Abstract: A vehicle door and window drive assembly is disclosed for simultaneously or independently driving a vertically moving door and its associated window between respective open and closed positions. A single prime mover, such as a reversible electric motor, a door moving mechanism, and a window moving mechanism are selectively coupled and uncoupled with each other in various combinations by three electromagnetically operated clutches to provide for synchronized manual or powered movement of the door with the window or independent door and window operation.

Abstract: A power window assembly in a vehicle includes first and second slidable window panes mounted to the vehicle for movement in opposing lateral directions towards each other to a closed position and away from each other to an open position. A first pair of connector arms is operatively connected to the first window pane and a second pair of connector arms is operatively connected to the second window pane. A power drive mechanism engages the connector arms and selectively pulls one of the connector arms of the first pair and one of the connector arms of the second pair away from each other to pull the window panes towards the open position and selectively pulls the other of the connector arms of the first pair and the other of the connector arms of the second pair towards each other for pulling the window panes towards the closed position.

Abstract: A window regulator employs a drive cable to regulate opening and closing of a window in a vehicle. The drive cable is attached to a glider which is attached to the window, and extends around a first and second guide means and a drive drum. Rotation of the drive drum causes movement of the cable which in turn causes movement of the window. One of the guide means is slidably mounted and coupled to a spring which causes the guide means to apply tension to the drive cable. The spring is positioned along substantially the same axis along which the slidably mounted guide means may travel.

Abstract: The subject is a slide gate or a slide door. There is a DC electric motor which is battery powered. The source of electricity can be from an AC power source such as 110 or 120 volts. A transformer and a converter change the voltage to about 24 volts and rectify the current from alternating current to direct current. There is the electric motor and gear box combination connecting with a drive pulley. Further, there is a pulley on a spaced-apart post. A cable runs around the two pulleys. The drive pulley is connected to the slide gate or the slide door for moving the gate or door.

Abstract: A security window having one or more vertically movable panels, suitably of a transparent, rigid plastic that is bullet-resistant. The security window is useful for a clerk in a convenience store. The security window is provided with a safety mechanism that is operatively associated with the one or more vertically movable panels, and prevents direct vertical manual movement thereof by a would-be robber.

Abstract: A door opening/closing apparatus, which can cause quick and smooth start of movement of a sliding door in an emergency, without any possibility of breakage of the door due to quick movement, so that it can be used reliably and safely. When an operating member is released from its lock, it is pulled along with the sliding door, by a uniform force. To start movement of the operating member, a pushing member mounted on a slidable member is pushed by the spring forces of two coil springs, thus aiding the operation of pushing the operating member and permitting quick and smooth start of movement of the operating member, sliding door, etc. With the screwing of an adjustment screw, the spring force of an adjustment spring is adjusted. The adjusted spring force causes a pushing member to be pushed against a guide member via a pivotal member and a pushing member to effect adjustment of the speed of movement of the operating member for braking action.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electro-mechanical door opening and closing device which is adapted to be retro-fitted onto an existing manually operated sliding door system. The sliding door system has a stationary panel and a movable panel and the system is installed in a wall of a building. A stationary portion includes the stationary panel, the door frame and the building adjacent to the door frame. The device includes a reversible motor, a bracket or handle and a control system. The reversible motor is attachable to one of the stationary portion and the movable panel. The bracket is attachable to the other of the stationary portion and the movable panel. The device includes a threaded rod operably connected to the reversible motor such that the rod may be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. The rod is also movably connected to the bracket and rotation of the rod clockwise and counterclockwise causes the bracket to move towards and away from the motor thereby opening and closing the sliding panel.

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

Abstract: A window assembly for a motor vehicle body enclosing a passenger compartment has a structural frame mounting a sliding pane. Guide means are provided for guiding the sliding pane as it slides between its open and closed positions. The guide means includes kick-out means for forcibly guiding the sliding pane toward an offset, substantially parallel plane upon initial movement of the sliding pane from its closed position toward its open position. Such initial offset facilitates mounting of the sliding pane in its closed position in a plane substantially flush with an adjacent fixed position pane or other object of the window assembly of the vehicle body. Pull/pull type drive means are provided for operating the sliding pane. Specifically, a cable-and-drum drive mechanism of the window assembly includes a drive cable wrapped around a drive drum and attached to the sliding pane.

Abstract: A cable drive for elevator doors has first and second drive pulleys eccentrically mounted 180.degree. out-of-phase on the same drive motor shaft so that the cable feed rate is greater at the middle, than at the start and end of each drive cycle. Feeder pulleys arranged below the drive pulleys ensure that cable angle of feed to tension pulleys positioned at opposite ends of the door travel remains constant, regardless of rotational position of the drive pulleys. The doors travel along guide tracks provided with downwardly directed flanges, behind which upwardly directed flanges of door sheave assemblies are captured. The sheave assemblies also include downwardly directed flanges that are captured behind upwardly directed rails of the tracks. In a single-slide door or center-opening two door arrangement, each door panel has two sheave assemblies and two facing tracks are provided, the sheave of each assembly riding on a different track.

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

Abstract: A sliding door system employs an electric power link. The electric link includes a ribbon conductor which is enclosed in a protective chain-like guard to provide electrical communication between the sliding door and the door header. Electrical modules such as electromagnetic locks, switches and sensors are mounted directly on the sliding door. Safety sensors are mounted at the leading and trailing edges of the sliding door panels to sense whether an obstacle or traffic has cleared.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for mounting a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening of a sterilizer or autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used in either motorized or non-motorized embodiments. The weight of the chamber door is offset by a counterweight and suspended using a cable and pulley system. In the non-motorized embodiment, the door/counterweight system is held in place by a securement, which, when disengaged, permits free motion of the door. In the motorized embodiment, a second cable and pulley system is used to connect the door and counterweight. The cable from this second system is looped around a sheave which is adapted to provide a predetermined frictional force. The sheave is then connected to and rotated by a motor, and upon activation of the motor, the rotating sheave displaces the cable, which respectively raises or lowers the door and counterweight.

Abstract: A garage door operator which senses obstructions and takes corrective action before entrapment can occur. Yieldable gears are utilized as a failsafe mechanism such that when the applied torque exceeds certain limit, the gears disengage so that the garage door can be manually moved. The yieldable gears may also be disengaged by remote control or by hand. Solid state circuitry is provided to achieve soft starts and stops of the electric motor. Test circuitry is provided that tests the operational readiness of the electrical components by simulating an abnormal torque condition. During operation of the electric motor, the torque load is electronically calculated and if an abnormal torque load is encountered, the electric motor reverses direction.

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

Abstract: A flush-closing multi-pane window assembly for a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a frame for mounting in a window recess in the vehicle body, one or more fixed-position panes mounted to the frame and at least one sliding pane mounted to the frame for sliding between an open position and a closed position. In its open position, the sliding pane overlaps a fixed-position pane, but in its closed position is substantially flush therewith. Guide means are provided for guiding the sliding pane as it moves laterally between its open and closed position. The guide means includes fixed members extending from the sliding panes substantially perpendicular to its direction of travel and kick-out means provided by the frame for engaging the fixed members at least during initial lateral movement of the sliding pane from its closed position to its open position.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle body has a side opening that is opened and closed by a sliding door. The door is operated with a power drive mechanism that is pivotally mounted thereon and extends through the side opening. The power drive mechanism includes a reversible electric motor driven friction drive wheel and is spring biased to forcibly engage this wheel with a drive/guide track that is located beneath the vehicle floor and attached to the vehicle body. The friction drive wheel rides on the drive/guide track to open and close the door and also helps guide and stabilize its sliding movement. The spring load on the friction drive wheel is limited so as to provide sliding door operation with the motor under normal conditions and allow slippage at the friction drive wheel to cease door movement when the door encounters a physical object in the door opening.

Abstract: A power window assembly in a vehicle includes a slidable window pane mounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to an open position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position. The power window assembly further includes first and second mounting brackets securely attached to the window pane and each having a pocket therein. The power window assembly also includes a power drive mechanism for selectively moving the window pane between the closed position and the open position. The power drive mechanism includes first and second connector arms each laterally coupled to the first and second mounting brackets, respectively. The connector arms each have an upper portion seated in the pockets of the respective mounting brackets by slip-fitted insertion therein and are vertically slidable relative the pockets to adjustably connect the window pane to the power drive mechanism.

Abstract: An automated sealing apparatus for sealing a packaging machine cleaning environment is set forth. The apparatus includes a retractable cover having first and second ends. The first and second ends of the retractable cover are disposed perpendicular to a direction of movement of the retractable cover. The apparatus further includes a first securing device disposed on the first end of the cover and a second securing device disposed on a top of the cover near the second end of the cover.

Abstract: Automatic slide door mechanism includes a slide rail secured to a slide door of a vehicle and which is extended in the fore-aft-direction of the vehicle, a slide rail guide holding the slide rail and held by an arm rotatably coupled to a main vehicle body, swing driving actuator for rotating the arm towards inside or outside of the vehicle, and slide driving actuator separate from the swing driving actuator, the slide driving actuator being held by the slide rail guide and adapted for actuating the slide door and the slide rail in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle. This assures smooth and prompt operation during movement of the slide door in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle and a sufficiently large torque during movement of the slide door towards inside or outside.

Abstract: A reciprocating mechanism is provided with a motor rotating in one direction to produce forward and reverse motion by a drive wheel in direct contact with the forward and rear surfaces of an element such as a plate. The plate can take the form of a sliding door covering a vanity mirror in a vehicular sun visor.

Abstract: An apparatus for both manual and powered operation of the sash of a double hung window, including a drive belt adjacent one side of the sash, a power drive for the belt, and a pulley carried with the sash and engaging the belt. Two ratchets having wheels with oppositely facing inclined teeth and pawls biased into engagement with the wheel of the respective ratchet through a connecting shaft secure the pulley against pivoting in either direction to effectively lock the pulley relative to the engaged belt. A ratchet housing is disposed in a sash recess and has a D-shaped opening on one end adjacent a cylindrical opening to the pulley. A bushing for the ratchet shaft is received in the sash cylindrical opening and includes a D-shaped flange receivable through an annular opening in the housing whereby twisting of the bushing misaligns the flange with a suitable tab to secure the bushing in the sash cylindrical opening.

Abstract: An automated actuator is fabricated in kit form and adapted to be assembled and disassembled for use with sliding doors, windows or other similar panels. The actuator includes a support column which is adjustable to be braced at the existing door jamb at either side of the door frame to move the panel. Mounting of the actuator does not require the surrounding frame or wall structure to be structurally altered. Circuitry for the actuator ceases the sliding movement of the door when the door meets resistance, such as by a child or animal in the path of the door, and re-tests for the resistance to determine whether the door should continue along the intended path.

Abstract: A hydraulic door operator includes a reversible hydraulic pump driven by an electric motor and connected in a closed loop to a reversible hydraulic motor which operates the door. A bypass valve assembly is connected across the loop between the pump and hydraulic motor. The bypass valve assembly is operative when fluid is delivered by the pump to drive the motor in one direction so that a portion of the fluid flow is bypassed from reaching the motor. When the pump is operated to deliver fluid to drive the motor in the opposite direction, the bypass valve assembly is inoperative. When operative, the bypass assembly will cause the motor to be driven at a slower speed than it will be driven when the bypass valve assembly is inoperative.

Abstract: A skylight cover for relatively blocking transmission of light through a lens opening of a skylight structure takes the form of a modular unit (10, 110), configured to fit between standard ceiling joists (16, 17). The unit includes a movable panel (30, 130), panel tracks (33, 133), and a panel drive mechanism (40, 45, 48; 161, 162,164), all housed in a common, readily installable and serviceable framework (12, 112). In one embodiment (10), the drive mechanism is a cable air cylinder (40) having end brackets (48) attached by a slide-in mounting assembly (58) to a frame member 39, and having a U-shaped cable bracket (48) deposited over posts (51) on the panel (30). In another embodiment (110), the drive mechanism is a motor (161) having an output gear (162) meshed with a gear track (164) on the panel (130).

Abstract: A door positioning mechanism with a moveable carriage driven by a motor through a lead screw, wherein the moveable carriage is connected to open and close the door by movement of the door rectilinearly along a track through the expedient of a drive train utilizing a multiple sheave and cable connection between the door and the moveable carriage. A hand disconnect is provided to disable the positioning mechanism and allow manual movement of the door. A thermal (fire switch) dead weight control is also provided to over-ride the positioning mechanism and automatically shut the door.

Abstract: A closure lock which utilizes the operating motor for moving of the closure as the locking mechanism. A shorting circuit is applied across the motor when the closure is in an at-rest position. Any attempt at manually moving of the closure between the closed position of the closure and the open position of the closure will require the rotor of the motor to be rotated relative to the stator of the motor. This requires a significant amount of motor drag to be overcome which is difficult and thereby functions as a locking mechanism preventing operating of the closure. This closure lock can be bypassed by an authorized person by the opening of a manually operated switch which will permit the closure to be easily moved between its open and closed position.

Abstract: A masking unit for bowling lanes equipped with automatic pinsetters, comprising a vertically moving masking panel and a series of stepped panels in front of the moving panel and extending from the top thereof to the ceiling of the bowling establishment. Stanchions at each end of a panel hold wheeled carriages which engage tracks on the back of the moving panel so that the panel may be vertically raised and lowered. Chain driven control means assures that one end of the panel does not get ahead of the other when the panel is being moved, and spring biasing means aid in raising the panel.

Abstract: A cable window winder, particularly for installation in motor vehicles, which has at least one guide rail with a slide element guided therein and connectable with the window pane, at least one holding angle (3) connected to the guide rail and supporting at least one guide pulley (31), as well as fastening means (32) for fitting the cable window winder. According to the invention one of the fastening means (32) is mounted in the rotary axis of the guide pulley (31) and is connected directly to the metal vehicle plate.

Abstract: A window regulator includes a rotatable hub that is coupled to a traveller by a cable, such that rotation of the hub raises and lowers the traveller. The hub is mounted on a driven gear which is rotated by a drive gear. The hub and the driven gear are concentrically mounted around a post, which defines an outer surface that is frictionally engaged by a coil spring that is coupled both to the driven gear and to the hub. The coil spring brakes rotation of the hub when the traveller is pushed downwardly. The drive gear and its associated bushings are removably mounted on the window regulator to allow easy replacement.

Abstract: An automatic door operator which works in conjunction with a sliding door(s) and existing track on which the door(s) moves, to open and close the door(s) without manual pushing and pulling. The invention is useful on single-sliding door installations, biparting single-track installations, and biparting overlapping door installations.

Abstract: A van door slidable in tracks (16, 18 and 20). An operating module is mounted inside the van adjacent center track 18. A front cable attached to drive pulley (144) extends through guide assembly (54) to hinge and roller assemble (26). A rear cable attached to drive pulley (136) extends through guide assembly (56) to hinge and roller assembly (26). The drive pulleys (136 and 144) each have a large diameter spiral cable groove (164), a small diameter cable groove (208) and a transition cable groove (210). A motor rotates the drive pulleys. The small diameter cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the forward portion of the tracks. The large diameter spiral cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the center and rear portions of the track.

Abstract: A van door slidable in tracks (16, 18 and 20). An operating module is mounted inside the van adjacent center track 18. A front cable attached to drive pulley (144) extends through guide assembly (54) to hinge and roller assemble (26). A rear cable attached to drive pulley (136) extends through guide assembly (56) to hinge and roller assembly (26). The drive pulleys (136 and 144) each have a large diameter spiral cable groove (164), a small diameter cable groove (208) and a transition cable groove (210). A motor rotates the drive pulleys. The small diameter cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the forward portion of the tracks. The large diameter spiral cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the center and rear portions of the track.

Abstract: A van door slidable in tracks (16, 18 and 20). An operating module is mounted inside the van adjacent center track 18. A front cable attached to drive pulley (144) extends through guide assembly (54) to hinge and roller assemble (26). A rear cable attached to drive pulley (136) extends through guide assembly (56) to hinge and roller assembly (26). The drive pulleys (136 and 144) each have a large diameter spiral cable groove (164), a small diameter cable groove (208) and a transition cable groove (210). A motor rotates the drive pulleys. The small diameter cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the forward portion of the tracks. The large diameter spiral cable grooves drive the door when the door is in the center and rear portions of the track.

Abstract: The van (10) has a sliding door (14) mounted on rollers (22, 24 and 30) that are supported by and slidable in tracks (16, 18 and 20). An opening and closing module (50) is mounted inside the van adjacent to the center track (18). A front cable (74) is attached to the front cable drive pulley (144), and extends from the pulley through a front cable roller guide assembly (54) and is attached to the hinge and roller assembly (26). A rear cable (100) is attached to the rear cable drive pulley (136) and extends from the pulley through a rear cable roller guide assembly (56) and is attached to the hinge and roller assembly (26). The front and rear cable drive pulleys (136 and 144) each have a large diameter spiral cable groove (164), a small diameter cable groove (208) and a transition cable groove 210. A motor (126) rotates the front and rear cable drive pulleys to move the sliding door. The small diameter cable grooves (208) drive the sliding door (14) when the door is in the forward portion of the tracks.

Abstract: A retracting system for flexible side walls utilized for cargo vehicles wherein the flexible side wall is attached at one end to a slidable door used to extend and retract the flexible side wall. This system provides a narrow slidable door connected to a system of pulleys and cables that maintain the slidable door perpendicular to the floor and roof of the vehicle during horizontal movement of the slidable door for closing or opening the open side of a cargo carrying vehicle. The system can incorporate a reversible motor to propel the system and move the slidable door without a pushing or pulling force rom a human operator. The slidable door is suspended from a track at the top edge of the door keeping the slidable door in alignment and decreasing rolling resistance.

Abstract: A garage door operator has a light which is turned on for a preset period by the controller each time the operator motor is operated. A pedestrian door is equipped with a magnetic switch which signals the controller when the door is opened, causing the light to be turned on for the preset period. A switch console has a vacation switch, a work light switch and a push button which, with the magnetic switch, send signals to the controller. Voltage level encoding and decoding is used to minimize the number of connecting wires between the console and the controller. The controller comprises a microprocessor subject to the switch inputs and programmed to produce output signals for operator motor control and light control.

Abstract: A safety barrier assembly is disclosed to provide a movable barrier for an access passageway or doorway. The assembly includes a pair of upright support members and vertically travelling barrier means with at least two horizontally disposed elongate segments being selectively moveable between an operative passage blocking mode and inoperative non-blocking mode. Drive means are provided for moving the segments and lost motion means allow for positioning the segments a predetermined first distance apart when in the operative mode while positioning the segments close together when in the inoperative mode. Stop means may be provided for engaging one of the elongate members when in the operative mode.

Abstract: A door is supported for shifting between first and second positions, respectively opening and closing a doorway. A fluid actuator, such as a pneumatic cylinder, is used to shift the door between such positions. The fluid actuator reduces the velocity of the door as the door approaches at least one of the open and closed positions. In the case of a pneumatic cylinder, both sides of the cylinder may be subjected to relatively high air pressure when the door is stationary. To reduce the velocity of the door as it approaches the open or closed position, the rate of bleeding of air from one side of the cylinder is reduced.

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

Abstract: A safety top modular door closure system is provided for a vapor degreaser and consists of a mechanism for mounting an open bottom of an enclosure to a top access area of a solvent fluid holding tank of the vapor degreaser. A horizontal sliding double door assembly is affixed to an open top of the enclosure and structure is available for operating the horizontal sliding double door assembly. The horizontal sliding double door assembly can go from a closed position into an open position to allow the insertion of articles therethrough into the tank of the vapor degreaser and from the open position back to the closed position to significantly reduce solvent vapor emissions from the tank of the vapor degreaser.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a chamber door between open and closed positions relative to the opening in a sterilizer or an autoclave chamber. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door system wherein the door is slidably attached to the chamber by support brackets that are affixed to the end of the chamber. A first set of pulleys are attached to the lower corners of the door and a second set of pulleys, arranged perpendicular to and directly above the first pulleys, are attached to the chamber. A cable, having one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum that is attached to the chamber, is received on the first and second pulleys so that the door is suspended on two sides by the cable. The pulley and cable arrangement supports and controls the vertical movement of the door without interfering with the support brackets that are affixed to the chamber. The other end of the cable is attached to a weight for creating tension in the cable.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door in which a main drive moves at least one door panel to open and closed positions. An electromagnetic clutch is located between the main drive and the door panel for the purpose of disconnecting the panel from the drive and to open the door in event of a power failure. An auxiliary drive is connected to the door panel and stores energy received when the door panel is in a closed position, so as to drive the door to the open position when the clutch disconnects the main drive from the door panel in event of power failure. The auxiliary drive has a rubber cable actuated always with the door so that the auxiliary drive can be tested with every movement of the door panel.

Abstract: A door operator for a reversibly operable door includes a frame and a carriage movably mounted on the frame and attached to a door for moving the door between open and closed positions. A drive member, specifically a roller chain, extends along the frame and moves the carriage. A drive train is provided within a housing and is connected for moving the drive member, and a control circuit is provided for controlling the drive train to open and close the door. A pair of limit switches is mounted within the housing and connected to the control circuit for stopping the drive train when the door has reached a completed position. A pair of limit cams are adjustably mounted on a limit wheel within the housing and separate from the carriage for engaging the limit switches. The limit wheel, which is separate from the drive member, is connected to the drive train to rotate when the drive train moves the carriage.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for removing the slack from motorized cables used to control doors on sterilizers and autoclaves without the need for electro-mechanical brakes or oversized gear motors. The apparatus is adapted to be used with a door systems wherein a cable having the one end thereof attached to a motorized take-up drum and the other end thereof attached to a slack removing weight is used control the opening and closing of a door. The apparatus includes a stop plate that is rigidly fastened to the sterilizer or autoclave and a corresponding stop member that is rigidly attached to the cable. The stop plate, in conjunction with the stop member, serve to restrict the movement of the cable in only one direction thus keeping the portion of cable supporting the door taut. When additional cable is unwound from the take-up drum, the slack weight causes the cable to move in a direction away from the stop plate to keep the cable taut.

Abstract: A vehicle access door is operatively mounted for powered fore and aft sliding movement between open and closed positions. A power module disposed internally of the vehicle has motor driven cable reels mounted on a space frame having door pull cables wound thereon routed by forward and rear cable guide assemblies into operative connection with the access door. The rear cable guide assembly is an adjustable two part guide pulley assembly in which a first housing part is adjustably carried by the space frame and the second housing part is adjustably mounted on the first housing part so that the assembly can be subsequently fitted and attached to production vehicles having a wide build tolerance in the support structure for the module and the rear cable guide assembly. The adjustment provided by the rear cable guide assembly assures high quality fits with good sealing of the pull cable access opening and positions the pull cable in an external guide channel to eliminate frictional wear between these components.

Abstract: A storm shutter for protecting glass windows and doors employs one or more transparent unbreakable panels having edges effectively increased in thickness to be retained in respective tracks in the shutter frame, the track having openings narrower than the thickened panel edges. To accommodate different coefficients of thermal expansion for the panel and frame, the track cross-sectional area is considerably larger than the thickened panel edge, yet the narrowed track opening retains the thickened edges, even if the panel is bowed by applied forces. Edge thickening may be effected by securing strips of the panel material along the panel edges. The shutter frame is pivotably mounted on a casing, and a retainer is slidable on the casing to lock or release the frame for pivoting relative to the casing. If the panel is movable along its tracks, a motor has a drive shaft fixed to the casing and about which support strips are wound to pull on the panel.

Abstract: A brake member for a slide gate mechanism which includes a slanted drive mechanism engaging face adapted to engage at least one drive wheel of the drive mechanism for the slide gate so as to gradually brake the gate.The preferably a pair of opposed drive wheels are adapted to frictionally engage a drive rail on a gate so as to provide a slide gate mechanism. The pair of opposed wheels are spring biased toward the railing to ensure adequate frictional engagement with the rail. Limit switches are disposed to deactivate operation of the drive mechanism and a pair of brake members are disposed so as to positive a slanted drive mechanism engaging face toward the drive wheels of the drive mechanism such that when utilized the brake member operates to gradually brake the gate as the slanted drive mechanism engaging face engages at least one of the drive wheels.

Abstract: An elevator car has a drive mechanism mounted in a compact housing on the upper surface of the car. The drive mechanism includes a rotatable drive shaft, around which is mounted a linear actuator block having a plurality of ball bearings, obliquely arranged relative to the shaft, and firmly touching the shaft. Rotation of the shaft by a motor makes the block move linearly along the shaft. A bracket attached to the block carries an elevator door. Rotation of the shaft therefore opens and closes the door. The direction of movement of the block, and hence the door, depends on the direction of rotation of the shaft. The drive mechanism is compact and simple, and can be applied to new elevators or can be used to retrofit existing elevator cars.