Abstract: A method and a system control platform doors that are disposed at a distance to each other corresponding to a train to be entered via the platform. In order to actuate platform doors in a simple manner such that the door system of a platform is highly available, the platform doors are divided into a plural number of groups, that adjacent platform doors are associated with different groups. Each group may be connected to at least two controllers via one respective transfer medium, that control signals of at least one controller are transferred to the platform doors via the transfer media, such that in case of failure of one controller, the functions of the failed controller are transferred to the at least second controller.

Abstract: A powered trap door device for a vehicle including a trap door hinged at a floor of a vestibule with steps of the vehicle and a sliding vehicle door. A screw driving mechanism that opens/closes the trap door and is driven by an electric motor with an electromagnetic brake. A first limit switch for detecting opening of the sliding door of the vehicle. A second limit switch for detecting closing of the trap door, the trap door being openable only when the sliding door is opened and the sliding door being closable only when the trap door is closed. A sensor of a periphery monitoring system provided on the vestibule to check safety of a peripheral area of the trap door, wherein the trap door can be opened/closed by the electric motor with the electromagnetic brake after the periphery monitoring system has checked safety.

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: This invention relates to a novel loading and detraining apparatus for use by wheelchair confined and other handicapped passengers. One embodiment of the invention makes provision for the loading and detraining of such passengers at the entrances to railway coaches and more particularly over the stairwell in a vestibule of such coaches. A horizontal loading platform is pivotally connected to a pair of spaced apart and opposed linkage means positioned on either side thereof and which are in turn pivotally connected to the coach. Each linkage means comprises three linkage sections which are so arranged as to define two co-operating parallelograms having one common side which is parallel to the loading platform.

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: A railway car includes conventional steps leading from a lower station platform to the floor level in a vestibule. A lift platform adapted to receive a seat or wheel chair is provided to lift a handicapped person who has difficulty going up or down steps. A motor is provided for moving the lift platform over the steps between the lower level and floor level while maintaining it in a horizontal position.