Abstract: A drive assembly of a motor vehicle for the motor-driven adjustment of a flap, in particular a side door, of the motor vehicle by means of linear drive movements, wherein the drive assembly has a drive unit for generating the linear drive movements, which is assigned a drive with at least one drive motor and a feed transmission, in particular a spindle/-spindle nut transmission, that is drivingly connected to the drive. The drive assembly has a support structure which receives the drive unit such that it can swivel about a geometric supporting swivel shaft, such that the drive unit and the support structure are connected to form a pre-assembly unit which can be mounted as such via the support structure in a mounting position on the motor vehicle, in particular on the flap or on the motor vehicle body.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an electric support rod having a driving assembly, an actuating assembly, and a bearing. The driving assembly has a first outer tube and a driving unit in the first outer tube. An internal thread is configured in the first outer tube. The actuating assembly has a second outer tube and a transmission screw rod in the second outer tube. Multiple elastic arms axially are extended from the second outer tube and arranged spacedly around the transmission screw rod. Each elastic arm has an outer thread structure and a hook portion. The second outer tube is inserted in the first outer tube, the internal thread is screwed with the outer thread structure. One end of the transmission screw rod protrudes from the second outer tube to engage the driving unit. The bearing sheathes the transmission screw rod and the hook portion latches the bearing.

Abstract: A spindle drive assembly for opening and/or closing a vehicle hatch is described. This comprises a spindle extending along a spindle drive axis and a spindle drive motor coupled to the spindle in terms of drive, the motor shaft of which is arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the spindle drive axis. The spindle drive motor is coupled to the spindle via a two-stage epicyclic gearing. Furthermore, a vehicle hatch with such a spindle drive assembly is presented. A method for installing an epicyclic gearing of such a spindle drive assembly is additionally specified.

Abstract: Power window operators and windows incorporating the power window operators are described herein. The power window operators include both a guide pin and guide pin slot, as well as a pivot pin and pivot pin slot to control movement of an operator arm.

Abstract: The awning and shutter system serves as both a storm shutter when closed and a deck or patio awning when opened, and is designed with a counterweight making for effortless operation. Furthermore, some embodiments of the awning and shutter may feature a third position, substantially reducing the projection of the awning when in the opened position. This unique feature allows the system to sustain high wind conditions while maintaining interior view, shade and daylight.

Abstract: An automatic bin lid opener system is an apparatus used for opening and closing the top hatch of a storage bin from a control box at ground level to allow the user to avoid climbing ladders to the top of the storage bin. The control box may be operated manually or may be programmed to operate automatically as preferred by the user. The programmable control box may also be operated remotely at great distances via a cell phone using a cell phone application.

Abstract: A lead screw window operator (100) utilizes a lead screw (110) that is in tension whether the operator is being used to open or close a window assembly (10). The lead screw window operator (100) may include a nut (170) that has edges sufficiently close to first and second support surfaces to prevent excess rotation of the nut (170). Also, the lead screw (110) may have a splined end to operatively connect to a first gear that has a splined profile to allow the gear to slide along the lead screw along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A motorized door opener for a vehicle (such as a military or security vehicle), featuring a sensor system that determines door position to prevent door damage while the opener is in operation. The opener features an offset gear system that effectively changes the door's rotation point. Mechanical advantage is gained by using a lengthened lever arm with the gear system, providing increased leverage and allowing the motor to provide enough force to open and close a heavily armored door. The opener can use existing door hinges, and can be provided so as not to protrude into the door space, in order to facilitate passenger and equipment entry/exit through the doors. A safety release mechanism is included in some embodiments, allowing the door to be manually opened or closed.

Abstract: A drive train for a pivotable flap of a motor vehicle includes a holding device which can hold the flap in at least one open position, a first element which can be driven by a drive motor, and a second element connected to the pivotable flap to pivot the flap in response to movement of the first element. When the second element is moved along a path of motion relative to the first element counter to a specific spring force, a sensor generates a signal indicating relative motion of the elements, and a control device releases the holding device in response to the signal, whereby the flap can be moved manually by applying a force counter to the spring force.

Abstract: A drive device for a hatch of a motor vehicle, wherein a spindle drive is provided with a threaded spindle and a spindle nut mounted on the threaded spindle, by which drive the first fastening element and the housing tube can be driven axially relative to each other. The spindle drive can be rotatably driven by an electric motor, where the output shaft of the motor can rotate the threaded spindle or a connecting component of a clutch. The spindle drive can be rotatably driven by two or more series-connected electric motors.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: An actuating device is provided for moving a closure panel between an open position spaced apart from a vehicle body and a closed position abutting the vehicle body to close an access opening thereof. The actuating device includes a telescopic arm having a first member coupled to one of the closure panel and the vehicle body and a second member coupled to the other of the closure panel and the vehicle body. The first and second members are slidable relative to one another to move the actuating device between a retracted position corresponding with the closed position and an extended position corresponding with the open position. A screw is rotatable relative to the first member. The screw includes a cavity formed therewithin. A nut is secured to the second member and threadingly engages the screw such that rotation of the screw moves the second member towards and away from the first member to move the actuating device between the respective retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automotive vehicle is disclosed having a vehicle body with a first pillar, a second pillar, a roof member and a floor member defining a door opening therebetween. A lateral side entry door is pivotally connected to the vehicle body for enclosing the door opening. The side entry door moves along an operating path having a closed position and an open position. The vehicle has a motor and a lead screw mounted in the side entry door and connected to the motor to be driven by the motor. The vehicle has a link connected to the lead screw and connected to the vehicle body adjacent to the door opening. The motor drives the lead screw to translate the link to open and close the side entry door.

Abstract: A drive unit for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an extendable strut having an outer tube and an inner tube coupled telescopically for movement between retracted and extended positions corresponding with the closed and open positions of the liftgate, respectively. The drive unit includes a drive screw mechanism for retracting and extending the extendable strut. The drive unit also includes a motor and gear set for actuating the drive screw, wherein the motor and gear set are supported by one of the outer and inner tubes of the extendable strut. The drive screw mechanism utilizes a ball bearing for translating rotational movement of the drive screw into translational movement of a housing and the inner tube interconnected therewith.

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: An integrated gas strut actuator strut assembly particularly adapted for providing power actuation of a motor vehicle lift gate or other opening closure. The system integrates the function of a counterbalancing gas spring and that of a electrically powered actuator. The system incorporates a strut assembly including a gas charged cylinder, and 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. Another feature of the invention are various embodiments of couplers between the gas cylinder plunger and rod and connectors for the assembly to the vehicle.

Abstract: A power drive assembly moves a liftgate (12) of a motor vehicle (10) between its open and closed positions. The motor vehicle (10) defines an opening and the liftgate (12) closes the opening when the liftgate (12) is in its closed position. The power drive assembly (22) includes a base (24) that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle (10) at a position in spaced relation to the opening. A drive mechanism (38) is fixedly secured to the guide. The drive mechanism (38) converts electrical energy into a linear force. The power drive assembly (22) includes a translation linkage (58) connected to the drive mechanism (38) for receiving the linear force and translating it into a nonlinear force to move the liftgate (12) between the open position and the closed position. A nut (52), secured to the translation linkage (58), moves the translation linkage (58) as it travels along a lead screw (50) that is rotated by a motor (40).

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: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. Also a method for manufacturing the operator includes the steps of passing the worm shaft through the hole with the worm shoulder engaging the internal shoulder and the worm disposed against the first support surface, fitting the arm to the central post, the arm in drivable engagement with the worm, placing the base and the cover together with the worm disposed between the first and second support surfaces and the central post.

Abstract: A power actuator for lifting a pivotal lift gate closing an access opening in a motor vehicle body.

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 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: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm drivably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A window operator for control of the opening and closing of a window sash mounted with a window frame. The window operator may include a drive mechanism, a drive element movable on a rectilinear path by the drive mechanism, and a first linkage of which a primary point of rotation is fixed relative to the drive mechanism. Additionally, the window operator may include a first mounting for attachment of the first linkage to the window sash at a first position, a second linkage connected to the drive element, and a second mounting for attachment of the second linkage to the window sash at a second position. Here, the second position may be closer to the hinged side of the window sash relative to the window frame than the first position. The window operator may further include an interconnection linkage pivotally coupling the first and second linkages.

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: A power-operated tailgate has a bottom end that is pivotally attached to a vehicle by a hinge so that the tailgate pivots about a hinge axis between a raised position and a lowered position. A rotor is mounted on the vehicle for rotation about a rotor axis between a first position and a second position. A link is pivotally attached to the rotor and to the tailgate so that the tailgate is raised and lowered when the rotor is rotated back and forth between the first and second positions by a motor. The link cooperates with an over center stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the raised position and with a second stop on the vehicle when the tailgate is in the lowered position.

Abstract: A rotary window operator to effect opening and closing of a window. A rotatable handle (14) is mounted on a housing (10) from which a link member (16) projects. The handle (14) is pivotally coupled to a cage (29) in which a bush (30) is slidingly engaged. A cam surface (25) of handle (14) forces teeth on bush (30) to engage with teeth of cage (29) when the handle (14) is pivoted from a non-use position to an in-use position. A drive shaft coupled to the bush (30) has a gear which meshes with gear wheel (18) of link member whereby rotation of the handle (14), when in the in-use position, imparts movement in link member (16).

Abstract: A 90.degree. gate opener (20) includes a screw (22), and a nut (30) which travels along screw (22) as the screw (22) is turned by a motor (46). One end of a main arm 32 is pivotally connected to nut (30) so that it also travels along screw (22). Screw (22) is dispositioned a predetermined distance (D) behind a pivot (38) which slidably receives main arm (32). As screw (22) is turned, main arm (32) rotates approximately 90.degree. about pivot (38), and in so doing also slides through pivot (38). As a result of the increased mechanical advantage of the gate opener, a motor of smaller horsepower rating may be utilized. Gate opener (20) may be used in either horizontal or vertical applications.

Abstract: An operator for controlling the movement of a window sash relative to a frame with a raised surface along a frame sill thereof, wherein the operator includes a base having a first support surface, an aperture and a bottom exterior surface with a slot therein, the base attached to the frame with the raised surface fitting substantially within the slot. The operator also includes a cover secured to the base and having a second support surface with a hole therethrough defining an internal shoulder, the second support surface mating with the first support surface. A post extends from the cover and through the aperture in the base when the operator is assembled. An arm is pivotally secured to the post and attachable to the sash to control the movement of the sash between open and closed positions. A worm driveably engages the arm and has a worm shaft and a worm shoulder disposed on the worm shaft.

Abstract: A counterbalanced window operator includes a housing in which a rotatable lead screw, rotated by a crank handle or electric power unit, cooperates with a non-rotatable nut member to axially displace the nut member and move pivoting arms to open and close the window.

Abstract: In a system for providing access to a diesel engine of a locomotive, a hatch lifting mechanism is pinned to a hatch for enhancing the capabilities of pushing and pulling the hatch during its opening and closing operation. The hatch lifting mechanism allows the hatch to be set open at any desired position, using a positive rigid support at the desired position. The system further includes a two-force member comprising a collar, an ACME threaded rod, and a plunger situated inside a pipe, with minimal bending exerted on the hatch. Placing all of the moving elements inside the pipe enables the mechanism to operate in a hostile environment and in a confined space. The design of the hatch lifting mechanism of the present invention also prevents a lock-tight phenomenon between the collar and the plunger when the rod is fully extended out of the pipe.

Abstract: A vehicle power window actuator for pivoting a side glass view panel about an axis. The actuator is fixedly mounted on a vehicle body panel and is comprised of a housing containing screw spindle rotatable by a reversible electric motor, a follower axially displaceable on said screw spindle by rotation of said screw spindle, and link pivotably connected at one end to said follower and at the other end to a window glass pane connector assembly, said link telescopically slidable within said housing. Axial movement of the follower on the screw spindle in one direction causes extension of the link out of the housing thereby exerting a pushing force on the connector assembly thus pivoting the glass view panel outwardly to an open position. Axial movement of the follower on the screw in the other direction causes retraction of the link into the housing thereby exerting a pulling force on the connector assembly thus pulling the glass view panel inwardly to a closed position.

Abstract: A parking barrier that is remotely controlled and includes a vertically, pivotally mounted post having an L-shaped arm secured at one end thereof to the post and projecting outwardly therefrom, lying in a generally horizontal plane. The post is positioned at or near one of the boundary lines of a defined parking space and the post may be moved through an arc from one position to another wherein the L-shaped arm, in one position, projects into the parking space preventing unauthorized parties from using that space for parking a vehicle. In the other position, the L-shaped arm overlies two adjoining boundary lines or in proximity thereto, allowing a vehicle to park in the designated space. The pivotally mounted post is mounted on a base that is weighted down by a curb stone so that no modification need be needed to the surface of the parking area. The curb stone is detachably connected (by suitable security devices) to the base plate thereby making the unit itself portable for moving from one site to another.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a lid moving mechanism for use with a storage bin. A hinge arm is pivoted at one end to a fixed point on the bin top, and a free end is attached, by a boom, to the lid. A jack device rotates the hinge arm and lid between opened and closed positions. The jack takes the form of a tube, within which is fixed an open-center helical spindle. A turning tube is inserted into this spindle, and a pin engages the spindle windings. When the turning tube is rotated, it is drawn into or forced out of the helical spindle and jack tube, and the hinge arm is correspondingly moved. An extension is attached to the turning tube so that the jack can be operated, and the lid moved, from a remote location.

Abstract: An open top tub or container is supported for vibration and is adapted to receive a workload of treating media and parts to be treated. The container is vibrated by variable power operated means and includes an end wall having an outlet for removing the workload from the container. The outlet is closed by a door member which is pivotally supported for movement between a closed position and a retracted open position in response to operation of a reversible electric motor. The motor drives a positive drive mechanism which includes a gear reducer connected to an elongated screw which extends through a rotatable nut member connected to the door member. Preferably, the drive mechanism has a high mechanical advantage, and the motor may consist of a DC motor which has a permanently magnetized stator and which is adapted to be continuously energized so that a continuously applied force holds the door member closed while the container and work load are vibrating.