The invention is systems and methods of operating a window with an automated window mechanism. The systems and methods include moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window. The sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone. The method also includes in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.

The invention is systems and methods of operating a window with an automated window mechanism. The systems and methods include moving with the automated window mechanism a sliding panel of a window relative to a window frame to open or close the window. The sliding panel moves through a proximate closing zone. The method also includes in the proximate closing zone, operating the automated window mechanism in a limited state comprising at least one of reduced velocity, reduced current to the automated window mechanism, or reduced voltage to the automated window mechanism.

A sliding closure assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one sliding closure panel, a second panel, and a powered actuator. The frame assembly has a first track portion, a second track portion, and a catch portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame assembly. The second closure panel is adjacent to the at least one sliding closure panel and is positioned within the second track portion of the frame assembly. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame such that an opening is formed through the sliding closure assembly when the sliding closure panel is in the opened position and the opening is closed when the sliding closure panel is in the closed position.

A sliding closure assembly includes a frame assembly, at least one sliding closure panel, a second panel, and a powered actuator. The frame assembly has a first track portion, a second track portion, and a catch portion. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame assembly. The second closure panel is adjacent to the at least one sliding closure panel and is positioned within the second track portion of the frame assembly. The sliding closure panel slides within the first track portion of the frame such that an opening is formed through the sliding closure assembly when the sliding closure panel is in the opened position and the opening is closed when the sliding closure panel is in the closed position.

A closure device for closing an access opening in a motor-vehicle body. An inner chamber is accessible via the access opening and the access opening can be closed by a cap element. The cap element is connected to a guide device, which is arranged in the inner chamber and via which the cap element can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The guide device is configured such that the cap element executes a pushing movement and a lifting movement as it moves between the closed position and the open position. The cap element, in the open position, is arranged in the inner chamber.

A closure device for closing an access opening in a motor-vehicle body. An inner chamber is accessible via the access opening and the access opening can be closed by a cap element. The cap element is connected to a guide device, which is arranged in the inner chamber and via which the cap element can be adjusted between a closed position and an open position. The guide device is configured such that the cap element executes a pushing movement and a lifting movement as it moves between the closed position and the open position. The cap element, in the open position, is arranged in the inner chamber.

Methods and apparatus to wirelessly interlock doors are disclosed. A door system includes a user interface to receive interlock configuration data input from a user, the interlock configuration data to define an interlock condition to be satisfied before a first door is to undergo an operation, the interlock condition associated with a current state of a second door. The door system includes a first wireless transceiver to receive a signal from a second wireless transceiver associated with a second door. The method includes a door operation controller to at least one of (1) implement the operation of the first door in response to a request when the current state of the second door satisfies the interlock condition, (2) ignore the request, or (3) not execute the operation of the first door in response to the request when the current state of the second door does not satisfy the interlock condition.

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.

Systems and associated methods for controlling operation of loading dock equipment are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated methods can be used to control operation of loading dock equipment (e.g., a vehicle restraint, a dock door, a dock leveler, etc.) according to a preset sequence of operations. The system can include a display screen that sequentially presents a series of graphical control elements (e.g., touch-sensitive buttons) that enable operation of the loading dock equipment in an appropriate sequence. Additionally, the visual appearance and/or sequence of presentation of the graphical control elements indicate the proper sequence of selection to the user, thereby reducing user confusion and simplifying the operation of the loading dock equipment.

A door braking system includes: a shaft; a brake pad configured to be mounted to the shaft; a plate for mounting on the shaft adjacent to the brake pad; a spring for urging the plate to the brake pad, the spring configured to be mounted on the shaft; a nut dimensioned and sized to be mounted on the shaft for adjusting an amount of force the spring urges the plate against the brake pad. A method of applying variable amount of braking force to a door includes: attaching a brake pad and brake plate to a shaft; configuring a spring to urge the brake plate against the brake pad; mounting an adjustment piece to the shaft; and configuring the adjustment piece to move axially on the shaft as the shaft rotates to thereby vary a force the spring urges against the brake plate.