Compound counterbalance and winding systems with zero torque spirals

A compound counterbalance system for a load such as a window and the like, comprising:

• biasing means for easing operation of the load, the biasing means being characterized by an inherently variable rate of force;
• a first biasing force transmission means having a fixed rate of movement means connected to the biasing means and variable rate of movement means connected to the load, the variable rate of movement means having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing means to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force as applied to the load, throughout an operating range, and wherein the predetermined variable rate of operation of the variable rate of movement means varies linearly throughout the operating range, to equalize load stresses on the variable rate of movement means throughout the operating range;
• and,
• a second biasing force transmission means, connected between the first biasing force transmission means and the load, for increasing the operating range of the biasing means, the second biasing force transmission means including a block and tackle assembly.

A manufactured window assembly, comprising:

• at least one openable sash connected to at least one compound counterbalance system, including biasing means for easing operation of the at least one openable sash, the biasing means being characterized by an inherently variable rate of force, and the biasing means being disposed substantially within a frame of the manufactured window assembly, the biasing means including:
• a first biasing force transmission means having a fixed rate of movement means connected to the biasing means and variable rate of movement means connected to the at least one sash, the variable rate of movement means having a variable rate of operation predetermined to automatically compensate for the variability of the biasing means to provide substantial constancy of the biasing force throughout the operating range;
• and,
• a second biasing force transmission means, connected between the first biasing force transmission means and the at least one sash, for increasing the operating range of the biasing means, the second biasing force transmission means including a block and tackle assembly.

A method for counterbalancing a load, comprising the steps of:

• exerting a biasing force by movement through an operating range;
• transmitting the biasing force to a fixed rate of movement means;
• transmitting the biasing force from the fixed rate of movement means to a movement compounding means;
• subjecting the biasing force to a variable rate of movement predetermined to automatically compensate for characteristic variability of the biasing force, a compounded biasing force produced by the biasing force being transmitted through the fixed rate of movement means and the movement compounding means, and said compound biasing force being substantially constant;
• transmitting the compounded biasing force to a load, through a mechanical system configured to increase the operating range of movement in which the biasing force is effective while reducing a size of the mechanical system,
• whereby the biasing force is applied substantially uniformly throughout the operating range.