are formed through the guide tracks at various points. Coil springs are provided to create the counterbalance force. Each coil spring is a coil of wound steel ribbon that has one end bent into an anchor configuration. The anchor configuration passes into, and is retained by, one of the mounting slots. This anchors one end of the coil spring to the guide track.

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: Disclosed is a pivotable, multi-coil spring counterbalance, and method for using the same, which allows the user to readily attach a desired number of coil springs having chosen forces to a counterbalance connector attached to a vertically movable member, thereby providing an offset for at least a portion of the weight thereof.

Abstract: A balance assembly for a sliding sash window, where a spring-loaded pulley arrangement is interconnected between the window frame and the window, to counter the weight of the window, and permit ease of opening and closing the window. The spring-loaded pulley arrangement is located within a housing, which also facilitates attachment of the shoe. The shoe of this balance assembly being rotatable between a first and a second position to permit fitting the assembly into the side of the window frame, when the shoe is in the first position, and to permit final installation of the assembly when the shoe in the second position. The shoe is retained in the first and second positions by detents. This rotatable shoe feature permitting installation, of the Balance Assembly of this invention, into a window frame at later stages of the window assembly sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

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: The present device is an extender for pretension spiral rod window balances. The spiral rod extender is attached to the end of the spiral rod by the window or balance manufacturer. At the window manufacturer, the sash is installed into the window frame and the balance is inserted into one of the jamb channels. A hook tool, having a hooking element at one end, is used to grab onto a hole in the end of the spiral rod to pull it a sufficient amount out of the containment tube. The hook tool manipulates the spiral rod so that a sash hook mounted on the balance engages a ledge at the end of the sash, thereby securing the balance to the sash. The spiral rod extender is then removed from the spiral rod and may be reused by the balance manufacturer or discarded as desired.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the block and tackle window balance includes a roller secured within a bottom guide to increase range of travel of a window sash.

Abstract: A window balance may include a shoe body with an elongate portion and an enlarged portion. The elongate portion may include at least one carrier section for supporting a coil spring and an enlarged portion may include a locking element and a cam in communication with the locking element. The width of the enlarged portion may be greater than the width of the elongate portion. The spring may rest in the carrier section and may be secured to a window jamb with a fastener or a mounting element.

Abstract: In a block and tackle window balance, the balance shoe holds and upwardly biases the terminal connector in a mounted position. A biasing element of the shoe maintains the terminal connector in a pocket of the shoe during operation of the balance. The terminal connector is prevented from laterally exiting the pocket in the mounted position by a widened portion on the terminal connector and a locating surface extending from the shoe toward the pocket. Manually pressing down on the biasing element or the terminal connector itself to lower the terminal connector in the pocket until the widened portion clears the locating surface allows lateral removal of the terminal connector from the pocket. During operation of the balance, however, the terminal connector does not experience a sufficient downward force to overcome the upward bias such that the widened portion never clears the locating surface.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a side load window assembly having a window sash and side frame jambs. A spring carriage is provided. The spring carriage has a first section that fits into a gap space between the window frame and the window sash. The spring carriage also includes a second section that passes under the window sash, therein supporting the window sash. At least one coil spring is provided. Each coil spring has a wound body that is held within the spring carriage. Each coil spring also has a first end that extends out of a housing and is anchored to one of the side frame jambs. The coil springs bias the spring housing upwardly. Since the window sash rests upon the housing, the window sash is counterbalanced.

Abstract: A counterbalance apparatus (60) for an overhead door (12) of the sectional type has a torsion spring assembly (62, 64, 66, 70) mounted so as to be raised and lowered with operation of the door curtain (14.1, 14.2, 14.3, 14.4). The torsion spring assembly (62, 64, 66, 70) is loaded as the door (12) is lowered. A drive motor (100) of a drive mechanism of the door (12) can be mounted on the door curtain (14.1).

Abstract: A weight compensation device for a lifting door, includes a spring element and a tensile element, which can be wound onto or unwound from a winding device in such a way that the spring element achieves its greatest pre-tension when the door leaf is in the closed position and is essentially tension-free when the door leaf is in the open position. The tensile element is narrower at the end facing the winding device than at the end facing the spring element and the winding device includes a guide device, which is used to wind the tensile element in such a way that the wound layers lie adjacent to one another without making contact. To achieve this, the guide faces around the perimeter of the guide device have a continuously increasing radius in the winding direction. This enables the provision of a weight compensation device that achieves the torques required for effective weight compensation by means of a simple construction.

Abstract: The present device is an extender for pretension spiral rod window balances. The spiral rod extender is attached to the end of the spiral rod by the window or balance manufacturer. At the window manufacturer, the sash is installed into the window frame and the balance is inserted into one of the jamb channels. A hook tool, having a hooking element at one end, is used to grab onto a hole in the end of the spiral rod to pull it a sufficient amount out of the containment tube. The hook tool manipulates the spiral rod so that a sash hook mounted on the balance engages a ledge at the end of the sash, thereby securing the balance to the sash. The spiral rod extender is then removed from the spiral rod and may be reused by the balance manufacturer or discarded as desired.

Abstract: An extended travel balance including a channel having a first end and a second end, a bottom pulley connected at the second end of the channel, and a bottom guide connectable at a location between the first end and the bottom pulley, and preferably between the bottom pulley and fixed pulleys of the end carriage. The bottom guide and top guide are not part of the tensioned parts in the channel and can, therefore, be stored separately from the channel with its tensioned parts—e.g., springs, pulleys, and pulley cord. Multiple bottom guide and top guide configurations can be mated to the channel with its tensioned parts without interfering with the operation of either. Fixed pulleys and bottom pulley of the end carriage are advantageously connected by an intermediate tensioned connector with all said parts held in tension between and by the connection of the bottom pulley to the tensioned pulley cord and the connection of the bottom pulley to the second end of the channel.

Abstract: A curl spring sash shoe cassette improves upon the suggestions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,548 and 5,463,793 by providing a mounting bracket that holds an uncurled length of the curl spring and is securely mounted on top of the shoe cassette to maintain an assembly of the shoe body, the curl spring, and the mount during shipment to a window manufacturer. The mount can receive two mounting screws to resist torque caused by curl springs and sash weight. The shoe is also improved to facilitate removal and reinsertion of sash pins into the tilt lock cams of the shoes and ensure that shoe body halves do not rotate relative to each other when sash tilting splays the body halves apart to lock them in a shoe channel.

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 curl spring mount has a separate cover that can snap fit into the mount to cover and protect the curl springs. A portion of the cover disposed over the vertical space occupied by the curl springs is arranged outside a jamb channel so that the curl springs can occupy the full width of the channel. A shield portion of the cover extends transversely of the jamb channel above the curl springs to protect them from dirt.

Abstract: A curl spring sash shoe cassette improves upon the suggestions of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,353,548 and 5,463,793 by providing a mounting bracket that holds an uncurled length of the curl spring and is securely mounted on top of the shoe cassette to maintain an assembly of the shoe body, the curl spring, and the mount during shipment to a window manufacturer. The mount can receive two mounting screws to resist torque caused by curl springs and sash weight. The shoe is also improved to facilitate removal and reinsertion of sash pins into the tilt lock cams of the shoes and ensure that shoe body halves do not rotate relative to each other when sash tilting splays the body halves apart to lock them in a shoe channel.