A power optimizer system for power closure panels includes a closure panel power actuator system comprising at least a motor operatively connected to a vehicle closure panel. A controller is configured to determine an optimal electrical current draw for the power actuator system according to one or more inputs relating at least to a vehicle battery status, a vehicle ambient temperature, a vehicle grade, and a vehicle climate control system status. Methods of modeling/optimizing the appropriate electrical current draw for power closure systems operating in varying voltage, temperature, grade, and climate control system conditions relative to a vehicle, or other similar mechanisms are also described.

A hydraulic door closer capable of reducing oil-pressure therein at high temperature, comprises a housing with an oil chamber, an oil storage cavity, and a piston in the housing of the hydraulic door closer. The oil storage cavity is in communication with the oil chamber; when the oil temperature increases, hydraulic oil in the oil chamber and oil storage cavity generates an increased oil pressure move the piston, whereby volume of the oil storage cavity is enlarged, such that oil from the chamber will flow into the cavity, to reduce the oil pressure of the chamber and cavity. When the oil temperature decreases, the oil pressure in the chamber and cavity is reduced, whereby the storage piston restores its original position, whereby volume of the cavity will be reduced, and the oil in the cavity flows back into the chamber. The pressure in the oil chamber is reduced when the hydraulic oil expands due to increased temperature to prevent failure of the seal and to avoid hydraulic oil leakage.

A convertible vehicle includes a door having a window and a powered actuator that moves the window from a closed position to a partially open (set) position to permit the vehicle door to open. A controller actuates the powered actuator to shift the window to a set position upon receiving a door open request signal. The controller actuates a powered vibrating mechanism to break ice on the window if actuating the powered actuator does not cause the window to move to the set position.

A thermal door release system is provided that includes a plurality of temperature sensors arranged within multiple environments; a controller; and a release apparatus; wherein the controller, using data from the temperature sensors, monitors the temperatures of the individual environments and when a temperature for an environment reaches a set temperature threshold for that environment, causes an action such as the release apparatus to operate a door to a specified position. The set points and actions to be taken can be set per environment by a user, such that different environments will have different set points. In an embodiment, the system can support staged logic such that at various different user-defined set point temperatures for an environment, specified actions can be taken, for example, sending an email to the facilities manager when the temperature is significantly above normal and closing the door when it reaches a higher set point value.

A power optimizer system for power closure panels includes a closure panel power actuator system comprising at least a motor operatively connected to a lift-assist member and a closure panel counterbalancing member. A controller is configured at least to determine an optimal electrical current draw for the power actuator system according to one or more inputs relating at least to a vehicle ambient temperature and grade. One or more sensors are provided for providing the one or more inputs. The controller may also further be configured to receive a vehicle battery voltage condition input for calculating the optimum electrical current draw consistent with the environmental conditions to efficiently control the power actuator system motor. Methods of modeling/optimizing the appropriate electrical current draw for power closure systems operating in varying voltage, temperature and grade conditions relative to a vehicle, or other similar mechanisms are also described.

A hydraulic door closer capable of reducing oil-pressure therein at high temperature, comprises a housing with an oil chamber, an oil storage cavity, and a piston in the housing of the hydraulic door closer. The oil storage cavity is in communication with the oil chamber; when the oil temperature increases, hydraulic oil in the oil chamber and oil storage cavity generates an increased oil pressure move the piston, whereby volume of the oil storage cavity is enlarged, such that oil from the chamber will flow into the cavity, to reduce the oil pressure of the chamber and cavity. When the oil temperature decreases, the oil pressure in the chamber and cavity is reduced, whereby the storage piston restores its original position, whereby volume of the cavity will be reduced, and the oil in the cavity flows back into the chamber. The pressure in the oil chamber is reduced when the hydraulic oil expands due to increased temperature to prevent failure of the seal and to avoid hydraulic oil leakage.

A sliding window assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly includes panels and heating grids coupled to respective panels for defrosting the panels. The assembly further includes a conductive element in continuous electrical connection to the panels for defrosting the panels.

A vehicle door controller is disclosed. The vehicle door controller is in communication with an actuator configured to control a door and is further in communication with a temperature sensing device. The controller is configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensing device. Based on the temperature signal, the controller is configured to identify an actuator condition. In response to the actuator condition, the controller is configured to control the actuator to move the door to a resting position.

A fire protection securing apparatus for securing a door actuator includes a retaining plate, designed for being secured to an assembly surface, in particular door, frame or wall, wherein, perpendicular to the retaining plate, an assembly axis is defined. The fire protection securing apparatus further includes an assembly plate which is secured to the retaining plate and which is designed for receiving the door actuator, and at least one closed reaction chamber arranged between the retaining plate and the assembly plate. The apparatus also includes a drive element of thermally intumescent material which is arranged in the reaction chamber and which is designed to push the assembly plate away from the retaining plate upon thermal activation.

A hydraulic door closer capable of reducing oil-pressure therein at high temperature, comprises a housing with an oil chamber, an oil storage cavity, and a piston in the housing of the hydraulic door closer. The oil storage cavity is in communication with the oil chamber; when the oil temperature increases, hydraulic oil in the oil chamber and oil storage cavity generates an increased oil pressure move the piston, whereby volume of the oil storage cavity is enlarged, such that oil from the chamber will flow into the cavity, to reduce the oil pressure of the chamber and cavity. When the oil temperature decreases, the oil pressure in the chamber and cavity is reduced, whereby the storage piston restores its original position, whereby volume of the cavity will be reduced, and the oil in the cavity flows back into the chamber. The pressure in the oil chamber is reduced when the hydraulic oil expands due to increased temperature to prevent failure of the seal and to avoid hydraulic oil leakage.