Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes an articulating strut mounted between a vehicle frame and the rear door. A motor assembly is operatively coupled between the articulating strut and the vehicle frame for changing the angular orientation and, in turn, mechanical advantage provided by the articulating strut. The articulating strut is moved into angular orientations of greater mechanical advantage in order to effect opening of the rear door and lesser mechanical advantage to effect closing of the rear door.

Abstract: A truck hood actuator is provided which, operating via a gear rack and DC motor-powered traveler or pinion gear and ring gear, can operate more quickly than a hydraulic actuator, or a worm or screw gear actuator. Further, by employing the disclosed gear rack and traveler, the actuator of the present invention can be readily employed and installed as an after market accessory or as OEM equipment at a lower cost than a hydraulic or other, more complex, actuators.

Abstract: An engine controller system employs angular position sensors which are operable to very accurately determine the position of rotating engine members. Information about the angular position of the engine members is used to alter operation of the engine for improved efficiency and/or reduced emissions from the engine. The angular position of the crankshaft and camshafts can be determined by affixing a dipole magnet to each of them such that the magnet field of the magnet rotates with the rotating member and then placing a angular position sensor adjacent each rotating member to detect the rotation of each magnetic field. In another embodiment, the angular position of each end of at least one of the rotating members is determined to allow the processor to determine the torsional deflection of the member and the engine controller system is responsive to that determined deflection to further alter operation of the engine.

Abstract: A locking strut including a housing with a piston rod extending therethrough. A baffle mounts on the piston rod to divide the housing into two chambers. An orifice through the baffle allows fluid to pass between the chambers to damp reciprocating movement. An electromagnetic driver within the housing is selectively energized to move a ferromagnetic plate between an open position, wherein fluid flows freely between the chambers, and a closed position, wherein the ferromagnetic plate blocks the orifice to prevent fluid flow between the chambers and lock the locking strut in position. A plurality of orifices may be spaced about the baffle, with the number and size of the orifices determining the damping capability of the locking strut. A plurality of drivers may be disposed within the housing to overcome fluid forces during movement of the locking strut between an extended and a retracted position.

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.

Abstract: A locking strut including a housing with a piston rod extending therethrough. A baffle mounts on the piston rod to divide the housing into two chambers. An orifice through the baffle allows fluid to pass between the chambers to damp reciprocating movement. An electromagnetic driver within the housing is selectively energized to move a ferromagnetic plate between an open position, wherein fluid flows freely between the chambers, and a closed position, wherein the ferromagnetic plate blocks the orifice to prevent fluid flow between the chambers and lock the locking strut in position. A plurality of orifices may be spaced about the baffle, with the number and size of the orifices determining the damping capability of the locking strut. A plurality of drivers may be disposed within the housing to overcome fluid forces during movement of the locking strut between an extended and a retracted position.