Abstract: A sensor positioning apparatus comprising a mounting plate, a sensor housing, a sensor assembly pivotally mounted to the sensor housing, and a sensor pivotally mounted within the sensor assembly. The sensor housing includes an upper plate and a base plate connected in a spaced relationship and a central axis. The upper plate is coupled to the mounting plate and the base plate includes a socket adapted to receive a ball joint. The sensor assembly is carried by the housing and comprises a cylindrical body having an opening therein and defining a body axis. The sensor assembly also includes a piston within the body movable between a retracted and an extended position, a ball joint rotatably coupled to the base plate socket, a resilient member for maintaining the body axis substantially coaxial with the central axis, and three contact members for contacting a surface and orienting the sensor assembly normal to the surface.

Abstract: A vehicle door opener apparatus positioned in a work station such as a paint booth includes a rotary arm with its pivot axis substantially aligned with the door hinge axis in open and closed positions of the door. Harmonic control linkage provides smooth acceleration and deceleration of the door. A fixture pin is mounted on the lower surface of each door of the vehicle body for engagement by a gripper mechanism comprising a pair of elongated rail members supported on the free end of the arm. The rail members receive the fixture pin upon movement of the vehicle body into the work station. A system utilizing the apparatus includes a hydraulic power supply and a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a solenoid valve which controls a rotary actuator of the apparatus in an on-off manner. The rotary actuator powers a drive link of the control linkage. Magnetic proximity switches provide status signals to a programmable controller which controls the solenoid valve.