Abstract: An apparatus for improving the opening and closing function of a tailgate equipped with a gas lifter includes a sensor for detecting an opened angle of the tailgate from a vehicle body. An Electronic Control Unit receives a detected angle from the sensor and outputs a pressure regulating control signal. A gas lifter regulates the pressure of a cylinder according to the control signal of the Electronic Control Unit.

Abstract: An adapter system for mounting conventional four-bar hinges within window assemblies that include elongated channels for mounting window hardware. One or more clamps having attachment features aligned with openings in a linkage bar of the four-bar hinges are received within the elongated channels of window sashes. The attachment features provide for aligning the linkage bars to the channels and for both temporarily and more permanently securing the vent bars to the channels.

Abstract: A connecting assembly for a pushing outward window frame comprises a frame substrate fixed to an outer frame of a window; a window substrate fixed to an upper and a lower window frame; a first driven unit and a second driven unit connected between the frame substrate and the window substrate; a pivotal unit connected at a pivotal portion of the first driven unit and the window substrate and having a supporting block; a first protrusion and a second protrusion installed on the frame substrate; the first protrusion being formed with a second pivotal hole; one end of the first driven unit being positioned to the frame substrate; the second protrusion having a pivotal hole; one end of the second driven unit being pivotally connected to the frame substrate; and the first protrusion having a first pivotal hole aside the second pivotal hole for installing a limiting block.

Abstract: An integrated gas strut actuator assembly particularly adapted for providing power actuation of a motor vehicle lift gate or other opening closure. The assembly integrates the function of a counterbalancing gas spring and that of a electrically powered actuator. The integrated gas strut assembly includes a gas charged cylinder, internal plunger and a threaded rod. Rotation of the threaded rod through a cable drive system causes the internal plunger to be advanced or retracted within the cylinder. Other features of the invention are various embodiments of couplers between the plunger and rod and connectors for connecting the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A drive mechanism is provided for a door operator, comprising a drive member and a driven member. The drive member includes a protrusion, the edges of the protrusion forming first and second driving surfaces which define a free space of at least about 90° there between. The driven member includes a protrusion, the sides of the protrusion form a first and a second driven surface, respectively. The drive member is adapted to be operably connected to between a motor assembly for rotating the drive member and a door closer assembly rotating with the driven member. The drive member and the driven member are disposed for relative rotation in substantially the same plane such that the driven member protrusion moves in the free space defined by the driving surfaces of the drive member protrusion.

Abstract: A closing unit for a flap of a motor vehicle includes at least two hinges which can pivot about a pivot axis between an open position and a closed position; a single drive including a motor, a clutch, and a gear mechanism; and at least two transmission elements extending between the single drive and respective the hinges for pivoting the hinges.

Abstract: A door for household appliances, in particular, a door for cooking appliances, are mounted to pivot about an articulation axis include a door handle that can be pivoted about a door-handle axis that runs parallel to the articulation axis and is connected to at least one control mechanism. When the door is pivoted in a first pivoting direction, the control mechanism pivots the door handle in a second pivoting direction that is opposite to the first. According to the invention, to obtain a reliable actuation of the door handle, a protective device is allocated to the control mechanism and prevents the pivoting motion of the door handle, during the actuation of the latter, from being transmitted to the control mechanism.

Abstract: A powered tailgate system in which a direct driven rack 44 is connected to one end of a rod 52, one end of a curved arm 54 is connected to the other end of the rod 52, the other end of the curved arm 54 is connected to a tailgate 15, an arm side slider portion 60 which curves concentrically with the curved arm 54 is provided on the curved arm 54, and a plurality of load receiving portions 87 to 90 adapted to be brought into sliding contact with the arm side slider portion 60 so as to receive a load are disposed on a vehicle body side at intervals along a traveling direction of the curved arm 54.

Abstract: A door control assembly for a door closing an opening in a wall of a refrigerated compartment cooperates with an oblique hinge set to provide an opening and closing force on the door. The door control assembly includes a mounting plate attached to the door and a flange attached to a door frame. A fluidic control mechanism is coupled to a reciprocating arm pivotally attached to the mounting plate and is coupled to a ball stud on the door flange. A cable is also attached to the reciprocating arm and to a post on the door flange. The fluidic control mechanism and cable cooperate to exert counterbalancing forces on the door at various door open positions.

Abstract: An opening-closing device includes a driving source, an opening-closing mechanism for opening and closing an opening-closing member provided at a vehicle body by operation of the driving source, and a clutch positioned between the driving source and the opening-closing mechanism and sifting an energization state can transmit a driving force of the driving source to the opening-closing mechanism and a non-energization state can not transmit the drive force. The clutch includes a drive portion and a driven portion. The drive portion and the driven portion contact each other by a first load which can transmit the driving force from the driving source to the opening-closing mechanism when the clutch is the energization state. The drive portion and the driven portion contact each other by a second load which can not transmits the driving force from the driving source to opening-closing mechanism when the clutch is the non-energization state.

Abstract: An activating mechanism is provided for use with a four-link hinge of the type typically used for closure of a vehicle movable deck, such as a trunk lid or engine compartment hood. A lower link bracket is secured to the vehicle body and an upper link bracket is secured to the movable deck. Pivoting links may be connected between the upper and lower link brackets.

Abstract: An operator assembly for shifting a movable barrier between open and closed positions thereof, wherein the operator assembly can be configured to function with a variety of different barrier sizes and orientations. The operator assembly may include one or more interchangeable transmission components for adapting the operator for use with different gate sizes and installations. The operator assembly may also comprise a substantially linear drive train for permitting use with different barrier orientations.

Abstract: Injection molded casement window frames completely ready for assembly into windows with the frames for swinging sash windows formed for mounting of all necessary hardware. Also hardware which mates with such frames and casement window assembled with such frames and hardware.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for vehicle lid includes a lower base adapted to be mounted on a body panel of the vehicle and arranged to an opening of an inner space of the vehicle, first and second hinge links rotatably connected to the lower base at each one end of the respective first and second hinge links, an upper base attached to the vehicle lid formed for closing the opening of the inner space and connected to each the other end of the respective first and second hinge links, a motor for providing a drive to the first hinge link, a drive transmitting member provided between the motor and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive from the motor to the first hinge link, a normally section torque transmitting mechanism provided between the drive transmitting member and the first hinge link for transmitting the drive to the first hinge link at a point of force reaction through the normally section torque transmitting mechanism after the drive transmitting member is rotated with a predetermined an

Abstract: A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.

Abstract: An automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle of rack-and-pinion type is reduced in size and weight. The automatically opening/closing apparatus for vehicle is automatically opened/closed, by transmitting rotation of an electric motor to a back door through a drive power transmitting mechanism comprising a pinion and a rack. The rack is supported linearly reciprocably by a slide mechanism comprising a slide block and a guide rail. The slide block is formed to be sufficiently short to the entire length of the rack and the guide rail is accordingly formed to be short. Further, the rack is provided with a groove portion, and a holding member contacting with a holding face is disposed in the groove portion. Then, an interval between the rack and the opinion is maintained by the holding member, whereby engagement of the pinion therewith is ensured.

Abstract: A window handle assembly for use with a window having a moveable sash. The assembly including a window handle having a pivot mechanism. The handle pivotable at the pivot mechanism between open and closed positions. When open, the handle is free to rotate to move the sash between open and closed positions. When closed, the handle engages a cover to provide a sleek, aesthetically pleasing handle structure for the window. The assembly also including a lock activating mechanism coupled to the pivot mechanism and operationally couplable to a sash lock mechanism. The lock activating mechanism configured to operate the sash lock upon pivoting movement of the window handle. Opening of the handle opens the lock and closing the handle closes the lock. This mechanism including a sliding bar connectable to the sash lock and a movement mechanism causing sliding movement of the bar upon pivoting movement of the pivot mechanism.

Abstract: A window that can be opened in multiple manners such as pushing/pulling and rotating outwards by using a sliding pipe assembly, includes a frame assembly and at least two sash assemblies. A horizontal frame in the frame assembly has a cavity with an opening, a guide track mounted on a bottom slab of the horizontal frame cavity, and a pair of subsidiary guide tracks provided on a pair of side slabs of the horizontal frame cavity. Several roller devices are arranged along the sliding pipe assembly and matched with the guide track and subsidiary guide tracks of the horizontal frame. Therefore, the sliding pipe assembly can be moved along the horizontal frame. Furthermore, a hinge assembly fastened to the sliding pipe assembly is provided in one of several stiles of each of the sash assemblies to be used for supporting rotation of the sash assemblies.

Abstract: A mechanism which selectably limits the opening of a hinged window vent. The mechanism has a releasable arm that permits the vent to be conveniently opened beyond the selected limit. An assembly is disclosed for limiting travel of a vent relative to a frame. The assembly includes a security fastener for restricting transition of the assembly between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. An arm is pivotally connected to a mounting bracket by a locking plate and a loading pin.

Abstract: In a door opening/closing apparatus allowing a door opening to have as wide an area as possible, an improved structure is provided which can serve to obviate the need for including a reinforcement structure or an additional seal structure, so that the door opening/closing apparatus can be simplified in structure. An arm member 3 is coupled to a door of a vehicle, and a driving unit 2 is provided inside a vehicle body of the vehicle to move the arm member 3. The arm member 3 is arranged to be protrudable from inside of the vehicle body, through a space which the door D occupies when closed, pushing the door D open and pulling the door D shut. A seal member 8 is provided along an inner peripheral edge of a body panel PB defining a door opening S of the vehicle body, and a through opening 9 through which the arm member 3 is protrudable is formed in the seal member 3.

Abstract: A spa cover lift and cover construction that easily accommodates use with odd sizes and shapes of spas. The construction uses a column which is positioned at a single location about the periphery of the spa. A foot piece can be included at the bottom of the column which slips under the spa to use the weight of the spa and water to help hold the cover lift and cover securely. The column is preferably adjustable in height. It has pivot arms which extend in recesses formed in the underside of one half of the cover. The pivot arms extend from the column out to the side edges and are looped to form a handle and return that further supports the cover on the lift. The pivot arms may have tail ends that engage a bumper when the cover lift is retracted. Control arms may be pivotally connected between the column and pivot arms to resist erratic movements.

Abstract: A mine door installation has a frame installed in a mine passageway. At least one door leaf is mounted on the frame for swinging movement between open and closed positions. Movement of the door leaf is powered by a pneumatic actuator. The door installation also has a hydraulic checking system for controlling the speed of the door leaf as it moves back and forth between open and closed positions. A pneumatically-powered control system may be provided to control the door installation. The pneumatic control system may comprise a calibrated vent to shorten the delay in the response of the door leaf to direction from the control system to stop moving. The pneumatic control system may also comprise a limit valve to prevent the door installation from opening when a second door installation is open, thereby preventing both door installations in an air lock from being open at the same time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive (1) for pivoting a vehicle door or flap (3) which is connected to a hinge part (2) in a rotationally fixed manner. Said drive (1) comprises a motor (7) and a gear mechanism (9) which is arranged downstream form the same and acts on the hinge part (2) which is connected to a hinge axle (4) in a rotationally fixed manner. The aim of the invention is to provide one such drive (1) which is as compact as possible, the coupling between the drive (1) and the hinge part (2) being arranged in a simple manner and in such a way that it is as invisible as possible for a user. To this end, the gear mechanisms (9) of the drive (1) is directly connected to the hinge axis (4). A lever mechanism is preferable used as the gear mechanisms (9).

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the speed of security gate depending on its length is disclosed. It includes a system for determining the length of a gate that the system is working with and which automatically sets the speed of movement of the gate based on length. The system works automatically so that human intervention is not necessary to set the optimal speed once installed.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A door driving unit includes a driving mechanism rotatable in a reciprocating manner within a predetermined operational angle range, a body portion fixed to a vehicle body, a first member driven by the driving mechanism, and a second member driven by the first member by being in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are supported by a common shaft. The door driving unit further includes an engaging mechanism for engaging the first member and the second member with each other so that the first member and the second member rotate as a unit with each other within a first predetermined angle range when the first member drives to rotate the second member.

Abstract: A dual casement window structure includes a frame, a casement window, an outward opening window leaf and a latch mechanism. The frame is mounted in a wall of the room, and is provided with rails. The casement window is movably attached on the casement frame in a manner to slide along the rails. The casement window has a mounting section on its outer side where is mounted the outwardly opening window leaf. The outward opening window leaf has a plurality of supporting means to support the outward opening window leaf when the outward opening window leaf is pushed outwardly. A hinge is further mounted at an upper portion of the outward opening window leaf to pivotally connect to the casement window.

Abstract: A linear actuator for gates, doors or similar has an actuator arm (1) which is articulated to a support (3) around a vertical axis (15) and be raisable angularly around a horizontal inclination axis (16). The actuator arm (1) has a screw (7) which is operated by an electric motor (11) and a running nutscrew (8) articulated to the gate wing (5) by a leadnut holder (18) in which the nutscrew (8) is housed in a manner turning around an axis horizontal and transversal to the actuator arm (1). The leadnut holder (18) has a vertical lower articulation pivot (20) which engages from above in a turning manner in a bush (22) fastened to the wing (5). In an emergency the actuator is disengaged from the gate wing (5) by raising the actuator arm (1) angularly around its inclination axis (16) and extracting upward the articulation pivot (20) of the leadnut holder (18) from the bush (22).

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 power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The combination of a frame, a closure element, and a closure element holding assembly. The closure element is mounted to the frame for movement between first and second positions. The closure element holding assembly has a linkage with first and second connecting ends and at least first and second link elements. The first connecting end is connected to the closure element. The second connecting end is connected to the frame. The first and second link elements are joined to each other for pivoting movement about a first axis and in such a manner that the first and second link elements can be connected to and disconnected from each other by relatively repositioning at least a part of the first link element and second link element through relative movement of the at least part of the first link element and second link element in a direction generally parallel to the first axis. In one form, one of the link elements has a post and the other link element has a socket to receive the post.

Abstract: A housing assembly which can accommodate either one of a split arm drive mechanism and a dual arm drive mechanism for a casement window. The housing assembly includes an escutcheon and a base as well as an adjustable bushing that is adjustable to at least two positions, one for the split arm drive mechanism and the other for the dual arm drive mechanism. A worm drive assembly is contained within the housing assembly for driving the drive mechanism. A handle is snap fitted into the worm drive assembly for rotating the worm drive assembly and moving the casement window. A spacer is mounted to the base to enable the base to fit a wide variety of window configurations.

Abstract: A rear gate is constructed to be opened and closed by a driving unit installed on a vehicle body side, and the driving unit is constructed to have a motor which can rotate both in normal and reverse directions, a gearbox to which a pinion is pivotally attached for reducing the rotating speed of the motor for output, and a rack adapted to reciprocate in directions normal to an axial direction of a hinge shaft by virtue of the rotation of the pinion and connected to the rear gate at one end thereof. An electromagnetic clutch for connecting and disconnecting a power transmission path between an output shaft of the motor and the pinion is provided in the interior of the gearbox, so that the rack is disposed above or below the gearbox at a position directly above or below the clutch.

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: For pivotally connecting an upper end of a rack bar and a lower end of a connecting rod, there is employed a joint/slider unit which is slid in and along a guide slot of a rail member. The unit comprises a bolt member passing through the guide slot and including first and second sections which are respectively projected into one and the other sides with respect to the rail member. The first section is held by the upper end of the rack bar and the second section is pivotally held by the lower end of the connecting rod. A first slider is disposed on the first section of the bolt member and slidably contacts one surface of the rail member. A second slider is disposed on the second section of the bolt member and slidably contacts the other surface of the rail member. A universal joint structure is disposed between the second slider and lower end of the connecting rod to permit a pivoting of the connecting rod relative to the bolt member in universal directions.

Abstract: A window opening and closing assembly capable of controlling an opening angle of the window effectively is disclosed. The assembly comprises a base with a groove along a longitudinal direction thereof, a slider inserted in the groove, an arm rotatably mounted on the base, a handle rotatably placed at a portion of the base and having a worm gear at an end thereof, a worm wheel meshing with the worm gear, and a switch for controlling the location of the slider. Wherein the slider has an angled side inwardly angled at a side of the first sliding portion thereof and the arm has a straight side for restricting a rotation angle thereof. Thus, an opening angle of a window can be controlled by an operation of the straight side and angled side.

Abstract: A vehicle door open-close device which makes it possible to achieve a reduction in numbers of parts and also make the deflection width size of a member 5 small, to thereby allow an effective use of a vehicle compartment to be aimed at, is produced, comprising a driving mechanism positioned inwardly from a door opening, an operation transfer mechanism to connect this driving mechanism and the vehicle door, the operation transfer mechanism being equipped with a slider member reciprocatingly and linearly moving by the aid of the driving means, and a link member connecting this slider member and the vehicle door, wherein the link member is rotatably connected to the slider member and the vehicle door, and the link member includes a straight portion and a curved portion outwardly and protrudingly curved away from a center of rotation of the vehicle door, and a straight portion 5b formed in substantially straight line in a connection part 8.

Abstract: A base plate has mutually opposed first and second side surfaces. A first group of parts are arranged on the first side surface, which includes an electric motor, a speed reduction unit and an electromagnetic clutch. The speed reduction unit has a gear member which is projected to the second side surface from the first side surface through an opening formed in the base plate and driven by the motor when the electromagnetic clutch assumes ON condition. A second group of parts are arranged on the second side surface, which includes an intermediate gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate and meshed with the gear member, an output gear which is rotatably connected to the base plate through a shaft secured to the output gear and meshed with the intermediate gear and an output arm which is connected to the output gear to rotate therewith. The output arm is connected to the lid through a link.

Abstract: A power mine door installation utilizing compressed air from the compressed air system available in the mine as the power source for a hydraulic door-operating mechanism.

Abstract: There is now provided a swinging door with a door closer having a slide rail at the door frame with a suspension system for adjusting the height of the slide rail with respect to the door frame. The suspension system comprises a height adjustment device, which comprises a threaded sleeve (5) that has a first female thread (5d) and a threaded bush (4) that has a male thread (4c). The threaded bush (4) can be screwed into the first female thread (5d) of the threaded sleeve (5) to adjust the height of the slide rail, and the slide rail (2) is located on the exposed side of the threaded bush (4).

Abstract: A opening and closing mechanism for a door or a window including a stationary primary track, a movable secondary track, an operating member with one end pivotally fixed in the primary track and an opposite end movable along the secondary track, and a guide engageable with a guide surface of the operating member. The guide surface is curved along at least a portion of a length thereof such that a tangent to the guide surface at a point where the guide surface crosses a longitudinal center line of the primary track forms an acute angle with the center line. The acute angle is substantially constant throughout the range of pivotal movement of the operating member.

Abstract: An actuating arrangement for opening and closing a hinged motor vehicle panel has a fluid drive, a control unit, and a sensor unit. The hinged motor vehicle panel is movable between a starting position and an end position, and the control unit evaluates start signals from the sensor unit and stopping the movement of the motor vehicle panel in an intermediate position. The start signals from the sensor unit correspond to current angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel, and predetermined angles of opening of the hinged motor vehicle panel define certain criteria. It is possible to set at least the angle of opening of the intermediate position via the control unit.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a door opening/closing device installed in a door of a building to be opened/closed about a hinge fixed at one side of the door. The opening/closing device controls the door to be manually opened and closed with an automatic returning device. When the door is opened by a rotating power adjusting device of the door, an oil pusher-plate in a rotary member pushes oil in an oil reservoir so that rotation speed of oil is adjusted by the pressure of oil passing through an oil passage hole, the end of the oil pusher plate and the inside wall of the oil reservoir. The door is opened in a joggling manner but slowly closed as rotating speed of the door gradually decreases, thereby solving problems such as injury occurring at the time of closing the door. A door fixing unit securely fixes the door when the door is closed or opened so as to prevent a gap between the door and a door frame when the door is closed and securely fix the door without movement when the door is opened.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is an actuator for gates, doors and the like, with at least one wing. The actuating motor (14) and the associated motor reduction unit (15) are housed inside as half-arm (2) which turns on a fixed support (9) in an oscillating way about a substantially vertical swinging axis (10). Advantageously, the electric motor (14) operates a manoeuvering worm screw (12) which is carried by said half-arm (2) and engages a corresponding helical gear (13) coaxial with the swinging axis (10) and is fastened to the fixed support of the half-arm (2) by means of a torque-limiting device which prevents excessive stresses on the actuator as a result of external forces and also makes it possible to release the helical gear for manual emergency actuation of the wing.

Abstract: A closure member used with a window closure system in securing a window sash to a window frame is characterized by a corrosion resistant elongated rigid rectangular portion or body having two or more juxtaposed corrosion resistant metal sheet layers. The closure member is formed from folding one or more metal sheets having a thickness selected at between about 0.25 and 2 mm, and more preferably, about 0.25 and 1 mm, wherein an edge portion of the sheet is bent back against an adjacent portion to form a multi-layered laminate structure. To eliminate potentially dangerous sharp side edges, opposing longitudinal edge portions of the stainless sheet may be folded inwardly against a central portion of the sheet by bending along two longitudinal extending and parallel fold seams. The closure member may be used to secure a window sash to a window as part of a swivel arm, a hinge arm, and/or as part of a reciprocally movable tie bar used to selectively lock or unlock the window sash to the frame.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively operating and locking a pivotal window. The window is pivotally attached to a window frame so as to pivot between open and closed configurations. The mechanism includes an actuating rod slidably mounted to the window frame. A guiding arm is pivotally mounted to the window frame. An actuating arm is pivotally attached to the actuating rod. The distal end of the actuating arm is attached to the window by attachment component allowing for angular compensation. The distal end of the guiding arm is pivotally attached to the actuating arm intermediate the longitudinal ends of the latter. A pin and slot arrangement allows for selective pivotal or locking action between the guiding and actuating arms depending on their relative pivotal relationship.

Abstract: To open a door which is latched in the closed position, a rotatable door handle must be turned to unlatch the door, after which the door can be opened. A door unlatching device is provided to rotate the handle, and a door operator moves the door from the closed position to the open position. An assist will provide additional force to move the door out of the door frame to the ajar position. A microprocessor receives input from all three devices and provides for the unification of the movements of the components to unlatch and open the door.

Abstract: A tailgate folding device for an automotive vehicle constructed to vertically fold a midsection of the tailgate and thereby to avoid an external lower end thereof from touching a ceiling when the tailgate is opened at a place where the ceiling is low, thus promoting an effective use of the tailgate even at a confined area. The device has a tailgate vertically foldable and dividable via a hinge point into an upper portion and a lower portion thereof, a manipulating unit mounted at a folded site of the tailgate to control folding of the tailgate, and a locking unit for adequately converting a relative rotation of the divided tailgate from a restricted state to a released state according to the operation of the manipulating unit.

Abstract: A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate has a pair of drive units supported on the vehicle roof and connected to the liftgate for opening and closing the liftgate. Each drive unit includes a bracket that is secured to the vehicle body for supporting several parts including a reversible electric motor, a gear unit and a track. The electric motor drives a segmented drive linkage inside the track via a gear reduction unit and a sprocket. The segmented drive linkage includes an elongated arcuate link arm that slides in an arcuate track portion of the track and a power roller chain that is stored in a storage track portion when the liftgate is closed. The outboard end of the link arm is pivotally connected to the liftgate to open and close the liftgate as the link arm is extended and retracted by the power roller chain.