Abstract: A power door operator for mounting overhead of a door opening in a mass transit vehicle for moving a door panel over and away from the door opening, including a base plate incorporating a rotary helical drive internal of a door hanger. The door panel is locked in a closed position by primary and secondary means preventing drive rotation and panel movement.

Abstract: A trunk lid for a convertible vehicle with a folding roof can be opened on the one hand for stowing the folded roof in the trunk and on the other hand to obtain access to the trunk from the rear for stowing luggage. The front and rear edges of the trunk lid are connected to the bodyshell of the vehicle by latches which either lock or articulate the trunk lid so that it can open either from the front toward the rear or from the rear toward the front.

Abstract: An opening and closing device comprises a powered sliding unit, a powered closing unit in the slide door, a first terminal connected to a battery on the body, a second terminal connected to the closing unit, a handle switch provided in the door for detecting actuation of an open handle, a controller provided in the body for operating the sliding unit, a wireless apparatus for transmitting a radio signal to the controller when the switch detects the actuation of the handle. The second terminal electrically contacts with the first terminal when the door is closed. The device has a wire apparatus composed of a first wire line for connecting the first terminal and the controller, and a second wire line for connecting the second terminal and the handle switch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power sliding door in an automobile, such as a minivan, is disclosed. The invention is comprised in a control system that includes a user input interface for receiving sliding door actuation requests from a user. The actuation signals are carried to a body control module (BCM) where the request is broadcast to a power sliding door module (PSDM) over a serial data bus communications network meeting the SAE J1850 multiplex communications protocol standard. Upon receipt of the actuation message the PSDM monitors several operating conditions of the automobile and makes a determination whether or not to carry out the power sliding door activation request. Power sliding door actuation is controlled by the PSDM via electric motors located at or near the power doors. A power liftgate module (PLGM) controls the power liftgate actuation upon via electric motors located at or near the liftgate. The user input interface includes interior switches as well as a RKE system.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door apparatus has a speed-change detecting element for detecting a change in the driving speed of a slide motor above a predetermined value as well as a pressure sensitive sensor disposed in a front end portion of a door panel, and the detecting of a foreign object is effected by the pressure sensitive sensor in regions other than a region in which the door panel slides at a fixed speed. Accordingly, the detecting of a foreign object is made possible in a region where the detecting of a foreign object is difficult in the detection of a change in speed by the speed-change detecting element.

Abstract: A trunk lid for convertible vehicles with a foldable hard top can be opened from the rear towards the front for access to the trunk or from the front towards the rear for placing and stowing the folded hard top in the trunk. The trunk lid comprises two members fastened together when the trunk lid is opened from the rear towards the front, one of these two members being dissociable from the other member so that it can be pivoted from the front towards the rear.

Abstract: A motor unit fitted with a buffer mechanism which absorbs the turning force of a motor when an output shaft of the motor stops due to an external load while the motor is operative and which can provide stable performance without causing biting between a worm and a worm wheel. The motor unit fitted with the buffer mechanism causes relative rotation between the output shaft and the worm wheel when the output shaft stops turning while the motor is operative. Springs and rubbers are provided in series or in parallel in a power transmission system within the worm wheel with respect to the direction of rotation of the worm wheel so as to function as buffer members by absorbing the turning force of the motor when the output shaft stops turning while the motor is operative.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the closing motion of a vehicular sliding door has a track extending in a longitudinal direction of a motor vehicle body, a sliding door panel movable in opening and closing directions along the track by an actuator unit, an operating unit mounted on an inner lower side of the sliding door panel and operable in response to movement of a handle on the sliding door panel, and a drive signal generator mounted on the track at an open position of the sliding door panel, for generating a drive signal to energize the actuator unit to move the sliding door panel in a closing direction when the operating unit operates.

Abstract: A lock assembly, for a door panel of a transit vehicle, has its locking action directly driven by the door operator into which it is incorporated. The locking assembly holds the door panel in a closed position through direct contact with the door panel, providing improved reliability by bypassing intermediate components of the door operator.

Abstract: A wireless, remotely controlled door locking and opening system includes a door swingable from a closed position to an open position when a manual force is applied to either side thereof. A solenoid controlled deadbolt is mounted to the doorjamb for locking the swinging door. A motorized toothed-gear wheel mechanism is rotatably coupled to the swinging door for rotating the swinging door to an ajar position after the doorjamb mounted deadbolt has been retracted from the locked position. The deadbolt solenoids and the gear wheel motor are selectively activated with a remote control means.

Abstract: A hatch opening and closing device for a vehicle includes a cover, which is adapted to cover and seal an opening in a vehicle and to pivot between an open position and a closed position, and at least one locking device, which is adapted to move between an unlocked position and a locked position. The locking devices includes an engagement surface for engaging the cover when the cover is in the closed position thereby locking the cover in the closed position. The cover is releasably coupled to the locking device by a lost motion device over a first range of motion and decoupled from the locking device over a second range of motion so that the locking device can be independently moved from the cover. The hatch opening and closing device further includes a driver, which pivots the locking device and cover between the unlocked position and the locked position and the open position and the closed position, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus for use in an automotive vehicle employing multiple tracks has a housing, a rotatable member located in the housing, an electromagnetic device and multiple tracks. The electromagnetic device may be an electric motor which operates in a unidirectional manner to oscillate a window wiper assembly. The electric motor and rotatable member then reverse rotational direction to move the wiper assembly to a park position, allowing the actuation of an intermittent motion mechanism.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body provided with at least one generally horizontal rail having a bent end portion and along which a sliding door is displaceable between a closed position in against the body and an open position out from the body. A sliding-door assembly has a door drive on the body including a flexible toothed belt extending along the rail and having an end and a link assembly fixed to the door, riding along the rail, connected to the belt end, and engaged in the bent end portion of the rail in the closed position of the door. A guide extends along the rail and laterally confines the belt so an actuator on the body can displacing the belt in one sense and thereby tension the belt and move the door in one direction and displace the belt in the opposite sense and thereby longitudinally compress the belt and move the door in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A powered sliding unit attached to a vehicle body slides a sliding door from an open position to a half-latch position where a rear latch unit fixed to the sliding door is initially engaged with a rear striker fixed to the vehicle body, and then a powered closing unit provided to the sliding door moves the sliding door from the half-latch position into a full-latch position where the rear latch unit is completely engaged with the rear striker. The powered sliding unit has a vertical base plate, a wire drum rotatably attached to the base plate by a horizontal shaft, and a wire cable for coupling the wire drum with the sliding door. The powered sliding unit is attached in an inner space inside of a rear outer side panel of the vehicle body.

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

Abstract: A latch-lock mechanism for an airplane cargo door (34) is disclosed. The latch-lock mechanism includes straight-through drive shafts rotated by a common powered drive unit (61). Affixed to the outer ends of the drive shafts are pull-in hooks (67) that co-act with pull-in pins affixed to the fuselage of the airplane adjacent to the sides of the cargo door opening. The co-action between the pull-in hooks and the pull-in pins pulls the cargo door into a closed position against a distorted fuselage cargo door opening. During opening, the co-action between the pull-in hooks and the pull-in pins force the door open against ice jams. After being pulled into a closed position, latch cams (89) rotated by the drive shafts are closed around latch pins (131). Thereafter, lock pawls (159) are moved into a closed position. The latch-lock mechanism also includes witness ports (193) located in the cargo door (34) that enable a mechanic to verify that the lock pawls (159) are in the closed position.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, a door movable on the body between an open and a closed position. and a body-mounted roof channel fixedly mounted on the body adjacent and above the door. A window is displaceable in the door between a down position below and clear of the channel and an up position fitting in the closed position of the door in the roof channel. A drive including a motor in the door displaces the window between its up and down positions. A latch has a bolt on the frame, a retaining element on the door engageable in the closed position of the door with the bolt and movable between a latched position capturing the bolt and retaining the door in the closed position and an unlatched position releasing the bolt and allowing the door to moved between the closed and open positions, and a mechanism in the door coupled to the retaining element and displaceable between an actuated position freeing the element to move into the freeing position and an unactuated position.

Abstract: An opening and shutting system for a trunk lid of a vehicle, includes a switch for generating a first switch signal for opening the trunk lid and a second switch signal for shutting the trunk lid, a piston member connected to the trunk lid for moving the trunk lid, and a control mechanism for controlling a movement of the piston member according to the first and second switch signals so as to automatically open and shut the trunk lid of the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive system is provided for moving a lockable vehicle part. The drive system includes a drive element that operates with a change in length. The element is supported at its ends on the vehicle part and on the body. A releasable snap lock is provided by which the vehicle part is locked in one of its end positions. The snap lock is released by a control stroke of the drive element effectively connected with the release mechanism of the snap lock. The control stroke precedes the working stroke to move the vehicle part by connecting one end of the drive element to a release mechanism. In order to reduce the space required in the vehicle for the drive system, a rotary joint is provided as the release mechanism for the control stroke of the drive element.

Abstract: A power drive moves a movable closure between an open position and a closed position with respect to a portal defining a passage through a barrier. The power drive can include an elongated drive member connected to the movable closure and a ball nut drive assembly for selectively moving the drive member longitudinally to position the movable closure between the open position and the closed position with respect to the passage through the barrier. The barrier can define at least a portion of a stationary structure or a vehicle, where the passage allows access within the structure or the vehicle. The movable closure can include a sliding door, hatch, window, roof panel or the like. The elongated drive member can be a compound drive member having at least one gear or tooth-like member extending helically around in uniformly spaced turns about a core of the drive member to form a rigid or resilient screw-like portion capable of being driven by operable engagement with the recirculating ball nut drive assembly.

Abstract: A powered vehicle door closing system for producing an auto-closing action to automatically move a latch member from a half-latched position to a fully-latched position comprises a reversible motor mechanically linked through a linkage to the latch member, for powering a final, low-displacement/high-force movement of a vehicle door, and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller includes a full-latch confirmation section for confirming that the latch member is maintained at its fully-latched position, and a motor-drive limiting section for limiting re-activation of the motor so as to avoid ineffective auto-closing action of the system when the full-latch confirmation section decides that the latch member has already been shifted to and maintained at the fully-latched position.

Abstract: A powered vehicle door closing system for producing an auto-closing action to automatically move a latch member from a half-latched position to a fully-latched position, comprises a reversible motor mechanically linked through a linkage to the latch member for powering a final, low-displacement/high-force movement of a vehicle door, a half-latch detection switch such as a limit switch, and a controller for controlling the motor. The controller comprises a full-latch detection section for detecting the fully-latched position of the latch member and a stand-by position detection section for detecting the stand-by position of the linkage. To detect the fully-latched position and the stand-by position, the full-latch detection section and the stand-by position detection section respectively utilize changes in load imparted to the motor.

Abstract: A window assembly having an internal propelling system is provided. A movable window unit within a frame of the window assembly is provided. Also provided is an internal propelling system comprising at least one piston and cylinder assembly mounted at least partially within the frame of the window assembly. The internal propelling system propels the movable window unit to a relatively open position upon activation of the system.

Abstract: A motor vehicle accessory control is capable of reversibly activating a DC motor to operate a vehicle door lock, window, sun roof or similarly operated device through a relay controlled H-switch arrangement. The control is provided with an automatic control circuit in a module having input and output terminals but only a single power terminal, which provides either positive power or ground to the module. The opposite power connections are made from the module through the activating relay coils of the H-switch motor drive circuit. A manual switch may be provided for alternative manual reversible activation of the relays; and the circuit provides priority of manual over automatic operation. Neither the manual switch nor the module circuit is capable of activating both relays simultaneously; therefore, a reliable power connection is always available for the module through at least one of the relay activating coils.

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.

Abstract: A slide door driving system of a motor vehicle comprises an electric power source and a door driving device to move the slide door between a full-open position and a full-close latched position with an aid of electric power from the electric power source. A manual switch is mounted in the motor vehicle. A control circuit is used for controlling the door driving device in accordance with operation of the manual switch. A so-called "permission switch" is connected to the control circuit. The permission switch is turned ON when an ignition switch for an engine of the vehicle is turned ON. The control circuit is provided with a judging circuit which makes an operation of the manual switch operative only when the operation of the manual switch is carried out under a condition wherein the permission switch is kept ON.

Abstract: A garage door-opener security system which automatically positively blocks any unauthorized opening of a sectional garage door that travels, guided by rollers, in a pair of flanking metal guide tracks. The security system is interconnected with a standard, automatic, garage door-opening mechanism that includes an electric drive motor. When the door reaches its fully closed position, a locking device, mounted adjacent one of the flanking tracks, physically inserts a locking pin into the trackway in which the rollers move, which pin is located a few inches above the roller next below. The locking pin is closely confined by a surrounding aperture which prevents its upward deflection or twisting, thus making it impossible for the roller to move therepast in the trackway and positively preventing the raising of the door more than a few inches.

Abstract: A passenger van tailgate hinged for swinging movement about a horizontal axis at its upper edge is forced upward to open by a pair of spring devices under the control of a powered actuator operating through cables. The actuator is mounted on the tailgate and includes an electric motor drivingly connected by a worm shaft and worm gear and additional reduction gearing to a pulley on which the cables are wound. The cables are secured at one end to the vehicle structure, extend along side the respective spring devices, and are wound at their other end in the same direction on the pulley. The tailgate is opened by operating the actuator motor to unwind the cables and allow the spring devices to open the tailgate at a rate determined by the speed of the motor. The tailgate is closed by operating the actuator motor in reverse to rewind the cables and compress the spring devices.

Abstract: A power supplying apparatus for a powered latching mechanism attached to a sliding door which moves along a vehicle body so as to be open and closed comprises a power supplying unit provided on the vehicle body and connected to an electric battery, a power receiving unit provided on the door and coming into contact with the supplying unit when the door is closed to a predetermined position, an electric loop which is established when both the units comes into contact with each other and in which a first electric current for detecting the contact between both the units is caused to flow, a motor controlled by the receiving unit for rotating a latch towards a full-latched position, and means for changing voltage applied to the electric loop when closing of the door is completed by the motor. When the loop is established, the supplying unit begins supplying main power to the receiving unit, and when the voltage of the loop is changed by the changing means, the supplying unit stops supplying the main power.

Abstract: A door operating system is disclosed which includes a remotely or manually controlled fluid supply system (10) which pressurizes a reciprocable striker release assembly (50), and activates an opening cylinder assembly (30) functionally mounted to a door (17) and door frame (18) for opening the door.

Abstract: This invention provides an existing garage door locking system with a motorized unlocking system that will unlock the garage door prior to motorized opening, but maintain garage accessability and security with the existing garage door locking system if a power or motorized garage door system failure occurs.

Abstract: A door drive including a belt transmission incorporating a corrugated transmission belt, consisting of a strip of plastic material and adapted to be passed around a corrugated or toothed drive wheel which entrains the transmission belt, having along its longitudinal extension transversely extending corrugations of approximately sinodial or tooth shaped configuration and is made of a plastic strip permanently deformed by embossing is described. The belt has a laterally projecting side strip at least at one side of the corrugated portion, especially approximately at midlevel between the wave crests and wave troughs, to accommodate longitudinal pull. In this manner a satisfactory compromise is achieved between low manufacturing cost, little noise, and the magnitude of the driving force which can be transmitted by a corrugated belt from locking the drive gear. Likewise presented are a belt transmission and a garage door equipped with a transmission belt of the proposed type.

Abstract: An electrical actuator device for opening and closing doors and windows having an openable frame between a closed position and a ventilation or tilted position comprises an electric drive unit with a reversible motor and associated transmission. The drive unit is accommodated within a housing on a frame member serving to receive a locking mechanism, and the transmission functionally engages a locking mechanism mounted in the frame member and a transfer element, respectively, which by means of a coupling fixture is connected with the main frame, the transmission having a first engagement member and a second engagement member for engaging a first carrier member and a second carrier member, respectively.

Abstract: A combination manual and electric door opener having a bracket mounted to a door frame at a hinged side of the door. An electric motor is connected to the bracket and in turn connects to a threaded rod. A threaded nut is positioned around the threaded rod. Connected to the threaded rod is a cam arm. Upon engagement by the motor, the threaded nut rotates in a translational direction along the threaded rod. The cam arm is pivoted about a pivot point fastened to the top of the doorway and engages a closed door. The door is thus pivotally acted upon until it is in an open position.

Abstract: An overhead swinging door is swingably mounted on two side supports slidable in two vertical guides and each connected to a counterweight by a cable re-directed over an upper pulley. On at least one of the door sides, the counterweight is also connected to the respective side support by a chain which forms an endless ring with the cable and is re-directed over a lower wheel driven by a motor and reducing gear unit which is preferably located within the side upright of the door frame.

Abstract: A garage door includes a door connector assembly in operative communication with a garage door carriage track, wherein the connector assembly mounts a plurality of cables, wherein each cable is mounted along the garage door and secured to a respective latch assembly, whereupon lifting of the door removes latch bolts from an underlying garage floor, whereupon closure of the door directs the latch bolts into the garage floor, and the door connector assembly includes biasing spring structure to bias the door into communication with the garage floor to maintain the latch bolt positioning within the floor.

Abstract: Remote control equipment for remotely opening a vehicle door. A manual operated remote control transmitter transmits a signal to a receiver mounted on the vehicle which causes door mounted motor actuators to unlock and unlatch the door after which a prebiased mechanical door opener functions to open the door wide enough to permit ready access to the vehicle.

Abstract: Modular, powered closure apparatus for installation as a unit into an opening of a building. The apparatus includes a rigid framework to be secured to the building and closure panels, one of which is affixed to the framework and the other of which is slidable in the framework. The framework includes a housing which accommodates an electric motor and transmission means extending between the motor and second closure panel to selectively move the second closure panel between open and closed positions.

Abstract: An automatically actuated door arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of slidable doors which are opened and closed by an electric motor/cable arrangement. Open and close switches control the opening and closing of the doors. A sensor device provides the open doors/close doors signals to the controller, and eventually to the motor. The motor is connected to the cable drive by a clutch arrangement which allows slippage should the movement of the doors become obstructed. The door travel path may be arranged in a slight V-shape, to allow for more efficient sealing of the door bottoms. A controller is provided to receive, process, and distribute electronic signals for controlling the extent of the door opening, the speed of opening and closing, and other operating parameters. The controller includes a series of indicators for monitoring the status of the door arrangement, and also includes inputs for altering the operating parameters of the door arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle such as a van has a sliding door movable between open and closed positions. An electric power source, a door drive switch and electric door drive apparatus are connected in series on the vehicle body to move the door when the switch is closed. Contacts on the vehicle body and door engage as the door nears its closed position; and the door contacts are connected through circuitry, such as an unlatch motor armature, having a first resistance. One of the body contacts is connected to ground and the other is connected, through circuitry including a resistor of greater resistance than the unlatch motor armature, to a junction of the door drive switch and the electric door drive apparatus. An output terminal connected between the resistor and the other body contact provides a signal voltage having different levels depending on engagement of the body and door contacts.

Abstract: A security gate system including a supporting structure and a gate mounted on the supporting structure for pivotal movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the supporting structure and is drivingly coupled to the gate so that rotation of the drive wheel in a gate opening direction drives the gate from the closed position to the open position. A first motor drives the drive wheel and a releasable lock releasably holds the drive wheel against rotation in the gate opening direction. A second motor moves a locking member of the releasable lock to a releasing position to allow the gate to be moved to the open position. The gate system may include two of the gates having operators sharing the same supporting structure.

Abstract: A system for automatically opening and closing a door of a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises an oil-hydraulic pump for generating hydraulic power for the system and a pressure accumulator for removing pressure pulsations generated in the pressurized oil outputted from the oil-hydraulic pump. A pressure control valve controls a flow direction of the pressurized oil applied from the oil-hydraulic pump thereto, and a controller controls the pressure control valve in response to input signals. An intermittent gearing assembly transmits rotational motion caused by the pressurized oil acting thereon to the door to automatically open or close the door. A hydraulic rotator converts the hydraulic power of the pressurized oil into rotational motion of the intermittent gearing assembly. A longitudinal lock bar movable in response to intermittent gearing motion locks and unlocks the door relative to the vehicle frame.

Abstract: A lock with a servomotor, particularly a door lock for a motor vehicle, having a lock latch (fork member 1) which can be shifted between an open position and a detent position. In the detent position, the lock latch (fork member 1) reaches behind a pin 3 which, in the detent position, can be rotated by the servomotor about an eccentric axis from a prelocking position into a main locking position.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: An automatic door operating system for a motor vehicle is shown. The system comprises a door closing device which includes an electric motor and a latch plate actuator. The system further includes a control device which, when a latch plate position detecting switch detects a half-latch condition of a latch plate of a door lock device, energizes the motor to run in one direction to turn the latch plate toward a full-latch position and which, when the latch plate position detecting switch detects a full-latch condition of the latch plate, energizes the motor to run in the other direction to turn the latch plate toward a releasing position and which, when a return recognition switch detects the latch plate actuator having returned to its rest position, stops the rotation of the motor in the other direction. The control device includes a control timer which energizes the motor to run in the other direction for a predetermined time from the time on which the control device is energized.

Abstract: Control systems including control circuitry and optional communications systems for operating a sliding power-operated member of an automotive vehicle. A powered sliding door in an automotive vehicle, such as a van, moves along a predetermined path of travel between a closed position and a fully open position relative to the body of the vehicle. Such a sliding door may be provided with one or more electrically-operated actuators for performing functions associated with the door, such as power opening and closing the door, power unlatching the door, power locking and unlocking the door, and power clamping and unclamping the door in a soft or low-momentum manner. The invention is directed toward improved control systems and circuitry for operating such power-sliding door systems. One such control system employs a wireless communications link between the door and body, which is preferably implemented using radio frequency communication signals containing digitally encoded control signals.

Abstract: A door drive device is disclosed, which comprises a guide rail for defining in the body of the vehicle a way along which the slide door moves; first and second pulleys arranged at spaced positions of the vehicle body; an electric drive unit for driving the first pulley; an endless belt put around the first and second pulleys with a slack thereof; a bracket for connecting a portion of the endless belt to the door; and a tensioning device for tensioning the endless belt. Due to provision of the slack of the belt, various advantages are obtained particularly when the door drive device of the invention is used in combination with other door controllers.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for an aircraft door performs all the door motions and locking motions for the opening and closing of the door with the aid of electric motors which operate the respective elements of the mechanism through gear drives or through spindle drives to provide the power or torque moment for the respective motion. The door sealing may be accomplished with contact hardware components or with toggle hardware components for taking up the forces resulting from the internal cabin pressure. The door is hinged to the aircraft body structure by a guiding and supporting hinging element, one end of which is hinged to the aircraft body structure while the other end is hinged to the door structure. The door swinging motions in the opening and closing directions, the door opening and closing motions and the door locking and unlocking motions are all performed by program controlled electric motors. Such motors also control the deployment of an emergency escape slide.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved self-aligning automatic or remotely operated system for latching and unlatching the tailgate mechanism of a rear-loading refuse compacting truck which uses the tailgate lifting hydraulic cylinders in conjunction with an hydraulic cylinder-operated latch pin pulling and re-engaging mechanism which includes a self-centering, self-locking pin which cooperates to provide a simple yet very reliable automated latching and unlatching mechanism for the tailgate of a rear-loading refuse vehicle. The mechanism is designed to be retrofitted or be interchangeable with a manual system in a manner which facilitates easy conversion from one to the other involving the changing of a minimum of parts.

Abstract: A half-latch and full-latch detecting device for an automotive slide door operating system is shown, which comprises:a power feeding start position detecting switch which becomes operated when the door under closing movement comes to a given position just before a half-latch position of the door at which half-latch position a latch plate of a door lock device assumes a half-latch position;a latch plate position detecting switch having a probe which is contactable with an open lever when the open lever is pivotally moved, the open lever being rotatable with a latch pawl which can latch the latch pawl at the half-latch and full-latch positions;a counter circuit electrically connected to both the power feeding start position detecting switch and the latch plate position detecting switch, the counter circuit counting the number of times by which the open lever contacts the probe of the latch plate position detecting switch after the power feeding start position detecting switch is operated; anda judging circuit f