A getting-out support device includes a door opening-closing operation tool that is operated by an occupant of a vehicle when the occupant opens or closes a door of the vehicle. In a case where a door opening prohibition condition that a moving body approaching the door is detected is satisfied, the getting-out support device maintains the door in the closed state even when the occupant performs the door opening operation to the door opening-closing operation tool, and thereafter, the getting-out support device continues to maintain the door in the closed state while an operation time during which the door opening operation is continuously being performed to the door opening-closing operation tool is shorter than a predetermined time, and finishes maintaining the door in the closed state when the operation time becomes equal to or longer than the predetermined time.

Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for automatically controlling passage between two areas, and where a plurality of such access control devices may be ganged or clustered to provided additional throughput and directional control, including stacking a plurality of access control devices side by side within a cluster. Each access control device contains multiple rotatable and moveable door panels. The door panels are controlled by various drive mechanisms to enable passage through the device, while ensuring by the use of sensors that door panels avoid touching subjects as they traverse the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed from time to time. At any instant in time while being traversed, the flow through each device is unidirectional. Multiple devices within a cluster can be directionally controlled according to traffic, demand, time of day, or other factors.

Electro-mechanical and electronically controlled access devices are described for automatically controlling passage between two areas, and where a plurality of such access control devices may be ganged or clustered to provided additional throughput and directional control, including stacking a plurality of access control devices side by side within a cluster. Each access control device contains multiple rotatable and moveable door panels. The door panels are controlled by various drive mechanisms to enable passage through the device, while ensuring by the use of sensors that door panels avoid touching subjects as they traverse the device. The direction of flow through a device according to these embodiments is electronically controlled and may be changed from time to time. At any instant in time while being traversed, the flow through each device is unidirectional. Multiple devices within a cluster can be directionally controlled according to traffic, demand, time of day, or other factors.

A hinged-panel opening and closing system includes: an anchor designed to be located on a hinged panel; a gear motor designed to be located on a supporting structure; and a movement-enabling component capable of angularly displacing the hinged panel relative to a receiving structure. The movement-enabling component includes: (a) a movement-enabling shaft located on the supporting structure and, at one shaft end, coupled to the gear motor; (b) a spindle located on supporting structure and coupled to the movement-enabling shaft; and (c) a linear element attaching, at a first end, to the spindle and attaching, at a second end, to the anchor such that said linear element extends between the spindle and the anchor.

A fire exit system is disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the fire exit system may include a motor mechanically coupled to a window such that the motor, when turned on, causes the window to open, a controller coupled to the motor, and a switch coupled to the controller. When the switch is activated, the controller is configured to turn on the motor to open the window.

A fire exit system is disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the fire exit system may include a motor mechanically coupled to a window such that the motor, when turned on, causes the window to open, a controller coupled to the motor, and a switch coupled to the controller. When the switch is activated, the controller is configured to turn on the motor to open the window.

An apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to control an automatic flap and/or door. The flap and/or door is automatically transferrable from an open position into a closed position by at least one actuator. The flap and/or door is configured to press against a seal when in the closed position. In relation to a closing operation of the flap and/or door, the control unit is configured to determine time information in relation to an open state time duration during which the flap and/or door was in the open position before the closing operation. In relation to a closing operation of the flap and/or door, the control unit is also configured to operate the at least one actuator configured for the closing operation as a function of the time information.

An apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit is configured to control an automatic flap and/or door. The flap and/or door is automatically transferrable from an open position into a closed position by at least one actuator. The flap and/or door is configured to press against a seal when in the closed position. In relation to a closing operation of the flap and/or door, the control unit is configured to determine time information in relation to an open state time duration during which the flap and/or door was in the open position before the closing operation. In relation to a closing operation of the flap and/or door, the control unit is also configured to operate the at least one actuator configured for the closing operation as a function of the time information.

A non-contact obstacle detection (NCOD) system for a motor vehicle and a method of operating the non-contact obstacle detection system are disclosed. The NCOD system includes a main electronic control unit adapted to connect to a power source. At least one non-contact obstacle sensor is coupled to the main electronic control unit for detecting obstacles near a closure member of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to detect movement of the closure member, detect no obstacle using the at least one non-contact obstacle sensor, and alter movement of the closure member in response to no obstacle being detected while movement of the closure member is detected.

A hinged-panel opening and closing system includes: an anchor designed to be located on a hinged panel; a gear motor designed to be located on a supporting structure; and a movement-enabling component capable of angularly displacing the hinged panel relative to a receiving structure. The movement-enabling component includes: (a) a movement-enabling shaft located on the supporting structure and, at one shaft end, coupled to the gear motor; (b) a spindle located on supporting structure and coupled to the movement-enabling shaft; and (c) a linear element attaching, at a first end, to the spindle and attaching, at a second end, to the anchor such that said linear element extends between the spindle and the anchor.