Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to provide a sloped transition between upper and lower surfaces of an architectural setting. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel and a drive assembly coupled to a first end of the ramp panel so that the drive assembly reciprocates the operable ramp between the stowed position and the deployed position. The drive assembly defines a maximum elevation of the first end of the ramp panel when the operable ramp is in the deployed position and also defines a minimum elevation of the first end of the ramp panel when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The maximum elevation is selectively adjustable relative to the minimum elevation.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between stowed and deployed positions. In the deployed position, the ramp provides a sloped transition surface that extends from a lower surface of an architectural setting to an upper surface of the architectural setting. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel and a housing. The height of an upper surface of the housing is selectively adjustable. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly that is at least partially disposed within the housing. The drive assembly has a drive linkage coupled to a first end of the ramp panel to move the operable ramp between the stowed and deployed positions. The drive linkage raises the first end of the ramp panel to a first elevation when the upper surface of the housing is at a first height and to a second elevation when the upper surface of the housing is at a second height.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for deploying a ramp assembly. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The ramp assembly further includes a panel rotatable about a first end, wherein the ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the deployed position. The method includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts an alighting surface. The method further includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until one of a first condition and second condition occurs. The first condition is that the ramp portion has reached a maximum slope. The second condition is that the second end of the panel has reached a predetermined elevation.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position to provide a sloped transition surface between upper and lower surfaces of an architectural setting. The operable ramp includes a housing disposed on the lower surface of the architectural setting and having a selectively adjustable height. A first ramp panel has a support element extending from a first end. The operable ramp also includes a drive assembly located within the housing. The drive assembly includes an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element to move the operable ramp between the stowed position and the deployed position. The endless loop has a linear portion located between first and second arcuate portions. The endless loop raises the end of the support element to deploy first ramp panel. The distance between the first and second arcuate portions is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised (step) position and a lowered (ramp) position. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis, the first axis that moves back and forth as the operable ramp reciprocates between the raised and lowered positions. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the first panel and extends downward from the first panel in the raised position. The second panel also rotates about a fixed second axis. The first and second panels cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis. The operable ramp further includes a third panel rotatable about a fixed third axis. The third provides a surface between the first panel and a fixed panel when the operable ramp is in the raised position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position, in which the ramp forms a pair of steps, and a lowered position, in which the operable ramp provides an inclined surface. The operable ramp includes a first panel rotatably coupled about a first axis that moves back and forth when the operable ramp moves between the lowered position and the raised position. A link is rotatably coupled to the first panel about a second axis and is itself rotatable about a fixed third axis. A second panel is rotatably coupled to the link between the second axis and the third axis, and a third panel is rotatably coupled to the second panel about a fourth axis. When the ramp moves between the raised and lowered positions, the fourth axis rotates about a fixed fifth axis. A linkage selectively rotates the first panel about the first axis.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A target operably associated with the ramp portion so that the target reciprocates along a predetermined path when the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position. A sensor fitting maintains a fixed orientation relative to a horizontal plane. A sensor is mounted to the sensor fitting such that the sensor senses the target when the ramp portion is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A disclosed drive assembly is suitable for driving an actuatable component in a first direction and a second direction. The drive assembly includes a housing and a drive rod. The drive rod selectively extends and retracts to apply a driving force to the actuatable component in a first and a second direction, respectively. The driving force creates a reactive force on the housing. An override assembly includes a spring in communication with the housing. The housing pushes a first end of the spring toward a second end of the spring when the reactive force exceeds a predetermined limit and the drive rod applies the driving force in the first direction. The housing pulls the second end of the spring toward the first end of the spring when the reactive force exceeds the predetermined limit and the drive rod applies the driving force in the second direction.

Abstract: A ramp assembly provides a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface. The ramp assembly is moveable between a stowed position, a first deployed position, and a second deployed position. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion coupled for rotational movement and a panel rotatable about a first end. The ramp portion supportingly engages a second end of the panel to elevate the second end of the panel as the ramp portion moves toward the second deployed position. A method of deploying the ramp portion includes the step of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp portion contacts the alighting surface. The method further includes the steps of rotating the ramp portion until the ramp assembly reaches the first deployed position, in which the ramp portion forms a predetermined angle with the panel, and selectively rotating the ramp portion to the second deployment position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis and a support that is rotatable in a first direction and a second direction about a second axis. A cam follower is coupled to the support and supportingly engages a second end of the ramp panel. Rotation of the support moves the cam follower along an arcuate path. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is between the stowed position and the neutral position. A drive assembly selectively rotates the support in the first and second direction, and a stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are provided for installing a ramp assembly into a vehicle. The vehicle includes a floor, a vehicle well disposed in the floor, and inboard and outboard ramp support members. In one embodiment, ramp assembly mounts, such as movable support fittings, are utilized for installing the ramp assembly into the vehicle.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a lowered stowed position and a raised deployed position. The operable ramp has a ramp panel rotatable about a first axis located at a first end. A support element is slidingly coupled to the ramp panel. The operable ramp further includes a drive assembly comprising an endless loop coupled to an end of the support element. The endless loop has a linear portion and an arcuate portion. During a first phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves upward along the linear portion. During a second phase of deployment, the end of the support element moves along the arcuate portion of the endless loop.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, the operable ramp forms a step. The operable ramp has a first panel rotatably coupled at a first end about a first axis. The first axis moves in a first direction when the operable ramp moves toward the lowered position and in a second direction when the operable ramp moves toward the raised position. The operable ramp further includes a second panel rotatably coupled at a first end to a second end of the first panel. The first panel and the second panel cooperate to provide an inclined surface when the operable ramp is in the lowered position. A linkage is operably coupled to the first panel to selectively rotate the first panel about the first axis.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a ramp panel rotatable about a first end. A second end of the ramp panel is lower in the deployed position than in the stowed position. A rotatable support supports a second end of the ramp panel, and a drive assembly selectively rotates the support (1) in a first direction to lower the second end of the ramp panel and (2) in a second direction to raise the second end of the ramp panel. A stop limits rotation of the support in the second direction when the operable ramp is in the stowed position. The weight of the ramp panel biases the support in the second direction, i.e., toward the stop, when the operable ramp is in the stowed position.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A sensor senses an angle of the ramp portion relative to a horizontal plane and provides a sensor output that corresponds to the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane. The ramp assembly further includes a controller that receives the sensor output and an alert device. The controller controls the alert device to provide an alert when the angle of the ramp portion relative to the horizontal plane reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A ramp assembly for providing a transition surface between a vehicle floor and an alighting surface is disclosed. The ramp assembly includes a ramp portion that is rotatable between a stowed position and a deployed position. A target operably associated with the ramp portion so that the target reciprocates along a predetermined path when the ramp portion reciprocates between the stowed position and the deployed position. A sensor fitting maintains a fixed orientation relative to a horizontal plane. A sensor is mounted to the sensor fitting such that the sensor senses the target when the ramp portion is in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An operable ramp is moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The operable ramp includes a support element and an inner ramp rotatable at a first end about a first axis. The operable ramp further includes an outer ramp rotatably coupled to a second end of the inner ramp about a second axis. The outer ramp has a first cam follower that engages a slot formed in the support element. A drive assembly selectively rotates the inner ramp relative to the outer ramp, such that rotation of the inner ramp in a first direction moves the second axis from a raised position to a lowered position. The operable ramp forms a step in the stowed position, and the outer ramp and the inner ramp form an inclined transition between a first surface and a second surface when the operable ramp is in the deployed position.