Abstract: Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.

Abstract: Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.

Abstract: Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.

Abstract: Soft-start systems and methods for vehicle starters are provided. Embodiments provide a solenoid including: a first coil that receives power when an ignition switch is closed; a first plunger actuated when the first coil receives power; a first terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the first plunger; a second coil that receives power when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal; a second plunger actuated when the second coil receives power; and a second terminal configured to be abutted by a contact bar of the second plunger. Such a solenoid is configured to provide power at a first level to an attached motor when the contact bar of the first plunger abuts the first terminal and at a second level that is higher than the first level when the contact bar of the second plunger abuts the second terminal.

Abstract: A track system for extended rearward movement of a vehicle door is provided. The track system has an upper track coupled to the vehicle above the opening that the door closes. An upper roller assembly moves within the upper track and is connected by an upper extension assembly to the door. The upper extension assembly has an outer extension member coupled to the door and an inner extension member coupled to the roller assembly. The outer and inner extension members move relative to one another to allow the door to open more fully. Lower and/or middle tracks, and corresponding roller assemblies and extension assemblies may also be provided.

Abstract: A track system for extended rearward movement of a vehicle door is provided. The track system has an upper track coupled to the vehicle above the opening that the door closes. An upper roller assembly moves within the upper track and is connected by an upper extension assembly to the door. The upper extension assembly has an outer extension member coupled to the door and an inner extension member coupled to the roller assembly. The outer and inner extension members move relative to one another to allow the door to open more fully. Lower and/or middle tracks, and corresponding roller assemblies and extension assemblies may also be provided.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a pair of engageable parts one of which is movable between a pair of end positions and through an intermediate position and a pair of end-position sensors and an intermediate position sensor operable when the parts reach the respective positions. A drive engages at least one of the parts for displacing the parts from one end position through the intermediate position into the other end position. A controller operates the drive to displace the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position only when travel of the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position takes place in less than a predetermined first time and displaces the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position only when travel of the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position takes place in less than a predetermined second time different from the first time.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a pair of engageable parts one of which is movable between a pair of end positions and through an intermediate position and a pair of end-position sensors and an intermediate position sensor operable when the parts reach the respective positions. A drive engages at least one of the parts for displacing the parts from one end position through the intermediate position into the other end position. A controller operates the drive to displace the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position only when travel of the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position takes place in less than a predetermined first time and displaces the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position only when travel of the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position takes place in less than a predetermined second time different from the first time.