Abstract:
An actuating mechanism for sliding doors provided on the passenger side of conventional panel type trucks, commonly called vans, is intended to be either installed in the vehicle at the time of its original manufacture, or installed at any later time, without substantial modification of the vehicle. A winch assembly (44) including two separate winding drums (74, 86) on a common shaft (87) and driven by the shaft through springs (162, 174) and a positive driver (170), is mounted over the rear wheel well of such a vehicle. A guide assembly (50) including a pulley (54) and a pivoting guide member (62) is installed in an aperture cut in the door frame. A single pulley (56) is installed at the lower rear corner of the door opening, and a guide tube (58) is installed in the door. A flexible cable (52) is connected to an arm added to the latch operating mechanism, and extends through the guide tube (58), around the pulley (56), through the guiding assembly (50) to the winch assembly (44), for opening the door. A second cable (60) is attached to the rear edge of the door, passed around the pivoting guide (62) of the guide assembly, and fastened to the winch assembly (44) for closing the door. As the door closes, the pivoting guide (62) guides the flexible cable (60) to a position perpendicular to the rear edge of the door to pull the rear edge of the door into latched position. A switch (55) operated by the pivoting guide (62) connects an additional winding on an electric motor (138) to provide a high force for latching the door, allowing low force to be used for sliding the door to reduce the chance of personal injuries while closing the door.
Abstract:
A hydraulic system for trimming a marine outboard drive (49), and wherein a single actuator (11) for moving the propulsion unit (49) is used for both trim and tilt. The actuator (11) is connected to a hydraulic pump (3). An amplifier (5) for amplifying the pump pressure is connected to the actuator (11). The amplifier (5) has first and second ports (7, 9) connected to the actuator (11) and to the hydraulic pump (3). The amplifier (5) includes a switch (29) for bypassing the amplifier (5) to pass the hydraulic fluid from the pump (3) to the actuator (11) without amplification. The switch (29) is operable for by passing the amplifier (5) for rapidly tilting the propulsion unit (49) and operable for connecting the amplifier (5) within the hydraulic circuit to develop increased pressure for trimming the propulsion unit (49). The hydraulic amplifier (5) includes a piston (13) movable within a cylinder (21). Movement of the hydraulic amplifier piston (13) to one end of the hydraulic amplifier cylinder (21) actuates the switch (29) to bypass the amplifier (5) and movement in the other direction away from that end, switches the amplifier (5) to its amplification mode, the amplifier (5) continuing in its amplification mode until the amplifier piston (13) reaches a limit switch member (35) placed in its path to bypass the amplifier hydraulic circuit.
Abstract:
An actuating mechanism for sliding doors provided on the passenger side of conventional panel-type trucks, commonly called vans, is intended to be either installed in the vehicle at the time of its original manufacture, or installed at any later time, without substantial modification of the vehicle. A winch assembly (44) including two separate winding drums (74, 86) on a common shaft (87) and driven by the shaft through springs (162, 174) and a positive driver (170), is mounted over the rear wheel well of such a vehicle. A guide assembly (50) including a pulley (54) and a pivoting guide member (62) is installed in an aperture cut in the door frame. A single pulley (56) is installed at the lower rear corner of the door opening, and a guide tube (58) is installed in the door. A flexible cable (52) is connected to an arm added to the latch operating mechanism, and extends through the guide tube (58), around the pulley (56), through the guiding assembly (50) to the winch assembly (44), for opening the door. A second cable (60) is attached to the rear edge of the door, passed around the pivoting guide (62) of the guide assembly, and fastened to the winch assembly (44) for closing the door. As the door closes, the pivoting guide (62) guides the flexible cable (60) to a position perpendicular to the rear edge of the door to pull the rear edge of the door into latched position. A switch (55) operated by the pivoting guide (62) connects an additional winding on an electric motor (138) to provide a high force for latching the door, allowing low force to be used for sliding the door to reduce the chance of personal injuries while closing the door.