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.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a toothed rack and channel track type of power liftgate attaches the liftgate lift rod to the toothed rack indirectly, through a shoe-yoke assembly that transfers axial loads, but isolates the rack from non axial reactive loads transferred through the lift rod. A rigid yoke fits closely within axially spaced ends of a notch in the rack, but has a clearance elsewhere from the outside of the rack. The outside of the yoke is closely surrounded by a shoe, which provides a close fitting, slidable bearing layer with the inside of the channel track, maintaining the yoke to rack clearance. The maintenance of the yoke-rack clearance prevents the transmission of undesired reactive loads back to the rack through the yoke.

Abstract: An automatic door operating device drives a door for a pivotal movement in accordance with a switch operation. The automatic door operating device includes a handle disposed on the door; and a controller. The controller allows the door to be manually operable for the pivotal movement when the handle is operated during a time the door is in a process of being driven for the pivotal movement.

Abstract: The pinion pivotally mounted on a vehicle body by the axis parallel to a hinge axis is linked by the motor provided on the vehicle body so as to be rotated in forward and reverse directions, the rack engaging the pinion is provided on the edge of the rack rod having one end portion pivotally secured by a transversely directed axis on the portion spaced from the hinge axis of the opening and closing member, and the guide member which slidably engages the longitudinal guide groove provided on the rack rod and rotatably supports the rack rod around the axis parallel to the axis of the pinion is provided on the partial portion of the vehicle body slightly spaced from the pinion.

Abstract: The present application discloses automatic door assemblies and swing operators therefor. One aspect of the disclosure provides a swing door operator that has spring return breakout and from motor driven opening. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a swing door operator that is non-handed with spring return from either direction. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a swing door operator in which spring force is transmitted to the operator output member via a cam structure.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic opening of a motor vehicle rear door which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis contains a pneumatic spring-and-ejector combination in which a pneumatic spring is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the rear door so that it exerts a closing torque on the door when the door is in a closed and a predetermined partially open position, and exerts an opening torque when the door is opened beyond the predetermined position to swing the door fully open. An ejector is arranged to pivot the door from the closed position to a position past the partially open position, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the ejector and avoiding high frictional forces in the door lock.

Abstract: A kinetic conversion mechanism includes a driving pulley pivotally connected to one end portion of a board which is pointed in the direction of substantially crossing the hinge shaft of a door, coupled to the output shaft of a motor and capable of forward and reverse rotation; a driven pulley pivotally connected to the other end of the board; and an endless belt wound on the driving pulley and the driven pulley, the belt being coupled to a part of the belt as the output portion thereof. The kinetic conversion mechanism and the motor are arranged in the shape of substantial L-letter by coupling the motor to one end portion of the kinetic conversion mechanism at substantially right angles. A transmission member is made bendable and also pivotal within a plane substantially perpendicular to a hinge shaft. One end of a coupling member is pivotally connected to an open-close structure, whereas the other end thereof is pivotally connected to the transmission member.

Abstract: Pivot-hung door drive system with an electronic control system that contains at least one memory and one microprocessor, for an at least single-panel door, the door panel of which is driven by an electro-mechanical drive unit that acts in the opening and closing directions. The drive unit consists essentially of a drive motor with a transmission and a power transmission unit for the door connected to it, whereby the power transmission unit consists of a drive shaft which is connected with one end of an actuator lever and the pivot-hung door drive system is installed inside a door panel or inside a door frame or casing. The power transmission unit consists of a screw with a nut that partly surrounds it, which nut is positively and non-positively connected to a toothed rack, whereby the drive shaft is engaged with its gear teeth in the gear teeth of the toothed rack.

Abstract: An automatic chute closure for covering a chute opening wherein the chute closure includes a frame disposed around a chute opening, a chute door pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an opened and closed position, a door movement mechanism for opening and closing the chute door, a switch mechanism for activating and deactivating the door movement mechanism and a latch mechanism for securing the chute door in a closed position until the switch mechanism is activated to open the chute door. The automatic chute closure allows an operator to conveniently activate a single switch to open and close the chute door and to insure once the chute door is closed it is properly locked.

Abstract: A connection wire is connected to a part of a rear door popped up in a door-opening direction by an urging force. A pulley rotates responsive to a driving motor inside a wire-winding device to wind the connection wire thereon. In this manner, the rear door is automatically closed. The pulley is urged in a connection wire-winding direction by a power spring. A clutch is between the pulley and the driving motor. When the rear door is pressed by an operator's hands in a door-closing direction while the rear door is being closed, the pulley is rotated by the power spring, thus winding the connection wire thereon and preventing the connection wire from becoming loose. At this time, the connection between the pulley and the driving motor is cut off by the clutch. Thus, the pulley is rotated by the power spring freely and rapidly. In this manner, the rear door can be closed manually even while it is being closed automatically.

Abstract: A vehicle power liftgate cable drive has a cable drive housing. An electric motor with a motor housing and an output shaft is secured to the cable drive housing. A clutch pack with a first clutch driven by the output shaft and a second clutch driven by the first clutch, is mounted in the cable drive housing. One of the clutches in the clutch pack is a one way clutch and the other clutch is an electromagnetic clutch. A pinion gear is driven by the second clutch. An output gear is rotatably journaled on a fixed shaft and driven by the pinion gear. The cable drum is attached to the output gear. A coil spring has one end fixed to the fixed shaft and its other end attached to the cable drum. The fixed shaft is rotated to preload the coil spring in a direction that tends to wind a cable on the cable drum and then the fixed shaft is fastened to the cable drive housing. A cable is attached to the cable drum and to the liftgate.

Abstract: An automatic chute closure for covering a chute opening wherein the chute closure includes a frame disposed around a chute opening, a chute door pivotally connected to the frame for movement between an opened and closed position, a door movement mechanism for opening and closing the chute door, a switch mechanism for activating and deactivating the door movement mechanism and a latch mechanism for securing the chute door in a closed position until the switch mechanism is activated to open the chute door. The automatic chute closure allows an operator to conveniently activate a single switch to open and close the chute door and to insure once the chute door is closed it is properly locked.

Abstract: A swivelling or sliding hatchback of a vehicle is designed using materials of lower weight densities to form the inner and outer skins of the hatch, to reduce the overall weight of the hatch. The hatchback (1) includes a supporting frame (2) formed from an open or closed steel section, an outer skin (3) and an inner skin (4) formed from a light metal or plastic and mounted on the supporting frame (2) The inner skin (4) is essentially formed by reinforcing ribs (14) and by section rails (19). The hatchback of this structure is particularly suited for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A door closure system for one or more swinging doors includes, in its most basic form, a door closure assembly for a door pivotally mounted on a hinge axis in a door frame. The assembly includes a closure mechanism mounted on the door frame adjacent the door with a rotatable member extending therefrom, an elongated arm having a secured end fixed for rotation with a rotatable member and a free end extending alongside the door, and a roller wheel rotatably mounted on the free end of the arm and extending therefrom so as to overlap the door for engaging it and rolling about a wheel axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis when the door swings about the hinge axis from a first pivotal position to a second pivotal position. This door closure assembly can also be applied to a double swinging door by adding more closure mechanisms and interconnecting them for the desired synchronization. A stop for holding the door open to a set position can also be provided.

Abstract: A vehicle power liftgate cable drive has a cable drive housing. An electric motor with a motor housing and an output shaft is secured to the cable drive housing. A clutch pack with a first clutch driven by the output shaft and a second clutch driven by the first clutch, is mounted in the cable drive housing. One of the clutches in the clutch pack is a one way clutch and the other clutch is an electromechanical clutch. A pinion gear is driven by the second clutch. A driven gear is rotatably journaled on a fixed shaft and driven by the pinion gear. The cable drum is attached to the driven gear. A coil spring has one end fixed to the fixed shaft and its other end attached to the cable drum. The fixed shaft is rotated to preload the coil spring in a direction that tends to wind a cable on the cable drum and then the fixed shaft is fastened to the cable drive housing. A cable is attached to the cable drum and to the liftgate.

Abstract: A window operator for a wide range of sizes of casement windows includes a housing in which a worm gear is mounted. An arm assembly has a gear segment that engages with the worm gear so that rotation of the worm gear causes the arm assembly and window sash to pivot outward or inward. The arm assembly includes three arms which are telescopically arranged. The inner arm and lead arm have outward facing races. The center arm has an inverted U-shape with downwardly extending legs of the U each have corresponding races. As the worm turns, the arm assembly rotates outward and the three arms slide with respect to one another.

Abstract: A window storm shield and guard assembly installable to fit within the jamb of a building window, or to fit onto the face of the building surrounding the jamb, the assembly, functioning both as a storm barrier to protect the window from strong winds and wind-borne debris, and as a security barrier to deter an intruder from entering the building through the window. The main components of the assembly are a main frame defining a rectangular socket, and a barrier frame which is normally nested in the socket and supports a perforated metal barrier panel that reduces but does not block the passage of light and the flow of air through the panel. The barrier frame is hinged at its upper end to the corresponding end of the main frame, and at its lower end, the barrier frame is latched internally to the corresponding end of the main frame. In the closed mode of the assembly in which the barrier frame is nested in the main frame and is latched thereto, the window is then fully protected.

Abstract: A gate opening and closing apparatus, typically referred to as a "gate operator" and which automatically moves a gate, such as a swinging gate between opened and closed positions. The gate operator of the invention employs a power unit, such as an electrically motor driven power unit which rotates a power arm. A crank arm is releasably connected to the power arm and movable therewith. In addition, the crank arm is, in turn, connected to a connecting arm which has one end connected to the gate for movement of the gate. The invention relies upon the use of a swing movement control mechanism in place of stop rings which were previously used to control the limits of movement of the gate. The swing movement control mechanism comprises a swing movement control plate shiftable along the crank arm so that the connecting arm which is also pivoted on the swing movement control plate can be connected to a gate having a desired swing or so-called "throw".

Abstract: Apparatus is are disclosed for selective alteration and control of door movement modes, the apparatus being primarily non-hydraulic and incorporated with a known mechanism which is functional independently from the apparatus in one mode of operation and which includes a piston for controlling door closing characteristics by selected fluid flow within the mechanism. The apparatus includes a motor driven lead screw having a linearly movable shuttle unit mounted thereon, the shuttle unit being positioned relative to the piston of the mechanism to accommodate nonattached contact with the piston to urge the piston, when the shuttle unit is moved, in a direction that will at least provide selective assistance with door opening in another mode of operation.

Abstract: An operator for controlling pivoting of a window sash relative to a window frame including dual arms which pivot relative to one another to move the window sash. A drive input pivotally drives a drive member which is eccentric about its pivot axis, where the drive input includes recesses spaced from the input pivot axis and engageable by a user's fingers to manual pivot the drive input. A drive ring gear is pivotable relative to the drive member and includes two axially spaced sets of gear teeth. The dual arms are secured to separate ring gears which are respectively associated with the two gear teeth sets. The drive ring gear is moved eccentrically relative to the pivot axis by the eccentric drive member whereby at least some of the teeth of the first set of drive ring gear teeth are disengaged from the teeth of its associated arm ring gear and at least some of the teeth of the second set of drive ring gear teeth are disengaged from the teeth of its associated arm ring gear.

Abstract: An improved torque window assembly for motor vehicles has a peripheral frame defining an opening, and a moveable glazing pane pivotally mounted to the frame for movement about a pivot axis between an open and closed position. A torque handle is operatively connected to the glazing pane by a linkage assembly, including a torque bar which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. A mounting assembly for the moveable glazing pane includes a hinge rail along a peripheral edge of the glazing pane. The hinge rail provides a U-shaped glazing channel to receive the peripheral edge of the glazing pane with a biased interference fit. The linkage from the torque bar to the hinge rail includes a one-piece hinge link having a substantially planar link section perpendicular to the hinge rail and two or more tabs received, one each, into U-shaped hinge channels extending axially along the hinge rail.

Abstract: A mechanism for latching a rotary shaft for, for example, a lift door, provided with a control arm connected to the rotary shaft and pivotally coupled by means of a coupling piece to an operating arm which is rotatable about a fixed shaft, coupling piece and operating arm being brought into line with each other for the latching of a rotary shaft, and a control mechanism being present for operating the latch. The operating arm bears a further shaft, upon which the control mechanism acts, and which can be actuated by a control unit, which can unlatch the mechanism while at the same time tensioning spring means, which on blocking of the rotary shaft are additionally tensioned, which additional tensioning still rotates the rotary shaft further when the blocking is removed, and in which the control unit can release the control mechanism, with the result that the spring means tensioned earlier will rotate the rotary shaft to the latched position.

Abstract: A bay window unit has sidewalls interconnected by a front wall and a top. A glass pane is positioned in the sidewalls and each sidewall has upper and lower rails and side rails surrounding the glass pane. A shear panel comprising a continuous sheet of material is overlayed and bonded to the upper and lower rails and side rails of each sidewall. The unit is attached to vertical studs and is cantilevered therefrom with one face of each sidewall overlapping and extending between confronting faces of the studs. The window unit has a pivotable sash mounted to the top which is operated by a linkage concealed by one of the shear panels.

Abstract: A stay generally indicated at 10 comprises a base 11, a window support 12 and a link 13. The link 13 is releasably and pivotally connected at 20 to the base 11. The connection at 20 is formed between a projection 22 and an end cap 23, which defines a through passage 25 for receiving the projection 22. The end cap 23 has an annular projection 26 which is dimensioned to snap fit into a circular groove 27 in the projection 22.

Abstract: A quick release door closer including a hydraulic assembly and a spring assembly connected at a quick release connection. The quick release connection includes a retaining element and element housing structured to allow the door closer to be easily maintained and, if necessary, the hydraulic assembly to be easily removed and replaced.

Abstract: A window stay is provided for a casement type window so that its window sash is shifted outwardly from the window frame as it is being opened. The window stay comprises a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm associated with a driving rod. The first arm has its respective ends pivotally attached to the window sash and the window frame and swings the window sash in relation to the window frame as the driving rod is operated. The second arm has its ends respectively pivotally attached to the window sash and the driving rod and swings the window sash in relation to the first arm as the driving rod is operated. The third arm has its ends respectively pivotally attached to the first arm and the driving rod and swings the first arm in relation to the window frame in accordance with the movement of the driving rod.

Abstract: A pivotal handle for an actuator of a window includes a triangular shaped cap member with a recess along one side of the triangle shape into which the splined shaft end of the actuator is inserted and clamped. A handle member is pivotal relative to the cap member about a transverse pin positioned directly at the end of the recess. The position of the handle relative to the cap member is controlled by a spring ball mounted within the cap member which cooperates with a straight sided slot on the inner face of the handle member.

Abstract: A raising and lowering mechanism including an electric powered winch having a cable connected to the cross bar of pivotal lever arms to raise and lower a pivotally hinged rigid cover. The winch cable is payed over a pulley system positioned at a height equal to or greater than the pivot points of the lever arms for providing a mechanical advantage.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gate may be opened from a vehicle by pulling on a line attached to a counterbalance control mechanism. The counterbalance control mechanism comprises a cylinder having a damper-controlled flow of water arrangement which allows an enclosed quantity of water to shift when the gate is opened and to then slowly return past the damper to effect a subsequent gate closing. Water is also used within the gate support structure to provide an additional shifting of weight when the gate is opened or closed.

Abstract: A mechanically operable actuating device for opening towards the outside and closing a cargo hatch or freight door in the fuselage of an aircraft comprises two hinges for connecting an upper side of the door or hatch to the fuselage; a first swivel joint floatingly mounts the upper end of a coupling member to a reenforcing part in the upper portion of the hatch or door; a second swivel joint floatingly connects a rocking arm to a hatch or door frame of the fuselage; a third swivel joint connects the rocking arm to the lower end of the coupling member; a fourth swivel joint connects one end of a gas pressure spring to the rocking arm so that the spring extends substantially parallel to the coupling member; and a fifth swivel joint connects an opposite end of the spring also to the upper end of the coupling member.

Abstract: A gate operator for lifting a gate about a horizontal pivot at a lower proximate corner thereof about a 90.degree. arc in the plane of the gate and having spring means for balancing and holding the gate weightless in all positions of its arcuate movement, permitting the gate to be moved between fully opened and closed positions manually or with minimum applied force, and preferrably comprising crank-like means operating through a raceway on the face of a driving wheel, the gate operator having a position locking the gate in its closed position against vertical forces exerted at the gate for opening same; and a safety snubber controlling the speed of the gate in either opening or closing movement.

Abstract: The invention comprises a gate or other load operator which provides non-linear torque/angular velocity characteristics over approximately a ninety degree gate travel range wherein the torque/velocity characteristic is reversed for opening and closing. The mechanism, a dual four-bar linkage with slotted pivots, provides high starting torque and lower running torque regardless of whether the gate or load is opening or closing. The mechanism is not constrained to be located on a particular side of the gate post.