Laser reference system and method of determining grade rake
Granted: February 17, 2004
Patent Number:
6693706
A laser reference system orients a reference plane of laser light generated by a transmitter so compensation is made for a rake angle between the first and second axes of the transmitter and an alignment axis and an axis perpendicular thereto. The transmitter includes an optical system arranged to generate a laser beam, the optical system projecting said laser beam radially along a rotational arc defined about a central rotational axis, thereby substantially defining a reference plane of…
Laser reference system for excavating machine
Granted: February 17, 2004
Patent Number:
6691437
A level sensing system for use with an excavating machine includes a light receiving sensor, mounted on the dipper stick of the machine, and an inclinometer, also mounted on the dipper stick of the machine. The sensor and inclinometer provide indications of the relative location of a beam of light and the inclination of the dipper stick. The inclinometer includes a gyroscopic inclination sensor and an accelerometer arrangement for sensing acceleration due to gravity and providing a…
GPS weather data recording system for use with the application of chemicals to agricultural fields
Granted: February 3, 2004
Patent Number:
6686878
A GPS weather data recording system for use with the dispensing of chemicals to agriculture fields. A GPS receiver is used to determine a series of positions of a vehicle and the velocity of the vehicle as the vehicle traverses an agricultural field. The series of positions and velocity trace the vehicle's ground track across the agricultural field. A wind sensor is used to measure wind velocity with respect to the vehicle. A data storage system is used for storing data…
Generating positional reality using RTK integrated with scanning lasers
Granted: January 13, 2004
Patent Number:
6677938
A method and a system for creating a Positional Reality scene of a plurality of real objects that represents a virtual reality scene with the correct positional information about real objects are disclosed. A Positioning Reality Image of each geometrical object is built by using an integrated Satellite Positional System (SATPS), and a Scanning Laser Sensor (SLS). If SATPS comprises an RTK GPS system, a Positioning Reality Image of each geometrical object is built in real time.
Linear transducer arrangement
Granted: January 6, 2004
Patent Number:
6672797
A transducer arrangement and method that generates control signals indicating relative positions of the ends of a hydraulically movable tool of a machine. The generated control signals of the present invention are used by a conventional control circuit of the machine to control the ends of the hydraulically movable tool having elevation receivers as an desired mode of operation or when reception by one of the elevational receivers of a elevational reference, which provides an absolute…
Telephone providing directions to a location
Granted: January 6, 2004
Patent Number:
6674849
A system providing a map and driving directions to a user of a user telephone for a remote location associated with a remote telephone number. The system includes the user telephone and a server connected through a telephone system. The user telephone includes a location number designator for designating a remote telephone number and an object decoder for decoding software objects such as a map object having map information for the area about the location of a remote address associated…
On-board apparatus for avoiding restricted air space in non-overriding mode
Granted: January 6, 2004
Patent Number:
6675095
A tamper-resistant apparatus located on board of an aircraft for avoiding a restricted air space (RAS) comprising: (a) a tamper-resistant restricted air space (TAP-RAS) database configured to include a set of coordinates that determines the RAS; and (b) a navigational processor configured to navigate the aircraft around the RAS, if a valid overriding command is not generated. The navigational processor includes: a Satellite Positioning System (SATPS) configured to substantially…
Self-calibrating electronic distance measurement instrument
Granted: December 30, 2003
Patent Number:
6670913
A combined satellite positioning and electro-optical total station system includes a reference oscillator that provides local oscillator signals for a satellite navigation receiver and a precision frequency source for use by an electronic distance meter. When the satellite navigation receiver is locked onto and tracking orbiting navigation satellites, the highly precise cesium-rubidium clocks in the navigation satellite system can be used as standards to control the reference oscillator…
Balanced integrated position determination system and communication system
Granted: December 30, 2003
Patent Number:
6670917
An integrated position determination system and communication system is disclosed that includes an antenna and that includes position signal processing circuitry for determining position. The integrated position determination system and communication system also includes a radio for communicating with other position determination systems that is coupled to the position signal processing circuitry and a power supply. The integrated position determination system and communication system…
Noise estimator for seismic exploration
Granted: December 16, 2003
Patent Number:
6665619
A method of generating a noise estimate during seismic surveying, including measuring noise energy having a plurality of frequencies in a second time interval. The second time interval having a second start time delayed from a first start time of a first time interval during which a first plurality of reflected seismic signals are present. The plurality of reflected seismic signals having the plurality of frequencies. The second time interval approximately concurrent with the first time…
Method and apparatus for testing components
Granted: December 2, 2003
Patent Number:
6658362
A method and apparatus for testing components is disclosed. The method involves a system operating to collect data in a certain frequency range, and utilizing signals outside that frequency range to test the system during operation. Such testing may be conducted on a not-to-interfere basis, thereby allowing for testing during operation of systems in continuous use.
Method and apparatus for automatic and autonomous assignment of PRN codes to a multiplicity of pseudolites
Granted: November 25, 2003
Patent Number:
6653976
A pseudolite for transmitting a global positioning system (GPS) signal having identification information for a GPS satellite that is currently out-of-view. The pseudolite mimics a global positioning system (GPS) signal by using a C/A pseudorandom (PRN) identification code for a GPS satellite that is allocated in the GPS system but is unreceivable in the local vicinity and location-determination information including ephemeris data corresponding to the geographical location of the…
Spectral method for calibrating accelerometers
Granted: November 4, 2003
Patent Number:
6640609
A method for determining a scale factor of an accelerometer. The scale factor is used to precisely convert the electrical output of the accelerometer into units of acceleration. The accelerometer to be calibrated is mounted on a turntable mechanism. The turntable is configured so that the axis of rotation of the turntable is tilted with respect to the local gravity vector. The turntable is then spun around the axis of rotation at an angular velocity, such that the accelerometer…
Versatile transmitter and receiver for position measurement
Granted: November 4, 2003
Patent Number:
6643004
Field-deployable spatial positioning or measurement systems are provided for improved versatility, reliability and performance. The spatial positioning or measurement systems use rotating laser fans or beams for positioning and measuring and include a system integrated field-deployable length standard that uses a reelable tape with positional indents. The systems further include the use of labyrinth seals at interface volumes between rotating laser heads and transmitter assemblies to…
Graphical aids for surveying
Granted: September 30, 2003
Patent Number:
6628308
The present invention provides a method and apparatus configured to provide graphical symbols indicative of a separation value between a first and second location, measured from a predetermined reference point. In one embodiment, the separation value relates to at least one of the direct distance between said first and second locations and the angle subtended between said first and second location at the said predetermined reference point. In one embodiment, the separation value may be…
Laser transmitter with thermally induced error compensation and method of transmitter compensation
Granted: September 30, 2003
Patent Number:
6628373
The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored…
Laser transmitter with thermally induced error compensation and method of transmitter compensation
Granted: September 16, 2003
Patent Number:
6621560
The transmitter for projecting a beam of laser light includes a source of a beam of laser light, and a projection arrangement for directing the beam of laser light at a selected grade. The transmitter further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of said transmitter, and a temperature correction circuit, including a look-up table, responsive to said temperature sensor, for adjusting said projection arrangement in dependence upon offset grade values that are stored…
Method and apparatus of graphical display of information
Granted: September 9, 2003
Patent Number:
6618052
A system and method of graphical display of survey information in which input survey data is classified as important or less important and the graphical display shows the important data as a point and a solid vector, and the less important data as a point and a stub-vector, such that the display of the less important data does not significantly obscure the display of the important data.
Self-calibrating electronic distance measurement instrument
Granted: September 2, 2003
Patent Number:
6614395
A combined satellite positioning and electro-optical total station system includes a reference oscillator that provides local oscillator signals for a satellite navigation receiver and a precision frequency source for use by an electronic distance meter. When the satellite navigation receiver is locked onto and tracking orbiting navigation satellites, the highly precise cesium-rubidium clocks in the navigation satellite system can be used as standards to control the reference oscillator…
Vehicle tracking, communication and fleet management system
Granted: August 26, 2003
Patent Number:
6611755
A vehicle fleet management information system identifies location and direction of movement of each vehicle in a fleet in real-time, and automatically reports such information, as well as status of predetermined events in which the vehicle is engaged, directly to the fleet manager. Each fleet vehicle has an assigned time slot to transmit its reporting information over a communications network without interfering with transmissions from other vehicles in their own respective time slots. A…
