Gimbaled satellite positioning system antenna
US7925439B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 19, 2006 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 10, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE02F9/205
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.