Abstract: A warehouse dock door control system (101) has a system controller (147), an interior side unit (144), an exterior side unit (142) comprising a key repository and a key detector. The key detector is configured to detect and identify a specific vehicle key having unique identification data associated therewith. The key detector is configured to detect the presence of the key within the key repository and to read the identification data associated therewith. The controller is configured to use the identification data to determine whether the vehicle key is an authorised vehicle key. In response to the determination, the controller communicates with the interior side unit to authorise opening of the dock door and controls the exterior side unit to secure the vehicle key in the key repository to inhibit removal therefrom until a signal is received indicating that a loading or unloading process is complete.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a method of communication between a first electronic device operatively connected to a data communications network within a vehicle, and a second electronic device operatively connected to the data communications network, the method comprising: sending a first message between the first and second electronic devices, outputting a first control signal to cause the operative state of the first or second electronic device to be reset, in dependence on a response message not having been received within a time period equal to a predetermined time period threshold.

Abstract: A warehouse dock door control system (101) has a system controller (147), an interior side unit (144), an exterior side unit (142) comprising a key repository and a key detector. The key detector is configured to detect and identify a specific vehicle key having unique identification data associated therewith. The key detector is configured to detect the presence of the key within the key repository and to read the identification data associated therewith. The controller is configured to use the identification data to determine whether the vehicle key is an authorised vehicle key. In response to the determination, the controller communicates with the interior side unit to authorise opening of the dock door and controls the exterior side unit to secure the vehicle key in the key repository to inhibit removal therefrom until a signal is received indicating that a loading or unloading process is complete.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to hinge apparatus for supporting an aperture closure member. The hinge apparatus is configurable in at least first and second configurations. The hinge apparatus includes a first hinge bracket and a second hinge bracket. A first hinge linkage member is pivotally mounted to each of the first and second hinge brackets. A second hinge linkage member is pivotally mounted to each of the first and second hinge brackets. A latching mechanism is provided for selectively latching the hinge apparatus. The latching mechanism is operable to inhibit movement of the first and second hinge linkage members relative to each other to latch the hinge apparatus. The present invention also relates to a carrier assembly for carrying an aperture closure member; and a vehicle having a carrier assembly.

Abstract: A warehouse dock door control system (101) has a system controller (147), an interior side unit (144), an exterior side unit (142) comprising a key repository and a key detector. The key detector is configured to detect and identify a specific vehicle key having unique identification data associated therewith. The key detector is configured to detect the presence of the key within the key repository and to read the identification data associated therewith. The controller is configured to use the identification data to determine whether the vehicle key is an authorised vehicle key. In response to the determination, the controller communicates with the interior side unit to authorise opening of the dock door and controls the exterior side unit to secure the vehicle key in the key repository to inhibit removal therefrom until a signal is received indicating that a loading or unloading process is complete.

Abstract: Apparatus (4; 5) for checking the inflation pressure of a tire (3) of a vehicle (2) while the tire is being moved over the apparatus in a direction of travel (A). The apparatus comprises a base (7), a platform (8) which is mounted over the base, a first load sensor system (9) arranged between the platform and the base, and a second load sensor system (12) mounted on an upper surface of the platform and comprising a linear array of high resolution sensors (13, 25) extending across the platform. A data processing unit (6) processes data obtained by sampling the outputs of the first and second sensor system and provides an indication of the inflation pressure of the tire. The data obtained by sampling the output of the first sensor system may be used to determine the total load borne by the platform, and/or the direction of travel of the tire over the platform, and/or the speed of travel of the tire over the platform and/or the tracking angle of the vehicle tire.

Abstract: Apparatus (4; 5) for checking the inflation pressure of a tyre (3) of a vehicle (2) whilst the tyre is being moved over the apparatus in a direction of travel (A). The apparatus comprises a base (7), a platform (8) which is mounted over the base, a first load sensor system (9) arranged between the platform and the base, and a second load sensor system (12) mounted on an upper surface of the platform and comprising a linear array of high resolution sensors (13, 25) extending across the platform. A data processing unit (6) processes data obtained by sampling the outputs of the first and second sensor system and provides an indication of the inflation pressure of the tyre. The data obtained by sampling the output of the first sensor system may be used to determine the total load borne by the platform, and/or the direction of travel of the tyre over the platform, and/or the speed of travel of the tyre over the platform and/or the tracking angle of the vehicle tyre.

Abstract: Controlled dispense of a flowable reagent in a diagnostic system is characterized by placing in the diagnostic system at least one cartridge containing a reservoir of reagent and carrying an identifier device that has information pertinent to the reagent in the reservoir. The diagnostic system automatically reads the information contained in the identifier device and uses the information to control the diagnostic system in dispensing the reagent. The information contained in the identifier device may consist of one or more of an identification of the reagent in the reservoir; the expiration date of the reagent the active shelf life of the reagent; the volume of the reagent in the reservoir; an identification of the origin of the reagent; and the maximum storage temperature of the reagent.