Abstract: A modular door operating linkage system connectable to an extendable from a door pivotable between closed and open positions about a generally vertical axis disposed such that the door can be either pushed or pulled between positions. The modular linkage system includes a rigid generally L-shaped crank arm component connected to a powered driver which drives the crank arm component in opposite arcuate directions. The modular linkage system also includes a rigid elongated track component defining a generally C-shaped linear channel. The modular linkage system also includes a rigid but adjustable multipiece link component. The linkage system further includes a rigid block component which is configured and designed to act in concert with the other components of the linkage system.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for imparting movements to a door which pivots about a generally vertical axis between open and closed positions. The drive mechanism includes a frame, a power source mounted on the frame or positively driving an output shaft of the drive mechanism and thus, moving the door from a closed position toward an open position. The drive mechanism also includes an output shaft mounted for rotation about a fixed axis disposed generally parallel to a fixed axis of a power source drive shaft. A drive train including a plurality of intermeshing gear sets is arranged between the power source drive shaft and the output shaft. At least one gear set in the drive train includes a clutch mechanism selectively operable in either an engaged condition or a disengaged condition. When in a disengaged condition, the clutch mechanism operably transfers rotational movements of the power source to the output shaft so as to forcibly open the door.

Abstract: A door operating system for moving a door about a vertical pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The door operating system includes a driver including a free-ended output shaft and linkage for operably connecting the output shaft of the driver with door. An adjustable and selectively operable coupling is disposed between the free-end of the output shaft of the driver and the linkage. The adjustable coupling has a pair of coaxially spaced and adjustable interfaces. A first adjustable interface is defined between the free-end of the output shaft and the coupling while a second adjustable interface is defined between the coupling and the linkage whereby allowing for a high resolution, angular adjustment of the position of the door.

Abstract: A modular door operating linkage system connectable to an extendable from a door pivotable between closed and open positions about a generally vertical axis disposed such that the door can be either pushed or pulled between positions. The modular linkage system includes a rigid generally L-shaped crank arm component connected to a powered driver which drives the crank arm component in opposite arcuate directions. The modular linkage system also includes a rigid elongated track component defining a generally C-shaped linear channel. The modular linkage system also includes a rigid but adjustable multipiece link component. The linkage system further includes a rigid block component which is configured and designed to act in concert with the other components of the linkage system.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for imparting movements to a door which pivots about a generally vertical axis between open and closed positions. The drive mechanism includes a frame, a power source mounted on the frame or positively driving an output shaft of the drive mechanism and thus, moving the door from a closed position toward an open position. The drive mechanism also includes an output shaft mounted for rotation about a fixed axis disposed generally parallel to a fixed axis of a power source drive shaft. A drive train including a plurality of intermeshing gear sets is arranged between the power source drive shaft and the output shaft. At least one gear set in the drive train includes a clutch mechanism selectively operable in either an engaged condition or a disengaged condition. When in a disengaged condition, the clutch mechanism operably transfers rotational movements of the power source to the output shaft so as to forcibly open the door.

Abstract: A door operating system for moving a door about a vertical pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The door operating system includes a driver including a free-ended output shaft and linkage for operably connecting to the output shaft of the driver with door. An adjustable and selectively operable coupling is disposed between the free-end of the output shaft of the driver and the linkage. The adjustable coupling has a pair of coaxially spaced and adjustable interfaces. A first adjustable interface is defined between the free-end of the output shaft and the coupling while a second adjustable interface is defined between the coupling and the linkage whereby allowing for a high resolution, angular adjustment of the position of the door.

Abstract: A universal controller for an automatic door system including a door carried on a frame for movement along a predetermined path of movement between open and closed positions. The universal controller includes a housing for mounting the controller in a stationary position relative to the door frame and an assembly including a processor carried by the housing for processing data operatively received from a plurality of sensors and relating to the operation of the movable door. The processor is configured to generate operational values which are transmitted to and control a drive motor used to move the door between the open and closed positions. The assembly further includes an arrangement for adjusting the operational values generated by the processor and transmitted to the drive motor. A modular harness connects the controller to the drive motor and to the sensors.

Abstract: A mechanical power conversion device for receiving rotary power from a rotary power supply and delivering two independent power outputs, the conversion device having: a drive screw connectable to the rotary power supply, a drive nut engaging the drive screw to receive a drive nut axial force and drive nut torsion therefrom, the drive nut axial force being parallel to the drive screw and the drive nut torsion being about an axis of the drive screw. One of the two independent power outputs is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut axial force and the second is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut torsion so that power from the rotary power supply flows to either or both of the first independent power output and the second independent power output.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A powered operator assembly for moving an object along a linear axis and particularly for moving doors in a mass transit vehicle utilizing a helical drive member for moving and supporting an attached door panel. The helical drive engages a drive nut that is connected to one of the two door panel hanger assemblies. Each door panel hanger assembly is attached to the door panel and includes at least two rollers which engage the outer surface of a helical drive for motion along the drive axis. One end of such helical drive is connected to an electric prime mover with such prime mover mounted to a stationary bracket mounted to the door opening structure. The second end of the helical drive engages a bearing mounted to a stationary bracket mounted to the door opening structure.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A powered operator assembly for moving an object along a linear axis and particularly for moving doors in a mass transit vehicle utilizing a helical drive member for moving and supporting an attached door panel. The helical drive engages a drive nut that is connected to one of the two door panel hanger assemblies. Each door panel hanger assembly is attached to the door panel and includes at least two rollers which engage the outer surface of a helical drive for motion along the drive axis. One end of such helical drive is connected to an electric prime mover with such prime mover mounted to a stationary bracket mounted to the door opening structure. The second end of the helical drive engages a bearing mounted to a stationary bracket mounted to the door opening structure.

Abstract: A passenger ingress and egress system within a transit vehicle employing a movable step apparatus in combination with sliding type door system to accommodate variations in passenger ingress and egress platform facilities. Said movable step apparatus having at least three step members movable from a conventional step relation to permit ingress and egress from and onto a street platform to an aligned, coplanar relation to permit ingress and egress from and onto a commuter platform, generally located 50 inches above the Top Of Rail. A gap reduction apparatus is disposed within the movable step apparatus to minimize horizontal distance between a commuter platform and the movable step apparatus with all step members in an aligned, coplanar relation to meet federal regulations for American with Disability Act.

Abstract: Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.

Abstract: A locking device for attachment to a fixed portion of a transit vehicle door system is for locking one or more doors of the transit vehicle door system in either a fully locked position or a pushback lock position. The locking device has a simple lock arm, biased toward the locking position and rotatably attached to the fixed portion of the transit vehicle door system at a first pivot of the rotary lock arm, the rotary lock arm having at least one door engagement portion for engaging a portion of the door(s) for locking the door(s) when the rotary lock arm is in at least one of the locking position and the pushback position thereof. A linear actuator, rotating the lock arm to the unlocked position when energized, is attached to the fixed portion of the transit vehicle door system and connected to a second pivot of the lock arm, said second pivot offset from the first pivot. A lock actuator sensing switch provides a feedback on the actuator position to the transit vehicle control system.

Abstract: A mechanical power conversion device for receiving rotary power from a rotary power supply and delivering two independent power outputs, the conversion device having: a drive screw connectable to the rotary power supply, a drive nut engaging the drive screw to receive a drive nut axial force and drive nut torsion therefrom, the drive nut axial force being parallel to the drive screw and the drive nut torsion being about an axis of the drive screw. One of the two independent power outputs is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut axial force and the second is connected to the drive nut to receive the drive nut torsion so that power from the rotary power supply flows to either or both of the first independent power output and the second independent power output.

Abstract: A door system for a transit vehicle provided with a door opening has a full height sliding door for covering and uncovering the door opening, and a threshold which is disposed within the sliding door when the sliding door is closed. The threshold is positioned at substantially the elevation of the floor. A retention mechanism is attached to the threshold, the retention mechanism is activated when the trap door is in the deployed position to engage the trap door and release the sliding door so that when the sliding door is opened, the threshold is retained to fill a gap between the trap door and the platform. When the trap door is in the stowed position, the retention mechanism disengages the trap door and engages the sliding door so that the threshold moves with the sliding door and does not interfere with street level street level boarding.

Abstract: A screw drive mechanism connectable to at least one of a first machine portion and a second machine portion for moving the second machine portion relative to the first machine portion from a first position to a second position. The mechanism has a base for attachment to one of the first and the second machine portions and a motor attached to the base. It includes a drive screw having a rotary motion connection to the motor to be rotated thereby and a drive nut having an internally threaded bore engaged with the drive screw to receive a drive force from the drive screw. A drive nut connection is engaged with the drive nut for conveying the drive force to one of the first and the second machine portions. An anti-rotation member is attached to the drive nut connection, the anti-rotation member engaging the drive nut to prevent rotation thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive nut bracket for attaching a drive nut to a driven component to move the driven component. The drive nut is moved by a rotating drive screw. The drive nut bracket provides rotational constraint and linear constraint of the drive nut. It has a nut engaging portion pivotally connected to the base. The nut engaging portion has at least one slide surface portion for sliding engagement with the nut so that the nut may slide relative to the nut engaging portion in a direction substantially perpendicular to the pivot axis. The pivot and the slide surface accommodate misalignments of the drive screw and the driven component. The nut engaging portion includes at least one drive force receiving surface portion facing generally along the axis of the drive screw to provide the linear constraint of the drive nut relative to the driven component.

Abstract: A powered operator for sliding plug doors mounted on a movable carriage mounted overhead of an opening in the side wall of a transit vehicle, said doors including a single electric prime mover driving dual helical drives, each operating a door hanger attached to a single door panel over and away from said opening and for moving said carriage out of said side wall pocket. Door hangers used provide controlled deflection of door panels when in a fully open position. Drive linkages lock door panels when in a plugged position. The operator also provides guidance for the lower edge of said door panels during plugging and unplugging operations. Control elements and a central controller provides sequential door panel movement into and out of a pocket in the transit car side wall.