Abstract: A side sliding door device is provided for a vehicle that opens and closes an entrance on a side of the vehicle by a sliding door movably supported on a horizontal door rail. The sliding door device includes an automatic locking mechanism that is interlocked with a closing operation of the sliding door, and locks the sliding door in a closed state, and a manual locking mechanism that locks the sliding door in the closed state by a manual operation. The automatic locking mechanism and the manual locking mechanism are secured on a common base plate on a vehicle body and integrated into one unit, so that the manual locking mechanism prevents an unlocking operation of the automatic locking mechanism in a locked state and holds the sliding door in the locked state.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a cable inserted through a flexible tube, in which the flexible tube is fixed at one end to a stationary member, and the cable is connected to a movable member relative to the stationary member. The tensioning device includes a socket fixed to the stationary member, a plug provided on the other end of the flexible tube, a resilient member and locking means. The socket has a space therein. In the space, the plug supports the flexible tube so as to be movable in an axial direction of the cable, and the resilient member presses the plug toward the end of the space of the socket. The locking means fastens the plug in a position where the resilient member is compressed.

Abstract: A closing device for doors, hatches, and similar closures of motor vehicles is provided which includes an electric motor as the drive device and a transmission device for transmitting a driving force to a sliding block of the closing device. The transmission device is a compression/tension cable which controls the opening and closing process of the closing device via the linear motion of the sliding block of a lock. The position of the sliding block controls the opening and closing state of the lock relative to a closing lever and a locking lever which are pivotally supported spaced apart from one another.

Abstract: A common drive system drives a multiple of drive systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the selector assembly to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between a multiple of gear trains to drive the particular drive system.

Abstract: The door apparatus has a linear motor for applying a thrust to move a door, a lock device for performing a locking operation and an unlocking operation, and a control unit for controlling the linear motor and the lock device. Upon determining that the lock device is still in a locked state after a set time has elapsed from initiation of the unlocking operation, the control unit controls the linear motor to apply a thrust force to the door while again controlling the lock device to perform the unlocking operation. As a result, even when the locking pin and the lock hole are misaligned to such an extent as to interfere with the unlocking operation, the unlocking operation can be performed without an increase in a thrust output by a solenoid of the lock device, the solenoid can be prevented from overheating and the size and weight of the solenoid can be reduced.

Abstract: A fully automatic hinged residential door system is described suitable for quadriplegics, or other persons confined to wheelchairs. A wireless command operated through a hand held or mounted transmitter instigates a series of operations which unlocks the entry way, turns on appropriate lights, opens the door through at least ninety degrees, allows entry or egress, and responds to close commands in manual or automatic mode. The door is fail safe and can be operated automatically during power outages. A means of manual key or code operation is maintained. The system comprises a low voltage power supply, an opening device comprising electric motors, light controlling apparatus, a locking and unlocking device, force limiting hardware, and a movable door sill. The unit is compatible with all existing hinged door openings and can be retrofitted, or used as part of new construction.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an opening and closing device for opening and closing the vehicle door. A hook mechanism holds the door in an open condition, an electric releasing actuator is operatively connected to the hook mechanism to unhook the hook mechanism for permitting the door to be moved in the closing direction, an electric driving device is adapted to move the door in the closing direction, and an operation device generates a signal for directing that the door be moved in the closing direction. In addition, a control device controls the operation of the electric releasing actuator based upon the signal from the operation device, and controls the electric driving device to initiate driving operation of the electric driving device after initiation of the operation of the electric releasing actuator.

Abstract: A door lock for at least one door panel mounted on a door operator attached to a transit vehicle. Such door operator includes a door drive. The door lock having a lock shaft mounted on the operator of such door panel. The lock shaft is oriented in a direction disposed substantially parallel to an opening direction and a closing direction of such at least one door panel. At least one primary lock device connected to such lock shaft, the primary lock device engageable with such door drive for preventing motion thereof. At least one secondary lock device connected to such lock shaft. The secondary lock device engageable with at least one of such door panel and a hanger for such door panel for preventing movement thereof. At least one lock cam mounted on the hanger for engaging such lock shaft for rotating the lock shaft from an unlocking position to a locking position when such at least one door panel is moved in such door closing direction to a closed position of such at least one door panel.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of an electric motor driven door or gate operator unit having a speed reducing gear drive mechanism and a brake unit for positive braking of the motor output shaft. A programmable microcontroller is operably connected to a motor drive circuit with interlock relays to energize the drive motor for rotation in opposite directions. The motor drive circuit is interconnected with a motor watchdog circuit to effect motor shutdown if the microcontroller malfunctions and a brake release circuit to prevent motor operation unless the brake is energized. The microcontroller is operable to store door mid-stop time delay values, braking rates, a door position limit overrun signal, a door cycle count, door reversals upon receiving an obstruction detector signal and error codes associated with door operator and control system malfunctions. The brake may be controlled on a variable duty cycle to provide smooth braking action in both directions of movement of the door.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door apparatus includes a movable slide door, inside and outside door handles operable to initiate opening and closing movement of the door, a drive device that assists the slide door movement, and a remote control device that includes a door lock device and a switch. An open lever is operatively associated with the inside door handle to transmit operation of the inside door handle to the lock device, and a child-proof lever is operable to prevent operation of the inside door handle from being transmitted to the open lever. The switch is engageable by the open lever and is operatively associated with the drive device such that operation of the inside door handle produces selective actuation and non-actuation of the switch depending upon the position of the child-proof lever, with the actuation of the switch effecting driving operation of the drive device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motorized locking device for a door intended in particular for a rail vehicle, with at least one leaf. The device includes a tilting-body motor intended to be mounted on the vehicle. The axis of the motor is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of movement of the leaf.

Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a pair of engageable parts one of which is movable between a pair of end positions and through an intermediate position and a pair of end-position sensors and an intermediate position sensor operable when the parts reach the respective positions. A drive engages at least one of the parts for displacing the parts from one end position through the intermediate position into the other end position. A controller operates the drive to displace the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position only when travel of the parts from the one end position to the intermediate position takes place in less than a predetermined first time and displaces the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position only when travel of the parts from the intermediate position to the other end position takes place in less than a predetermined second time different from the first time.

Abstract: A locking controller mounted inside a sliding door. The locking controller is operated in connection with an inner handle resiliently returned to a neutral position when being turned in a door opening direction or in a door closing direction. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door opening direction in the state that the sliding door is closed, the inner handle is turned in the door opening direction from the neutral position to release a door-close maintaining mechanism. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door closing direction in the state that the sliding door is open, the inner handle is turned in the door closing direction from the neutral position to release a door-open maintaining mechanism. Therefore, a simple operation that the inner handle is turned in one direction makes the opening or shutting of the sliding door possible.

Abstract: An operating assembly for a casement window includes a folding crank handle and cover assembly that are located on the exterior surface of a trim piece on the sill of the window frame. The crank handle is attached to the drive shaft of the operator of the assembly in such a way that the handle may be folded down into a low-profile position in which the knob of the handle projects into a receiving pocket in the cover. An integral flap on the handle extending beyond the knob covers the pocket when the knob is received therein. Internal detent projections within the pocket yieldably retain the knob so as to provide for snap fit reception of the folded handle into its home position. Finger depressions in sidewalls of the cover on opposite sides of the pocket facilitate gripping of the edges of the handle for unfolding.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically actuating and securing a door has been shown and described. The automatic door system non-destructively retrofits a conventional door to allow actuation of the door. The automatic door system integrates a lock mechanism and a door actuation mechanism. The automatic door system allows hands-free operation and is suitable for use with pets or humans. The automatic door system controls the arc of the door swing and duration that the door remains open based upon the requestor activating the automatic door system. The automatic door system provides additional security over traditional mechanical locks. Further, the automatic door system allows access profiles to be customized to the requestor.

Abstract: An automatic opening/closing device of a vehicular opening/closing body, which gradually increases a duty until a rotary pulse cycle is definitely decided at a stage before a jamming determining time comes, thus making it possible to move a backdoor even if a resistance due to self-weight of the backdoor is generated and to prevent a malfunction in which the backdoor is halted or an operation thereof is inverted even under a state where the backdoor does not jam any foreign object.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power sliding door system having a power drive mechanism for propelling the sliding door and a power latching mechanism for latching the sliding door in a latched condition. The methodology provides enhanced monitoring and control of the power sliding door system to improve the operation of the sliding door in both the power-assisted and manual modes. The control methodology inhibits the operation of the power sliding door system in response to the actuation of any of the sliding door handles or if a fuel door is in the path of the sliding door. The control methodology also inhibits the operation of the sliding door system if a child guard mechanism is enabled. The control methodology includes an obstacle detection routine which detects obstacles in two directions of travel. The control methodology does not require the power drive mechanism or inertia to cause the latch mechanism to latch the sliding door in the latched condition.

Abstract: The present application discloses a door kit for installation across an opening formed through the wall of a building. The door kit has a power-operated door latch and a power-operator door operator.

Abstract: In closure apparatus and method for an elongated lid of a compartment, the lid being pivotally supported on a wall defining the compartment via a pair of mutually spaced apart hinge arms, a control device controls each of a first driving device and an electromagnetic clutch to make a deformation of the lid to the compartment return to its original form in response to an output of the locked state detection signal from the detecting section. In the first embodiment, a rotation direction of a reversible motor is changed to a reverse direction which corresponds to an open direction of the lid to drive the lid toward the open direction in response to the output of the locked state detection signal.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (14) for enabling driving and manual movement of a sliding side door (12). The assembly (14) has a track assembly (16) mounted to a vehicle body (10) at a predetermined height and a drive mechanism (18) mounted to the sliding side door (12) so as to be proximate to a door latching mechanism (19). The drive mechanism (18) has an input drive motor (22) driving an output gear assembly (24) engaging the track assembly (16) and a transmission gear assembly (23) with a sliding gear (50) which selectively couples the input drive motor (22) and an input gear assembly (23) to the output gear assembly (24) between an engaged position for driving movement or disengaged position for manual movement of the sliding side door (12). In this way, the slide side door (12) may be moved manually between open and closed positions without having to overcome the effort required of rotating the drive motor (22).

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for opening and closing a sliding door. When an inner handle is pivoted in a door opening direction in a state wherein a sliding door is closed, as the inner handle is pivoted from a neutral position in the door opening direction, a door-closed-status holding mechanism is unlocked by a locking controller. Also, when the inner handle is pivoted in a door closing direction in a state wherein the sliding door is opened, as the inner handle is pivoted from the neutral position in the door closing direction, a door-opened-status holding mechanism is unlocked by the locking controller.

Abstract: An actuating system, comprising a base part and a moving part, which can be moved by a compressively preloaded piston/cylinder assembly that comprises a cylinder and a piston rod, wherein a piston on the piston rod divides the cylinder into two working chambers, wherein the base part has an externally powered drive device that stands in operative connection with the moving part and functions in opposition to the operating force of the piston/cylinder assembly, wherein a control system monitors the motion of the moving system and detects an obstacle when a parameter representing the motion deviates from a stored parameter by a threshold limit, wherein the actuating system in the unpowered state holds the moving part with the aid of a locking device, wherein the locking device is formed by a flow connection between the working chambers of the piston/cylinder assembly and a pilot valve for controllably blocking fluid flow through the flow connection.

Abstract: Vehicle door latch assembly includes power closing mechanism (FIG.1) for driving a latching claw 10 from an outer position at which it has engaged a coacting striker 14 for hold the related door at first-safety position to an inner position drawing the door to fully closed position, the claw being retained at either position by a conventional latching pawl 16 selectively releasable by unlatching means 20. The closing mechanism includes a drive pawl 24 pivoted on a powered drive lever 22 to turn the claw to the inner position, a disabling rocker 36 coupled to the arm latching means preventing engagement of the drive pawl when the latching pawl is disengaged so that release of the closed door is not obstructed.

Abstract: A door closing apparatus that is adapted to be disposed on a vehicle door having a door inner panel and an indoor trim includes a door lock mechanism having a latch, a pawl and a latch lever fixedly secured to a rotary shaft of the latch, a bracket adapted to be supported in a fixed relationship with respect to the door panel, and a passive lever rotatably supported by the bracket and provided with a free end portion adapted to contact the latch lever, and a drive source which rotates the passive lever. A shaft portion rotatably supports the passive lever with respect to the bracket, and a nut threadedly engages the shaft portion and is removable from the shaft portion, with the nut being positioned at a side of the bracket facing the indoor trim. In the event the latch lever is unable to rotate (e.g., due to disconnection of an electrical wire or motor malfunction), the indoor trim of the vehicle door can be partially peeled off and the nut removed to manually move the passive lever.

Abstract: Door operator for opening, closing and locking at least one door panel on a transit vehicle. It has at least one base portion for mounting on the vehicle and at least one fixed support member attached to the base portion(s) . It has door hanger(s) for attachment of the door panel(s) and moveable door support member(s) attached to the door hanger(s). The moveable door support member(s) engage the fixed support member(s) to support the door panel(s) while permitting opening and closing motions of the panel(s) . The operator includes at least one door drive having base mounted portion(s) and hanger mounted portion(s), the hanger mounted portion(s) engaging the base mounted portion(s) to be moved thereby to move the panel(s) in opening and closing direction(s).

Abstract: Apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body. An elongated rack is mounted in a housing for longitudinal movement. A rotatable pinion meshes with the rack to move the rack longitudinally in one direction or the other depending on the direction of rotation of the pinion. A reversible motor rotates the pinion in opposite directions. The deck lid is attached to a pair of arms pivoted to the vehicle body. A link has one end pivoted to the rack and the opposite end pivoted to one of the arms. The deck lid is moved to open position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in one direction or to closed position in response to longitudinal movement of the rack in the other direction.

Abstract: Door operator for opening, closing and locking at least one door panel on a transit vehicle. The door operator has at least one base portion for mounting on the vehicle and at least one fixed support member attached to the base portion. The door operator has door hangers for attachment of the door panel to the fixed support member and moveable door support members attached to the door hangers. The moveable door support members engage the fixed support member to support the door panel while permitting opening and closing motions of the panel. The operator includes at least one door drive having a base mounted portion and a hanger mounted portion engaging the base mounted portion to be moved thereby to move the panel in opening and closing directions.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power sliding door system having a power drive mechanism for propelling the sliding door and a power latching mechanism for latching the sliding door in a latched condition. The methodology provides enhanced monitoring and control of the power sliding door system to improve the operation of the sliding door in both the power-assisted and manual modes. The control methodology inhibits the operation of the power sliding door system in response to the actuation of any of the sliding door handles or if a fuel door is in the path of the sliding door. The control methodology also inhibits the operation of the sliding door system if a child guard mechanism is enabled. The control methodology includes an obstacle detection routine which detects obstacles in two directions of travel. The control methodology does not require the power drive mechanism or inertia to cause the latch mechanism to latch the sliding door in the latched condition.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door for a convertible having a door handle (2) with a handle part (5) which can be pivoted from its inoperative position into an actuating position in order to open the vehicle door (1), and having a window (13) which can be displaced by means of an electric window-opening motor (12) and when closed is sealed by a seal on the vehicle roof.

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 closure device, especially for vehicle doors, possesses a rotary latch interacting with a closure pin, a releasable ratchet for arresting the door, and a motor-driven shutting aid, which moves the door into the closed position. A problem from safety aspects is activating the shutting aid if fingers or articles are still located between the door and the bodywork. In order to reduce the risk of injury or damage, when the release mechanism is actuated, the force flow between the drive of the shutting aid and the door to be closed is simultaneously mechanically interrupted. As a result of this measure, the rotary latch is immediately released and the door springs open.

Abstract: A drive system includes a selector assembly that selectively operates both a window drive assembly and a lock module drive assembly. The selector assembly preferably includes a slidable shaft attached to first and second inputs. The shaft is mounted to slide in response to an actuator such as solenoid. When the first input is engaged with the output of a drive motor, the motor operates to lock and unlock the lock module drive assembly. When the second input is engaged with the output, the drive motor operates the window drive assembly to drive the window.

Abstract: A door control device is adapted to smoothly shift the mode of operation to the door closer operation at the time the door is being moved by pushing in the door closing condition, without requiring a large size motor and without the need for increasing the strength of the drive medium. The door control device includes a closer for shifting a slide door from the half door condition to the fully closed condition, and a clutch mechanism which is interposed in a power transmission system between the slide door and a motor for driving the slide door. If the slide door is electrically driven, a clutch of the clutch mechanism is rendered operational to move the slide door and the closer operation is started after the sliding operation.

Abstract: In a door lock unit of a vehicular door closure system, a closing lever and the outer periphery of a latching plate are disposed on substantially the same plane, the closing lever being provided in the vertical direction passes the upper part of the latching plate and is then bent downward, and corresponding parts of the closing lever and the wire being in the vertical direction, so that the amount of space required by the door lock unit within a door is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a locking controller mounted inside a sliding door. The locking controller is operated in connection with an inner handle resiliently returned to a neutral position when being turned into a door opening direction or into a door closing direction. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door opening direction in the state that the sliding door is closed, the inner handle is turned into the door opening direction from the neutral position to release a door-close maintaining means. If the inner handle is pulled or pushed in the door closing direction in the state that the sliding door is open, the inner handle is turned into the door closing direction from the neutral position to release a door-open maintaining means. Therefore, a simple operation that the inner handle is turned in one direction makes the opening or shutting of the sliding door possible.

Abstract: A device is provided for unlatching a door which is latched into a door frame where the door latch assembly includes an elongate lever arm rotatable about an axis from a first latched orientation to second unlatched orientation. The device includes a cable having a first end attachable to the distal end of the lever arm and a second end attached to a take up spool. The take up spool is rotated by a motor in a first direction to take up the cable and thereby draw the lever arm from the first latched orientation to the second unlatched orientation and thereafter rotate in the second direction to release the cable and allow the lever arm to return from the second unlatched orientation to the first latched orientation.

Abstract: A power sliding door for a motor vehicle comprises a door structure, a power drive assembly, a latch assembly, and a single motor for operating both the latch assembly and the power drive assembly. The door structure is mounted on a track associated with the motor vehicle, the door structure being movable along the track between opened and closed positions. The power drive assembly is connected with the door and capable of being driven to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions. The latch assembly is mounted on the door and movable between latched and unlatched positions. The single motor is mounted on the door structure operatively connected with both the power drive assembly and the latch assembly. The motor drives the power drive assembly and thus enables the power drive assembly to move the door along the track between the opened and closed positions.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a door latch having in turn an electrical operator and is displaceable thereby between a latched position holding a respective door shut and an unlatched position permitting the door to open freely. An actuating system has a deformable actuating body incorporating electrical conductors and constructed to radically change resistance between the conductors when deformed and a control circuit connected to the conductors and to the electrical latch operator for actuating the operator and displacing the latch in the open position on deformation of the body. The body is elongated and formed with a longitudinally extending cavity. In addition it is of an elastically deformable plastic and the conductors are imbedded in and extend longitudinally of the body. The conductors are parallel and spaced.

Abstract: A power latching mechanism having a latch ratchet, a pawl member, a latch sector and a drive assembly. The latch ratchet is configured to selectively engage or disengage a member to secure the vehicle door to or release the vehicle door from the vehicle body. The latch ratchet is operable between a fully unlatched position and a fully latched position. The latch sector is pivotably coupled to the latch ratchet and is operable between a first extended position, a neutral position and a second extended position. The drive assembly is coupled to the latch sector and operable for selectively moving the latch sector from the neutral position to the first and second extended positions. Placement of the latch sector in the neutral position does not effect the operation the latch ratchet. Accordingly, the latch ratchet may be actuated manually to either latch or unlatch the vehicle door when the latch sector is in the returned position.

Abstract: To provide module formation of a lever unit and an inside handle unit, a vehicular door opening and closing apparatus includes a base unit 9 fixed to a door inner panel of a vehicular door, a compartment inner side opening operating member 61 pivotably supported by the base unit 9 and an open lever 43 connected and engaged with a latch unit 3 holding the compartment inner side opening operating member 61 pivotably supported by the base unit 9 and the vehicular door in a closed state relative to a vehicle body and a lever unit 4 is supported at an inside handle unit 6.

Abstract: An electric door closure comprises a rotation lever connected to a first rotation shaft of a latch plate to rotate therewith. An electric door actuator is mounted in a lock proper. An arm member is pivotally connected to the lock proper through a second rotation shaft which is angled relative to the first rotation shaft. The arm member is pivoted by an electric actuator between the arm member being pivoted by an electric actuator between an operative position and an inoperative position. A connecting lever pivotally connects the arm member through a third rotation shaft which extends in parallel with the second rotation shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device provided with a driving unit (1) which performs the shift and has a linear drive (8,12) provided with an electric motor (5), and a guide device (9,11). The driven member, formed to be linear, of the linear drive (12) and a member of the guide device (9) are fastened on one hand to the door (3), and the driving member of the linear drive (5,7,8) and the other member of the guide device (11) are fastened on the other hand to a mounting (6) which is supported by way of a support arrangement (22, 23, 24, 25, 26) connected to the wall(4). Said support arrangement converts a movement of the mounting substantially perpendicular to the wall into a swinging movement. A locking unit driven by an electric motor is also provided which locks and unlocks the sliding door by performing a movement perpendicular to the wall when it is positioned to close the opening. Control means which has position switches controls the driving and locking unit.

Abstract: The present powered sliding device comprises a wire drum, a motor for rotating the drum, and a clutch means provided between the drum and the motor. The clutch means has a coupled state for rotating the drum, an uncoupled state, and a brake state. The clutch means is displaced from the coupled state to the brake state when the wire drum is rotated at an over speed. The clutch means in the brake state transmits the over speed rotation of the wire drum to the motor.

Abstract: An electric lid closure generally comprises a lock unit mounted to a trunk lid and an electric closing unit mounted to a trunk room mouth. The lock unit includes a latch plate, and the electric closing unit includes a support base, a striker base pivotally connected through a pivot pin to the support base, a striker formed on the striker base and engageable with the latch plate, and an electric power mechanism for pivoting the striker base between uppermost and lowermost positions by an electric power. A leading edge of the striker is inclined relative to an imaginary plane over which the striker base turns about the pivot pin.

Abstract: An electric lid closure generally comprises a lock unit mounted to a trunk lid and an electric closing unit mounted to a mouth portion of a trunk room. The lock unit includes a latch plate and a locking plate by which the latch plate is locked at its latch position. The electric closing unit includes a movable striker engageable with the latch plate, and an electric power mechanism for moving the movable striker between an uppermost position and a lowermost position with an electric power. A first position sensor senses whether the movable striker assumes the uppermost position or the lowermost position. A second position sensor senses whether the trunk lid passes by a critical position or not. The critical position corresponds to a position of the movable striker which is above the uppermost position. A third position sensor senses whether the locking plate locks the latch plate or not.

Abstract: The invention provides a door system for a transit vehicle. It has an actuator which provides a rotary motion about an axis of the actuator for moving the door panel between an open position uncovering the aperture and a closed unlocked position covering the aperture. The actuator also provides a linear motion along the axis of the actuator for moving the door panel between the closed unlocked position and a closed locked position. The rotary motion followed by the axial motion is provided by a cylinder having a piston moved by fluid pressure. The piston includes a guide track in its exterior which engages rollers in the cylinder. The guide track has one portion curving around the piston and one portion parallel to the axis. The curving part provides the rotary motion and the straight part provides the axial motion. When the rotary motion is completed the piston encounters a stop on a shaft which supports the door. The actuator then moves the door axially to engage locks.

Abstract: A drive arrangement for articulating a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position under a source of power. The liftgate is mounted to a body of the motor vehicle for articulation about a horizontally extending pivot axis. The drive arrangement includes a mounting member for attachment to the body of the motor vehicle. A drive motor is attached to the mounting member. A first gear is ultimately driven by the drive motor. A crank arm is pivotally interconnected to the mounting member. The crank arm includes a second gear in meshing relationship with the first gear. The second gear is preferably a sector gear having a plurality of teeth formed on a concavely curved surface thereof. A linkage has a first end attached to the crank arm and a second end for attachment to the liftgate.

Abstract: A vehicle door closing apparatus includes a latch mechanism adapted to be mounted on a side of a vehicle door to hold the vehicle door in a half closed state and a completely closed state through engagement with a striker, and a closing mechanism that operates the latch mechanism for bringing the vehicle door in the half closed state into the completely closed state. The closing mechanism includes a pivotable active lever connected to a drive source, a passive lever engaged with the active lever and capable of being engaged with the latch mechanism, and a cancel lever connected to an operation source and capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the passive lever above a pivoting center of the active lever for effecting engagement and disengagement between the passive lever and the active lever.

Abstract: A drive apparatus, in particular for the automatic actuation of a sliding door of a motor vehicle, comprising a fast running motor, the motor shaft of which is connected to a transmission with a large step-down ratio, the transmission having a first gear wheel which can be secured against rotation, via a releasable blocking device, and a second rotatable gear wheel which is rotationally fixedly connected to an output drive shaft and which is rotatable relative to the first gear wheel by the rotation of the motor when the first gear wheel is blocked, with the number of teeth of the first gear wheel only differing by a few teeth from the number of teeth of the second gear wheel and with the large step-down ratio being determined by this difference of the tooth numbers. By releasing the blocking device, the step-down ratio of the transmission changes. In particular a step-down ratio of 1:1 results.

Abstract: A lift type tailgate on a passenger van type vehicle body is operated by an electric motor powered actuator with an electronic control circuit utilizing a microprocessor operating under program control to respond to user-initiated opening and closing signals to move the tailgate in the selected direction. In the control circuit, feedback information to the microprocessor indicative of tailgate position is provided by a potentiometer coupled with the actuator motor and the microprocessor is programmed to operate with this information to stop the tailgate at a wide open position, a partially closed position and a fully closed position. Obstruction detection is performed by the microprocessor using an obstruction detection circuit and additionally by monitoring the position signal input from the potentiometer to stop the tailgate on encountering an obstacle.