Gimbaled satellite positioning system antenna
AssigneeTopcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
InventorSteven Daniel McCain
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for use with a satellite positioning system wherein the receive elements satellite positioning system receive antennas are maintained in an orientation with respect to the positioning system satellites in a way such that the strongest signals can be received from the greatest number of satellites. According to one embodiment, a housing of a positioning antenna is mounted in a gimbaled fashion onto a vehicle, such as an excavator. Such a gimbaled antenna maintains a horizontal orientation relative to a predetermined axis and, as a result, remains in a position to receive signals from positioning system satellites even during instances of high angular deflection of the antenna support, such as may occur during earth-moving operations.
Claims11
Apparatus for use with a satellite positioning system comprising:
- first and second gimbal structures attached to a surface;
- a first satellite positioning system receiving antenna attached to said first gimbal structure;
- a second satellite positioning system receiving antenna attached to said second gimbal structure;
- at least one receiver configured to determine a position of the first antenna and a position of the second antenna;
- and
- a processor configured to determine a third position of the surface based on the position of the first antenna and the position of the second antenna.
An earthmoving machine comprising:
- a moveable arm attached to a body of said earthmoving machine;
- first and second gimbal structures attached to the moveable arm;
- a first satellite positioning system receiving antenna attached to said first gimbal structure;
- a second satellite positioning system receiving antenna attached to said second gimbal structure;
- at least one receiver configured to determine a position of the first antenna and a position of the second antenna;
- and
- a processor configured to determine a third position of the earthmoving machine based on the position of the first antenna and the position of the second antenna.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.