Abstract: An automatic emergency response system is operable to notify an emergency center of a defined event, such as a vehicle accident. The system facilitates location of the event, by using position determining means, such as GSP, to establish its at least approximate location. A control circuit includes code generating means to generate a coded signal incorporating the position location information. An alarm signal transmitter is operable on occurrence of the defined event to transmit an alarm signal incorporating the coded signal to a receiving station, which may be a satellite, which relays the message to the emergency center, including the positional information relating to the location of the transmitter. A relatively low power homing signal transmitter simultaneously transmits a homing signal either continuously or at periodic intervals.

Abstract: An access control system for controlling access to a restricted area or space using proximity detection of a portable control unit has a manually operated switch (18) that operates in conjunction with the proximity detection. When a control unit is sensed within range of a detection means, the switch is enabled so that subsequent actuation facilitates entry to the area or space. The space may be the interior of a vehicle, and the access control is a door (20) with a handle (12), movement of which in a defined direction operates the switch (18) to allow the door (20) to be opened by the handle (12). The switch (18) can also be used to lock the door (12).

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a motor-driven instrument pointer (8) against a stop (5) without using feedback includes, in a first power state, driving the pointer (8) at full torque against the stop (5), then driving the pointer (8) against the stop at a reduced torque for a predetermined radial distance so at the pointer (8) is caused to be held against the stop (5). A third driving step, at reduced torque for a further predetermined radial distance, may be used in a second power state to move the pointer (8) against the stop (5).