An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

A ramp kerb, for supporting a transverse edge of a ramp surface and a ramp lip extension having an attachment portion, comprises a first longitudinally extending channel open at an inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving a transverse edge of the ramp surface and a second longitudinally extending channel open at the inner transverse edge of the ramp kerb for receiving an attachment portion of the ramp lip extension. The first and second longitudinally extending channels are vertically spaced.

A ramp assembly comprises a support defining a vertical and horizontal pivot axes and a ramp with a first ramp portion coupled at one side thereof to the support, a second ramp portion, and a hinge connecting the second ramp portion to the first ramp portion. The second ramp section is manually movable between a generally folded stowed position being disposed in a surface-to-surface facing arrangement with the first ramp section and an unfolded deployed position being disposed in an end-to-end facing arrangement with the first ramp section. The ramp is manually pivotable on the support, about the vertical and horizontal pivot axes, between a folded stowed position, an unfolded deployed position defining an inclined ramp surface, and a folded intermediate position. The ramp can be installed on a vehicle for use by non-ambulatory passengers and be disposed in a position allowing unhindered use of the vehicle by ambulatory passengers.

An automated biological or chemical sample processing system includes a dock frame and at least one dock frame module. The dock frame includes at least one docking interface that operably couples and interfaces the dock frame with laboratory equipment. The dock frame defines a spine structure of the system alongside which a variable number of laboratory equipment are arrayed. The dock frame extends longitudinally and has a variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length. The at least one dock frame module includes the docking interface, where each module is interchangeable with another module, and has control features with a predetermined relationship to a reference datum of the dock frame module and with a reference datum of the dock frame so that the at least one dock frame module is interchangeably coupled in linear configuration with at least the other dock frame module to select the variable elongated configuration and longitudinal length.

Disclosed are ramps. The ramps may include a frame and a traction surface. The frame may be attachable to a mounting surface. The frame may be adjustable from a collapsed state to a deployed state. When in the collapsed state the frame may be sized to be supported by the mounting surface. The traction surface may be supported by the frame. In the n the deployed state the frame and traction surface extend from the mounting surface and provide a transition from a tailgate to a ground surface

Methods and apparatus for monitoring a dock leveler are disclosed herein. One example dock leveler system for use at a doorway of a loading dock, where a body is sometimes present at the loading dock, includes a deck movable between a raised position and a lowered position. The example dock leveler system also includes a sensor having a field of view extending over the deck when the deck is in the lowered position. The sensor is in a normal state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is off the deck, the sensor is in a triggered state when the deck is in the lowered position while the body is on the deck interrupting the field of view, and the sensor is in the triggered state when the deck is in the raised position with the deck interrupting the field of view regardless of whether the body is on or off the deck.

Loading ramp for loading platforms, including a bridge plate which at its loading platform side rotatably is connected to the loading platform and at its front side is provided with a lip, which lip, from a retracted position, in which the lip is taken up underneath the bridge plate, is extendible from the front side of the bridge plate forward into an extended position, in which extended position a foremost lip part, being provided to the front side of the lip, is intended to rest upon the loading floor of a vehicle, whereby underneath the bridge plate, completely or partly, a layer of insulating material is provided, wherein in the extended position underneath the lip a further layer of insulating material is present.

A modular and impactable frame which includes an integrated dock leveler. The frame includes opposing front plates, opposing side members, opposing base members and an integral bracing structure which connects each side member to a respective base member, the base members each have a base plate and a pair of front and back supporting legs, each base plate is secured to the grade and is adjustable in a side-to-side direction as well as adjustable in a front-to-back direction so as to securely conform to and attach to the contour of the grade.

The present disclosure provides a safety protection apparatus of a boarding bridge walking mechanism, the safety protection apparatus includes an inner retainer mechanism, an outer retainer mechanism, a connecting mechanism and an induction and control mechanism. The inner retainer mechanism includes an inner bracket and a first universal wheel. The outer retainer mechanism includes an outer bracket. The outer bracket is disposed on the outer circumference of the inner bracket, and a lower end of the outer bracket is lower than a lower end of the inner bracket. The connecting mechanism includes a first connecting component. The first connecting component is connected between the inner bracket and the outer bracket, such that the inner bracket is hinged with the outer bracket. The induction and control mechanism includes an induction unit.