Abstract: A vehicle (e.g., a class-2 vehicle) with an improved cab door is disclosed. The vehicle can have a vertical plane that bisects the vehicle into a driver's side and an opposed side. The vehicle can comprise a chassis and a body supported by the chassis. The body can define a cab. The cab can define an opening configured to provide operator access to the cab. The cab door can be configured to travel about and between an open position and a closed position along a linear axis. In the closed position, the cab door can at least partially cover the opening of the cab. The linear axis can form an acute angle with the vertical plane that bisects the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle door adjustment unit for a motor vehicle sliding door, having a deflection device for deflecting a rope for automatically opening and/or closing the motor vehicle sliding door. The vehicle door adjustment unit comprises the rope and a first deflection roller and a second deflection roller, in particular having a U-shaped or V-shaped rope receiving profile, wherein a first deflection axis of the first deflection roller and a second deflection axis of the second deflection roller are substantially oriented perpendicular to one another.

Abstract: A health status assessment method and system for a transport vehicle automatic or semi-automatic access device is disclosed. The health status assessment system has at least one leaf actuated by a kinematic chain including at least one motor having an associated angular position or rotation speed encoder and at least one switch. The health status assessment method includes steps for analyzing at least one actuating cycle of the kinematic chain between a first and a second position wherein, during one said cycle, information is acquired representative of the electrical energy consumed by the motor, or position or speed information provided by said encoder or binary information indicating positions of switches. The method further includes dividing said cycle into a plurality of functional segments based on said acquired information, calculating at least one descriptor value, and then establishing a health status diagnosis of the health status assessment system.

Abstract: A sliding door mounting system for a vehicle includes a center track configured to support a sliding door between open and closed positions. The center track member includes a first zone and a second zone with a first bend disposed therebetween at a first angle. The center track member further includes a third zone and a second bend disposed between the second zone and the third zone at a second angle. A support part includes first and second zones and a portion of the center track member is coupled to an outer surface of the support part. The first zone of the support part includes a first thickness, and the second zone of the support part includes a second thickness. The second thickness of the second zone increases from a first end to a second end thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for determining vehicle component conditions are provided. A function that maps features to door conditions is stored. Motor current measurements are obtained for a door over a predetermined time period. The features of the motor current measurements are determined based on the stored function. The features are then analyzed by mapping the features to one or more door conditions via a predetermined function. At least one condition of the door is determined based on the analyzed features.

Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus includes a rail module including: a rail member extending along a front-and-rear direction; a drive device mounted on the rail member; and a supporting member coupled to a closing cable a part of which is wound around the rotating drum and that is hung on a closing inversion member and an opening cable a part of which is wound around the rotating drum and that is hung on an opening inversion member. The rail module is provided with the drive device fastened to an outside of a vehicle body such that a part of the drive device goes inside the vehicle body through an opening provided on the vehicle body. An outer diameter of the rotating drum of the drive device is made smaller than a maximum diameter of a deceleration mechanism for making the rotating drum rotate forward and backward.

Abstract: A bathtub has a doorway in a sidewall thereof. A door is slidably mounted to guides on guide followers mounted to both the door and the guides. The guide followers carry the door along a substantially horizontal translation along the sidewall between open and closed positions. A releasable latch and cooperating latch actuator is mounted to the door for releasable latching engagement of the door when in a watertight sealed engagement in the doorway, and for releasing the door from such engagement upon actuation by a user of the latch actuator into its release position. A passive hydrostatic seal is mounted so as to be sandwiched between the door and the doorway doorframe when the door is closed.

Abstract: A vehicle door structure 1 includes a lock mechanism 40. The lock mechanism 40 includes a portion to be locked 50 provided to a guided body 18, a first locking portion 60 arranged at a position that corresponds to the portion to be locked 50 when the slide door 6 is in the fully closed position, and a second locking portion 70 arranged at a position that corresponds to the portion to be locked 50 when the slide door 6 is in the fully open position. The portion to be locked 50, in the fully closed position or the fully open position, protrudes toward the first locking portion 60 or the second locking portion 70 and is locked by the first locking portion 60 or the second locking portion 70. The second locking portion 70 protrudes toward the portion to be locked 50 when the swing door 70 is opened.

Abstract: Provided is a vehicle door structure that enables manufacturing cost reduction and weight reduction. A vehicle door structure 1 includes a lock mechanism 40. The lock mechanism 40 locks sliding of a slide door 6 in a fully closed position in which the slide door 6 closes a door opening portion 4 and in a fully open position in which the slide door 6 fully opens the door opening portion 4. The lock mechanism 40 includes the portion to be locked 50 provided to the guided body 18 and the locking portions 60 and 70 provided to the slide rail 17. The portion to be locked 50 protrudes toward the locking portions 60 and 70 and is locked by the locking portions 60 and 70 in the fully closed position or the fully open position.

Abstract: A method of fitting a power closure member to a vehicle includes the steps of: (a) detecting, by current sensor, current drawn by a closure member actuator when the closure member is closed and a latch contacts a striker of a lock assembly for the closure member and (b) comparing, by computing device, a detected current to a predetermined current range representative of desired mechanical interference between the latch and the striker.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for moving an element, such as a sliding door (1), is disclosed. In the movement a first end of the element is first turned outwards, a second opposite end is then turned out placing the element in parallel with the original location of the element. The element is then displaced by extending a pull-out guide (4). The mechanism comprises a housing (2), the pull-out guide rail (4), a lock-and-release mechanism (19) and at least two lever arms (8, 11, 14, 16, 27, 30, 33, 39, 42). One end of a first lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) and the opposite end of said lever arm (8, 27, 39) is received in a pivoting point (9, 28, 40) at the housing (2). The pivoting point (10, 29, 41) at the pull-out guide rail (4) is placed at a first end of the pull-out guide rail (4).

Abstract: An assistant ceiling device designed to shield an escape hatch installed to a ceiling of an elevator cab is provided. The assistant ceiling device includes two elongated rail guides and a rectangular assistant ceiling plate. Each guide is installed at either side of the emergency escape hatch and has a length longer than that of the emergency escape hatch and shorter than that of the ceiling of the elevator cab. The assistant ceiling plate is laid on the rail guides to shield the emergency escape hatch. Each guide has a latching jaw so as to allow the assistant ceiling plate to be installed to the rail guides by laying both sides of the ceiling plate on the latching jaws.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly has at least one sliding pane mounted for travel along a travel path between a closed position in a first plane and an open position in an offset second plane substantially parallel to the first plane. The window assembly has travel guide apparatus for guiding its movement along the travel path between the open and closed positions. The travel guide apparatus includes a track defining an elongate slot corresponding to the travel path, a fixed guide surface having a fixed position relative to the track, e.g., a pivot pin, and components cooperatively operative as a cam and slide movement for guiding travel of the sliding pane between its open and closed positions. Typically, for generally rectilinear sliding panes, a track, guide surface and cam and slide movement are provided for each corner of the sliding pane.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system (26) for an automated processor (A) delivers washing, microbial decontaminant, and rinse fluids to spray nozzles (102, 104, 106, 108, 110) in a chamber (12) for sequentially spraying the fluids over a lumened device (B), such as an endoscope. The fluid delivery system also delivers the fluids to connection ports (150, 152, 154) which connect with internal passages (187) of the device for delivering the fluids thereto. Leaking connectors (184) connect the automated processor connection ports with inlet ports (196) of the device and allow a portion of the washing, decontaminant, and rinsing solutions to leak from each inlet port. A computer control system (80) controls cleaning, decontamination, rinsing, and drying stages of a cycle, which are all carried out within the chamber, obviating the need for human contact with the device during processing.

Abstract: A device for supporting and guiding the movement, in both a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, of a sliding panel in a frame structure by using guide tracks and vertically adjustable guide castors. The vertical position of the sliding panel is adjustable with the aid of a bogie-based carrying wheel mechanism. A locking mechanism with a specially designed striking plate assists longitudinal and sideways movement of the sliding panel into a locking position for locking of the sliding panel.

Abstract: A slidable contoured side door of an automotive vehicle equipped with a guidance structure that permits full travel of the door without adversely affecting door stability. The guidance structure may include a carriage movable along a relatively short track at the door lower edge and a stabilizer arm having limited sliding motion relative to the door. The relative sliding motion enables the contoured door to be out of registry with the door opening when the door is in the fully open position. This enables the door opening to be unobstructed so that passengers or cargo can more easily pass through the door opening.

Abstract: A sliding door arrangement for use on a box car, the box car having a main body and an opening on one side of the body. The sliding door arrangement comprises a rail system on the body at the opening, the rail system has a top rail and a bottom rail horizontally orientated and located at a top side and a bottom side respectively of the opening, a housing defining the door which is arranged to close upon the opening, a rail assembly coupled to the housing and connected to the rail system at a top side and a bottom side of the housing respectively such that the housing is slidably moved in a generally horizontal direction on the rail system for opening and closing the opening, a rigid frame within the housing for providing structure to the housing and a securing mechanism which is arranged to pull the door inward towards the opening for engagement thereon.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: A power drive moves a movable closure along a fixed path between an open and a closed position with respect to a portal defining a passage through a barrier. The power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor operable when actuated to selectively drive the door in opening or closing movement. A bracket is connected to the door for movement with respect to a guide connected to the side wall of the vehicle. The bracket is guided within the guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. The elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the drive member and connected bracket with respect to the guide along the fixed path.

Abstract: An air conditioner, and more particularly to a discharge outlet opening and closing apparatus of an air conditioner for preventing foreign objects and the like from entering thereinto through a discharge outlet when the air conditioner is stopped of its operation, the apparatus adapted to be mounted with an open/close door for preventing foreign objects and the like from being infused through a discharge outlet opened at a front panel thereof at a predetermined size when the air conditioner is stopped of its operation, wherein the door is so disposed at the rear of the front panel for vertical movement as to rise up to an upper end of the discharge outlet according to a driving source and to move forward according to a second movement for closure of the discharge outlet and to thereby maintain a same flat surface as that of the front panel.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an air inlet and an air outlet. A door is movable vertically to open and close the air outlet. The door is guided for movement in guide slots which are configured to cause either a lower portion of the door, or the entire door, to move horizontally toward the air outlet during the closing operation. A spring may be provided to bias the closed door against the air outlet.

Abstract: A window structure has a door which slides substantially parallel to a wall to open and close a window therein and hides parallel to and behind the wall when the window is opened. Guide pins protrude upward and downward from the door, and elongated slots are formed in guide plates attached to the wall so as to serve as passageways for the guide pins to travel therein and therealong as the door is slidably moved between open and closed positions. A biasing member such as a cantilevered plate spring is provided to keep the window closed with its biasing force once it is closed and to prevent it from closing when the door is in open position.

Abstract: A single sliding sash in which a sliding door, which is positioned on the internal side of a fixed section when open and which closes an open section when closed, is fixed to a window frame. This window frame has the fixed section on one side thereof and the open section on the other side. Upper guide rails are provided on a head. The sliding door is supported, with the aid of sliding door support pieces, by a pair of sash pulleys, which travel along the upper guide rails so as to change the position of the sliding door in the direction of the shash pulleys. A bend space is provided close to a door front edge hard frame of the upper guide rails. One end of the bend space communicates with a guide space which is provided between the guide rails, whereas the other end of the bend space is arranged on the external side of the guide space.

Abstract: An obstruction detecting reversing apparatus is disclosed for a motor driven device, such as a powered vehicle door or window system, wherein the device undergoes varying loads, and consequently varying current draws, during normal operation. In order to accurately detect the presence of an obstruction, in light of such normally varying currents, the apparatus circuit logic monitors instantaneous motor current and compares it with the time average of motor current over a very short preceding time interval, which "tracks" normal current draw in order to sense an obstruction-caused rise in motor current at virtually any stage of the door closing operation, and thus also accommodates normal changes in current draw caused by different gravity effects when the device is oriented in different grade-caused orientations.

Abstract: An improved cable spool arrangement is disclosed for use in powered vehicle door operating systems, or in other cable-actuated devices, having one or more actuating cables. In one form of the invention, a groove, or other open channel-like opening, is formed along a generally helical path on the cable spool, and preferably has a varying groove depth along at least a portion of the helical path in order to take up or pay out at least a portion of a cable at a correspondingly varying rate with respect to cable spool rotation and thus cause movement of a door or other movable member at a correspondingly varying rate with respect to cable spool rotation. A second, constant depth portion of the helical groove can also be provided for generally constant take-up or pay-out of a cable onto or from the constant-depth portion of the helical groove. Such varying radius groove arrangement can be used both in high displacement/low force cable movements and in low displacement/high force cable movements.

Abstract: A window panel position regulating means for a vehicle door which will accommodate a doubly irregularly curved window panel and will guide the window panel through the slot at the belt line of the door in such a manner that the width of the belt line slot can be maintained at absolute minimum so as to improve the oveall appearance of the door assembly and the functional rigidity of the assembly. The regulating assembly includes a pair of guide channel members mounted within the door panel cavity at the front edge of the door and a third guide channel member mounted within the door panel cavity at the rear edge of the door. Guide follower members are mounted to the window and guided within the respective guide channel members to thereby guide the window through the belt line slot.

Abstract: An improved cable spool arrangement is disclosed for use in powered vehicle door operating systems, or in other cable-actuated devices, having one or more actuating cables. In one form of the invention, a groove, or other open channel-like opening, is formed along a generally helical path on the cable spool, and preferably has a varying groove depth along at least a portion of the helical path in order to take up or pay out at least a portion of a cable at a correspondingly varying rate with respect to cable spool rotation and thus cause movement of a door or other movable member at a correspondingly varying rate with respect to cable spool rotation. A second, constant depth portion of the helical groove can also be optionally provided for generally constant take-up or pay-out of a cable onto or from the constant-depth portion of the helical groove.

Abstract: An improved closing device is disclosed for use in powered vehicle door operating systems, or in other closure member operating devices, either manual or powered. In one preferred form of the invention a rotatable member includes cam or recessed surfaces thereon for causing a plunger to move between two positions as the rotatable member is rotated. The plunger includes a magnet thereon for magnetically actuating or deactuating a preferred magnetically actuated reed switch in order to control the rotation of the movable member.

Abstract: The sealing and guide device of the invention is characterized by the fact that, when the panel 7 is in its position for closing the opening 2, the sliding level determined between the slideways 3 and the skids 8 is lower than the level of the panel 7, so that there is a natural water flow slope (arrow A) extending sideways taking the water away from the gasket 12, which is compressed by the panel 7, said gasket being higher than the bodywork 1 around the opening 2 by virtue of the slidiing level being offset relative to the panel 7.

Abstract: A windowpane guide structure in an automobile door assembly includes a windowpane drive mechanism for driving a windowpane up and down between closed and open positions, at least one guide rail member housed completely within the windowpane chamber defined between outer and inner door panels of the door assembly, and a slide member operatively interconnecting the windowpane and the guide rail member. The guide rail member is stationarily supported by the door assembly so as to extend substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the windowpane and is shaped and curved to permit the lower edge of the windowpane during the movement of the windowpane from the closed position towards the open position to progressively move generally straight downwards, slightly deflect towards the inner door panel and then deflect towards the outer door panel before the windowpane reaches the open position, i.e. to travel in a generally S-shaped trajectory.

Abstract: A door operator for a slide door that is slidingly supported relative to a door opening in a side panel of a vehicle body is disclosed. The door is supported adjacent its forward end on at least one forward guide member and is supported adjacent its rear end on a rear guide member. The guide members guide the door through (i) an initial closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (ii) a final closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (iii) at least a portion of its final closing movement generally toward the plane of the door opening, and (iv) at least a portion of its initial opening movement generally away from the plane of the door opening. The door operator comprises means including a cable member coupled to the rear end of the door for driving the door along the guide members to thereby move the door through its initial and final opening and closing movements.

Abstract: The apparatus enables a door to be moved into, out of and across an opening in a structure. A motor vehicle has upper, lower and intermediate guides 1, 7, 12 by which a door 6 is suspended and guided for movement by way of guide members 5', 8, 15 engaged with the guides. Curves 1', 7' at the front of guides 1, 7 guide the door into the opening. A door plate 14 and arm 16 constitute a hinge and the arm 12 is pivoted to the intermediate guide member 15. When the door is in the opening the arm 16 prevents downward pivoting of a carrier 19 on the intermediate guide member 15 whereby a roller 21 on the carrier is engaged with an abutment end 22 of the intermediate guide 12, preventing the intermediate guide member 15 engaged with it from sliding rearwardly along that guide 12. Initially, during opening, the curves of the upper and lower guides 1, 7 and the hinge 14, 16 cause movement of the door laterally out of the opening and to the rear.

Abstract: A door operator for a slide door that is slidingly supported relative to a door opening in a side panel of a vehicle body is disclosed. The door is supported adjacent its forward end on at least one forward guide member and is supported adjacent its rear end on a rear guide member. The guide members guide the door through (i) an initial closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (ii) a final closing movement generally parallel to the side panel, (iii) at least a portion of its final closing movement generally toward the plane of the door opening, and (iv) at least a portion of its initial opening movement generally away from the plane of the door opening. The door operator comprises means including a first cable member coupled to the rear end of the door and a second cable member coupled to the forward end of the door for driving the door along the guide members to thereby move the door through its initial and final opening and closing movements.

Abstract: A window guide arrangement for a door assembly of an automotive vehicle has a pair of one piece guide tracks and a pair of guides having spaced guide pins secured to a movable window and cooperatively received on the tracks and in which the guide tracks and guides are constructed and arranged such that they guide the window so that its inner side engages a seal and so that its top and lower ends are moved inwardly against the seal and outwardly of the door, respectively, when the window approaches its closed position so that its exterior is substantially flush at all sides with the adjacent exterior surfaces of the vehicle and door assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle body has a door opening. A door has a front edge and a rear edge. The door is slidable relative to the vehicle body and is able to close and unblock the door opening. A device serves to releasably lock the door rear edge to the vehicle body when the door is in its closed position. Another device serves to releasably lock the door front edge to the vehicle body when the door is in its closed position.

Abstract: A swingable sliding door for a vehicle, comprising a guide assembly on the top of the door traveling in a guide rail arranged above the door, the guide assembly comprising a swing arm pivotally attached to the door and including an arcuate, reversely bent portion connected rigidly to a roller assembly which travels in the guide rail. The bent portion of the swing arm straddles an end post of the door opening when the door is in open position to maximize the access opening when the door is fully opened.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a door closing apparatus for use primarily with a railway car including a side wall, a door opening formed in the side wall, an upper rail on the wall adjacent the upper portion of the opening and a lower rail on the side wall adjacent the lower portion of the opening, and a door mounted for movement on the rails and movable between open and closed positions relative to the opening. The apparatus comprises lower rollers adjacent the bottom of the door for supporting the door on the lower rail, and upper rollers adjacent the top of the door for engagement with the upper rail, the rails having curved portions enabling the door to be pushed into the opening. A handle bar is pivotably mounted on the door and a lock shaft is movably mounted on the door and linked to the handle. A strike is mounted on the side wall adjacent the lock shaft when said door is in said closed position, and pivotal movement of the handle bar causes the lock shaft to move into the strike.

Abstract: A device for suspending and guiding an oblique-displacement sliding door, especially for railroad cars, comprises a rolling element which is attached to the door by means of a connecting member (4) and comprises two rollers (Gs, Gi) mounted within a tubular guide track (6). The rolling surfaces (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the guide track (6) are located in oppositely-facing relation on each side of the connecting member (4) and at an oblique angle with respect to this latter. The profiles of the two rolling surfaces and of the two rollers are adapted to each other so as to prevent translational displacement of the rolling element (2) in a plane transverse to the guide track (6).

Abstract: A manure handling unit comprising a manure holding tank having an inlet and an outlet and a conduit section leading from the outlet. An inlet valve is provided within the tank for closing the inlet. An operating device within the tank operates the inlet valve. The unit also has an outlet valve within a sleeve extending between the conduit and the tank. An operating device in the tank operates the outlet valve in the sleeve to close or open the conduit.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for sliding doors provided on the passenger side of conventional panel-type trucks, commonly called vans, is intended to be either installed in the vehicle at the time of its original manufacture, or installed at any later time, without substantial modification of the vehicle. A winch assembly (44) including two separate winding drums (74, 86) on a common shaft (87) and driven by the shaft through springs (162, 174) and a positive driver (170), is mounted over the rear wheel well of such a vehicle. A guide assembly (50) including a pulley (54) and a pivoting guide member (62) is installed in an aperture cut in the door frame. A single pulley (56) is installed at the lower rear corner of the door opening, and a guide tube (58) is installed in the door. A flexible cable (52) is connected to an arm added to the latch operating mechanism, and extends through the guide tube (58), around the pulley (56), through the guiding assembly (50) to the winch assembly (44), for opening the door.

Abstract: A drive system for a movable closure member movable along rail sets carried on opposed sides of the frame of a structure includes a rail set on each side of at least one pair of opposed sides of the frame. Each rail set includes first and second laterally offset toothed sections. Each first section includes a horizontal segment and an inclined segment whereas each second segment includes a vertical segment and an inclined segment which has at least a portion thereof in juxtaposed side-by-side relation with the inclined segment of the first section. An electric motor has a drive shaft that extends transversely of the rail sets and carries a first gear wheel coaxially therewith at each end. Each first gear wheel carries a second and smaller gear wheel eccentrically thereon. The first and second gear wheels have a common point of tangency.

Abstract: An elongate guide track having at least one elongate ridge portion is fixed to a side wall of a vehicle in such a manner that the ridge portion extends substantially horizontally and projects upwardly. A vertical roller and at least one horizontal roller are rotatably connected to an end of the door through a pivotable bracket member. The vertical roller is formed at its peripheral wall with an annular groove so as to slidably receive therein the elongate ridge portion.