Abstract: A conductive movable body opens and closes an opening portion formed in a conductive opening forming body. The movable body has a front edge portion positioned in a front side in the closing direction of the movable body. The opening portion has an opposed edge portion opposed to the front edge portion. The sensor is arranged in a layout body corresponding to one of the opening forming body and the movable body, and is arranged in one of the front edge portion and the opposed edge portion. The sensor is capable of detecting a conductive object-to-be-detected on the basis of a change of a capacitance between a sensor electrode and the object-to-be-detected coming close to the sensor electrode. A guard electrode is provided between the layout body and the sensor electrode. An electric potential of the guard electrode is kept equal to an electric potential of the sensor electrode or kept at a fixed rate with respect to the electric potential of the sensor electrode.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an adjustment device which is operated by electric motor in a motor vehicle is provided. The control system comprises an indirect anti-trapping system for detecting a trapping situation between an adjustment element, which is moved by the adjustment device in an adjustment movement along an adjustment path, and a vehicle element. The anti-trapping system stops or reverses the adjustment movement of the adjustment element if a defined threshold value for a mechanical running parameter which results from the adjustment movement is exceeded. The anti-trapping system operates with an analysis unit for analyzing the adjustment movement of the adjustment element, wherein the control system is configured and embodied in such a way that by means of the analysis unit, in an analysis mode, the running parameters of the adjustment device can be checked for mechanical functional faults of the adjustment device.

Abstract: A safety device in a closing-opening device of a vehicle which is provided with millimeter wave sensors as a detection device enables detecting an obstacle accurately for preventing a caught-in accident in advance caused by the closing-opening device.

Abstract: An electronic service reminder to automatically notify a user as to when and what type of maintenance should be performed on the garage door operator, based on a variety of factors, including time, materials and operating environment. The garage door operator is configured to automatically generate an electronic service reminder in the form of an audible or visual alert based on one or more operating parameters of the garage door operator meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is variable based on the values of the operating parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a lid from being undesirably opened. The lid is rotatably coupled to a vehicle tray. The apparatus includes a spring provided under the vehicle tray; and a stopper provided under the vehicle tray. The stopper is coupled at one end to the spring, so that, when a force greater than a predetermined force is applied to the stopper in a direction away from the spring, the stopper overcomes the elastic force of the spring and slides to a position at which it prevents the lid from opening. One-way sliding sawteeth are provided on a lower surface of the vehicle tray and on an upper surface of the stopper. The sawteeth engage with each other when the stopper slides to the position at which it prevents the lid from opening, such that the stopper is prevented from returning to its original position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a door actuation device for the actuation of a door of a refrigerator/freezer cabinet having a cabinet body at which at least one door is swivelably arranged. According to the invention, an automatic drive is provided which forms an operative connection between the cabinet body and the door and by which a movement of the door between a closed position and an open position can be carried out.

Abstract: A powered opening and closing system includes a door supported on a vehicle body, a motor, a drive mechanism for moving the door in opening and closing directions by virtue of power of the motor, an operation detecting sensor for detecting a handle operation when-the door is operated to open or close, and a control circuit for prohibiting the operation of the drive mechanism when a predetermined operation prohibiting condition is detected. The drive mechanism brakes the movement of the door by putting the clutch in an engaged state while the motor is kept stopped. While the predetermined operation prohibiting condition is detected, the control circuit controls the clutch to be engaged while keeping the motor stopped when an opening of the door is detected, and controls the clutch to be disengaged when an operation of the handle is detected by the operation detection sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle door comprising a braking function before a detected obstacle (3) and for damping the final position, which decelerates the movement of the vehicle door (2) by applying a braking torque, wherein an evaluation and control unit (7) determines the braking torque by evaluating an instantaneous door movement, which is sensed by a sensor system (6), or a sensed obstacle and actuates the damper (5) correspondingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for positioning a motor actuated vehicle accessory. A vehicle window having a touch receptive field is used to detect touch events of a touch command applied by a vehicle occupant. A control unit, which is coupled to the touch receptive field and the motor actuated vehicle accessory, operates to position the motor actuated vehicle accessory in accordance with the touch command applied by the vehicle occupant. Exemplary embodiments are presented where the principles of the invention are applied to the positioning of a power window, a power mirror, and a power sunroof window of a vehicle.

Abstract: A hood lift mechanism for reversibly increasing the energy absorption capability at appropriate force levels of a vehicle hood includes a vehicle hood; an active material in operative communication with the vehicle hood, wherein the active material comprises a shape memory alloy, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy, a shape memory polymer, a magnetorheological fluid, an electroactive polymer, a magnetorheological elastomer, an electrorheological fluid, a piezoelectric material, an ionic polymer metal composite, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing active materials; and an activation device in operative communication with the active material, wherein the activation device is operable to selectively apply an activation signal to the active material and effect a reversible change in a property of the active material, wherein the reversible change results in an increased clearance distance between the vehicle hood and an underlying component.

Abstract: A hydraulic system has a hydraulic actuator for moving a door leaf of a door installation between open and closed positions thereof. A reservoir has a volume for containing a hydraulic fluid. A fluid circuit provides fluid communication between the hydraulic actuator and the reservoir. The system also has a pump for pumping hydraulic fluid from the reservoir into the fluid circuit to operate the actuator. A fluid circuit flushing system of the hydraulic system operates to flush a volume of hydraulic fluid from the fluid circuit back to the reservoir without moving any door leaves of the door installation. The hydraulic system may be part of a mine door installation installed in a mine passageway and having at least one door leaf. The hydraulic actuator is connected to the door leaf for driving movement of the door leaf between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling a breakaway feature in a sliding door. The sliding door can be mounted in a doorway on a door hanger. The door is typically attached at one end using a hinge mechanism and maintained in planar alignment with the doorframe by a controllable mechanism such as an electromagnetic shear lock. An activation switch, such as a push-bar switch, initiates a delayed egress sequence that disengages the shear lock by controlling an energizing current in a magnet. When the shear lock is disengaged, the door can swing on the hinged mechanism. The delayed egress sequence can include one or more delays prior to disengaging the shear lock. Override signals can inhibit or force disengagement of the shear lock.

Abstract: An active break release device driven by a second motor and externally attached to the door controller, which is used for the triggering of automatic brake releasing to close the safety door in unexpected electricity failure condition, in which the door controller have a housing for receiving a first motor, the driving torque of which is transferred through a rotary shaft to a reel for winding the door; a braking device is provided at the outside of said rotary shaft, which includes a braking portion normally located at a brake activating position, and located at a brake releasing position when the first motor is energized, characterized in that the active break release device comprises: at least a brake releasing rod, one end of which activates the braking portion to release braking by leverage action force, while the other end of which extending to the outside of the door controller; at least a second motor, provided externally at the door controller and moved together with the other end of the brake releas

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for operating a door drive which includes at least one high-speed mode and at least one normal-speed mode, with the following steps: determining a load-dependent operating parameter of the door drive and changing from the high-speed mode into the normal-speed mode in dependence on the load-dependent operating parameter, in order to prevent an overload of the door drive. The invention likewise comprises a corresponding door drive.

Abstract: A device for controlling a platform door (14) located at the guideway (1) of a vehicle (2) is described. According to the invention, the devive comprises, a sensor unit (17), which is mounted at the guideway (1) and which serves to detect a preselected state of the vehicle (2). An evaluating device (18) connected to the sensor unit (17) permits an opening of the platform door (14) only when the vehicle (2) is in the preselected state.

Abstract: A system and method for coordinating movement of a powered sliding door module and an access ramp for a vehicle. A system control board communicates with a current detector that can detect current on the power wires for the sliding door's motor. The current detector signals the system control board when it detects current and the system control board determines whether the ramp is stowed or deployed. If the ramp is deployed, the system control board stops and reverses the door so that the door remains open. The system control board then stows the ramp and closes the door. If the ramp is stowed, the system control board waits for the current in the door motor to return to zero and then determines if the door is completely open. If the door is not completely open the system control board does nothing. If the door is completely open, the system control board deploys the ramp.

Abstract: An operator for a barrier, such as an upward acting door, includes a control unit having two optical limit switches providing output signals to a controller to effect shut-off of the operator motor when the door reaches open and closed limit positions. The limit switches preferably include LED emitter and phototransistor sensor elements and are preferably mounted on a circuit board in close proximity to a screw member which rotates in timed relation to the position of the door. Linearly movable nut members are mounted on the screw member and include or engage optical shield members which move into positions to provide respective output signals from the optical switches. The door closed optical limit switch may incorporate a pre-limit switch function to override a signal from a door bottom edge obstruction sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the movement of a vehicle side window. The side window is movable by way of a window lifter, of a side door of a motor vehicle. The side window is automatically moved by the window lifter into a predetermined intermediate position as a function of a movement of the side door, the intermediate position deviating from a completely closed or lowered position of the side window. To prevent rattling noises due to the side window, starting from the completely lowered position of the side window, the side window is raised into the intermediate position at least when closing the side door. In this intermediate position, the side window with its upper window edge is moved in at least some sections into a sealing gap which is situated on a railing of the side door.

Abstract: An access control apparatus has a blocking device (1) that is actuated by an actuator, and an authentication reader (7), upon reading a valid access authorization the blocking device (1) moving into the release position. For detecting a wheel chair (15) and/or pram in the area of the blocking device (1) a sensor (13) is provided, which does not activate the actuator for moving the blocking device (1) from the release position into the blocking position until the wheel chair (15) or pram has left its detection area.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor unit for the position determination of a powered door having a position sensor and a transmission stage for the connection of the position sensor to the drive shaft of the door, with the sensor unit having its own housing so that it can be installed independently of the drive unit of the door.

Abstract: A controller reduces an output of the drive motor when a window glass reaches a speed shift position, which is between a fully open position and a fully closed position of the window glass, in a closing operation of the window glass. The controller increases the output of the drive motor based on a position signal, which indicates that the position of the closing member in the closing operation is in a preclosed position located on a fully closed position side of the speed shift position. The preclosed position is located in a pinch-monitoring disabled zone, in which the monitoring of the pinching of the object through the controller is disabled.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with a movable barrier operator that has no user-initiable dedicated learning mode of operation. At least one parameter is monitored that corresponds to force as applied to a movable barrier to selectively cause the movable barrier to move between at least a first position and a second position. An excess force threshold value is automatically changed in response to the monitored at least one parameter to provide an updated excess force threshold value. Both the updated excess force threshold value and the monitored at least one parameter are used to determine when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator. A predetermined action is taken when excess force is being applied to the movable barrier via the movable barrier operator.

Abstract: The invention is a sliding door assembly operable move a vehicle door between an open and a closed position. The assembly includes a motor, reversibly operable to move the door towards one of the open and the closed position. A handle is mounted to the door and a handle sensor is provided, operable to detect the grasping of the handle. When the handle is grasped, a controller activates the motor to move the door when the handle sensor is triggered. Moving the door using the handle by at least a predetermined distance causes the controller to deactivate the motor, allowing manual movement of the door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a door drive for an automatic door having a door panel, a brushless electric motor for generating the drive power and a belt or chain running in the opening and closing direction of the door for transmitting the drive power to the door panel. The door position is affected by a door position controller. An actuation device for controlling and/or regulating the electric motor includes an angle sensor for generating an angular signal proportional to the angle of rotation of the motor and a commutation circuit, for electronically commutating the motor, where the angular signal from the angle sensor is fed. The angular signal is also used as an input variable to the door position controller. The angle sensor is, in particular, an absolute value angle sensor working on a magnetic principle and designed for the unambiguous sensing of one complete revolution of the electric motor.

Abstract: A door signaling system can warn a forklift driver on one side of a closed door that a pedestrian may be on the other side, thereby averting a collision between the forklift and the pedestrian. In some embodiments, the signaling system includes an elongate light prominently disposed along a perimeter of the doorway. In response to the pedestrian being at the door or in response to some other predetermined door-related event, the light warns the forklift driver of the situation or event. In some embodiments, the signaling system warns the driver by sounding a horn on the driver's vehicle or by shining a light upon tile door or against the floor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a directional attitude of a driven load in respect to a level plane is employed to adjust initial driving power requirements in order to overcome the effects of such attitude. The apparatus employs a sensor for measuring the attitude, a processor for comparing the measurement against a threshold and a driver for altering the initial driving power requirements. Additional sensors for measuring shock, vibration, and temperature levels that the load is subjected to prior to the movement may be employed for calibration of the directional attitude measuring sensor or for further adjustment of the initial driving power requirements.

Abstract: A device of automated closure, and of locking, comprising a mobile closure or locking element (2), an actuator (3) electrically controllable for the motion of the element, a sensor (4), a programming and control device, the program of which comprises at least a mode of delayed action and a unit of transition to that delayed action mode, wherein, when placed in the delayed action mode, the programming and control device delivers a complete closure instruction only on activation of a sensor.

Abstract: A door opening or closing detecting device and an image forming apparatus including a shaft member which is provided to a housing slidably along one end of a door, and urged to be brought into pressure contact with a pressing member through a pressure contact member, the shaft member being slid by the pressing member which moves with opening/closing of the door. The opening/closing of the door is detected by a detecting portion according to sliding of the shaft member, and a power supply is interrupted by a switch portion. The door opening or closing detecting apparatus and the image forming apparatus are capable of reliably detecting the opening/closing of the door and appropriately interrupting the power supply while achieving space saving and reduction in size of the apparatus.

Abstract: An explosion-venting door structure includes a doorframe having a top rail, a middle rail, and a bottom rail, a first door panel, which has a top mounting flange hinged to the bottom side of the top rail and a beveled bottom edge matching a beveled top edge of the middle rail, and a second door panel, which has a top mounting flange hinged to the bottom side of the middle rail and a beveled bottom edge matching a beveled top edge of the bottom rail.

Abstract: An electronic service reminder to automatically notify a user as to when and what type of maintenance should be performed on the garage door operator, based on a variety of factors, including time, materials and operating environment. The garage door operator is configured to automatically generate an electronic service reminder in the form of an audible or visual alert based on one or more operating parameters of the garage door operator meeting or exceeding a predefined threshold. The predefined threshold is variable based on the values of the operating parameters.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator (10) has a wireless status condition data transmitter (15) that wirelessly transmits status condition messages to one or more remote peripherals (20). The latter can in turn use this status information to effect their own functionality and supported features.

Abstract: A garage monitoring system for use with an automatic garage door opening mechanism that includes a carbon monoxide detector configured to sense the presence of carbon monoxide within the garage and generate an audible alarm when carbon monoxide reaches a predetermined level in the garage. A heater is positioned adjacent the carbon monoxide detector for maintaining the carbon monoxide detector above a minimum operational temperature. The garage monitoring system further includes a garage door position sensor for determining the position of the garage door and generating a signal corresponding to the position of the garage door.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: There is described a profiled sash section for a window sash holding a window pane and intended for being installed in an outer frame of a blast resistant window. The sash section includes a main member enabling inter-engagement between the profiled sash member and the outer frame a window pane holding member for accommodating and securing an end portion of said window pane in the profiled sash member, and a reinforcing member designed to support the end portion of the window pane and to transmit blast pressure, if incidentally applied to the window pane, to the main member. For at least partially absorbing blast pressure energy applied to the window pane, the sash section is provided with damping means for deforming up to predetermined limit. Also described is a blast-resistant framework for a casement window, including the window sash assembled from the mentioned profiled sash sections and adapted for rigidly and air-tightly securing the window pane in the holders of the profiled sash members.

Abstract: An MCU determines whether a backlash over a predetermined value exists in a driving system including a motor and a window driving mechanism. Then, when it is determined that the backlash over the predetermined value exists in the driving system, the MCU sets the time passed from the detection of the peak of the number of rotations of the motor to a predetermined additional time as a termination time of a start cancellation period. When it is determined that the backlash over the predetermined value does not exist in the driving system, the MCU sets, as the termination time of the start cancellation period, the time when the rate of change of the number of revolutions of the motor reaches a predetermined value or the time when the rate of change of a motor input ratio reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: An electrically operated fast-food service window with a plurality of upwardly focused infrared emitter/receivers mounted on the fast-food service window in a manner such that the emitter/receivers emit infrared beams at an angle slightly askew of an imaginary vertical plane. The sensors are used to reliably detect an employee in the immediate proximity of the fast-food service window as the employee bends over the horizontal service shelf adjacent to and attached to the fast-food service window as the employee begins to reach towards a customer. The sensors, although focused towards the interior of a building, do in not detect employees or traffic in the immediate vicinity of the fast-food service window thereby virtually eliminating the unintentional opening of the window. The uniquely oriented sensors are connected to an electric motor operator which opens the window as an employee prepares to deliver merchandise or other items to a customer.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring and mitigating exhaust gas emitted from a vehicle in a closable structure. A remote monitoring device within the closable structure is trained in response to a training signal transmitted from a remote transmitter device. A remote engine start signal is intercepted within a receiving circuit of the remote monitoring device during an actual remote engine start operation. The exhaust gas emitted from the vehicle is monitored in response to receiving the remote engine start signal. A determination is made if an exhaust gas concentration level is greater than a predetermined threshold. A control signal is transmitted to a mitigation device for mitigating the exhaust gas within the closable structure when the exhaust gas concentration level is greater than the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for adaptively tracking the position of an entry portal, such as an automatic garage door. In accordance with the present invention a transmitter assembly senses and transmits the sensed position of the door position in a periodic manner at a predetermined transmit interval. A receiver assembly including a receiver module receives the transmitted door position signals and synchronizes the activation of the receiver module with the transmit interval such that the receiver receives the door position signals transmitted at the predetermined transmit interval. A receiver output indicator is then updated in accordance with the entry portal position determined by the received door position signal.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator can use (11) a first technique to prevent an excess application of force during controlled movement of a movable barrier (43) and at least a second technique (12) to similarly prevent an excess application of force during such movement. Both techniques can then be utilized to determine (13) when an application of excess force may nevertheless occur and not be reasonably avoided. In one embodiment, two techniques (21 and 22) can be used to detect force as applied during movement of the movable barrier and such information can be used to determine (23) whether applied force is being reliably indicated. In another embodiment, travel limit information (51), travel information (52) and travel history information (53) are utilized to assess whether normal operation of the movable barrier operator should be over-ridden (54) due to a possibly expression of undue force.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for monitoring a spatial area of least one motor-driven wing of a door includes a plurality of primary transmitters emitting beams of radiation toward a spatial area, and a plurality of primary receivers arranged to receive radiation from the primary transmitters which is reflected in the spatial area, the receivers generating a signal to actuate the motor driving the wing. A plurality of auxiliary transmitters are arranged next to respective primary receivers and emit auxiliary beams of radiation toward the spatial area, and a plurality of auxiliary receivers are arranged next to the primary transmitters to receive radiation from the auxiliary transmitters. A transmitter emits radiation and a receiver reacts to a reflection of the beam differing in intensity and produces a signal which controls the actuation of the door.

Abstract: An operator system and related methods (10) for sensing forces on a movable barrier (12) includes a motor (52), a trolley (30), and a trolley arm (34) having a first end slidably supported by the trolley (38) and a second end coupled to the movable barrier. The motor moves the trolley arm which in turn moves the movable barrier. A force detection mechanism (68) is coupled to the motor to determine a first component force value applied by the motor. A controller (54) receives the first component force value and determines a detected force value by scaling the first component force value with a second component force value derived from an angular position of the trolley arm's first end with respect to the trolley. The angular position of the trolley arm may be fixed or variable. An angle potentiometer (72) is coupled to the trolley arm to generate an angle signal for use as the second component force value when the trolley arm's angular position is allowed to vary.

Abstract: A movable barrier operator having a motor controller (10) and motor (11) that control selective movement of a movable barrier (12) also has an obstacle detector (14) that utilizes an automatically determined excess force threshold value to permit reliable detection of an obstacle under a wide variety of operational circumstances, including changing physical circumstances, aging components, temperature variations, and motor runtime. In a preferred embodiment, a characteristic force value for the system is frequently updated as a function of actual measured force requirements (and further compensated, pursuant to various embodiments, with respect to other conditions such as temperature and motor runtime). This characteristic force value is then utilized to determine the excess force threshold value.

Abstract: The vehicle security inspection system may include multiple automated detection devices for detecting explosives, weapons, contraband, etc. which may be contained on or within a motor vehicle. The system includes a tunnel or enclosure with a moving conveyor therein. A motor vehicle is driven into the entrance to the enclosure, and conveyed past the series of sensors by the conveyor belt. One or more surveillance cameras may be installed in the enclosure, as well. The various sensors incorporated therein check the vehicle for illegal articles, and the vehicle is released from the enclosure. A control gate may be provided as a door at the exit of the enclosure, and/or as a gate guiding vehicles along their intended route or to a detention area, as appropriate. The system may be provided either as a portable device or as a permanent installation, and/or may be configured as a multiple lane inspection system.

Abstract: A clutch control system for moving an object, such as a vehicle door, lift gate or trunk, compares the motor speed with the object speed and engages the clutch when the motor and object speeds are almost equal. Controlling engagement based on the object and motor speeds ensures smooth transitions into a power assist mode and between the power assist mode and a power release mode without causing clutch shock.

Abstract: Movement of a movable barrier (10) such as, for example, a vertically-dropping fire door, can be controlled in an informed manner and with greater flexibility regarding the manner of movement via, in one embodiment, use of a motor (20) as a generator to resist the downward movement of the barrier. One or more dummy electrical loads (22) can be used in combination with the generator mode of operation to influence the degree of braking proffered by the motor. In various embodiments, one or more sensors (25, 26, 27) can be used to detect local and remote conditions of interest to thereby at least partially inform the barrier movement decision process. A display (90) (or displays) can serve to provide various kinds of information to authorized personnel and an operator control (120) can serve, at least under some operating circumstances, to permit a person to locally cause a closed barrier to move to at least a partially opened position.

Abstract: A device for detecting an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element (13), more particularly an electrically powered window pane (13) or sunroof of a motor vehicle (10), comprises a sensor electrode (20), a base electrode (21) spaced away from the sensor electrode (20), and a control unit (40) connected to the sensor electrode (20) and the base electrode (21). The sensor electrode (20) and the base electrode (21) generate an electric field (F) in the opening range of the closure element (13) and are spaced away at a constant distance from each other in a first operational mode. The control unit (40) detects in the first operational mode a change in capacitance caused by the presence of an obstacle in the electric field (F) and providing at least one control signal (Is, Ip) for a drive (50) powering the closure element (13). The device is characterized by high reliability in operation and availability.

Abstract: A device of automated closure, and of locking, comprising a mobile closure or locking element (2), an actuator (3) electrically controllable for the motion of said element, a sensor (4), a programming and control device, the program of which comprises at least a mode of delayed action and a means of transition to that delayed action mode, wherein, when placed in the delayed action mode, the programming and control device delivers a complete closure instruction only on activation of a sensor.

Abstract: A power closure system (40) for a vehicle panel (22, 24) includes position initialization techniques that ensure accurate position initialization. According to this invention, any slack in a coupling (62) between the vehicle panel and a motor (42) for moving the vehicle panel is removed prior to obtaining an initialization position reading when the panel (22, 24) is in a closed position. The inventive arrangement also includes determining a desired torque at which to operate the motor (42) during a position initialization procedure.

Abstract: An extendable astragal system (40) includes a housing (47), an actuating member (48) located in and slidably engaged with the housing (47), and an astragal (50) located in the housing (47) and slidably engaged with the housing (47) and the actuating member (48). A latch mechanism (80) retains the astragal (50) within the housing (47) when an ambient temperature is below a predetermined temperature. The latch mechanism (80) enables sliding movement of the actuating member (48) and resultant movement of the astragal (50) to an extended position outside of the housing (47) when the ambient temperature is at the predetermined temperature.