Abstract: A window vent system and method automatically vents air pressure from a vehicle cabin as the vehicle door is closing. A drive mechanism is mounted to a vehicle window. A sensor senses open and closed positions of the door latch. When the latch is open, a signal is sent from the sensor to a controller to open the window. When the latch is closed, a signal is sent to the controller to close the window. Software prevents closing of the window in the event of a pinch event. The software also stops the drive mechanism if there is an obstruction to opening or closing of the window. Manual override is also provided to selectively open and close the window.

Abstract: A motorized moveable strike assembly is provided for a vehicle door. The assembly includes a strike on the door post which is moveable by an electric motor between extended and retracted positions. A latch on the door releasably engages the strike. A switch in the latch sends a signal to the controller to actuate the motor after the latch is engaged so as to retract the strike from the extended position to fully close the door. When the latch is disengaged from the strike, the latch switch sends a signal to controller to actuate the motor so as to extend the strike from the retracted position to the extended position as to prepare for the next door closing.

Abstract: A means and method automatically vents air pressure from a vehicle cabin as the vehicle door is closing. A drive mechanism is mounted to a vehicle window. A sensor senses open and closed positions of the door latch. When the latch is open, a signal is sent from the sensor to a controller to open the window. When the latch is closed, a signal is sent to the controller to close the window. Software prevents closing of the window in the event of a pinch event. The software also stops the drive mechanism if there is an obstruction to opening or closing of the window. Manual override is also provided to selectively open and close the window.

Abstract: A rotary latch assembly is provided wherein the front plate has a C-shaped configuration with opposite top and bottom flanges, and an interconnecting front face. A back plate is connected to the front plate for use in right-handed and left-handed applications. One or more trip levers are mounted on the plates to release the catch and rotor from a latched position. An embossment is provided on the front plate to strengthen the assembly and to support the rotor and the catch. Indicia is provided on the latch assembly to provide for ease of alignment with the striker for proper latching.

Abstract: A rotary latch assembly is provided which can be configured as right-handed and left-handed using the same rotor and catch components, without reconfiguring the front and back plates. The axles for the rotor and catch are identical so that the rotor and catch can be interchanged on the axles. The latch biasing springs are mirror images so as to be used on either the rotor or the catch. The latch includes multiple connection points for single or dual actuators, and a lifting block to align the assembly with a striker.

Abstract: A motorized moveable strike assembly is provided for a vehicle door. The assembly includes a strike on the door post which is moveable by an electric motor between extended and retracted positions. A latch on the door releasably engages the strike. A switch in the latch sends a signal to the controller to actuate the motor after the latch is engaged so as to retract the strike from the extended position to fully close the door. When the latch is disengaged from the strike, the latch switch sends a signal to controller to actuate the motor so as to extend the strike from the retracted position to the extended position as to prepare for the next door closing.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a vehicle passenger door or compartment door and has a free floating paddle when the door or compartment is locked. The paddle is pivotally mounted on the exterior of the handle housing, while a logic assembly is mounted on the interior of the housing. The logic assembly includes a pivotal drive plate, a pivotal driven plate, and a pivotal lock arm. The drive plate is independent of the driven plate when the door is locked. The drive plate and driven plate moving in unison when the door is unlocked and the paddle is opened, thereby opening the latch mechanism for the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for a vehicle passenger door or compartment door and has a free floating paddle when the door or compartment is locked. The paddle is pivotally mounted on the exterior of the handle housing, while a logic assembly is mounted on the interior of the housing. The logic assembly includes a pivotal drive plate, a pivotal driven plate, and a pivotal lock arm. The drive plate is independent of the driven plate when the door is locked. The drive plate and driven plate moving in unison when the door is unlocked and the paddle is opened, thereby opening the latch mechanism for the vehicle compartment.

Abstract: A latch assembly having a housing and a catch assembly on the housing and having first and second states. The catch assembly has a rotor that is movable selectively relative to the housing between first and second positions. The rotor has a mounting portion and a receiving portion. The receiving portion has a U-shaped opening between spaced first and second legs. The U-shaped opening is configured to receive a strike element. The latch assembly further has a strike plate with a strike surface that projects across the U-shaped opening to block a strike element in the U-shaped opening with the rotor in the first position and the catch assembly in the first state. The U-shaped opening is bounded by an edge with a portion of the edge defined by the first leg against which a strike element within the U-shaped opening bears under a force tending to separate the latch assembly from the strike element.

Abstract: A latch assembly having a housing and a catch assembly on the housing. The catch assembly has at least one catch element that is repositionable relative to the housing to change the catch assembly between first and second different states. The catch assembly in the first state is capable of preventing a strike element engaged by the latch assembly from separating from the latch assembly. The catch assembly in the second state permits a strike element, engaged by the latch assembly with the catch assembly in the first state, to be separated from the latch assembly. The housing has a base wall defining a support for at least a part of the catch assembly, a first side wall extending angularly away from the base wall, and a return wall projecting angularly away from the first side wall.