Abstract: In operating to open or close a door (step S1), when an outside switch indicating whether a door knob portion is grabbed or not grabbed by the hand of an operator is brought into an ON state (grip state), or when a distance of moving the door is less than a predetermined angle after bringing the outside switch into an OFF state from the ON state (non-grip state) (step S6), a current threshold higher than a normal current threshold is set (step S3, step S7), a motor current and the current threshold is compared (step S4) and pinching of an obstacle of the door is detected (step S5).

Abstract: An automatic pet door system is disclosed. The automatic pet door system has a rectangular frame mounted between studs of a wall defining a passage for entry and exit of a pet. A door slidably moves within the frame between a lower closed position for closing the passage and an upper open position for opening the passage. The door is lifted by a drive means having a motor pulling a cable attached to the door. The motor is energized by a control means in response to a signal received from a magnetic transmitter worn by a pet when the pet approaches the door. A locking means prevents movement of the door upwardly from the closed position unless the door is moved by way of the drive means.

Abstract: A device and method of notifying operation of a vehicle closure member is disclosed having a door drive motor 9 for driving a vehicle closure member, mounted in a vehicle, between an open position and a closed position, a pulse encoder 6 detecting a closure position of the vehicle closure member, and a notifying unit 7 notifying a user of operation of the vehicle closure member, with control being executed to apply a motor brake on the vehicle closure member at a time instant t1, upon recognition of operation for reverse movement when the closure position detected with the pulse encoder 9 remains in an area-just-prior-to-fully-closed-position between a half-latch position and the open position, whereupon a buzzer is activated at a time instant t2 with the motor brake being terminated when the vehicle closure member remains in the area-just-prior-to-fully-closed-position.

Abstract: A structural latticework frame design, fixed end, cantilevered, or collapsible, on a horizontally openable window, wherein the lattice work frame is used for structural value in the open position. This design allows for the load from the glass and sash to be transferred through the latticework frame to the housing to carry the load, which simplifies the mechanism needed to open and close the window.

Abstract: In the present powered sliding device for a vehicle slide door, when a center bracket is relatively rotated with respect to a slide door due to an overview shape of a center rail during a sliding movement of the slide door, the center pulley is relatively displaced in a certain amount by the rotation of the center bracket with respect to the slide door, but the center pulley is not displaced any further than the certain amount by the rotation of the center bracket.

Abstract: A track system for extended rearward movement of a vehicle door is provided. The track system has an upper track coupled to the vehicle above the opening that the door closes. An upper roller assembly moves within the upper track and is connected by an upper extension assembly to the door. The upper extension assembly has an outer extension member coupled to the door and an inner extension member coupled to the roller assembly. The outer and inner extension members move relative to one another to allow the door to open more fully. Lower and/or middle tracks, and corresponding roller assemblies and extension assemblies may also be provided.

Abstract: A cable drive assembly for opening and closing a sliding vehicle door has first and second drums that are drivingly connected to each other via a tension spring that biases the drums in opposite directions. The drums include a catch that holds the first and second drums in a cocked condition where the spring is tensioned to provide slack in a closed loop cable to facilitate inserting a traveler attached to the cable into a track. The cocked drums are manually rotated in a drum housing in one direction to move the traveler and insert it into the track. After the traveler is inserted, the cocked drums are manually rotated in the opposite direction. This releases the catch so that the tensioned spring takes up the slack in the closed loop cable.

Abstract: A powered access window for machinery includes a powered window pane, two track members, an actuation device. The powered access window replaces a window pane in a sliding door of an automatic safety door. Each track member extends from an opposing end of the sliding door. Preferably, at least two roller bars are slidably received by a roller track member. The roller bars are also attached to one end of the powered window pane. The other end of the powered window pane is slidably retained by a retention track member. The actuation device is preferably attached to the roller track member. An actuation member of the actuation device is attached to the one end of the powered window pane. The actuation member makes a lateral motion relative to a body of the actuation device to raise and lower the powered window pane.

Abstract: A sliding door actuator having a small electric motor and cable system is added to a standard sliding glass door for a residence. As the motor may be controlled by a remote, an individual could simply press a button to open the door. This convenience would be especially helpful to older individuals and those having limited mobility. The sliding door actuator having a winch spool drivingly connected to the drive motor. A drive cable is spoolably connected to the winch spool. The drive cable is connected to a sliding door. A return spring is connected to the drive cable for biasing the sliding door. An exit sensor is electrically connected to the drive motor to selectively actuate the sliding door.

Abstract: A device for urging a door into a first position includes a spring apparatus (16) including a winding drum (22) having a conical outer peripheral surface (27) and a torsional spring (24) for imparting a relatively constant urging force to a cable 23 secured to the door in the direction of the first position.

Abstract: A power drive system is adapted for a sliding door mounted on at least one side of a vehicle for sliding movement forwardly and rearwardly of the vehicle. The system includes a reversible motor. A bracket is guided within a guide along a fixed path between the opened and closed positions of the door. An elongated drive member is slidably disposed within the guide and connected to the bracket at one end for driving the bracket along the fixed path. A translator mechanism operably engages with the drive member for powering movement of the door. The translator mechanism can include a rotatable hub, operably engageable with the drive member, a gear transmission for driving the hub, and a clutch mechanism for connecting the motor to the transmission. The translator mechanism preferably has sufficient power to pull the sliding door into a primary latch position with respect to the corresponding portions of a latch mechanism attached to the door and frame defining the door opening.

Abstract: The invention is a door actuator and alignment apparatus for opening and closing the 15,000-pound horizontally sliding door of a storage overpack. The door actuator includes a ball screw mounted horizontally on a rigid frame including a pair of door panel support rails. An electrically powered ball nut moves along the ball screw. The ball nut rotating device is attached to a carriage. The carriage attachment to the sliding door is horizontally pivoting. Additional alignment features include precision cam followers attached to the rails and rail guides attached to the carriage.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling vehicle door position in improved reliability of a vehicle door electromechanical positioning components. The vehicle door control system includes an abnormality detector for detecting abnormal operation of the vehicle door by a deviation of expected door position and/or velocity. If abnormal operation is detected, operation of the electrical motor driving the door is ceased for a predetermined time period. Operation is then resumed if the abnormal condition has been removed. The control system may include a counter for counting a number of attempts to resume operation and further attempts to resume may be ceased if the counter exceeds a predetermined count value. The motor or door positioning system may include a locking device that locks the vehicle door at various positions and the control system use indications of a locked position indicator to determine whether or not to resume operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: The present device has a wire drum connected to a sliding door through a wire cable and being rotated by the power of a motor, an electromagnetic brake which applies braking to the wire drum using a solenoid as the driving source, and a switch transistor which sends electricity to the solenoid when being turned on by a Hi signal from the output port of a controller. The interval between the solenoid and the switch transistor is connected through a line where the voltage level is raised when the switch transistor is turned off and the voltage level is lowered when the switch transistor is turned on. The line is connected through a failure detecting circuit to the input port of the controller.

Abstract: A drive system drives a pulley along a curved track to open and close a sliding vehicle door. The pulley is pivotally mounted to the sliding door to permit the pulley to pivot when the pulley traverses the curved portion of the track. An electric motor drives the pulley through a drive belt. In operation, as the pulley pivots when it traverses the curved portion of the track, the drive belt twists. Torque transfer between the pulleys and the motor is maintained during twisting of the drive belt which thereby permits an uncomplicated yet effective system for driving the sliding door along the curved portion of track. Another drive system transmits torque through a drive shaft arrangement which rotates as the drive system traverses the curved portion of track.

Abstract: A common drive system drives multiple systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the drive motor to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between multiple gear trains to drive the particular drive assembly.

Abstract: An automated closure assembly (20) is disclosed for a motor vehicle (10). A lateral linkage is connected to the drive mechanism (25) receiving the rotational force and translates the rotational force of the drive mechanism into a linear force to move the door between the open position and an intermediate position between the open position and the closed position. The automated closure assembly also includes a secondary linkage that is connected to both the lateral linkage and the drive mechanism. The secondary linkage translates the rotational force into a linear force to move the door between the intermediate position and the open position such that the door is able to move to its open position past the opening within which the lateral linkage extends.

Abstract: A slide door opening and closing device for vehicles including a wire winding pulley provided at a step panel positioned at under part of a vehicle and driven by a motor, a driven pulley, a lower roller supporting member, and a wire wound on said each pulley wherein the wire includes two wires, one end of each wire is fixed to wire winding pulley having a rotation axis in approximately horizontal direction, and the other end of each wire is attached to the lower roller supporting member through a spring.

Abstract: A modular drive assembly for a sliding door, comprising: a guide track having a hinge slidably received therein; a pair of pulleys disposed on either end of the guide track; a pair of cables each having an end that is secured to the hinge and the other end is secured to a cable drum of a motor drive unit mounted to the guide track, the motor drive unit being configured to rotate the cable drum, wherein the cable drum is also capable of freely rotating within the motor drive unit when the motor drive unit is not rotating the cable drum, wherein rotation of the cable drum causes the hinge to move in the guide track as one of the cables wraps onto the cable drum while the other one of the cables wraps off of the cable drum.

Abstract: A door is moved in an opening direction at a first speed until the door reaches a decelerating area. A moving speed of the door in the opening direction is decelerated from the first speed to a second speed being lower than the first speed while the door has been moved in the decelerating area. The movement of the door is stopped when the door is moved beyond the decelerating area, the door comes in contact with an obstacle, and the moving speed of the door becomes lower than a predetermined speed corresponding to an open position of the door by a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for coupling a sliding door of a vehicle to a drive unit for sliding the sliding door from an open position to a closed position, the drive unit causing the hinge assembly to slide within a guide track as the door moves between the open position and the closed position, the hinge assembly comprising: a first hinge portion; a second hinge portion, the first hinge portion being pivotally secured to the second hinge portion; a cable attachment being secured to the second hinge portion; and a guide surface disposed on a surface of the first hinge portion, the guide surface being configured to make contact with a portion of a cable having an end secured to the cable attachment when the second hinge portion is in a first orientation with respect to the first hinge portion position and the cable no longer makes contact with the guide surface as the second hinge portion moves from the first orientation to a second orientation with respect to the first hinge portion.

Abstract: A power sliding assembly for moving a windowpane within a track within a window frame between an open position and a closed position. The power sliding assembly includes a motor fixedly secured to the window frame. The motor generates a rotational force. The power sliding assembly also includes a lead screw that is operatively connected to the motor to translate the rotational force to axial movement. In addition, the power sliding assembly includes a bracket secured to the lead screw and the windowpane. The bracket travels with the lead screw as the lead screw is driven axially along the track to move the windowpane between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: An automatic sliding door opening and closing system comprises a continuous, powered belted drive system and a clamp arrangement capable of fixably and releasably attaching the automotive sliding door to the belt drive system so as to be automatically driven along a predetermined path and capable of releasing the belt drive system under predetermined conditions. The powered belt drive system is located so as to be combined with one of the door's standard sliding door hinge systems. The clamp arrangement is a rotary device biased into a pinching engagement on the belt of the belt drive system via a cam and spring arrangement.

Abstract: A vehicle power window and power door lock system includes a vehicle pillar adapted for use between openable and closable vehicle doors and a single lock actuation assembly in the pillar adapted for engagement with a front door lock latch assembly on a front door and a rear door lock latch assembly on a rear door for locking and unlocking the doors. The vehicle power window and power door lock system further includes a single reversible electric motor in the pillar adapted for selective engagement with a front window on an adjacent front door and a rear window on an adjacent rear door for driving the windows up and down. A vehicle side door assembly includes a door lock latch assembly, a latch rod operatively connected to the latch assembly, a window, and a driven gear operatively connected to the window. The latch rod is operably connectable to a lock actuation assembly located in a body pillar adjacent to the door when the door is positioned against the body pillar.

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

Abstract: A door operator having a door hanger comprising a pair of double trolley assemblies disposed for linear movement within a hanger rail, wherein each trolley assembly further comprises two rollers mounted substantially opposite one another and engaging roller cavities within said hanger rail. Said door hanger is integrated with the drive system or is mounted independently of the drive system for replacement of the door hanger of the prior art or in new application requiring such independency between the door hanger and drive system.

Abstract: In a sliding gate (1) mounted on wheels sliding on a straight rail a movement system is provided that comprises a straight rack (2) integral with the gate (1), engaging means (5,105) for engaging the rack (2) to produce the horizontal movement of the gate, and activating means (9) for moving the engaging means (5,105), said engaging means (5,105) comprising a wheel (11,111) having an axis substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of the translation of the gate and having engaging elements (8,108), arranged on its lateral circumferential outer surface, to engage with said rack (2).

Abstract: In the present powered sliding device for a vehicle slide door, when a center bracket is relatively rotated with respect to a slide door due to an overview shape of a center rail during a sliding movement of the slide door, the center pulley is relatively displaced in a certain amount by the rotation of the center bracket with respect to the slide door, but the center pulley is not displaced any further than the certain amount by the rotation of the center bracket

Abstract: An electric wire excess length absorbing device has a casing, a reel pivotably provided in the casing for winding an electric wire, and an energizing member to energize the reel in a direction to wind the electric wire, which casing has an opening portion to lead out the electric wire. The casing may be formed long between a portion having the reel and the opening portion. A sliding door-use power feeding apparatus has an electric wire excess length absorbing device installed in a sliding door or on a vehicle body. A moving-side electric wire is arranged on one of the sliding door and the vehicle body, and a fixed-side electric wire 3b is arranged on the other of the sliding door and the vehicle body.

Abstract: A vehicle sliding door includes an automated drive device for powered sliding movement of the door into open or closed positions. The drive device includes a belt that cooperates with a track. A biasing member urges the belt into engagement with a corresponding portion of the track to ensure adequate engagement to achieve the desired movement of the door responsive to rotary movement of the belt. In one example, the belt and track include teeth that cooperate such that rotary movement of the belt results in linear movement of the door relative to the vehicle body.

Abstract: A drive system drives a pulley along a curved track to open and close a sliding vehicle door. The pulley is pivotally mounted to the sliding door to permit the pulley to pivot during traverse of the curved portion of the track. An electric motor driven pulley remotely drives the pulley through a drive belt. In operation, as the pulley pivots during traverse of the curved portion of the track, the drive belt twists. Torque transfer between pulleys is maintained during twisting of the drive belt which thereby permits an uncomplicated yet effective system for driving the sliding door along the curved portion of track. Another drive system transmits torque to pulley through a drive shaft which rotates during traverse of the curved portion of track.

Abstract: A common drive system drives a multiple of drive systems within a sliding vehicle closure member with a single drive motor. A controller selectively connects the selector assembly to either a door drive assembly, a window drive assembly, or a lock module drive assembly through a selector assembly in response to actuation of a particular input. The selector assembly includes a transmission which shifts the drive motor between a multiple of gear trains to drive the particular drive system.

Abstract: A support and guidance unit for a sliding door of a motor vehicle includes a support adapted to be fitted onto a first structure element of a motor vehicle. A roller assembly is rotationally mounted around a first axis X—X on the support and is adapted to roll on a support and guidance rail. The support and guidance rail is adapted to be fitted onto a second structure element of the motor vehicle and devised to slide with respect to the said first structure element. The roller assembly has two running surfaces extending on both sides of a plane of symmetry M—M, that extends perpendicularly to the said first axis X—X in that the normals to the running surfaces have axial components C1, C2 parallel to the first axis and oriented towards opposite directions.

Abstract: A hydraulic fire door, especially a sliding door, which can be selectively opened or closed by an actuator. In order to ensure a particularly fire resistant fire door without the heat resistance of the basic structure thereof having to be particularly fire resistant, the actuator is arranged to supply aqueous liquid to the fire door in order to cool it using the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly includes a lower frame member forming a channel, a guide bracket within the channel and slideable along the length of the channel, and a sliding pane carried by the guide bracket between closed and open positions. A pull-pull cable drive assembly is operably secured to the guide bracket to move the sliding pane between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, a drive drum rotateable by the drive motor, and drive cable connecting ends of the guide bracket with the drive drum. The guide bracket and the transition blocks are each mechanically locked to limit vertical movement relative to the frame member in order to reduce inadvertent tilting of the sliding pane. In one embodiment, the guide bracket includes tabs which are adhered to faces of the sliding pane to form a mechanical lock therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating closure of an elevator hoistway door generally comprises the steps of affixing a door closer device to the hoistway door and securing a cable, extended from the door closer device, to a terminal off the hoistway door. The door closer device comprises a sheave repeatedly circumscribed by an elongate channel for receiving the cable therein and a spring adapted to oppose extension of the cable from said door closer device. The channel, which generally prevents overlap of the cable during retraction into the door closer device, preferably forms a conical helix during the final retraction of the cable, thereby increasing the force exerted upon the door by the cable as the door approaches the door closed position.

Abstract: A door control device includes a door, a manual operation detecting device, a speed detecting device, a driving device, a clutch disposed between the driving device and the door for allowing or prohibiting a driving force to be transmitted from the driving device to the door, and a control device for controlling the clutch based on an operation state of the door detected by the manual operation detecting device and the door speed detected by the speed detecting device. The control device controls to disengage the clutch when the manual operation is detected by the manual operation detecting device, and engage the clutch when the door speed is determined to be equal to or greater than a first value and then becomes equal to or smaller than a second value, which is smaller than the first value.

Abstract: A control method of a powered sliding device for sliding a vehicle sliding door slidably attached to a vehicle body with the power of a motor in the door opening direction and in the door closing direction, wherein when a first abnormal sliding of the sliding door is detected during the door closing sliding of the sliding door by the door closing rotation of the motor, the motor is rotated again in the door closing direction after being stopped for a specified time, and after that, the re-judgment of the abnormal sliding is performed, and when the abnormal sliding is again detected in the re-judgment, safety processing operation is performed.

Abstract: A door assembly providing an airtight seal for a chamber. The door assembly includes a link assembly that allows a door to move inward toward a gasket sealing an opening into the chamber.

Abstract: A control system for controlling the operation of an electric motor driven door or gate operator unit having a speed reducing gear drive mechanism and a brake unit for positive braking of the motor output shaft. A programmable microcontroller is operably connected to a motor drive circuit with interlock relays to energize the drive motor for rotation in opposite directions. The motor drive circuit is interconnected with a motor watchdog circuit to effect motor shutdown if the microcontroller malfunctions and a brake release circuit to prevent motor operation unless the brake is energized. The microcontroller is operable to store door mid-stop time delay values, braking rates, a door position limit overrun signal, a door cycle count, door reversals upon receiving an obstruction detector signal and error codes associated with door operator and control system malfunctions. The brake may be controlled on a variable duty cycle to provide smooth braking action in both directions of movement of the door.

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

Abstract: A slider (25) is mounted on a rail (23) laid on a slide door (21) to support a door-side end of a stretching part (31) of a cable transferred from a vehicle body (28) toward the slide door (21). The cable transferred toward the slide door (21) is introduced into a cable guide (27) and guided between the slider (25) and a fixing member (35). The cable guide (27) is formed by coupling a plurality of pieces (39) to undergo a bending deformation substantially in a plane, and takes up a slack of the cable while stabilizing the shape of the slackened cable.

Abstract: A device for automatically controlling a slide door for a vehicle, wherein the slide door is adapted to open and close along a guide track installed in a vehicle body, the device having a door drive device having a motor, a motor load detection device, a door position detection device adapted to detect a position of the slide door guided by the guide track within a range from a position where the slide door is fully opened to a position where the slide door is fully closed, a door speed detection device, a memory device adapted to store the motor load at each position of the slide door when the vehicle is standing at a horizontal level, and a motor control device adapted to automatically control power supplied to the motor for moving the slide door based on a difference between a detected motor load and a stored motor load at a corresponding position.

Abstract: A cable drive assembly for opening and closing a sliding vehicle door has first and second drums that are drivingly connected to each other via a tension spring that biases the drums in opposite directions. The drums include a catch that holds the first and second drums in a cocked condition where the spring is tensioned to provide slack in a closed loop cable to facilitate inserting a traveler attached to the cable into a track. The cocked drums are manually rotated in a drum housing in one direction on to move the traveler and insert it into the track. After the traveler is inserted, the cocked drums are manually rotated in the opposite direction. This releases the catch so that the tensioned spring takes up the slack in the closed loop cable.

Abstract: First pivot lever is connected to a fuel-lid opening rod, and a sensor is connected to the first pivot lever for detecting a projected state and retracted state of the opening rod. Second pivot lever connected to a slide-door locking member is pressed against the first pivot lever via a tension spring. As the opening rod is retracted by closing movement of the fuel lid, the second pivot lever is pressed by the first pivot lever, while, as the opening rod is projected, the second pivot lever is caused to pivot together with the first moving member by a biasing force of the tension spring.

Abstract: A vehicular slide door apparatus includes a movable slide door, inside and outside door handles operable to initiate opening and closing movement of the door, a drive device that assists the slide door movement, and a remote control device that includes a door lock device and a switch. An open lever is operatively associated with the inside door handle to transmit operation of the inside door handle to the lock device, and a child-proof lever is operable to prevent operation of the inside door handle from being transmitted to the open lever. The switch is engageable by the open lever and is operatively associated with the drive device such that operation of the inside door handle produces selective actuation and non-actuation of the switch depending upon the position of the child-proof lever, with the actuation of the switch effecting driving operation of the drive device.

Abstract: A kennel door apparatus for selectively “opening” and “closing” a kennel door, the kennel door is sized to cover an opening located in a kennel wall between a kennel pen and a common kennel area for selective access thereto. A door opening attachment may be used to cover the opening in the kennel wall. The kennel door apparatus is adapted for horizontal and vertical sliding door actuation. First and second opposing channel guides are secured to opposing sides of a protective panel. A sliding door is slidably received between the wall confronting side and the panel side of the opposing channel guides. The opposing channel guides are secured about an opening in the kennel wall, and at least one cable is used to pull the sliding door between “open” and “closed” positions. A weather strip is secured to the sliding door between the opposing channel guides.

Abstract: A sliding window assembly includes a lower frame member forming a channel, a guide bracket within the channel and slideable along the length of the channel, and a sliding pane carried by the guide bracket between closed and open positions. A pull-pull cable drive assembly is operably secured to the guide bracket to move the sliding pane between the closed and open positions. The drive assembly includes a drive motor, a drive drum rotateable by the drive motor, and drive cable connecting ends of the guide bracket with the drive drum. The guide bracket and the transition blocks are each mechanically locked to limit vertical movement relative to the frame member in order to reduce inadvertent tilting of the sliding pane. In one embodiment, the guide bracket includes tabs which are adhered to faces of the sliding pane to form a mechanical lock therebetween.

Abstract: An initial tension device has a wire cable for connecting a drive unit and a movable member, a tension case fixed to an immovable member, a regular retainer engageable with an outer cable of the wire cable, and a slot formed in the tension case to extend in the longitudinal direction of the wire cable. The regular retainer engaged with the outer cable moves together with the outer cable by the tension applied to the wire cable through the length defined by the slot. The regular retainer is engaged with the outer cable in the state where a maximum tension is applied to the wire cable.

Abstract: A reinforcing block for a closure tilt latch, comprising a body fastened in a closure track fastened to a frame, said body having a top and bottom and having a locking detent extending therein said locking detent providing a vertical face extending toward said top of said body from intermediate said top and bottom, the tilt latch being compatible with the vertical face of said locking detent, wherein when said latch engages said detent said block provides a reinforcement path to the closure frame to strengthen the loading capability of said closure and to reduce the risk of the latch from disengaging said track under loading which track would be subject to distortion had the block not been utilized.