Abstract:
A remotely controllable door operator apparatus is mountable to a doorframe structure and a movable door to control door movement between a closed position and an opened position. The operator apparatus includes a motor assembly, a linkage device, a slip clutch assembly, and a controller unit. The motor assembly has an output shaft, and the motor is mountable to one of the door and the door frame structure. The slip clutch assembly is coupled between the output shaft and the linkage device to transfer torque therebetween, and can slip to enable manual and remote operation of the door. The controller unit is coupled to the motor assembly to activate the operator apparatus to close the door in manual operation, and to open and to close the door in response to at least one remote signal. A method of using the remotely controllable automatic door operator and closer is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles includes a strut assembly having two struts, each strut mounted on one side of the door between the door and the vehicle's door frame. One end of each strut is connected to a powered rotating arm. To open the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that they have a substantial mechanical advantage. In this position, the force provided by the struts overcomes the weight bias of the door, thus opening the door. To close the door, the rotating arms change the angular orientation of the struts such that the struts have a decreased mechanical advantage, reducing the force provided by the struts, and therefore causing the door to fall closed under its own weight bias. A control system for controlling the power-operated system is also disclosed.
Abstract:
An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnetic clutch (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).
Abstract:
A drive for opening and closing a cover member in a motor vehicle has a lever which includes a detent device, for example a spring-loaded pin, which is pressed into a detent notch by force of a spring and is disengageable when a predetermined force is exceed and as a result disconnects an electric motor for opening and closing said cover member. It is therefore possible to open the cover member even when the electric motor fails, by disengaging the lever by hand, and the lever forms an overload safety device for the electric motor in the event of the cover member becoming jammed.
Abstract:
A portable remotely controlled automatic door closing apparatus enables the door of a room or office to be closed from a remote location within the room or office by transmitting a signal to an actuator which exerts a force on the door to move it from an opened position to a closed position. The apparatus comprises a battery or AC powered motor which moves a lever arm into engagement with the door to rotate the door about its hinges from the open to the closed position. The apparatus is free standing and immobilized on the floor in a non-connected relationship thereto between an apparatus wall and the door in its open position. The apparatus is immobilized to prevent slipping by a floor-engaging mechanism, such as an adhesive, an anti-skid rubber material, or suction cups, or carpet engaging projections.
Abstract:
A brake mechanism for slowing elevator car doors in an elevator system during an emergency power outage or electrical control malfunction includes a brake shoe activated by a solenoid. During normal operation of the elevator car doors, the solenoid is in activated mode and maintains the brake shoe spaced away from the door pulley. During a power outage or electrical controls malfunction, the solenoid is deactivated and, in cooperation with a compression spring, forces the shoe brake to engage the door pulley to slow down the movement of elevator car doors.
Abstract:
A linear drive power door operator selectively and automatically opens and closes a door swingably mounted on a door jamb. The door operator includes a power screw disposed within a housing and a drive which powers the rotation of the power screw for moving a piston having a threaded bore threadably engaging the power screw linearly upon activation of the drive. A rack having teeth is engaged by the piston for moving the rack linearly from end-to-end. The power door operator further includes a pinion having teeth threadably engaging the teeth of the rack. The pinion is rotatable about a vertical axis upon the side-to-side linear movement of the rack. At least one link arm is pivotally connected at one of its ends to the pinion and pivotally connected at its other end to the door. A control device controls the operation of the drive for moving the door between a closed position and an open position. The control device activates the drive for moving the piston and the rack from a first position in which the door is closed to a second position in which the door is fully open, and any position in between.
Abstract:
A power door operator for vehicles requiring uninterrupted car surfaces in a door area and minimal use of car interior space, particularly in the closed position. The equipment provided utilizes a rotary motor drive and distributed gear system for moving opposing door panels away from an opening in the car wall. Movement of the doors into and out of the car door opening is accomplished through use of controlled reaction travel of the rotary drive motor.
Abstract:
A tailgate is hinged to a passenger van type vehicle body above a substantially vertical rear access opening for swinging movement about a horizontal hinge axis. The tailgate is counterbalanced through its range of movement by spring devices and is opened and closed by a powered actuator mounted on a rear vehicle body pillar. The actuator includes a reversible electric motor driving a worm shaft that drives a worm gear to pivot a crankarm about an axis parallel to the hinge axis. A roller mounted on the crankarm is received in a guide channel that is fixed to the tailgate and extends at right angles to the hinge axis with the pivoting movement of the crankarm thereby translated into swinging tailgate opening and closing movement. The motor is connected with torque sensing circuitry that detects an excessive motor torque demand when the tailgate encounters an obstacle and stops the motor. A normally engaged clutch maintains drive connection between the worm gear and the crankarm to effect normal tailgate opening and closing by the motor and slips to allow manually applied force on the tailgate to open and close same when the motor is not operating.
Abstract:
Rotary locks used on transit vehicle doors when opened and closed by a rotating helical door drive member. In a preferred embodiment, a first lock utilizes a negative thread portion of the helical drive. A second lock utilizes a rotating lock pawl and stop. The drive and lock can be used to operate door systems with and without separate door hangers. Compensation for camber variations in car structure is provided through the use of spherical mounts or drive member journals.