Abstract: A window assembly includes a pane defining a plane, and a latch bolt housing mounted to the pane. A latch bolt is slidingly mounted to the latch bolt housing for movement in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the pane between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is operative to urge the latch bolt toward the first position, and a release handle remote from the latch bolt is operative to move the latch bolt from the first position toward the second position against a biasing force of the biasing member.

Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. An element is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a decompression unit for equalizing an explosive air pressure between pressurized areas of an aircraft, which have different air pressure conditions and are separated by a wall structure. An air chamber, whose shape alters by contraction (1), is located inside an exterior zone of the cabin (6) and is subjected to an ambient air pressure (p1), said chamber constituting the decompression unit in concrete terms. The wall of the air chamber (1) is perforated. The air chamber is mounted in the vicinity of the periphery of an air pressure equalization flap (2), which is fixed inside an air equalization cavity (9). Said air chamber is connected to a locking device (4), which likewise fixes the air pressure equalization flap in the air equalization cavity.

Abstract: A gate opening device for shifting a gate from a closed position to an open position on loss of power to a motive device includes a housing, the motive device carried by the housing, and a drive shaft coupled to and rotatable by the motive device. A drive member is coupled to the drive shaft and capable of being connected to a gate for causing shifting movement thereof. A base plate is coupled to the drive shaft and a drive plate is coupled to the drive member and pivotally coupled to the base plate. A shear pin engages the drive plate and the base plate, preventing relative pivoting thereof. The shear pin is formed of a material which allows a shearing effect on a specified torque or force, causing the shear pin to break or shear and allow relative pivotal movement of the drive plate and the base plate.

Abstract: A system and method for decoupling a barrier from a barrier movement apparatus for the manual operation of the barrier. Advantageously, the decoupling is performed in response to a wireless signal and may be done only when the barrier is determined to be in a safe position.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for releasably locking a security bar (14) over an opening (12) through a wall (10) includes a housing (30, 32, 60) for mounting to the wall adjacent the opening. An engagement mechanism (28) is coupled to the security bar (14). A keeper member (26) in the housing is movable to selectively engage a lock surface (102) on the engagement mechanism to restrain the engagement mechanism from movement relative to the housing; the engagement mechanism being allowed to move unrestrained relative to the housing when the keeper member does not engage the lock surface. A manually-operable latch mechanism (24) in the housing moves the keeper member out of engagement with the lock surface.

Abstract: A quick release latched security window guard having a framework attached to a building exterior overlying a window is held with a cam latch system including a cam rod extending through the building wall, with an end protruding into a hollow member forming a part of the framework. A sliding latching sleeve is spring urged into a slot in the cam rod end to lock the framework in place. Rotation of a handle on the rod end within the building forces the sleeve back to be cammed out of the slot to release the framework. One or more fixed slotted latching posts may also be mounted to protrude into the hollow member and to be engaged by portions of the sleeve to form additional latching points, all of which are released by the rotation of a single cam rod. The framework may take the form of one or more ladder sections deployed to hang down from the window when the framework is pushed out after being released by the operation of the cam rod.

Abstract: A security device for one or more doors or windows which includes an elongated support bar, an attachment mechanism mounted to the support bar, at least one receiving member attached to a structure to which the security device is to be positioned adjacent, at least one blocking member attached to the support bar, and an actuator mechanism. The at least one receiving member is surface mounted to the structure by an adhesive, glue, or cement.

Abstract: A lock and emergency release system for a door normally power operated by a door operator. The system comprises a lock displaceable between an idle position to a functional position in which opening of the door by the door operator is prevented. An emergency release handle is manually operable for simultaneously displacing the lock to its idle position and releasing the door from the door operator, thereby allowing the door to be manually opened.

Abstract: A sliding door is arranged on a side wall of a body of a motor vehicle. A running device interacts with a guide rail mounted on the side wall. A safety device is provided for aiding in opening of the sliding door after an accident-caused deformation of the vehicle body. In order to achieve an good functioning of the safety device, it is constructed in such a fashion that, after a deformation affecting the side wall, a movement of the running device in the guide rail can be implemented for opening the sliding door.

Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.

Abstract: An escape hatch assembly mountable in an opening in the roof of a vehicle which includes a frame member having an egress opening defined by upstanding side walls that are arranged to extend upwardly into the opening in the roof of the vehicle, a flange member extending outwardly from the lower portion of said frame member and arranged to abut the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle; and attachment elements for securing the flange member to the inside surface of the roof of the vehicle. A method of installing the escape hatch upwardly through an opening the roof of a vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive for a flap provided on a vehicle, especially an engine hood. The drive comprises an electric motor, an actuation shaft that is connected to the flap, and a reduction gear by means of which the rotor of the electric motor is coupled to the actuation shaft. The drive further comprises an energy accumulator by means of which the actuation shaft can be driven independently of the electric motor. The reduction gear is configured in such a way that the actuation shaft is driven in a rotational direction only by the energy accumulator and the electric motor drives the actuation shaft in an opposite rotational direction, thereby supplying to the energy accumulator an energy that is needed to drive the actuation shaft in the rotational direction. The invention further relates to a pedestrian protection means provided on a vehicle and equipped with such a drive.

Abstract: Doors and breakaway mechanisms for use with a door are disclosed. A disclosed door includes a panel; a guide located adjacent a doorway opening; a carriage; and a coupling releasably securing the carriage to the panel. The coupling releases the panel from the carriage in response to a breakaway force. The magnitude of the breakaway force is dependent on a condition such as the position of the door relative to the doorway or the position of a roller carried by the carriage.

Abstract: A sliding door assembly comprises a frame assembly, a sliding panel carrier, and a sliding panel mounted to the sliding panel carrier. The sliding panel carrier is mounted to the frame assembly for generally rectilinear movement to enable movement of the sliding panel between a closed position and an open position. The sliding panel carrier has a pivot pin receiving opening. A door controlling unit moves the sliding panel carrier in a generally rectilinear manner between the open and closed positions. The sliding panel has a mounting bracket mounted to the top rail thereof. The bracket includes a pivot pin that moves between extended and retracted positions. The sliding panel is mounted to the sliding panel carrier by inserting the pivot pin into the pivot pin receiving opening. As a result, the sliding panel can swing relative to the frame assembly through a breakout movement from a normal, non-breakout position to a breakout position.

Abstract: A manual release mechanism of a power actuated sliding door used typically for van applications, includes a bullet assembly interconnected between the ends of a pull member, or cable, of a powered pulley system. The bullet assembly engages and disengages within a passage of a hinge roller assembly which rides within a track of the vehicle. When disengaged, the door is free to slide without causing movement of the bullet assembly or powered pulley system. When engaged, the hinge roller assembly supports a pin which projects into the passage when in a rest position. If the bullet assembly is in the passage, the pin also projects into a groove of the bullet assembly, thereby, locking the bullet assembly within the passage and causing the hinge rolling assembly, which is pivotally connected to the door to move via operation of the powered pulley system.

Abstract: A security grill adapted to securely close off a window or door but which may be manually released from within the building and allowing egress through the window while maintaining security and preventing unauthorized access from the exterior of the building. The grill is attached along one side by hinges and is lockable in position by a locking device on an opposite side. The locking device being a keyed dead bolt, which protrudes into a rapid release mechanism secured and shielded in the surrounding frame, which is secured by bolts to the building. The grill being spring biased to the open position with the release mechanism operable from inside the building also biased for rapid release.

Abstract: A release system adapted for use in opening a deck lid of a vehicle includes a gas operable assist device and at least one of a manual input device and an occupant detector. The release system is positionable within a compartment at least partially closed by the deck lid. The compartment has a release mechanism for opening the deck lid and the release system is adapted for operation from the interior of the compartment. The gas operable assist device is connectable to the release mechanism and is operable to actuate the release mechanism to open the deck lid in response to a user input to the manual input device or a detection of an occupant within the compartment by the occupant detector. The gas operable assist device includes at least one of a compressed gas container and a pyrotechnic element.

Abstract: A security grill adapted to securely close off a window or door but which may be manually released from within the building and allowing egress through the window while maintaining security and preventing unauthorized access from the exterior of the building. The grill is attached along one side by hinges and is lockable in position by a locking device on an opposite side. The locking device being a keyed dead bolt, which protrudes into a rapid release mechanism secured and shielded in the surrounding frame, which is secured by bolts to the building. The grill being spring biased to the open position with the release mechanism operable from inside the building also biased for rapid release.

Abstract: An emergency release mechanism for use with a door operator of a multi-passenger mass transit vehicle for manually opening a door of this mass transit vehicle is provided. The emergency release mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism having a first and second fixed pivot and a movable pivot positioned between this first and second fixed pivot. The first fixed pivot is secured to a wall portion of the vehicle. A target member, capable of moving in a vertical direction, is provided. A clamping lever is provided which has a first end and a second end. The first end of the clamping lever is pivotally attached to the second fixed pivot of the toggle mechanism and the second end of the clamping lever is capable of engaging the target member. A means is provided for mounting the clamping lever such that the clamping lever is capable of pivoting in a first and second direction to one of an engaging and disengaging position with respect to the target member.

Abstract: An emergency exit system for use on a helicopter or other aircraft includes a frame (4) defining an opening (6) for receiving a panel (8) to close the opening (6); a plurality of latches (10, 117) for releasably securing the panel (8) in the opening (6); a plurality of release mechanisms (12); a cable (45, 118) extending around at least a major portion of the frame (4) for releasing the panel (8); and a plurality of actuators (14) strategically located around the opening and connected to the cable (45, 118), whereby actuation of any one of the actuators (14) causes simultaneous release of all of the latches (10, 117) so that the panel (8) can be jettisoned.

Abstract: A vehicle hatch dismantling device adapted to firmly secure a hatch for opening and closing an opening at a vehicle roof for ventilation during normal times, and enabling the dismantling of the hatch during emergencies such as during overturn or submergence of the vehicle, while preventing breakage of the hatch even if the hatch is frequently dismantled for maintenance thereof. The device has a hatch sizeably formed to cover the vehicle roof opening, a first bracket underneath the hatch for vertically moving the hatch, a hinge link mechanism linked to the first bracket, and a second bracket fixed to an inner wall surface surrounding the opening. The device includes a lever rotably supported at one side thereof to the first bracket and has a coupling hole. The device also includes a rod coupled to the coupling hole of the lever, and an intermittent support unit coupled to the first bracket for intermittently coupling first bracket with the hatch.

Abstract: A sliding catch with partition release assembly for a fire extinguisher cabinet having a locking mechanism that comprises of a L-shaped member that has a first portion and a second portion that is defined as a stopping mechanism and a slotting mechanism. The slotting mechanism may be moved from a first locked position to a second unlocked position thereby releasing the locking mechanism and allowing the fire extinguisher cabinet to open. A partition release assembly allows for the injury-free access to the fire extinguisher cabinet by a fire-person.

Abstract: An attachment device for attaching a window in a motor vehicle, the window having at least one sheet of a transparent material and being able, in one position, to close off an opening made in the bodywork of the vehicle and, in one or more other positions, at least partially open the opening. In the closing-off position, the window is fastened to the bodywork of the vehicle but, after an accident, the window-bodywork fastening is explosively weakened.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus of roof ventilator of hatch for covering and uncovering an opening at a vehicle roof for ventilation and for passengers to escape in an emergency, the coupling apparatus having a hatch arranged to cover a roof opening on a vehicle roof and a toggle link mechanism for link-connecting the hatch and the opening to enable the hatch to be tilted to a direction for vertical movement of the hatch and for covering and uncovering the opening, the apparatus further comprising a recess at a lateral wall surface of the opening and a locking unit at the recess for coupling and releasing the hatch, thereby enabling an easy detachment of the hatch in an emergency.

Abstract: A public transit vehicle has a vehicle body having a roof defining an interior ceiling surface, two side walls each extending longitudinally of the vehicle including an upper side wall portion connecting to the roof and a row of windows underneath the upper portion, a central aisle and two rows of seats each on a respective side of the aisle and along the side wall at the windows. Each window comprises an outer pan attached into the window opening in the frame and a pane structure pivotally mounted in the pan. The pan is formed by four sides each of which is integrally defined by a web bridging the width of the frame, an exterior flange projecting outwardly and an interior flange projecting inwardly with the pan held in place by adhesive between the exterior surface of the frame and the exterior flange and between the web and the corresponding surface of the frame. The pan is thus imperforate to prevent moisture penetration.

Abstract: A vehicle hatch dismantling device adapted to fix a hatch to allow an opening at the roof to be opened and closed for ventilation in normal times and to enable an easy detachment of the hatch in emergency such as overturn or submergence of the vehicle, making it easy for passengers to escape through the opening at the roof of the vehicle, the device having a hatch for covering an opening at the roof, a first bracket coupled to a panel underneath the hatch for vertical movement of the hatch and a toggle link mechanism secured to an area between an inner wall surface of the opening and a second bracket, the device comprising: a plurality of clamping members coupled to the first bracket for coupling the first bracket to a lower panel of a hatch; an intermittent fixing member slidably disposed at an upper side of the lower panel and coupled to the clamping member for releaseably mounting the hatch to the first bracket; and an insertion hole formed at the lower panel for allowing the clamping member to be inserted

Abstract: The invention is relative to a window frame, in particular a window for a helicopter intended to fix the window onto a support. This frame includes cutting out means driven by pulling on at least a part of the window perimeter in order to divide into two at least a section of the frame and thus detach the window from the support.

Abstract: A school bus split-sash window with a latch release bar than can be pushed with the upward motion of one thumb. In the preferred embodiment, two normally-extended spring loaded release pins are retracted by tension on cables which are pulled around fixed stanchions in the window frame when the release bar is pushed up. The window can be opened by one hand.

Abstract: A quick-release grating comprising an actuator mounted to the grating, a frame to which the grating is rotatably mounted via of grating hinges, and a safety pin which prevents re-closure of the grating once it has been opened. The actuator comprises spring-loaded deadbolts which slide through frame and grating bores in order to lock the grating in position relative to the frame. The actuator is enclosed within a locked box which prevents unauthorized opening of the grating. An alternate embodiment quick release grating provides for an actuator disposed remote to the grating, which has the benefit of obviating the need to enclose the actuator within a locked box. An additional alternate embodiment quick release grating provides for deadbolts mounted to a grating top member and a grating bottom member. An additional alternate embodiment quick release grating incorporates a transwall structure, whereby an externally-mounted grating may be released via an internally-mounted remote actuator.

Abstract: A door assembly which includes a door frame defining an opening and a door. The door includes a first rectangular panel which is rotatably mounted to the door frame and moveable between an open and a closed position. A second panel is connected to and rotatable with the first panel and is disposed generally parallel to, or co-planar with the first panel and moveable thereto in plane of the panels so as to be moveable between a retracted position where the second panel is generally laterally adjacent to the first panel, to an extended position where the second panel is spaced from the first panel in the direction of the plane of the panels. The door assembly is operative to cover the opening defined by the door frame by movement of the first panel from its open to its closed position and movement of the second panel from its retracted to its extended position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an emergency exit window of a vehicle with a window pane (1) and a window frame profile (10), whereas the window frame profile (10) is retained by the window bay in the wall (20) of the vehicle, whereas the window frame profile (10) is provided with a recess (14) for the location of the window pane (1), the window frame profile (10) being provided with an opening (17) that is located at some distance of the front side of the window pane (1) and that is intended to detachably receive a first expansion member (30), a second expansion member (60) being arranged opposite the first expansion member (30) in the window frame profile (10), whereas the window bay of the vehicle is provided with a hook-shaped bracing (120) of the window frame profile, whereas the hook-shaped end of the bracing (120) is engaged in the window frame profile (10) and whereas the hook-shaped end of the bracing (120) is inserted in the window frame profile (10) at some distance of the second expansion member (60) in

Abstract: An explosion door including a frame and door panel includes an improved latch mechanism for releasably securing the door panel to the frame with a retainer bar. The latch includes a pivoting latch housing having at a free end a magnetic contact and latch stop for contacting the retainer bar. A seal between the door panel and frame includes a rigid door stop component and a resilient seal. The retainer bar is mounted to the frame to permit the spacing between the bar and door panel to be adjusted in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a window frame, in particular a window for a helicopter intended to fix the window onto a support. This frame includes cutting out means driven by pulling on at least a part of the window perimeter in order to divide into two at least a section of the frame and thus detach the window from the support.

Abstract: Retractable doors 22 to a washing chamber 20 of a washer 10 open automatically to allow a load to be processed to be wheeled into the chamber. The doors are fitted with blowout panels 42, 44. In an emergency, a worker trapped in the washing chamber can escape by pushing the blowout panels outward. A tilting floor assembly 70 includes a floor 76 supported on a frame 74 and a lifting mechanism 90 for selectively raising and lowering a side of the frame to tilt the floor. The floor is tilted automatically during a cleaning cycle to allow cleaning fluids to drain from the load, then leveled before opening of the doors for ease of removal of the load.

Abstract: A hatch assembly having a hatch cover biased to a normally closed position. The hatch cover is connected to an impeller contained and rotatable within a impeller chamber of a housing. When the cover is to be opened, pressurized gas is introduced into the housing causing rotation of the impeller. By virtue of the coupling of the impeller to the hatch cover, the rotation causes the hatch cover to open. After opening, the hatch cover may thereafter be closed by a spring bias forming part of the coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A window assembly has a latch assembly of enhanced strength. The latch assembly is mounted to the frame of the window assembly. A latch member is biased by a torsion spring towards a non-latching position, a latch-lock member is biased by a second torsion spring towards a non-locking position. The latch member engages a striker pin mounted to a base wall to secure the window in its normal, closed position. The latch-lock, latch member and striker pin are held together by the torsion springs and a series of detents on the latch-lock member and the latch member. A release bar is hingedly mounted to the latch assembly and moveable from a normal, closed, non-releasing position to an open, releasing position. Operation of the release bar forces a connecting means to actuate a trip lever, which in turn forces a latch-lock to rotate, sequentially disengaging the latch-lock detents from the latch member detents, thereby disengaging the latch member detent from the striker pin, allowing the window to open.

Abstract: An emergency release latch mechanism for a hinged cover of a hatchway construction, wherein the cover is heavily spring biased to open position but is normally restrained in closed position by the latch mechanism. The mechanism includes an emergency-actuated release member such as a low-temperature fusible metal link which, through a release mechanism which reduces the tensile load on the link, retains a latching dog in engagement with a shackle pin on the cover but assures positive disengagement therefrom to release the cover to open position in the event of actuation of the emergency-actuated release member. The latch mechanism is typically positioned at the center of the hatch but the release member and emergency-actuated release members are disposed near a wall of the hatch so that the latch mechanism may easily be set or reset by a person at the periphery of the hatch by securing a cable connecting the latch mechanism and release mechanism.

Abstract: A window guard (10) is shown for mounting in or on a window to protect children and objects from falling out. The window guard (10) has a pair of mounting brackets (12), (14) for mounting to the window. End caps (36), (38) are interconnected to a first wire subassembly (32) and second wire subassembly (34) respectively. The end caps (36), (38) are removeably attached to the first and second mounting brackets (12),(14). The first wire subassembly (32) and second wire subassembly (34) are slideably interconnected allowing the window guard (10) to fit many different sized openings. At least one emergency release button (60) mounted on the first mounting bracket (12) and engaging the end cap (36) allows for disassembly of the window guard (10) in emergency exit situations.

Abstract: A training device, for mounting to a standard door having a cutout at middle height, the door mounted in a door frame having a strike plate at middle height. A sliding box is mounted in the cutout for slidable motion toward and away from the strike plate. At least one spring is mounted between the sliding box and the cutout for biasing the sliding box toward the strike plate. The spring is selected to resist compression and thus motion of the sliding box away from the strike plate. The amount of resistance that the spring provides is equivalent to the amount of resistance presented by a doorknob and locking assembly on standard doors. Thus, a crowbar-like tool may be used to pry the sliding box away from the strike plate to open the door and simulate the force and action necessary to pry open any standard door.

Abstract: A removable security bar apparatus for preventing ingress to a building opening such as a window or door. The apparatus includes a grille and moveable latch remote from the opening. The apparatus may be quickly removed from the opening and used as a ladder to exit the building through the opening in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: A basement emergency exit assembly has a ladder for exiting from a basement window. The window is held within tracks mounted at the interior of the window frame. By moving the bottom of the ladder away from the wall, the window is permitted to slide down the track out of its frame and the ladder is positioned at an angle for easy egress. The window can either fall directly into a pocket within a wall, or, the tracks can be swung out as the ladder is moved thereby pulling the window out of frame and causing it to slide along the tracks until it is clear of the window opening.

Abstract: A ventilating window for ventilating the interior of a building or a structure such as a vehicle in a natural and gentle manner. A ventilating window for the exhaust of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically opening a window casement when the atmospheric pressure inside the window is higher than the outside atmospheric pressure, thereby dispensing with forced exhaust using a fan or the like. A ventilating window for the supply of air is provided with a mechanism for automatically closing a window casement when the atmospheric pressure outside the window is higher than the inside atmospheric pressure, thereby preventing a strong wind from blowing into the interior. A ventilating window for both exhaust and supply of air is provided with both such opening mechanism and closing mechanism.

Abstract: An emergency escape window provides a large unobstructed opening for escape from a room during an emergency. The window unit includes a window frame for positioning in a window opening in a wall and fastening to the wall. The window unit has window lights contained in a jamb which fits inside the frame. A hinge is fastened to one frame member and the adjacent jamb member so that the jamb is pivotally movable relative to the frame between a closed position at which the jamb is flush with the frame and an open position at which the jamb is displaced from the frame. Vertical frame and jamb members opposite the hinge are tapered to prevent binding during opening and closing. A locking mechanism is attached to the jamb to lock the jamb and frame in the closed position. Operating the locking mechanism causes the jamb to swing away from the frame like a door to provide an opening for escape.

Abstract: A window propelling system for rapidly opening a window or door. The window propelling system is designed for installation with existing units and preferably includes a lift assembly, a cylinder assembly, a hammer assembly, a firing assembly and a secondary triggering assembly. The lift assembly includes a lift cable attached at opposite ends to the window or door. The cylinder assembly includes a piston cable which drives the lift cable during emergency opening. The cylinder assembly, in turn, is actuated by the firing assembly in response to operation of the hammer assembly. The hammer assembly is released by either an interior trigger or the secondary trigger assembly.

Abstract: An opening and closing device for a vehicle sliding door slidably attached to a vehicle body.

Abstract: An emergency egress system (10) for facilitating emergency egress of passengers/crewmembers from an aircraft (4), which egress system (10) includes an egress panel (12), a panel frame (14) disposed about the egress panel (12) and a weather strip (16) defining back-to-back channels (18) for accepting the peripheral edges (12.sub.E, 14.sub.E) of the egress panel (12) and the panel frame (14). Furthermore, the emergency egress system (10) includes a plurality of retention devices (30) disposed about the periphery of the egress panel (12) for laterally retaining the egress panel (12) with respect to the panel frame (14) in a normal operating mode, a cam (80) operative to forcibly urge a portion of the weather strip (16) out of engagement with one of the peripheral edges (12.sub.E, 14.sub.E) and an actuation device (50) operative to sequentially disengage at least one of the retention devices (30) and actuate the cam (80) in an emergency operating mode.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle window-opening device for quickly opening a vehicle window manually or automatically. If the vehicle should fall into a sea or river, the window-opening device prevents the passengers from being confined within the vehicle. If the vehicle is fitted with an air bag system, any secondary accident can be prevented. More specifically, there is provided a device for opening a window mounted in a door of a vehicle having a window-driving mechanism for causing the window to slide up or down, the device comprising a gas source, a gas-ejecting mechanism for ejecting the gas of the gas source manually or automatically, and an actuator actuated by an ejected gas from the gas-ejecting mechanism. Wherein a driving force of the actuator is transmitted to the window-driving mechanism, thus driving the window open.

Abstract: A window assembly has a latch assembly of enhanced strength. The latch assembly is mounted to the frame of the window assembly. A latch member is biased by a torsion spring towards a non-latching position, a latch-lock member is biased by a second torsion spring towards a non-locking position. The latch member engages a striker pin mounted to a base wall to secure the window in its normal, closed position. The latch-lock, latch member and striker pin are held together by the torsion springs and a series of detents on the latch-lock member and the latch member. A release bar is hingedly mounted to the latch assembly and moveable from a normal, closed, non-releasing position to an open, releasing position. Operation of the release bar forces a connection to actuate a trip lever, which in turn forces a latch-lock to rotate, sequentially disengaging the latch-lock detents from the latch member detents, thereby disengaging the latch member detent from the striker pin, allowing the window to open.

Abstract: A window propelling system for rapidly opening a window or door. The window propelling system is designed for installation with existing units and preferably includes a lift assembly, a cylinder assembly, a hammer assembly, a firing assembly and a secondary triggering assembly. The lift assembly includes a lift cable attached at opposite ends to the window or door. The cylinder assembly includes a piston cable which drives the lift cable during emergency opening. The cylinder assembly, in turn, is actuated by the firing assembly in response to operation of the hammer assembly. The hammer assembly is released by either an interior trigger or the secondary trigger assembly.