Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of utilization thereof of a quick disconnect coupling for attaching an end of arm tool (EOAT) to a robot or like wherein there is fluid communication between the robot end of the coupling and the EOAT of the coupling. The coupling of the present invention also is designed so that fluid communication can only occur after the coupling halves are joined and sealed together. Fluid communication is cut off before the coupling halves can separate from each other thereby minimizing leakage during the coupling operation.

Abstract: A mechanical hand for use with a door-opener and having a pair of pivotable members, one of which is insertable into the window pane slot of a vehicle door, and the other of which engages the inner panel of the vehicle door so that the latter is capable of being opened and closed by the door-opener.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a vehicle door as a vehicle body is being conveyed through a paint booth and having a primary arm pivotally mounted on a carriage and supporting a secondary arm for seizing and releasing the vehicle door under the control of a link, the apparatus being characterized in that the pivotal connections interconnecting the primary arm and the link to the secondary arm and to the carriage are located in positions which allow the primary and secondary arms to be positioned in substantially parallel relationship adjacent the carriage when the apparatus assumes a stored position.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and securing a vehicle in a shipping container that includes a latch mechanism having a lock member pivotally connected to the container for restraining tie-down devices. The lock member is formed with an actuator lever that is movable between a first position wherein the lock member is in a locked position and a second position wherein the lock member is in an unlocked position. A pusher bar member is provided for loading the vehicle into the container and includes cam means for automatically moving the actuator lever between the locked and unlocked positions.