Abstract: A removable cover for temporarily protecting a lid on a passenger air bag module installed in an instrument panel of an automotive vehicle, during assembly of a trim panel on the instrument panel. The cover is shaped to fit over and protect the lid. The cover is fabricated of a rubber-like material and has mounting tabs adapted or releasably engage in slots in the air bag module. Magnets on the cover magnetically engage the air bag module. Projections on the air bag module engage in recesses in the cover to assist in locating the cover.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station. A bridge is mounted for movement along a track which is parallel to the path. The bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path. A swing frame assembly is mounted on the bridge for movement between the pick-up station and the path. The swing frame assembly has a pivoted arm which swings about a generally vertical axis. The arm is swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at the pick-up station to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the body and installed therein when the carriage moves along the bridge and the bridge moves in unison with the body. A second bridge spaced from the first bridge is in the direction of the vehicle body movement also moves along the track.

Abstract: A method of transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station, A bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path and a transfer unit is moved along the bridge to the pick-up station where it picks up an instrument panel assembly. The transfer unit and attached instrument panel assembly are moved to a position adjacent the path and the instrument panel assembly is introduced into said moving body. The bridge is moved with the body during the introduction of the instrument panel assembly into the body so that the transfer unit and instrument panel assembly likewise move with the body. The instrument panel assembly is installed in the body and the transfer unit withdrawn. An attachment unit moves along a second bridge which is generally parallel to the first. The attachment unit completes the attachment of the instrument panel assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring an instrument panel assembly from a pick-up station to the interior of an automotive vehicle body for installation while the body moves along a path spaced laterally from the pick-up station. A bridge is mounted for movement along a track which is parallel to the path. The bridge extends between the pick-up station and the path. A swing frame assembly is mounted on the bridge for movement between the pick-up station and the path. The swing frame assembly has a pivoted arm which swings about a generally vertical axis. The arm is swingable from a receiving position for picking up an instrument panel assembly at the pick-up station to a transfer position in which the instrument panel assembly may be introduced into the body and installed therein when the carriage moves along the bridge and the bridge moves in unison with the body. A second bridge spaced from the first bridge is in the direction of the vehicle body movement also moves along the track.