Abstract: Rotary locks used on transit vehicle doors when opened and closed by a rotating helical door drive member. In a preferred embodiment, a first lock utilizes a negative thread portion of the helical drive. A second lock utilizes a rotating lock pawl and stop. The drive and lock can be used to operate door systems with and without separate door hangers. Compensation for camber variations in car structure is provided through the use of spherical mounts or drive member journals.

Abstract: An electromechanical switch actuator operated by a detachable, mechanical key providing security against unauthorized operation. The switch actuator disclosed is of particularly rugged construction, arranged to provide rotary torque for operating axially coupled electromechanical rotary switches having a plurality of switch banks or stacks disposed along a central axis. Switch operation is provided for any predetermined number of switch positions with non-electric indication of said positions, both by visual observation of the key entry area, and the key position. Key operating forces are converted entirely to rotational torque for switch operation and positive rotary motion limits independent of the electrical switch provide substantially increased switch life.

Abstract: Apparatus for railway cars to handle the ingress and egress of passengers through a door opening where the apparatus selectively provides at the exterior of the car at the door opening an adjustable height platform, steps or a ground-to-car floor platform lift. The apparatus is storable within the railway car and extendable exteriorly of the railway car where it can then be selectively conditioned for a desired passenger handling mode as a platform positioned at a desired height between the car floor and ground, a series of steps extending between the car floor and ground, or a platform lift movable between ground level and car floor level.

Abstract: A step-platform operator 17 for transit vehicles for driving a step 19 and a platform 18 between open and closed positions, includes a reversible drive motor 42 driving the step and platform through a lever and linkage for providing differential motion between step and platform during the last portion of the closing cycle and the initial portion of the opening cycle and allowing a mechanical interlock between step and platform in fully closed position. Both platform and step are driven from a single drive unit. Additionally, the lever and linkage assembly utilizes the weights of the platform and the step to counterbalance each other and allow the use of a low power reversible drive motor to power the system.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for actuating electrical switches to insure coordinated connection of circuits vital to safe operation of a mass-transit vehicle includes a frame upon which are mounted one or more electrical switches. Also included is a cam rotatably mounted on the frame for actuating engagement with the switches upon rotation of the cam by key or similar device. The actuating mechanism further includes a toggle mechanism that is connected at one end to the frame and at the other end to the cam at a point spaced from the point of mounting of the cam to the frame. Secured to the toggle mechanism is a spring whose dead center position does not coincide with the point of actuating contact of the cam with the switch such that upon rotation of the cam, the spring resists movement of the cam until the dead center position of the spring is reached.