Abstract: The invention relates to a force-transmission element for a window lifter (200; 300; 500) for transmitting a closing force (242; 342, 356) and an opening force (230; 330, 350) to a window (210; 310; 510), wherein the force-transmission element has a first force application point (216; 316, 316?; 416) for transmitting the closing force and a second force application point (222; 322, 322?; 422) for transmitting the opening force, and wherein the force application points are arranged in a displacement direction of the window and offset perpendicular to this displacement direction.

Abstract: A substantially flat control element for controlling a vehicle component has touch-sensitive regions and is configured to generate control signals for moving the vehicle component into respective end positions in response to a first and a third one of the touch-sensitive regions of the control element being touched. A second region of the control element has subregions for allowing a variable adjustment of the vehicle component into intermediate positions between the end positions.

Abstract: An automobile door has a glass run corresponding to a glass door. The glass run includes a body portion, which has a bottom wall portion, and a vehicle interior side wall portion and a vehicle exterior side wall portion respectively extending from opposite ends of the bottom wall portion, and also includes a pair of seal lips which performs sealing between the door glass and the glass run. Furthermore, in a cross-sectionally substantially-U-shaped outer peripheral portion of the body portion, sponge rubber layers are provided in a predetermined range in a longitudinal direction of a cross-section of the vehicle interior side surface wall portion and a predetermined zone including a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the inner outer side surface wall portion, respectively. An auxiliary lip is provided at a continuously connecting portion between the bottom wall portion and the vehicle interior side wall portion.

Abstract: A belt molding includes an elongated molding body mounted along a clearance portion between a frame member and a panel member of a vehicle, a first acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to push the frame member, and a second acting portion provided at the molding body and configured to engage with the panel member. The second acting portion is elastically formed in order to establish an engaged state where the second acting portion is engaged with the panel member and a disengaged state where the second acting portion is disengaged from the panel member. The second acting portion includes a pressing portion which is configured to be pushed towards the frame member along the panel member by an external device inserted between the panel member and the molding body to change the engaged state to the disengaged state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door (1) and to a method for the production thereof. The vehicle door comprises a supporting frame (11) with an opening (2). The supporting frame is joined to a body structure of the vehicle in a manner that permits it to move. The opening (2) is closed in an essentially moisture-proof manner by molding it with a curable compound while forming a supporting plate (10) for accommodating elements such as window lifters, loudspeakers (3) or the like. At least one guide rail for guiding a window pane (9), which can be displaced relative to the supporting frame, is provided for accommodating a lateral edge of the window pane in the supporting plate.

Abstract: A door molding portion, configured to be attached to a door glass mounting portion of a vehicle door, includes a substantially rectangular member with a first and a second end, and a curved member with a first and a second end, the first end of the curved member being connected to the first end of the rectangular member, wherein the curved member becomes gradually wider from the first end toward the second end. The curved member may include a mounting plate, a molding portion molded on the mounting plate, a protrusion protruding downward at a center of the mounting plate, and a bracket attached to the protrusion.

Abstract: A sealing profile (10a, 10b) for sealing a powered window pane (11a, 11b) in a door (12a, 12b) of a motor vehicle. The sealing profile (10a, 10b) includes a base body (18) made of an elastomeric material on which at least one sealing portion (19a, 19b) and at least one fastening portion (20) for attaching the sealing profile (10a, 10b) to a door flange (21) are provided. The sealing profile (10a, 10b) also includes at least one trim strip (22) that has a finishing portion (23) and a fastener (24), which protrudes therefrom and which can be fixed to the base body (18) in a positive manner. The trim strip (22) is curved in the longitudinal direction thereof. The fastener (24) is provided in the form of an elongated insertion limb, which is oriented essentially perpendicular to the finishing portion (23). The fastener (24) is additionally provided with at least one appendage (25a, 25b).

Abstract: There is provided a method of assembling door parts on an automobile door, said door parts including: a glass run mounted on a roof side and a pillar side, which has a ditch part formed therein for guiding lifting or lowering of a door glass and provided with lips slidably brought into contact with the door glass; a roof molding; a pillar molding; and a belt line molding to be mounted along a belt line, comprising the steps of: connecting an upper end part of said pillar molding having said glass run mounted therein to a rear end part of said roof molding having said glass run mounted therein and connecting said belt line molding both to a front end part of said roof molding and a lower end part of said pillar molding, thereby assembling a modularized product in advance; and assembling said modularized product on the front door in a vehicle assembly line.

Abstract: A half-open position holding apparatus for a vehicle opening and closing member includes an opening and closing member supported in a vehicle body to be openable and closable and has an opening and closing member driving unit that has a motor and a electromagnetic clutch that can put a power transmission path connecting the motor and the opening and closing member in a connected state and in a disconnected state, for driving the opening and closing member in opening and closing directions thereof, and an in-vehicle battery serving as a power source for the electromagnetic clutch.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to vehicles and door sills for vehicles. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to door sills having an interior channel configured to receive a retractable panel installed within a vehicle door. In another aspect, the disclosure relates to impact-absorbing door sills for motor vehicles, for example, an automobile. The disclosure also provides methods for forming a shaped composite article from a metal foam and attaching the shaped composite article to a side frame of a vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A method of assembling of a door comprising the steps of providing a door inner panel having an outer face and an inner face, at least one functional component of the door, an anti intrusion beam and a door outer panel. The functional component is assembled onto and towards the outer face. The anti intrusion beam is assembled towards the outer face prior to assembling the door outer panel towards the outer face. Fixing means secure the door inner panel, the functional component, the anti intrusion beam and the door outer panel relative to each other.

Abstract: A door of a motor vehicle has a substantially rigid sheet that extends downwardly from a lower edge of the door. The sheet may be opaque, translucent, or transparent. The sheet may be fixed in the extended position or may be selectively retractable and extendable.

Abstract: A door apparatus includes a door having a hole and configured to be slidable with respect to a vehicle body, a member configured to open and close the hole, a first detector configured to detect a position of the member relative to the hole to determine an openness of the hole, a second detector configured to detect a position of the door relative to the body, and a unit configured to be activated to project from one to another of the body and the door, so as to abut on the another such that the door is stopped from sliding in an opening direction, when the openness is greater than a threshold, and the position is between a full-closed position and a midway position.

Abstract: A mounting device for mounting a cable-operated window regulator for a vehicle to an inner panel of the vehicle, the cable-operated window regulator includes a guide rail for guiding a window glass; a reversible winding unit for raising and lowering the window glass by winding and rewinding at least one cable which is wound on upper and lower guide members provided at upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; upper and lower fixing member which are integrally formed with upper and lower ends of the guide rail, respectively; and a service hole formed on the inner panel. The lower fixing member is fixed to an outer surface of the inner panel near a lower edge of the service hole. The upper fixing member is fixed to an inner surface of the inner panel near an upper edge of the service hole.

Abstract: A vehicle door module includes a door trim defining a plane and a window regulator rail separably fixed to the door trim. The rail is fastened to a door at a fastening point. A projecting line extends from the fastening point and perpendicular to the rail to intersects the plane outside the door trim A method for assembling the door module in a door includes introducing the window regulator rail into the shell of the vehicle door, fastening the fastening point to the shell, and separating the door trim from the rail. Access is not impeded by the door trim. The arrangement simplifies mounting of the window regulator to the door.

Abstract: A very thin, flexible and light weight transparent plastic that replaces a broken side and/or rear window for temporary use or pleasure. This durable and clear plastic can keep cold air and rain out of the interior of the car, and when needed, it keeps heat and air conditioning inside of the vehicle. Its primary design is to prevent easy access to automobiles with broken or damaged windows. This strong, but durable transparent plastic covering fits snug and tight into the creases of the vehicle's window frame. A strong, clear adhesive is used to help support the plastic window covering, in order to keep it securely in place. The plastic window covering is also called a cosmetic window covering, because it can be used fashionably, as well as a necessity. The window covering can be used in various shades of tinted colors, for the purpose of fashion, privacy and style.

Abstract: A pillar applique for use at a pillar area (e.g., A-pillar area) of a vehicle. The pillar applique includes a substrate portion and a thermoplastic elastomer portion. Each of the substrate portion (21) and the thermoplastic elastomer portion (23) are formed via injection molding in certain embodiments of the invention, and the thermoplastic elastomer portion may be injection molded over the substrate portion during its forming process (or vice versa) so that the two portions may be bonded to one another without the need for additional adhesive.

Abstract: A supporting frame 10 of a door with an integrated side impact guard beam 22 is made of high strength steel. The outer panel 28 of the door will be close to the side impact guard beam. All the interior units of the door, such as lock and window structure 34–37 with window frame 37, are mounted on a beam structure 30. The beam structure is then mounted on the frame 10 so that the window structure will be between the frame 10 and the beam structure 30.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an inner panel having strengthening corrugations to function as an impact beam, thereby negating the need for a separate impact beam. The inner panel is preferably characterized by a generally concave shape to increase vehicle interior space compared to prior art doors. A forming technique employing fluid pressure is preferably employed to form the inner panel.

Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.

Abstract: A modular door system provides a lower door assembly, an upper door assembly and a trim assembly. The upper door assembly is selectively removable and replaceable such that the door system is readily converted between a multiple of configurations. The trim assembly includes the interior vehicle door trim and a hinged trim portion. The hinged trim portion is defined by a trim hinge which is generally parallel to the open edge. By pivoting the hinged trim portion away from the open edge, the cavity is readily exposed for receipt of the upper door assembly. The difference in thickness of the upper door assembly is accommodated by pivoting of the hinged trim portion to permit passage of the components while still providing a seal for the cavity when the hinged trim portion is secured.

Abstract: A side structure of a vehicle in which a rear periphery, formed correspondingly in position to an area where a second window opening area is located, is positioned at the rear side of a second rear periphery formed at the lower side of the first rear periphery. When slide door is fully opened, the longitudinal length between a front periphery and the first rear periphery is larger than the length between the front periphery and the second rear periphery. For a rear periphery of the slide door, when the slide door is fully closed, a lower portion, substantially corresponding in position to the second rear periphery, is located in front of an upper portion, substantially corresponding in position to the first rear periphery.

Abstract: A weather strip for a vehicle door for being fitted to an upper edge flange of a door inner panel forming a window opening edge of the vehicle door having a lifting/lowering window pane. The weather strip includes: a main body portion having an insertion groove to be fitted to the upper edge flange; a seal lip portion projecting from the main body portion to be in resilient contact with the lifting/lowering window pane; and a resilient retainer to be resiliently engaged with a door trim. The main body portion includes a fixing portion to be engaged with the upper edge flange. The resilient retainer is projected outward from the main body portion in a substantially horizontal direction and perpendicular to an attaching portion provided at an upper portion of the door trim, when the insertion groove is fitted to the upper edge flange substantially.

Abstract: The present invention is a door sealing assembly for sealing a vehicle door to a body. The door includes a frameless door glass and a mirror patch adjacent a front edge of the door glass. The assembly includes a first seal member that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle body and sealingly engages the mirror patch, and a second seal member that is adapted to be attached to the vehicle body and sealingly engages the door glass. A third seal member is adapted to be attached to the mirror patch and sealingly engages the door glass and the second seal member.

Abstract: A door module with a cable holder that includes a latch bracket attached to a door panel and a door latch, and a handle bracket attached to the door latch and a handle support. The handle support connects to an external door handle and personal identification keypad through a door shell. The keypad utilizes a cable for operation. The cable runs through the door module that includes a cable holder that routes and retains the cable.

Abstract: A door assembly with upper and lower door portions. The upper door portion has a window section with one or more clear panels mounted in a frame member. In use, the entire upper door portion including the frame member and window section can be removed as a unit and conveniently stored in a pocket or cavity in the lower door portion. The window section in one embodiment has a vertically retractable panel and in another, two clear panels are provided that can be slid horizontally to open the window area. Another embodiment has a folding or pivoting upper door portion which can be collapsed on itself and conveniently stored in the cavity or pocket of the lower door portion.

Abstract: A temporary replacement allows a sheet of material to be affixed in place of the glass portion of a vehicle door window. The sheet of material may also be held in place using magnetic strips, that effectively fasten the material to the metal portion of the vehicle door. The material used may be transparent, translucent, or a mesh design, that allows the free flow of air. The temporary replacement window may have a single sheet configuration, or have a bag like configuration. The single sheet configuration is placed on the outer or external side of the vehicle window, with the sheet wrapping around the window frame. An elastic strap, defined around the sheet's peripheral edge restricts the diameter of its opening to a measurement less than the window frame. A bottom elastic strip may be used to hold the bottom of the sheet against the bottom of the window frame. Another configuration uses a bag, having a mouth that is able to allow the insertion of the vehicle window frame.

Abstract: A resin bracket comprising a mount portion mounted to a member being mounted and an extending portion extended from the mount portion, wherein a ball joint with a substantially spherical-shaped portion is provided integrally on the extending portion. An opening/shutting mechanism having two resin brackets, wherein each of brackets is mounted members being mounted to be opened and closed.

Abstract: The liftgate for a motor vehicle includes a frame member, an inner panel, and an outer panel. The frame member is a U-shaped member formed by a cross member and a pair of spaced apart legs extending from the cross member. The inner panel is connected to the legs and extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The outer panel is connected to the inner panel and is positioned opposite the legs and an inner side of the inner panel. The outer panel also extends part way up the legs of the frame member. The frame member defines a window opening with the inner panel and the outer panel. The frame member forms the entire upper portion of the liftgate.

Abstract: An opening and closing control system for an opening-closing member comprises an opening and closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening-closing member, an actuator for operating the opening and closing mechanism, an electromagnetic clutch for controlling a torque transmission by connecting and disconnecting the actuator and the mechanism, an opening and closing angle detecting means for detecting an opening and a closing angle of the opening-closing member relative to the vehicle, and a control means for controlling an electric power supplied to the electromagnetic clutch based on a detected result from the opening and closing angle detecting means and controlling an electric power supplied to the actuator, in which a supporting force required for supporting the opening-closing member is increased, and the control means for decreasing the electric power supplied to the electromagnetic clutch in accordance the opening-closing operation from an intermediate position to an opened position or a closed

Abstract: A vehicle window seal assembly includes a division bar formed without structural metal and including one of an insert or an overlay layer of a relatively soft material. The division bar can be formed in an H configuration having an elastic hinge between a leg of the H profile and a cross piece. The division bar can also be formed to receive and engage the insert to locate sealing lips for contacting a moveable glass panel.

Abstract: A door for the operator's cab on an agricultural tractor is formed from a frameless single pane of transparent material pivoted at one edge on a pillar of the tractor. The pivot is formed of two hinges affixed to the pane and a reinforcing member extending generally parallel to the pivot axis and interconnecting the wings of the hinges that are affixed to the pane. The reinforcing member is arranged in line with the pillar on which the door is mounted, when viewed from the position of the driver of the vehicle, so as to minimize obstruction of the field of view of the driver. In another aspect of the invention, the surfaces on the hinges that mate with the pane are machined to match the contours of the pane while the reinforcing member and the hinges are in one piece.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes various features that enable a thin door profile not achievable with the prior art. The vehicle door includes an inner panel, an outer panel, and a reinforcement member between the inner panel and the outer panel. Door hardware, including at least a window regulator, is connected to the reinforcement member such that the door hardware is outboard of a window, thereby enabling the inner panel to be positioned in close proximity to the window.

Abstract: A vehicle 7 is provided having a vehicle body 36 with an opening 16 having first and second ends 18, 20. The vehicle body 7 has a first door 22. A second door 28 has a latched connection 42 with the vehicle body between the opening 16 first and second ends 18, 20. The second door 28 has a window regulator 250 to move a window pane 254 in and out of a window opening 212.

Abstract: A liftgate component module mountable on a pivotal liftgate window provides a unitary mounting platform for a plurality of components including a window wiper drive apparatus and a window latch apparatus. A unitary bracket carries the wiper drive apparatus and the window latch apparatus. The bracket may be an integral extension of the wiper motor apparatus housing. Connections on the bracket mate with connectors carried on the liftgate window for securing the bracket to the liftgate window in a single assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle body includes a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment separated by a midgate assembly which occupies a midgate opening. A seat is positioned in the passenger compartment. The midgate assembly includes a midgate panel which is movable along a pair of guide tracks from a closed position in the midgate opening to an open position under the seat.

Abstract: It comprises guiding and sliding means for the window pane and driving means for the window pane mounted in the motor vehicle lock which include an electric motor and a gearmotor assembly acting on a single driving cable. These guiding and sliding means for the window pane comprise respective rails positively mounted on opposed edges of the inner panel of the motor vehicle door. Only two pulleys are mounted for a driving cable, which are positively fixed to the inner panel of the door through their own shaft.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle, rail or bus vehicle entry door comprising: a grip recess; a door lock; a closing device; a latching mechanism having at least one latch; a lock carrier area; and a latching mechanism carrier; wherein the door lock is held on the door and the closing device acts upon the latching mechanism in order to move the at least one latch of the latching mechanism into a closed or opened position; and wherein the lock carrier area can be fastened on the door and which, together with the grip recess, forms a one-piece basic component on which the latching mechanism carrier carries the latching mechanism in a detachable and reversible manner for the optional mounting of the door lock for a door hung by one of a right side mounting and one of a left side mounting.

Abstract: A vehicle glass run is formed with a horizontal-side extrusion part, vertical-side extrusion parts, and corner molding parts for connecting the terminal ends of those in an L shape by molding. The horizontal-side extrusion part and the vertical-side extrusion parts are made of a first material of an olefin thermoplastic elastomer. The corner molding parts are made of a second material which is an olefin thermoplastic elastomer and has a viscosity lower than that of the first material. The material swiftly reaches the terminal ends of the extrusion parts, and heat welds them together.

Abstract: A glass run for use in a motor vehicle, which is capable of preventing the increase in a sliding resistance against a door glass which is raised and lowered in the glass run. At least one inclined surface is formed in an inside surface of a side wall of the glass run from the position corresponding to a projecting end of a seal lip which extends obliquely inwardly from an opening-side end of the side wall, to a bottom wall. The inclined surface is defined such that the distance between the inclined surface and the door glass gradually increases toward a bottom-side end of the side wall. The inclined surface enables the projecting end of the seal lip which is pushed by the door glass toward the side wall to move smoothly therealong, thereby preventing the increase in the pressing force of the door glass against the seal lip.

Abstract: A method is provided for attaching door parts of an automobile door equipped with a door glass and a quarter glass. The method includes the steps of: (i) attaching a lower-bar of a division bar inside a door panel, where the division bar includes the lower-bar and an upper-bar separated from and positioned above the lower-bar for installation between the door glass and the quarter glass; (ii) attaching a glass seal of unified parts to a periphery of the quarter glass to form a quarter part, where the unified parts are formed by integrally molding the upper-bar made of resin, a glass seal and a glass run for sealing the door glass; (iii) attaching a center pillar side of the glass run to a door frame; (iv) attaching the door glass to the door panel with support of the lower-bar; (v) connecting a bottom end of the upper-bar to a top end of the lower-bar; and (vi) attaching the quarter part and a remaining portion of the glass run to corresponding portions.

Abstract: A molding attaching structure includes a sash provided on an automobile door, an outer sash mounted to the sash, and a molding mounted to the outer sash. When a door glass of the door is fully closed, the molding has its one side end laid over an edge of the door glass. The molding has its outer surface substantially flush with an outer surface of an automobile body. The outer sash includes a molding attachment part projecting outwardly therefrom. The molding attachment part includes an extension part and an edge part. The edge part includes a first portion extending from the extension part away from the door glass and having a distal end bent back, and a second portion extending from the distal end across the extension part towards the door glass.

Abstract: A method for attaching door parts of an automobile door equipped with a door glass and a quarter glass, comprising the steps of: attaching a lower-bar of a division bar inside a door panel, said division bar comprises said lower-bar and an upper-bar separated from and positioned above the lower-bar for an installation between the door glass and the quarter glass; attaching a glass seal of unified parts to the periphery of a quarter glass forming a quarter part, said unified parts being formed by integrally molding the upper-bar made of resin, a glass seal and a glass run for sealing the door glass; attaching the center pillar side of the glass run to a door frame; attaching the door glass to the door panel with a support of the lower-bar; connecting the bottom end of the upper-bar to the top end of the lower-bar; and, attaching the quarter part and the remaining portion of the glass run to corresponding portions.

Abstract: A decorative window surround sealing system includes a plurality of seals adapted to be mounted on a vehicle body for sealing a movable window panel in a window opening, each of the seals having an exterior surface, at least one fitting on at least one of the plurality of seals, a one piece surround cap having at least one cooperative fitting compatible with at least one fitting on the at least one of the plurality of seals for attaching the surround cap to the at least one fitting, the decorative surround cap covering a substantial portion of the exterior surface of each of the plurality of seals.

Abstract: A door window glass is used for an automobile having a door mirror. The window glass includes a transparent portion at a mirror watching portion through which a driver can see the door mirror, and a light adjusting portion located other than the transparent portion. The light adjusting portion has a light adjusting function for adjusting an intensity of light passing through the door window glass.

Abstract: A secondary panel (12) is arranged such that it is in a non-operational position when the vehicle to which it is fitted is moving or operating normally, and may be moved into a security position adjacent window (11) when the vehicle is empty and locked to provide much greater resistance to unauthorized entry.

Abstract: A weatherstrip for an automobile comprises: an attaching portion 4 having an inverse U-shape in terms of its section; a rising portion 8 formed in a protruding manner on this attaching portion 4; and lip pieces 11 for sealing between a door inner panel and a window glass 9, and at the rising portion 8, a concave groove 6 with which the trim end of a trim 5 is fitted and latched and a sloping guide 7 leading to the concave groove 6 are formed. In order to attach the weatherstrip to the upper edge of an inner panel of a door beltline, the attaching portion 4 is attached to the flange 1a by insertion, then the trim end of the trim 5 is pressed against the guide 7 and is, in this condition, thrust so as to be fitted and latched with the concave groove 6.

Abstract: A vehicle window ventilation system of this invention contains vertical slots in forward portions of the window or frame. Air due to vehicle movement passes in the slots to the cavity between the windowpanes. There is a passage for airflow from the cavity rearward to the door handle where there is spacing for outward passage of air. The forward location of the vertical slots allows for the flow of air across a wide area of the windows and hence a minimum reduction of visibility due to moisture in the cavity. The air passageway rearward through the cavity between the windows and then through the door to the rearward located door handle allows for a dispersion pattern of air that covers a large amount of the surface area of the double pane window. While an external fan could be used to enhance the removal of flow of air the forward location of the vertical slots and the rearward location of the inner door passageway to the door handle alleviates the necessity of having a fan.

Abstract: A glass holding device for mid-gates of vehicles is disclosed. In the glass holding device, a first hinge unit is provided at the upper portion of a gate body for rotatably connecting the lower end of a glass to the upper portion of the gate body. A folding trim panel is rotatably mounted at the lower end thereof to the lower portion of the gate body using a second hinge unit. A panel fastening unit fastens or releases the trim panel to or from the gate body. In order to house the glass in the gate body prior to laying down the mid-gate on the floor of the vehicle for unifying a passenger compartment and a cargo compartment into a single compartment, the glass is easily and simply rotated downward around the first hinge unit, and so it is easy to manipulate the mid-gate. Since the trim panel covers the folded glass, it is possible to safely and cleanly protect the folded glass when laying down the mid-gate.