Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening a door (48) from a remote location including a lever assembly (20) and a pulling line (22), the pulling line (22) having attached thereto a door handle engagement (60), the lever assembly (20) including at least a first guide (40) and a second guide (42) for guiding the pulling line (22) and a mounting apparatus (24) for mounting the lever assembly (20) to or adjacent a door (48), the first and second guides (40,42) being positioned such that when the pulling line (22) is prevented from moving through the first guide (40), pulling on the pulling line (22) acts to cause the lever assembly (20) to apply a force to urge the door to open (48). This apparatus allows an operator to gradually open a door or to apply a suitable force if, for example, the door (48) is stuck in the closed position.

Abstract: A rotary deck for interchanging a pair of pallets in a machining center is partially enclosed within a guard housing surrounding the machining zone. The deck sweeps a predetermined diameter with the pallets. An operator access door is mounted to cover an opening in the housing, adjacent the machining zone. The door slides into the sweep diameter when opened and the deck is stationary; an interlock prevents deck rotation when the door is opened.