Abstract: A hinge for a hingedly movable sash in a window having a frame, including a track assembly having a track and a shoe engageable with the track and reciprocally movable along the track. The shoe presents a first rolling member at a first portion thereof and a bearing portion at a second portion. The shoe is shiftable between a window closed configuration in which the bearing portion contacts the track and transmits loads from the track to the sash arm and a window moving configuration in which the rolling member contacts the track and transmits loads from the track to the sash arm and rolls along the track as the shoe translates along the track.

Abstract: A counterbalance system for a tilt-in window and its method of operation. Posts are provided on the sides of a tilt-in window sash that rotate when the sash is tilted. A brake structure is attached to each post. Each brake structure has a first contoured surface that rotates with the post when said sash is tilted. A second contoured surface is provided within the window track. The second contoured surface moves up and down in the track with the post but does not rotate with the post when the sash is tilted. When the window sash is tilted for cleaning, the first contoured surface moves against the second contoured surface within the window track. A cam action occurs that moves the first contoured surface away from the second contoured surface. This causes the brake structure to be biased against the track and lock in a fixed position within the track.

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: 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 an improved pulley system that provides smoother, quieter operation. In another embodiment there are stronger channels for protecting the mechanism.

Abstract: A spring element, especially a torsion dampener, is provided, especially for apparatus for raising and lowering windowpanes of motor vehicles. The spring element includes an outer ring, and an inner ring that is concentric to the outer ring. At least one spoke-like element monolithically interconnects the outer and inner rings, with the outer ring, the inner ring and the spoke-like elements all being made of the same material. At least one member of elastomeric material is disposed between and adheres to both the outer and the inner ring. The material of the outer ring, the inner ring and the spoke-like elements is considerably harder than that of the member of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A block and tackle window sash balance system 10 has its friction made adjustable by a friction spring 20 and a cam 30 arranged for pressing spring 20 against a radial face of a pulley 15 in a high friction position and moving the spring clear of the pulley in a low friction position. Cam 30 is preferably accessible with a screwdriver for adjusting friction after the balance is installed in a window.

Abstract: A plastic liner is attached to the jamb of a vertical sliding window and has a continuous "U" channel with the channel opening facing the window opening and a block member slidingly engaged in the channel adapted to be coupled to the window sash and to one end of an elongated coil spring located in the channel which is attached at its other end to the liner. Primary frictional braking force is provided by a wing member inside the channel pushing against the block member so it rubs against a wall of the channel. The block member rides over a "T" shaped rail in the channel and carries a set screw which can be reached through the channel opening to be threaded through the block member into contact with the top surface of the rail member for manually adjusting the frictional braking force on the block member.

Abstract: A power driven ice dispenser in a freezer-refrigerator or the like discharges ice down a chute through the front of the unit. The chute is closed by a spring-loaded door opened by a lever. When the lever is released, an inertia motor delays closing of the door until the chute is emptied of ice.