Abstract: A latch assembly includes a chassis, a latch bolt moveably mounted on the chassis and having a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker, a pawl having an engaged position at which the pawl is engaged with the latch bolt to hold the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position at which the pawl is disengaged from the latch bolt, thereby allowing the latch bolt to move to the open position, an eccentric arrangement defining an eccentric axis and a pawl axis remote from the eccentric axis. The eccentric arrangement is rotatable about the eccentric axis, and the pawl is rotatable about the pawl axis. When the pawl moves from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the eccentric arrangement rotates in one of a clockwise and a counter-clockwise direction about the eccentric axis.

Abstract: A latch assembly includes a chassis and a rotatable claw-type latch bolt moveably mounted on the chassis. The latch bolt has a closed position for retaining a striker and an open position for releasing the striker. The latch bolt is provided with a latch abutment remote from a center of rotation. The latch assembly further includes a pawl rotatable about a pawl axis and having an engaged position for holding the latch bolt in the closed position and a disengaged position that allows the latch bolt to move to the open position. The latch assembly includes an eccentric arrangement defining a first axis and the pawl axis remote from the first axis. The latch assembly also includes a reset lever rotatably fixed to the eccentric arrangement for mutual rotation with the eccentric arrangement about the first axis. The latch assembly includes a biasing lever configured to transmit a biasing force to the reset lever at a position remote from the first axis and to the latch bolt via the latch abutment.

Abstract: A latch arrangement includes a power control system which can be energized to prevent opening of a door latch by controlling the movement of a release mechanism within a latch. A sensor monitors an operative state of the release mechanism. In the event the sensor detects an unauthorized attempt to open a door, the power control system is energized, thereby preventing unauthorized opening of the latch. The sensor can monitor the direct movement of a door handle. Additionally, or alternatively, the sensor can monitor an internal component within the release mechanism to monitor movements indicative of movement of the door handle.

Abstract: A latch arrangement includes a lever movable in response to movement of a door lever. A controller is configured for selectively preventing movement of the lever. The controller includes a mono-stable blocking element in the form of a bi-metallic strip which can be operated such that a distal end acts to block movement of the lever. The controller also includes a bi-stable blocking element having a nib that can be moved to an extended position to block movement of the lever. Both blocking elements can be operated at the same time. When either of the blocking elements are arranged in the path of the release lever, unlatching of the door is prevented.

Abstract: A system for unlocking a key cylinderless automobile vehicle door includes a portable object having an identifier and a circuit for interrogating the object. The circuit powers the object and interrogates the object when it is outside the vehicle. The interrogating circuit supplies a signal authorizing unlocking of the door as a function of the identifier. A standby power supply, which is separate from the main power supply of the vehicle, also powers the circuit and the object. As a result, the vehicle door does not require a key cylinder while still ensuring unlocking even if the main power supply of the vehicle fails.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for moving a vehicle body panel, such as tailgate, between an open and closed position includes a motor having a drive cable coupled to a rod and cylinder assembly to drive the tailgate between the open and closed positions. A mechanical control including a spring and pulley assembly is coupled to the drive cable to allow acceleration during opening or closing movement of the vehicle panel in response to a user input force.

Abstract: A vehicle door module includes a door trim defining a plane and a window regulator rail separably fixed to the door trim. The rail is fastened to a door at a fastening point. A projecting line extends from the fastening point and perpendicular to the rail to intersects the plane outside the door trim A method for assembling the door module in a door includes introducing the window regulator rail into the shell of the vehicle door, fastening the fastening point to the shell, and separating the door trim from the rail. Access is not impeded by the door trim. The arrangement simplifies mounting of the window regulator to the door.

Abstract: A vehicle door is assembled by immobilizing a cable drum with a wedge and then coupling the wedged drum to a drive member. A cable is wound onto the drum either before or after the positioning of the wedge. The A drive member is then coupled to the wedged drum. After coupling, the drive member is fixed to the vehicle door. The window guide structure can also be inserted between the inner panel and an outer panel of the vehicle door. The wedge can be removed from the window guide structure, or alternately, the wedge can be fixed to the window guide structure. Alternately, the method further includes the steps of placing the cable in deflection pulleys before the steps of positioning the wedge and winding the cable. The drive member is pivotally mounted to the inner panel about an axis offset relative to the rotational axis of the drum, and the cable is tensioned by pivoting the drive member about the offset axis. The drive member is then fixed to the inner panel of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle window lifter includes first and second parallel guide rails, a connecting arm rigidly connecting the guide rails at a point along the rails between their ends, and cable returns defining a cable path along the rails and connecting arm. The connecting arm and guide rails form a cable path for a cable, protecting the cable while providing high rigidity and simple mounting on a vehicle door.

Abstract: An eccentric reduction gear for a vehicle window winder system has a ring gear, a planet pinion that is eccentric relative to the ring gear, a drive component that drives the planet pinion and the ring gear so that they roll relative to each other, and a winding drum attached to the planet pinion. A transmission component is wound around the winding drum and drives a vehicle window. The reduction gear provides a high reduction ratio in a small space and also ensures that the movement cannot be reversed.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle lock is released under normal operating conditions by an electric motor. Under degraded conditions, a mechanical release of the lock is enabled. This allows the motor providing electrical release of the lock to be simply dimensioned for release under normal operating conditions with no requirement to over-dimension the motor to ensure the lock will open under degraded operating conditions. Because release of the lock is mechanical under degraded operating conditions, enablement of the mechanical release is provided by a low-power standby motor. This allows a compact and inexpensive standby power source to be employed.

Abstract: A vehicle door module includes a door trim defining a plane and a window regulator rail separably fixed to the door trim. The rail is fastened to a door at a fastening point. A projecting line extends from the fastening point and perpendicular to the rail to intersects the plane outside the door trim A method for assembling the door module in a door includes introducing the window regulator rail into the shell of the vehicle door, fastening the fastening point to the shell, and separating the door trim from the rail. Access is not impeded by the door trim. The arrangement simplifies mounting of the window regulator to the door.

Abstract: An eccentric reduction gear for a vehicle window winder system has a ring gear, a planet pinion that is eccentric relative to the ring gear, a drive component that drives the planet pinion and the ring gear so that they roll relative to each other, and a winding drum attached to the planet pinion. A transmission component is wound around the winding drum and drives a vehicle window. The reduction gear provides a high reduction ratio in a small space and also ensures that the movement cannot be reversed.

Abstract: A vehicle door is assembled by immobilizing a cable drum with a wedge and then coupling the wedged drum to a drive member. A cable is wound onto the drum either before or after the positioning of the wedge. A drive member is then coupled to the wedged drum. After coupling, the drive member is fixed to the vehicle door. The window guide structure can also be inserted between the inner panel and an outer panel of the vehicle door. The wedge can be removed from the window guide structure, or alternately, the wedge can be fixed to the window guide structure. Alternately, the method further includes the steps of placing the cable in deflection pulleys before the steps of positioning the wedge and winding the cable. The drive member is pivotally mounted to the inner panel about an axis offset relative to the rotational axis of the drum, and the cable is tensioned by pivoting the drive member about the offset axis. The drive member is then fixed to the inner panel of the vehicle door.

Abstract: A vehicle window lifter includes first and second parallel guide rails, a connecting arm rigidly connecting the guide rails at a point along the rails between their ends, and cable returns defining a cable path along the rails and connecting arm. The connecting arm and guide rails form a cable path for a cable, protecting the cable while providing high rigidity and simple mounting on a vehicle door.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle lock is released under normal operating conditions by an electric motor. Under degraded conditions, a mechanical release of the lock is enabled. This allows the motor providing electrical release of the lock to be simply dimensioned for release under normal operating conditions with no requirement to over-dimension the motor to ensure the lock will open under degraded operating conditions. Because release of the lock is mechanical under degraded operating conditions, enablement of the mechanical release is provided by a low-power standby motor. This allows a compact and inexpensive standby power source to be employed.

Abstract: An automobile vehicle lock is released under normal operating conditions by an electric motor. Under degraded conditions, a mechanical release of the lock is enabled. This allows the motor providing electrical release of the lock to be simply dimensioned for release under normal operating conditions with no requirement to over-dimension the motor to ensure the lock will open under degraded operating conditions. Because release of the lock is mechanical under degraded operating conditions, enablement of the mechanical release is provided by a low-power standby motor. This allows a compact and inexpensive standby power source to be employed.

Abstract: A system for unlocking a key cylinderless automobile vehicle door includes a portable object having an identifier and a circuit for interrogating the object. The circuit powers the object and interrogates the object when it is outside the vehicle. The interrogating circuit supplies a signal authorizing unlocking of the door as a function of the identifier. A standby power supply, which is separate from the main power supply of the vehicle, also powers the circuit and the object. As a result, the vehicle door does not require a key cylinder while still ensuring unlocking even if the main power supply of the vehicle fails.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed for incorporating suspension components into vehicle frame structures. Most preferably, the resulting structure is a modular combination of a frame and a suspension. Most preferably, the frame component extends along the lateral width of the vehicle and between the two wheels for the vehicle. The suspension components mounted within the frame may be mechanical springs or fluid springs. Moreover, various types of controls can be incorporated into this structure.