WO2009026493A2 - Procédé et appareil pour dispositifs d'étayage et dispositifs de support - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour dispositifs d'étayage et dispositifs de support Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009026493A2
WO2009026493A2 PCT/US2008/073975 US2008073975W WO2009026493A2 WO 2009026493 A2 WO2009026493 A2 WO 2009026493A2 US 2008073975 W US2008073975 W US 2008073975W WO 2009026493 A2 WO2009026493 A2 WO 2009026493A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
spine
axis
backstay
bracket
leg segment
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2008/073975
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2009026493A3 (fr
Inventor
Mark Sabatino
Original Assignee
Sensis Corporation
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sensis Corporation filed Critical Sensis Corporation
Publication of WO2009026493A2 publication Critical patent/WO2009026493A2/fr
Publication of WO2009026493A3 publication Critical patent/WO2009026493A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q3/00—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system
    • H01Q3/26—Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the relative phase or relative amplitude of energisation between two or more active radiating elements; varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/62—Constructional features or details
    • B66C23/72—Counterweights or supports for balancing lifting couples
    • B66C23/78—Supports, e.g. outriggers, for mobile cranes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/3208—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used
    • H01Q1/3216—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the application wherein the antenna is used where the road or rail vehicle is only used as transportation means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to apparatus for propping a device.
  • the present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a device which is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position.
  • the present invention is further directed to an antenna system, e.g., a rotating radar antenna system, which is transportable on a vehicle.
  • the present invention is also directed to support devices.
  • the present invention is further directed to methods of propping such devices.
  • the present invention is further directed to apparatuses as described above which include components for facilitating cooling of one or more components, as well as methods for accomplishing such cooling.
  • one such device is an antenna, a wide variety of which are well known to those skilled in the art. Specific examples of such antennas include radar antennas, such antennas being useful in avionics and for numerous other purposes. In many instances, it is advantageous to be able to move such an antenna from location to location.
  • an apparatus for propping a device comprising: a platform; at least a first bracket mounted on the platform, the first bracket having a bracket first engagement element; a spine element on which a device to be propped can be mounted, the spine element having at least a spine first engagement element; at least one screw-threaded drive element; at least a first rail mounted on the platform; and a backstay, the drive element being pivotable about a drive element longitudinal axis, the drive element having drive element threads on a threaded surface thereof, the threaded surface being substantially cylindrical; the first rail extending in a direction substantially parallel to the drive element longitudinal axis, the first rail having a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape in planes substantially perpendicular to the drive element longitudinal axis; a carriage having at least a first rail engaging portion and at least one threaded portion, the first rail engaging portion being of a shape which engages the first rail, the threaded portion of the carriage having carriage threads which are in
  • the drive element being rotatably supported by a drive element support and being threadedly supported by the threaded portion of the carriage, rotation of the drive element in a first rotational direction about the drive element longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move in a direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to slide relative to the bracket from a first spine element position to a second spine element position, further rotation of the drive element in the first rotational direction about the drive element longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move further in the direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to pivot about the spine-bracket.axis relative to the bracket to move from the second spine element position to a third spine element position, whereby an angle between a first plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-spine axis, and a second plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-carriage axis, changes.
  • the angle between the first plane and the second plane changes when the spine element moves from the first spine element position to the second spine element position.
  • the spine element is partially elevated from the platform when in the second spine element position.
  • the at least one rail and the at least one drive element are sloped, and at least a first surface of the spine which faces the at least one rail and the at least one drive element is sloped, such that when the spine element moves from the first spine element position to the second spine element position, the angle between the first plane and the second plane changes.
  • the first bracket further comprises a ledge slidably supporting a second portion of the spine element.
  • the spine first engagement element is a first slot and the first bracket first engagement element is a first protrusion, the first protrusion being received in the first slot.
  • the first bracket first engagement element is a first slot and the spine first engagement element is a first protrusion, the first protrusion being received in the first slot.
  • a method of propping a device comprising: rotating a drive element of an apparatus as described above.
  • a supporting device comprising: at least a first support structure; at least three legs, each leg comprising: at least a first leg segment, a second leg segment and a third leg segment and a first jack,
  • first leg segment first portion of the first leg segment being pivotally attached to the first support structure such that the first leg segment can pivot about a first pivot axis
  • a second leg segment first portion of the second leg segment being pivotally attached to a first leg segment second portion of the first leg segment such that the second leg segment can pivot about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being non-parallel with the first pivot axis;
  • the third leg segment being telescopically movable relative to the second leg segment between a third leg segment extended position and a third leg segment retracted position, a third leg segment first portion of the third leg segment being positioned farther from the second leg segment when the third leg segment is in the third leg segment extended position that when the third leg segment is in the third leg segment retracted position;
  • the first jack being pivotally attached to the third leg segment first portion of third leg segment such that the first jack can pivot about a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis being non-parallel with the first pivot axis;
  • the first jack being movable between a first jack first position and a first jack second position, movement of the first jack from the first jack first position to the first jack second position causing the third leg segment first portion of third leg segment to move along a first jack axis, the first jack axis being substantially perpendicular to the third pivot axis.
  • the supporting device further comprises a fourth leg.
  • the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
  • each of the legs further comprises a pad rotatably attached to a first end of the jack, the pad being able to pivot relative to the first end of the jack latitudinally and partially longitudinally.
  • the supporting device further comprises a self-leveling device which operates the jacks such that at least a portion of the first support structure is automatically moved to a level orientation.
  • an apparatus comprising: a platform; at least a first bracket mounted on the platform, the first bracket having a bracket first engagement element; a spine element on which a device to be propped can be mounted, the spine element having at least a spine first engagement element; a device comprising at least a first device element which is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; at least one screw-threaded drive element; at least a first rail mounted on the platform; and a backstay, the drive element being pivotable about a drive element longitudinal axis, the drive element having drive element threads on a threaded surface thereof, the threaded surface being substantially cylindrical; the first rail extending in a direction substantially parallel to the drive element longitudinal axis, the first rail having a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape in planes substantially perpendicular to the drive element longitudinal axis; a carriage having at least a first rail engaging portion and at least one threaded portion, the first rail engaging portion being of
  • the spine element is pivotable relative to the bracket along a spine-bracket axis, the spine-bracket axis being substantially parallel to the backstay-spine axis; and (2) the spine element is slidable relative to the bracket;
  • the drive element being rotatably supported by a drive element support and being threadedly supported by the threaded portion of the carriage, rotation of the drive element in a first rotational direction about its longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move in a direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to slide relative to the bracket from a first spine element position to a second spine element position, further rotation of the drive element in the first rotational direction about the drive element longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move further in the direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to pivot about the spine-bracket axis relative to the bracket to move from the second spine element position to a third spine element position, whereby an angle between a first plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-spine axis, and a second plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-carriage axis, changes, the first device
  • the first device element when the spine element is in the first spine element position, the first device element is in the stowed position, and when the spine element is in the third spine element position, the first device element is in the deployed position.
  • the first device element is pivotable relative to the spine element between a first device element first relative position and a first device element second relative position, such that:
  • the first bracket further comprises a ledge slidably supporting a second portion of the spine element.
  • the first device element is pivotable relative to the spine about a first device element-spine axis which is substantially perpendicular to the backstay-spine axis.
  • the device further comprises a second device element.
  • the first device element comprises at least one first device element lifting structure and the second device element comprises at least one second device element lifting structure, and the apparatus can be lifted by lifting at the at least one first device element lifting structure and at the at least one second device element lifting structure.
  • the first device element is pivotable relative to the spine about a first device element-spine axis which is substantially perpendicular to the backstay-spine axis
  • the second device element is pivotable relative to the spine about a second device element-spine axis which is substantially parallel to the first device element-spine axis, hi some such embodiments:
  • the first device element is pivotable between a first device element first position and a first device element second position
  • the second device element is pivotable between a second device element first position and a second device element second position
  • the first device has a first device first surface and a first device second surface
  • the second device has a second device first surface and a second device second surface
  • the first device element first surface and the second device element first surface are substantially co-planar in a device first plane
  • the first device element second surface and the second device element second surface are substantially co-planar in a device second plane
  • the first device element first surface, the second device element first surface, the first device element second surface and the second device element second surface are substantially co-planar, and each of the first device element first surface, the second device element first surface, the first device element second surface and the second device element second surface are substantially perpendicular to the device first plane and the device second plane.
  • the apparatus further comprises a device pivot synchronization device which causes the second device element to be in the second device element first position when the first device element is in the first device element first position, and which causes the second device element to be in the second device element second position when the first device element is in the first device element second position, hi some such embodiments, the apparatus further comprises:
  • At least a first locking device which, when engaged, locks the first device element in the first device element first position
  • At least a second locking device which, when engaged, locks the first device element in the first device element second position
  • At least a third locking device which, when engaged, locks the second device element in the second device element first position
  • a center of gravity of the device when in the deployed position is displaced from a center of gravity of the device when in the stowed position only substantially vertically.
  • the apparatus is positioned on a vehicle, and a center of gravity of the apparatus is located at or displaced only substantially vertically relative to a center of gravity of the vehicle.
  • the apparatus further comprises a support, the support comprising a platform mounting portion on which the platform is mounted, the platform being rotatable relative to the support.
  • the device is a sensor.
  • the device is a radar antenna.
  • a center of gravity of the device when the device is in the stowed position, lies along an axis of rotation of the device relative to the support, when the device is in the deployed position.
  • the apparatus further comprises : at least three legs, each leg comprising: at least a first leg segment, a second leg segment and a third leg segment and a first jack,
  • first leg segment first portion of the first leg segment being pivotally attached to the platform such that the first leg segment can pivot about a first pivot axis
  • a second leg segment first portion of the second leg segment being pivotally attached to a first leg segment second portion of the first leg segment such that the second leg segment can pivot about a second pivot axis, the second pivot axis being non-parallel with the first pivot axis;
  • the third leg segment being telescopically movable relative to the second leg segment between a third leg segment extended position and a third leg segment retracted position, a third leg segment first portion of the third leg segment being positioned farther from the second leg segment when the third leg segment is in the third leg segment extended position that when the third leg segment is in the third leg segment retracted position;
  • the first jack being pivotally attached to the third leg segment first portion of third leg segment such that the first jack can pivot about a third pivot axis, the third pivot axis being non-parallel with the first pivot axis;
  • the first jack being movable between a first jack first position and a first jack second position, movement of the first jack from the first jack first position to the first jack second position causing the third leg segment first portion of third leg segment to move along a first jack axis, the first jack axis being substantially perpendicular to the third pivot axis.
  • the supporting device further comprises a fourth leg.
  • the second pivot axis is substantially perpendicular to the first pivot axis.
  • the third pivot axis is substantially parallel to the second pivot axis.
  • each of the legs further comprises a pad rotatably attached to a first end of the jack, the pad being able to pivot relative to the first end of the jack latitudinally and partially longitudinally.
  • the supporting device further comprises a self-leveling device which operates the jacks such that at least a portion of the platform is automatically moved to a level orientation.
  • a method of propping a device comprising rotating a drive element of an apparatus as described above.
  • the method further comprises rotating the platform relative to a platform mounting portion of a support on which the platform is mounting, thereby causing the device to rotate.
  • the method further comprises forcing fluid through a duct extending from the support through the platform mounting portion and into an enclosed space within the platform.
  • the method further comprises forcing the fluid through at least one centrifugal separator before passing through the duct.
  • an apparatus comprising: a platform structure, the platform structure defining an enclosed space and a platform surface; a support, the support comprising a substantially circular platform mounting portion on which the platform structure is mounted, the platform structure being rotatable relative to the support; a duct extending from the support through the platform mounting portion and into the enclosed space within the platform structure; at least one fan positioned in the support, a downstream side of the fan communicating with the duct, whereby fluid can be passed from the fan through the duct and into the enclosed space while the platform structure is rotating relative to the support; at least a first bracket mounted on the platform surface, the first bracket having a bracket first engagement element; a spine element on which a device to be propped can be mounted, the spine element having at least a spine first engagement element; a device comprising at least a first device element which is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position; at least one screw-threaded drive element; at least a first rail mounted on the
  • the spine element is pivotable relative to the bracket along a spine-bracket axis, the spine-bracket axis being substantially parallel to the backstay-spine axis;
  • the drive element being rotatably supported by a drive element support and being threadedly supported by the threaded portion of the carriage, rotation of the drive element in a first rotational direction about its longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move in a direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to slide relative to the bracket from a first spine element position to a second spine element position, further rotation of the drive element in the first rotational direction about the drive element longitudinal axis causing the carriage to move further in the direction substantially along the drive element longitudinal axis due to the threaded engagement, which causes the spine element to pivot about the spine-bracket axis relative to the bracket to move from the second spine element position to a third spine element position, whereby an angle between a first plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-spine axis, and a second plane, defined by the spine-bracket axis and the backstay-carriage axis, changes, the first device
  • the apparatus further comprises at least one centrifugal separator upstream of the fan relative to the duct.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention, the apparatus being a vehicle portable self contained rotating antenna operating system with the antenna in a deployed orientation, the apparatus being on a vehicle.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first embodiment with the antenna in a stowed orientation, the apparatus being on a vehicle.
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of some of the elements contained in the first embodiment, in a deployed orientation.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of some of the elements contained in the first embodiment, in an intermediate orientation.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of some of the elements contained in the first embodiment, in a stowed orientation.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the rear side of the antenna of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an antenna mounting structural platform contained in the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a top view of the backstay of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a front view of the backstay of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a side view of the backstay of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of some of the elements contained in the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a front view of a carriage of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a drive element end support in the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 14 is a top view of some of the elements in the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a front view of some of the elements in the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of an underside of the structural platform depicted in Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention in a stowed orientation
  • Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention in an intermediate orientation, i.e., after lateral displacement.
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention partway between the intermediate orientation and a deployed orientation.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention at its maximum antenna elevation.
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the first embodiment according to the present invention in its deployed orientation.
  • Fig. 22 is a partial section view of a locking screw 32 of the first embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 23 is an exploded schematic view depicting portions of a second embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 24 depicts an enclosure 313 of the second embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Figs. 25-75 depict a various combinations, subcombinations and components included in a third embodiment according to the present invention, as described herein. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • Figs. 1-22 depict a first embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figs. 23-24 depict a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figs. 25-75 depict a third embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.
  • the apparatus of the first embodiment is a rotatable radar antenna which can be transported by a vehicle (e.g., on a truck or in an airplane), i.e., the apparatus is a "vehicle portable rotatable antenna system.”
  • Fig. 1 depicts the first embodiment of a vehicle portable rotatable antenna system in a deployed configuration mounted on the rear cargo deck of a truck.
  • Fig. 2 depicts the first embodiment of a vehicle portable rotatable antenna system in a stowed configuration mounted on the rear cargo deck of a track.
  • Figs. 3-16 each depict one or more components of the first embodiment — in each of Figs. 3-16, various components are not depicted in order to permit the features being described to be seen. Many of the Figures depict only one or several of the many components in the first embodiment.
  • Figs. 3, 4 and 5 are schematic representations of some of the elements contained in the first embodiment, in a deployed orientation (Fig. 3), an intermediate orientation (Fig. 4) and a stowed orientation (Fig. 5).
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view along a vertical plane substantially aligned with the rear axle of the vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, showing the antenna 2, one of the slots 8, the backstay 10, one rail 26, the carriage 28, one bracket 52, the drive element 22 and the end supports 24.
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional view which is similar to that of Fig. 3, except that the apparatus has been moved from the deployed orientation to the intermediate orientation.
  • Fig. 5 is a sectional view which is similar to that of Fig. 4, except that the apparatus has been moved from the intermediate orientation to the stowed orientation.
  • the carriage 28 is movable (to the right and to the left as viewed in Figs. 3-5) along the rails 26 (as noted above, only one of the rails is visible in Figs. 3-5) and the brackets 52 (only one being visible in Figs. 3-5) are rigidly attached to the platform 11.
  • An upper portion (as viewed in Fig. 3) of the backstay 10 is rotatable relative to an upper portion (again as viewed in Fig. 3) of the antenna 2 about a pivot axis 200 extending perpendicular to the plane of the page.
  • a lower portion (as viewed in Fig.
  • the slots 8 (only one being visible in Fig. 3) on the lower portion (as viewed in Fig. 3) of the antenna 2 accommodate protrusions 58 on the brackets 52 (see Fig. 7), such that the lower portion of the antenna 2 is rotatable relative to the protrusions 58 about a pivot axis 202 extending through the protrusions perpendicular to the plane of the page.
  • the protective strips 9 and 6 mounted on the lower edge (as viewed in Fig. 3) of the antenna 2 are slidably supported on ledges 57 on the brackets 52 (see Fig. 7).
  • the drive element 22 which is screw-threaded through a drive element nut 23 which is attached to the carriage 28
  • the carriage 28 is rotated to cause the carriage 28 to move to the right (as viewed in Fig. 3), causing the backstay 10 and the antenna 2 to rotate about the respective axes 200, 201 and 202 and reach the orientation shown in Fig.
  • the antenna 2 comprises an antenna structure 3, antenna electronics/equipment bay walls 5, slide supports 4, solid pins 7, slots 8 and protective strips 9 and 6.
  • protective strips 9 and 6 are mounted on each of the slide supports 4, and a slot 8 is formed in each of the slide supports 4 (only one of the slots 8 is visible in Fig. 6).
  • the antenna structure 3 is preferably constructed from a molded structural carbon composite material.
  • On the side of the antenna on the side opposite that depicted in Fig. 6 are positioned conventional antenna array elements.
  • the antenna electronics/equipment bay walls 5 are preferably constructed from a molded structural carbon composite material.
  • the protective strips 6 are preferably constructed from a low coefficient of friction composite bearing material (e.g., "WEARCOMP ® "), and they help to avoid damage to the slide supports 4 and the antenna 2 during antenna re-positioning operations and transport operations.
  • the solid pins 7 rotatably connect the upper (i.e., upper when in the orientation shown in Fig. 3) portion of the antenna 2 to the backstay 10.
  • the slots 8, which are located along an interior edge of each of the slide supports 4, are preferably constructed from solid fiberglass.
  • Fig. 7 depicts an antenna mounting structure 15.
  • a pair of brackets 52 are rigidly mounted on a platform 11, each bracket 52 including an integral ledge 57 and an integral protrusion 58.
  • the brackets 52, ledges 57 and protrusions 58 are preferably formed of stainless steel.
  • the slots 8 on the antenna 2 accommodate the protrusions 58 on the respective brackets 52.
  • the protective strips 9 interface directly with the ledges 57 of the brackets 52 at the antenna positions shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 (and between those positions).
  • the protective strips 9 preferably are constructed from a high strength lightweight, low coefficient of friction load bearing material (e.g., copper-nickel-tin composite material) to transfer wind and weather induced loads imposed on the antenna in the deployed position upon brackets 52. Referring to Figs. 8, 9 and 10, multiple views of the backstay 10 are depicted.
  • the backstay 10 is preferably made of lightweight, carbon-epoxy composite material.
  • the backstay 10 of this embodiment comprises a pair of rod ends 12, each of which has a rod end hole 13 and a rod end lock nut 14.
  • the backstay 10 provides both angular location and structural support for the antenna 2 when it is in any orientation, including when it is deployed and rotating.
  • the backstay 10 has a top side 41, a bottom side 42 (see Fig. 10), a lower edge 43, a left side edge 44, a right side edge 45, and an upper edge 46.
  • the backstay 10 in this embodiment also has two tapered rod end supports 47 and a concave center section (see Fig. 10).
  • the backstay 10 of this embodiment is tapered from a maximum width of about 28 inches at the upper edge 46 to a maximum of about 17 inches at the lower edge 43.
  • the upper edge 46 of the backstay 10 of this embodiment has a maximum thickness of about 3 inches.
  • the upper edge 46 of the backstay 10 also has a hole 48 which receives the solid pins 7 of the antenna 2, which rotatably connect the upper portion of the antenna 2 to the upper edge 46 of the backstay 10.
  • the left and right edges 44 and 45 of the backstay of this embodiment each have a maximum thickness of about 3 inches.
  • the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 of this embodiment has a maximum thickness of about 3 inches.
  • the two tapered rod end supports 47 project from left and right ends of the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10.
  • the tapered rod end supports 47 extend from the lower edge 43 for a length of about 6 inches with a maximum thickness of about 3 inches at the lower edge 43 and are tapered at an angle of about 8 degrees on each side.
  • Attached to each of the rod end supports 47 is a rod end 12.
  • Each of the rod end holes 13 accommodates a rod end pivot pin 31 (see Figs. 11 and 12) mounted on the carriage 28 in order to provide a rotational connection between the backstay 10 and the carriage 28 (discussed in more detail below).
  • the rod end holes 13 preferably contain bearings to interface with the pivot pins 31.
  • the rod ends 12 of this embodiment extend from the lower edge of the rod end supports 47 for at least about 1.6 inches to the center of the bearing, with a lateral distance of about 15 inches between the rod ends 12.
  • the length that the rod ends 12 project from the tapered rod end supports 47 preferably can be adjusted (e.g., up to about 1/4 inch or more) by turning the rod end bearing lock nuts 14. This makes it possible to adjust the overall length of the backstay 10 to facilitate optimum system operation, i.e., to make adjustment in order to provide the precise desired angles between the backstay 10 and the antenna 2.
  • a pair of rails 26 are rigidly mounted on the platform 11 on a surface of an equipment cabinet 50, parallel to each other and spaced to interface with rail engaging portions 36 (see Fig.
  • the rails are spaced about 15 inches apart.
  • the rails 26 are preferably standard pacific bearing feather rails modified to permit multiple sections to be mounted to each other to meet the overall required length while maintaining the required centerline, concentricity and alignment.
  • the rails are preferably made of aluminum.
  • the apparatus further comprises a drive element 22 rotatably mounted at opposite ends in a pair of drive element end supports 24.
  • a drive element end support is depicted in Fig. 13. On one end (the left end in Fig. 11), the drive element 22 extends through the end support 24 and is attached to a motor 35 (see Fig. 7).
  • the drive element end supports 24 are rigidly attached to the platform 11.
  • the drive element end supports 24 preferably have radial bearings and thrust washers 25 which facilitate free rotation of the drive element 22 about its axis without movement of the drive element 22 along its axis.
  • the drive element 22 extends through a hole extending through the carriage 28 as shown in Fig. 11.
  • the drive element 22 has external threads 37 which are threadedly engaged with internal threads on a drive element nut 23 which is attached to the carriage 28.
  • the drive element nut 23 therefore causes the carriage 28 to move laterally in one direction along the axis of the drive element 22 when the drive element 22 is rotated clockwise and to move laterally in the opposite direction along the axis of the drive element 22 when the drive element is rotated counter-clockwise.
  • the drive element 22/drive element nut 23 combination is preferably selected so as to be self-cleaning and self-lubricating, such arrangements being well known in the art.
  • the rail engaging portions 36 (see Fig. 12), which are preferably lined with linear bearings 27, engage the rails 26.
  • the drive element 22 (see Fig. 11), drive element nut 23, and drive element end supports 24 preferably comprise materials capable of withstanding maximum compression and tensile loads of greater than 12,000 lbs in operation and maximum static compression and tensile loads of greater than 1,600 lbs when not operating.
  • the drive element 22 has two ends with the screw threading running along the longitudinal axis preferably with a nominal diameter of about 1.5 inches and preferably comprises a hard chrome surfaced heat treated alloy steel.
  • the drive element preferably is oriented horizontally and has a stroke of at least about 61 inches.
  • the drive element nut 23 is preferably formed of an anodized aluminum shell with cast polymatrix threads.
  • the cast polymatrix material is very hard and self-lubricating, which provides extended operational life.
  • the drive element end supports 24 preferably comprise an anodized aluminum casting.
  • the drive element radial bearings and thrust washers 25 preferably comprise oil impregnated bronze material and the drive element radial bearings are preferably flanged.
  • Two flanged drive element radial bearings are preferably mounted opposing each other in each of the drive element end supports 24, with thrust washers mounted against the flange faces of each drive element radial bearing.
  • the drive element radial bearings and thrust washers 25 are sized to rotatably support the drive element at both ends, permitting the drive element 22 to rotate freely about its longitudinal axis while not moving along that axis.
  • the linear bearings 27 of the carriage 28 preferably comprise Teflon lined bearings in a stainless steel shell housing.
  • the rails 26 and linear bearings 27 are preferably capable of withstanding maximum dynamic operational loads from greater than 2300 lbs to greater than -3100 lbs along the Y axis, and non-operational static loads from greater than 830 lbs to greater than -1450 lbs along the Y axis.
  • the linear bearings 27 are housed in the carriage 28 and interface the carriage 28 to the rails 26.
  • the carriage 28 has three sections, right, center and left, and preferably comprises anodized aluminum.
  • the carriage 28 does not require any external lubrication.
  • the lower portion of the right and left sections of the carriage 28 house the linear bearings 27.
  • the rod ends 12 of the backstay 10 are connected to the upper portions of the right and left sections of the carriage 28, respectively, preferably directly above the rails 26, by the rod end pivot pins 31, which extend through the rod end holes 13. Also preferably mounted on the rod end pivot pins 31 are rod end thrust washers 30, shown in Fig. 12.
  • the rod end thrust washers 30 preferably comprise oil impregnated bronze material.
  • the rod end thrust washers 30 are preferably mounted one on either side of each of the rod ends 12 to position the rod ends 12 within the interface dimensional tolerance requirements.
  • the rod end thrust washers 30 also aid in distributing side loads from the rod ends 12 to the carriage 28.
  • the drive motor 35 see Fig.
  • 7) comprises an encoder and a variable speed servo motor of sufficient capacity to overcome the force loads associated with raising and lowering the antenna 2 in winds of up to greater than 90 mph.
  • Operation of the drive motor 35 causes the drive element 22 to rotate, which causes the drive element nut 23 (and therefore also the carriage 28) to move laterally relative to the drive element 22 and along the rails 26.
  • the drive motor 35 preferably imparts to the drive element 22 a rotation rate of up to about 60 revolutions per minute (RPM), which preferably imparts to the carriage a variable linear travel rate from 5 to 15 inches per minute.
  • RPM revolutions per minute
  • roller supports 53 are rigidly mounted on the platform 11 (see Fig. 7).
  • the roller supports 53 interface with the slide supports 4 of the antenna 2 (and optionally also the protective strips 9 and 6) to provide lateral support for the stowed antenna 2 during transit and to facilitate the lateral displacement of the antenna 2 during deployment to and from the deployed position, that is, when the antenna 2 is in the stowed position, when the antenna 2 is in the intermediate position, and when the antenna 2 is between the stowed position and the intermediate position (i.e., when the antenna is being moved from the stowed position to the intermediate position or from the intermediate position to the stowed position).
  • the equipment cabinet 50 provides environmental protection and structural support for the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system.
  • the equipment cabinet 50 is constructed to withstand the maximum loads expected to be encountered.
  • the equipment cabinet 50 preferably includes equipment bays 59 and vertically stacked bays 60, each bay including a door.
  • the apparatus further comprises a support 70.
  • the support 70 comprises a main body 71, deployable jack stands 72, antenna deployment control interface ports 74 and an integrated antenna support platform structural health monitoring system 75.
  • the main body 71 is constructed in the form of a modified H frame to facilitate transport and operation with a truck to which the H frame is readily accommodated.
  • the main body 71 is preferably constructed primarily of advanced composite materials.
  • Each of the deployable jack stands 72 preferably comprises a jack base 81, a jack strut 82, and a jack manual control 83.
  • the jack base 81 is the lower portion of the jack 72 that contacts the terrain surface.
  • the jack strut 82 is a height-adjustable strut which is rigidly connected to the main body 71 and extends downwardly to engage the j ack base 81.
  • the j ack control 83 is a manual lever control arm adjustably attached to the upper end of the jack strut 82. The operator turns the jack control 83 clockwise to extend the jack strut 82 and counterclockwise to retract the jack strut 82.
  • the deployable jack stands 72 are capable of either providing the sole means of support for the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system while in operation or may be used while the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system is positioned on a transport capable vehicle to provide additional stability.
  • the deployable jack stands 72 can therefore support the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system on a flat surface or on sloped surfaces, on surfaces of a variety of types of materials (e.g., grass, dirt, gravel, rock, sand, etc.).
  • the main body 71 can additionally or alternatively be configured with other types of deployable support members.
  • the extending and/or retracting of the j acks can be motorized, and/or the j acks and the main body 71 can be capable of automatically levelling (i.e., self-levelling).
  • the extremities of the "H" structure can be extendible and retractable (i.e., from the perspective shown in Fig. 14, the "H" structure can be constructed so as to permit relative movement such that the locations of any or all of the jack stands 72 can be changed relative to the main body 71 in the plane of the page).
  • a preferred aspect of the present invention is the provision of an apparatus which can be supported in or on a vehicle, wherein no part of the apparatus extends beyond the sides of the vehicle.
  • a further preferred aspect of the present invention is that relative positions of the lateral extremities of the apparatus (relative to the platform, or to a vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted, for example) when in the deployed position do not extend beyond the locations that the lateral extremities of the apparatus occupy when in the stowed position.
  • the device e.g., the antenna
  • lies flat and relatively low e.g., relative to the top of a vehicle on which the apparatus is mounted and/or the top of the main body of the support of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus includes cooling assemblies which preferably comprise a centrifugal airflow cleaner rigidly attached to the rear facing frame of the main body 71 , and ducting to route air to the equipment bays located in the equipment cabinet 50 and to the antenna 2.
  • cooling assemblies which preferably comprise a centrifugal airflow cleaner rigidly attached to the rear facing frame of the main body 71 , and ducting to route air to the equipment bays located in the equipment cabinet 50 and to the antenna 2.
  • a representative example of such a cooling assembly is described below in connection with the second embodiment.
  • an azimuth motor drive assembly 54 Positioned within the main body 71 is an azimuth motor drive assembly 54 which, when activated, rotates the antenna mounting structure 15 and everything mounted thereon (i.e., including the equipment cabinets 50, the platform 11, the antenna 2, the backstay 10, the carriage 28, the drive element 22, the brackets 52, etc).
  • Mounted on the main body 71 is an azimuth bearing race ring 55.
  • a corresponding ring 56 on the bottom of the equipment cabinet 50 (see Fig. 16) is positioned adjacent to the bearing race ring 55, such that the antenna mounting structure 15 is engaged to the azimuth motor drive assembly 54, whereby rotation of the azimuth motor drive assembly 54 will cause the antenna mounting structure 15, and everything mounted thereon, to rotate.
  • the azimuth bearing race ring 55 enables the azimuth motor drive assembly 54 to rotate the antenna mounting structure 15 at the rotational speed desired for antenna operation.
  • the azimuth bearing race ring 55 is comprised of steel with an inner diameter of about 18.5 inches, an outer diameter of about 19.8 inches and a thickness of about 1.9 inches.
  • the azimuth bearing race ring 55 is constructed so as to be capable of withstanding the bearing applied loads which are expected to be encountered.
  • the antenna control interface ports 74 are located on the rear facing frame of the main body 71 and comprise a power port and a control port.
  • the antenna control interface ports 74 provide the operator the power and controls necessary to deploy or stow the antenna 2 and to rotate the deployed antenna in azimuth.
  • the antenna control interface utilizes several automatic interlocks to prevent inadvertent or improper operation of the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system (e.g., to prevent rotation of the antenna mounting structure 15 at all times other than when the apparatus is in the deployed orientation, and/or to prevent rotation of the drive element 22 when the antenna is rotating, etc.).
  • the integrated antenna support platform's structural health monitoring system 75 comprises a plurality of stress/strain measuring material interconnected by wire traces and a monitoring port located on the rear facing frame of the main body 71.
  • the integrated antenna support platform monitoring port is accessed using a standard computer connector port.
  • the stress/strain measuring material is integrated into the antenna support platform's advanced composite structure and is capable of reporting potential structural problems from overstress or damage the antenna support platform has encountered.
  • the monitoring system 75 facilitates timely preventive maintenance on the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system, saving time, money and lowering potential risks to operators.
  • the monitoring system employs piezoelectric analysis of composite material by using a sender piezoelectric element, which sends waves, and a receiver piezoelectric element, which receives waves; the received waves can signify a potential problem (e.g., delamination) when a particular received wave pattern is observed.
  • the antenna deployment operation begins with the deployment of the jack stands 72 to provide stability for the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system. After the jack stands 72 are deployed, the antenna is deployed by activating the variable speed servo motor and encoder 35 to drive the drive element 22. The speed of the drive element 22 is altered based on the phase of the operation being conducted.
  • the antenna deployment is segmented into three distinct phases of operation which are distinguishable by the speed at which the drive element 22 rotates.
  • the three phases of the antenna deployment are: (1) antenna lateral displacement, (2) antenna elevation to the operational position, and (3) lateral repositioning of the backstay 10 to its operational position.
  • the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system is viewed from behind the rear facing frame of the main body 71 with the antenna 2 stowed horizontally above the platform 11 on the top of the equipment cabinet 50.
  • the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system's center of gravity (“CG") is located directly over the center of the main body 71 (also the CG of the main body 71).
  • the carriage 28 is positioned near the end of the rails 26 closest to the right side of the equipment cabinet 50.
  • the variable speed servo motor 35 rotates the drive element 22, causing the drive element nut 23 and the carriage 28 to move from right to left along the rails 26.
  • the motion of the carriage 28 is imparted to the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 and in turn to the antenna 2, causing the antenna 2 to be laterally displaced to the left of the center of the main body 71.
  • the surfaces of the protective strips 6 are in rolling contact with the roller supports 53, providing support to the antenna 2.
  • the protrusions 58 of the brackets 52 slide within the slots 8 of the antenna 2.
  • the lateral displacement phase of operation terminates when the protrusions 58 reach the ends (the lower ends in the orientation shown in Fig. 6) of the slots 8.
  • the motor 35 preferably operates at a higher rate of rotation (relative to during other phases, as discussed below) during this phase of operation because it is opposed by comparatively smaller loads during this phase of operation.
  • the surfaces of the protective strips 6 are cambered such that the antenna 2 is lifted to some degree while the antenna 2 is being displaced laterally.
  • the continued rotation of the drive element 22 after the protrusions 58 have come into contact with the end of the slots 8 commences the elevation phase.
  • the carriage 28 continues to move laterally to the left but the walls of the slots 8 engaging the protrusions 58 prevent further lateral displacement of the antenna 2.
  • the motion of the carriage 28 begins to move the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 away from the antenna 2, which creates a force which rotates the antenna 2 about the protrusions 58, whereby the left end (in the orientation shown in Fig. 19) of the antenna 2 begins to lift.
  • the motor 35 preferably operates at a lower rate of rotation during this phase of operation because it must overcome comparatively higher loads during this phase.
  • the protective strips 9 of the antenna rotatably slide on the ledges 57 of the brackets 52.
  • the backstay 10 and carriage 28 are in relatively close proximity to the lower edge of the antenna 2.
  • the antenna 2 is driven to an angle (shown in Fig. 20) which is beyond the desired antenna operational angle during this phase of operation.
  • the antenna is driven to about 86 degrees of elevation during the elevation phase (the desired operational angle is about 70 degrees).
  • the angle of the antenna is lowered to the desired operational angle (at which point the carriage 28, the backstay 10 and the antenna 2 are in the orientation depicted in Fig. 3).
  • the continued rotation of the drive element 22 after the antenna has been elevated to its highest angle commences the lateral repositioning of the backstay phase of operation.
  • the carriage 28 continues to move laterally to the left, moving the attached lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 away from the lower edge of the antenna 2.
  • This phase of operation completes at the deployed antenna operational position, where the carriage 28 is at its leftmost position along the rails 26 and the backstay 10 is positioned to provide at least sufficient structural support to the antenna 2 during rotation of the antenna 2.
  • the motor 35 preferably operates at an intermediate rate of rotation during this phase of operation because the loads faced will be lower, although they may vary based on the environmental conditions encountered. Operation at an intermediate speed helps to avoid overstressing components during this phase of operation.
  • the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system's center of gravity (CG) is located directly over the center of the main body 71.
  • the antenna can be rotated about a vertical or substantially vertical axis by activating the azimuth motor drive assembly 54 which, as noted above, rotates the antenna mounting structure 15 and everything mounted thereon, including the antenna 2.
  • the vehicle portable rotatable antenna system preferably contains interlocks to prevent rotation of the antenna except when the antenna is in the deployed position.
  • At least one, preferably two, manual locking screws 32 are provided (see Fig. 22).
  • the locking screws 32 have a hex end 61, a flange 62, a shaft 63 and a screw-threaded end 64.
  • the locking screw(s) is positioned such that the flange 62 abuts one side of the end support 24 which is closest to the carriage 28 when the apparatus is hi the deployed orientation, and such that the shaft 63 extends through an opening in that end support 24, and the screw-threaded end 64 is threaded into a threaded bore in the carriage 28.
  • a hex nut 33 is positioned around the (or each) shaft 63, with a washer 34 positioned between the end support 24 and the hex nut 33, and after threading the screw-threaded end 64 into the bore in the carriage 28, the hex nut 33 is tightened on threads on the shaft 63 to push the washer 34 into tight engagement with the end support 24, whereby the carriage 28 is locked in place relative to the end support 24 (and therefore relative to the platform 11).
  • the deployed antenna's speed of rotation is controlled using the control interface 74 ports provided on the main body 71.
  • the rotation speed of the antenna is dependent on the requirements of the sensor's mode of operation, the environmental conditions and the capabilities of the azimuth motor drive assembly 54.
  • the antenna can be rotated at any desired rate, e.g., 7.5 rpm, 15 rpm and 30 rpm.
  • the antenna 2 To initiate the antenna stowing operation, the antenna 2 must be not rotating.
  • the hex jam nuts 33 and associated flat washers 34 (if provided) must be loosened, and the manual locking screws 32 (if provided) must then be unthreaded from the carriage 28 center section and removed.
  • the antenna stow operation can similarly be segmented into three distinct phases of operation, in reverse order.
  • the three phases of the antenna stowing are: (1) the repositioning of the carriage 28 and lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 toward the base of the antenna 2, (2) the lowering of the antenna to the intermediate orientation and (3) the centering of the antenna on the center of the main body 71.
  • the rotation of the drive element 22 in the direction opposite from the antenna deployment operation begins to laterally reposition the carriage 28 and the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10.
  • the carriage 28 moves laterally to the right, when viewed from perspective depicted in Fig.
  • the motor 35 preferably operates at an intermediate rate during this phase of operation, as in phase (3) of the antenna deployment.
  • the motor 35 preferably operates at a low rate during the antenna lowering phase, similar to phase (2) of the antenna deployment.
  • the continued rotation of the drive element 22 moves the antenna 2 laterally from left to right, toward the center of the main body 71.
  • the surfaces of the protective strips 6 roll on two of the support rollers 53 (the two to the left from the perspective shown in Fig. 7), and at the end of the antenna centering phase, the surfaces of the protective strips 6 roll on all four of the support rollers 53 (or the surfaces of the protective strips 6 roll on two of the rollers 53 and the protective strips 9 roll on the other two rollers 53).
  • the protrusions 58 slide within the slots 8 of the antenna 2 during this phase.
  • the antenna centering phase terminates when the lower edge 43 of the backstay 10 and the carriage 28 have returned to their stowed positions near the end of the rails 26 closest to the right side of the equipment cabinet 50 (as viewed in Fig. 17) (during the antenna centering phase, the carriage 28, the backstay 10 and the antenna 2 move from the orientation depicted in Fig. 4 to the orientation depicted in Fig. 5).
  • the motor operates at a higher rate during this phase, similar to phase (1) of the antenna deployment.
  • the antenna mounting structure 15 and everything mounted thereon are oriented such that as the antenna is moved from the intermediate position to the deployed position, it is rotated about an axis which is perpendicular to a line drawn parallel to the axles of the vehicle.
  • the apparatus can instead be oriented such that as the antenna is moved from the intermediate position to the deployed position, it is rotated about an axis which is parallel to the axles of the vehicle.
  • the edge of the antenna which is the highest when in the deployed orientation is positioned closer to the front of the vehicle, when the apparatus is in the intermediate position or the stowed position, than the opposite edge of the antenna, i.e., the edge which is the lowest when in the deployed orientation, hi such an apparatus, if the antenna is repositioned after being rotated from the deployed position to the intermediate position, the antenna would be moved toward the rear of the vehicle - alternatively, the intermediate position can, if desired, also be the stowed position (i.e., after pivoting the antenna about a horizontal axis parallel to the axles such that the antenna is substantially horizontal, the antenna does not need to be repositioned for stowage and transport operations).
  • the antenna does not extend forward of the windshield of the vehicle, in order to avoid reducing the field of vision of the driver of the vehicle.
  • any of the apparatuses described above it might be deemed desirable to reposition the antenna, following (or instead of) repositioning from the intermediate position to the stowed position, beyond what would be possible in view of constraints imposed, e.g., by the length of the rails.
  • Such repositioning ability can be provided in any of a variety of suitable ways, e.g., by providing a pin which extends through the backstay and which normally restrains the backstay from movement relative to the antenna mounting structure or which normally restrains the antenna from movement relative to the backstay, which pin can be removed to permit such relative movement.
  • straps or other tethering is providing for securing the apparatus, particularly the antenna, during vehicular transport.
  • the center of gravity of the apparatus is vertically substantially aligned with a strongly supporting portion of the vehicle, e.g., a cross beam in a track.
  • Fig. 23 is an exploded schematic view depicting portions of a second embodiment according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 23 depicts a support structure 301, an antenna mounting structural platform 302 and an antenna structure 303.
  • the support structure 301 includes three jack stands 304, a sealed pedestal 305 and an azimuth bearing 307.
  • the antenna mounting structural platform 302 includes a center duct section 308 and an equipment cabinet 309.
  • the embodiment depicted in Fig. 23 includes an ambient air cooling system for cooling electronic components positioned within the sealed pedestal 305, electronics positioned within the equipment cabinet 309 and electronics mounted in and on the antenna structure 303. The following is a description of this cooling system.
  • the filters 310 each comprise a plurality of centrifugal separators, a variety of such devices being well known to those skilled in the art.
  • Representative examples of such separators include inertial separators from Pneumafil, Centrisep particle separators from Heli-Conversions and centrifugal separator devices sold by the Pall Aeropower Corporation.
  • Such inertial separator devices each generally comprise a plurality of inertial separator elements which each comprise a tube with vanes which cause air sucked into the tube to spin, whereby moisture and/or particulate materials migrate toward the outer perimeter of the tube, from which they are sucked out of the tube by a purge fan, while the cleaned air stays near the center of the tube and is passed to the clean air exit from the separator.
  • air is sucked into the separator by means of a downstream fan (or fans) contained within a chamber which communicates with the outlet from the separator, whereby the fan or fans cause air to enter into the separator and pass through the separator into the chamber and then through the fan or fans.
  • the separators are preferably combined with self-cleaning air passages to minimize fouling of heat transfer surfaces.
  • the air passages and all heat exchangers are preferably oriented downward so that air flow effectively clears the system.
  • access for cleaning and decontamination is provided in suitable locations.
  • the cleaned air passes from the exit side of the separators into the sealed pedestal 305.
  • the fan or fans include an integral controller with temperature, speed and flow sensing to provide feedback for variable speed operation, to result in optimized system power draw.
  • the filtered ambient air enters the inside of the sealed pedestal 305 through the fans, and cooling air is guided past heat sinks integral to electronic enclosures within the pedestal 305.
  • Air passes from the pedestal 305 through the region surrounded by the azimuth bearing 307 and into the center duct section 308 of the antenna mounting structural platform 302 (the structural platform 302 is depicted in partial section in order to enable illustration of the interior of the equipment cabinet 309).
  • ducts of various sizes distribute air from the center duct section 308.
  • sizing of the various ducts provides metering of required air flow rate to electronics contained within one or more chambers within the equipment cabinet 309 and to the antenna structure 303.
  • movable orifice plates can be provided at appropriate locations in order to precisely adjust metered airflow throughout the apparatus.
  • the antenna mounting structural platform 302 is rotated in order to rotate the antenna structure 303. Cooling air from the center duct section 308 passes through mounting structure plenums 311, through ducts 329 (which are preferably flexible) and then into antenna plenums 312. If desired, the ducts 329 can be removable, and can be attached after the antenna has been moved to the deployed position. Preferably, cool air is directed into alternate horizontal plenums within the antenna structure 303.
  • the spacing of the horizontal plenums coincides with the spacing of rows of modular heat transfer cartridges each positioned adjacent to a hot spot on the antenna structure 303 (typically, hot spots are at positions adjacent to the electronic components for operating a radar transmitter and/or receiver).
  • suitable systems of plenums for use in this embodiment include any of the apparatuses disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 60/686,006, filed May 31, 2005, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • orifices in the horizontal plenums provide unheated air with substantially equal flow and substantially equal pressure to each modular heat sink.
  • suitable heat sinks for use in this embodiment include any of the modular heat sink devices as disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Serial No.
  • Fig. 23 provides a number of favorable properties.
  • this embodiment provides a maintainability and performance advantage due to the integration of all fans in a single location and on a non-rotating structure.
  • Maintenance personnel does not have to climb all over the radar device in order to perform cooling system maintenance.
  • Both the separator and the fans are single-person lift and are readily and directly accessible from the ground, preferably by loosening screws and pulling the separator out.
  • the fans are positioned directly behind the separators and preferably can also be slid out. This apparatus further minimizes the collection of dust and dirt inside the cooling channels, while access and cleaning is available when maintenance is required.
  • a relatively short and direct thermal path is formed between the active devices and the heat removal air.
  • Fig. 24 depicts apparatus which can be employed as the filters 310, equipment to allow the filters 310 to function properly, and structure to support the filters in the second embodiment.
  • Fig. 24 depicts an enclosure 313 which houses a pair of fans 314.
  • the front panel of the enclosure 313 has been removed in order to illustrate the fans 314.
  • Mounted on the front of the front panel 315 is a bank 316 of centrifugal particle separators 324 which has a purge outlet 317.
  • the front panel 315 is (i.e., has already been) attached to the enclosure 313 with the bank 316 of centrifugal particle separators 324 on the outside.
  • the fans 314 are activated and a scavenger fan is (i.e., has already been) attached to the purge outlet 317. Air is then pulled by the fans 314 through the centrifugal particle separators and then out the back of the enclosure 313, while moisture and/or particulate material is pulled out through the purge outlet 317.
  • a communications vehicle and a radar vehicle there are provided a communications vehicle and a radar vehicle.
  • the radar vehicle has an apparatus as described herein mounted thereon and the communications vehicle has communications equipment for transmitting and/or receiving information relating to information gathered by radar equipment on the radar vehicle.
  • Information can be passed from the radar vehicle to the communications vehicle (or vice- versa) in any suitable way, a wide variety of which are well known to those skilled in the art, e.g., through fiber optic cable which is spooled in the communications vehicle and which can be unwound and plugged into a receptacle on the radar vehicle.
  • the description of the third embodiment, depicted in Figs. 25-75, is provided to describe a number of features which are applicable to many different embodiments, including the embodiments described above.
  • Figs. 25 and 26 depict the third embodiment with (Fig. 26) and without (Fig. 25) a transport vehicle and trailer.
  • the third embodiment includes a platform 318, a device 319 (in this case, a radar antenna), a support structure 334, and four legs (only the first leg 320, the second leg 321 and the third leg 322 are visible in Fig. 25 - the fourth leg 323 is visible in Fig. 26).
  • Fig. 27 depicts a platform 318, a plurality of brackets 324, a screw-threaded drive element 325, first and second rails 326, and a motor 327 which comprises an encoder and a variable speed servo motor. As shown in Fig. 27, the drive element 325 and the first and second rails 326 are sloped.
  • Fig. 28 is an exploded view of the platform 318, showing components used in making the platform 318.
  • Fig. 29 shows the device 319 (including a first device element 329 and a second device element 330), a spine element 331, a backstay 332, the platform 318, the support structure 334, and the legs 320, 321 and 323 (the leg 322 is not visible in Fig. 29).
  • the one or more device elements can be selectably prevented from rotating relative to the spine element (e.g., a device element can be locked in the first device element first relative position and/or the device element can be locked in the first device element second relative position, e.g., by providing on the device element(s) one or more structures which come into registry with corresponding structures on the spine, and by providing structure which holds the respective structures in registry (for example, by providing: a pair of device flanges on the device element, a pair of spine flanges on the spine element, each of the flanges having openings, and structures which can each be positioned so as to extend through an opening in one of the device flanges and one of the spine flanges, thereby holding the respective openings in registry.
  • a structure e.g., a flange with an opening
  • Fig. 30 is a side view of the apparatus of the third embodiment mounted on a truck.
  • Fig. 30 shows the device 319, the spine element 331, the backstay 332, the platform 318, the support structure 334, and the legs 322 and 323.
  • the backstay 332 is pivotable relative to the spine element 331 about a backstay-spine axis 335.
  • the spine element 331 is pivotable relative to each of the brackets 324 (only one bracket being visible in Fig. 30) along a spine- bracket axis 336.
  • Fig. 31 is a back view of the apparatus of the third embodiment.
  • Fig. 32 is a perspective view of the backstay 332.
  • Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the spine element 331. As shown in Fig. 33, two surfaces of the spine 331 (which face the rails 326 and the drive element 325) are sloped.
  • the surface of the spine element 331 which faces away from the platform 318 can be substantially flat when the spine element 331 is in the first spine element position, and the surface of the spine element 331 which faces away from the platform 318 will be at an angle from horizontal, with the backstay-spine axis higher than the backstay-carnage axis, thereby reducing the load to be lifted in moving the spine element from the second spine element position to the third spine element position (i.e., with the device deployed).
  • Fig. 34 is a perspective view of the spine element 331, showing a side of the spine element 331 which is opposite to the side shown in Fig. 33.
  • Fig. 35 is a perspective view of the spine element 331, the first device element 329 and the second device element 330.
  • the first device element 329 is in the first device element first relative position
  • the second device element 330 is in the first device element first relative position
  • Fig. 36 is a perspective view of the spine element 331, the first device element 329 and the second device element 330.
  • the first device element 329 is in the first device element second relative position
  • the second device element 330 is in the first device element second relative position.
  • the first device element e.g., the first device element 329) and/or one or more other device element(s) (e.g., the second device element 330) is/are attached to the spine element and is/are pivotable relative to the spine element 331.
  • the pivotable attachment between the spine element and the one or more device element can be provided with any desired pivotable attachment, a variety of which are well-known to those of skill in the art.
  • One example of a suitable type of pivotable attachment between the spine element and the one or more device element is a power hinge. Fig.
  • FIG. 37 depicts first and second power hinge assemblies, each assembly includrng a pair of power hinges 337 and a bearing support 339 mounted on a structure having a shape which resembles the shape of the spine element 331.
  • Fig. 37 further depicts, for each of the first and second power hinge assemblies, a torque tube 338 which is connected to each of the power hinges 337 in the assembly, which is supported by the bearing support 339, and which causes the power hinges 337 in the assembly to move substantially in unison.
  • Fig. 38 shows a power hinge hi more detail
  • Fig. 39 shows power hinge brackets in detail.
  • the power hinges include an encoder, whereby the rotational positions of the device elements relative to the spine element can be precisely controlled and monitored.
  • movement of the power hinges is preferably carried out in at least two speeds - a first, more rapid speed where moving from the initial position toward a new position, and a second, slower speed when nearing the new position.
  • Fig. 41 depicts the support structure 334, and the legs 320, 321, 322 and 323. Each of the legs is similar to each other, so only the leg 320 is described in detail.
  • the leg 320 includes a first leg segment 340, a second leg segment 341, a third leg segment 342 and a jack 343.
  • the first leg segment 340 is pivotally attached to the support structure 334 such that the first leg segment 340 can pivot about a first pivot axis 344 (extending vertically) between a transport position (see Fig. 42) and an operation position (shown in Fig. 41 , and in Figs. 43- 54).
  • the first leg segment 340 can be locked in the transport position or in the operation position (e.g., using a screw-threaded pin).
  • the second leg segment 341 is pivotally attached to the first leg segment 340 such that the second leg segment 341 can be pivoted (e.g., by pushing) about a second pivot axis 345 (extending horizontally, perpendicular to the first pivot axis 344).
  • the first leg includes an actuator 346 for causing the second leg segment 341 to pivot to various positions relative to the first leg segment about the second pivot axis 345.
  • the actuator 346 can be operated by a central power supply, using a cordless tool (e.g., a cordless drill), by hand (e.g., using a ratchet tool), etc. Any suitable actuator can be used as the actuator, a variety of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. In the device depicted in Fig. 41, the actuator 346 is a rate control strut.
  • the third leg segment 342 is telescopically movable relative to the second leg segment 341 between a third leg segment extended position (see Fig. 41 and Figs. 52-54) and a third leg segment retracted position (see Figs. 42-51), e.g., by gravity, and/or by pushing or pulling with or without the help of gravity.
  • the jack 343 is pivotally attached to the third leg segment 342 such that the jack 343 can pivot about a third pivot axis 347 which is substantially horizontal.
  • the jack 343 can be pivoted so that, e.g., the axis of the jack 343 becomes vertical, and then the jack 343 can be locked in place so that the jack 343 no longer pivots relative to the third leg segment 342.
  • the jack is movable between a jack first position and a jack second position, movement of the jack between the jack first position to the jack second position causing the third leg segment 342 segment to move along the axis of the jack, i.e., to vertically raise and lower the third leg segment 342.
  • the jacks 343 can be coordinated so as to be self-leveling (e.g., using a system from MOOG) when places on sloped or otherwise non-flat terrain.
  • Each jack 343 further includes a trailer ball 348 (see Fig. 56) and a jack support pad
  • Figs. 42-51 illustrate a representative sequence of steps used to manipulate the legs to raise the support structure 334, and therefore also the platform 318 and the device 319.
  • Fig. 42 shows the system with the support structure 334 on the ground. The legs are pivoted outward (each from their transport position to their operation position) sequentially to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 43. Next, the jacks are operated simultaneously to raise the third leg segments relative to the jacks, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 44.
  • a strut e.g., a TELECRIBTM strut, i.e., a strut used to support a propped load, such as a vehicle
  • the jack for the leg is operated to raise the jack relative to the leg (to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 45)
  • the second leg segment is pivoted relative to the first leg segment to bring the support pad downward into contact with the ground and is further actuated to release the pressure on the strut, and the strut is removed, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 46.
  • the jacks are operated simultaneously to again raise the third leg segments relative to the jacks, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 47.
  • a step analogous to the step which moved the arrangement from what is depicted in Fig. 44 to what is depicted in Fig. 46 is repeated to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 48 and then at the arrangement shown in Fig. 49.
  • the jacks are operated simultaneously to again raise the third leg segments relative to the jacks, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 50.
  • a strut is placed near a corner of the support structure, adjacent to one of the legs, the jack for the leg is again operated to raise the jack relative to the leg (to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 51), the third leg segment is moved telescopically relative to the second leg segment to bring the support pad downward into contact with the ground and the strut is removed, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 52.
  • the jacks are operated simultaneously to again raise the third leg segments relative to the jacks, to arrive at the arrangement shown in Fig. 53.
  • a track can be backup up such that the bed of the truck is below the support structure 334 (see Fig. 54).
  • Fig. 55 is a top perspective view of the support structure 334, showing a representative example of how the first leg segments are pivotable relative to the support structure 334 about vertical axes 344.
  • Fig. 56 shows a pair of jacks 343, each with a removable caster 350 attached to the trailer balls 348 at the end of each of the jacks 343, the casters 350 having been connected to the trailer balls 348 after removing support pads 349 from each of the trailer balls 348. By replacing the support pads 349 with casters 350, the device can be rolled.
  • Fig. 57 shows skids 351, on which the device can rest, e.g., when it is in the arrangement depicted in Fig. 42.
  • Figs. 58-60 depict transporting the device on a truck and a trailer. As seen in Figs. 59 and 60, the device does not extend beyond the footprint of the truck.
  • Figs. 61-70 depict a sequence of steps for loading the device on a transport vehicle, e.g., an airplane (e.g., a C 130).
  • a transport vehicle e.g., an airplane (e.g., a C 130).
  • a plurality (in this case, four) of structures 352 are mounted on the spine element 331 to enable the device to be lifted, e.g., airlifted by a helicopter, hi some embodiments, the structures 352 are spaced such that a lift point connecting to the structures 352 is directly above the center of gravity of the device.
  • Figs. 74-75 show air flow paths provided within the device.
  • All of the powered movements i.e., the actuation of the second leg segments relative to the first leg segments, movement of the jacks, actuation of the power hinges, etc.
  • any two or more structural parts of the apparatuses described herein can be integrated. Any structural part of the apparatuses described herein can be provided in two or more parts which are held together, if necessary. Similarly, any two or more functions can be conducted simultaneously, and/or any function can be conducted in a series of steps.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)
  • Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil comprenant une plate-forme, une console, un élément d'épine, un élément d'entraînement, un rail, un chariot et un hauban. L'élément d'épine comporte un élément d'engagement d'épine. La console comporte un élément d'engagement de console qui engage l'élément d'engagement d'épine de telle sorte que l'élément d'épine peut être pivoté par rapport à la console le long d'un axe épine-console et l'élément d'épine peut coulisser par rapport à la console. Un dispositif de support comprenant une première structure de support et trois jambes, chaque jambe comprenant des première, deuxième et troisième segments de jambe et un vérin est prévu. Des procédés d'étayage d'un dispositif sont proposés.
PCT/US2008/073975 2007-08-22 2008-08-22 Procédé et appareil pour dispositifs d'étayage et dispositifs de support WO2009026493A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US95724607P 2007-08-22 2007-08-22
US60/957,246 2007-08-22

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WO2009026493A2 true WO2009026493A2 (fr) 2009-02-26
WO2009026493A3 WO2009026493A3 (fr) 2009-06-11

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015069937A1 (fr) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-14 Moulton John Patrick Système de vidéosurveillance mobile universel et procédé d'exploitation pratique dudit système dans un camion
CN110635214A (zh) * 2019-10-23 2019-12-31 深圳市威通科技有限公司 移动式短波天线系统

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4148528A (en) * 1978-01-16 1979-04-10 Channell Glenn L Scissor frame for a truck hoist
US5166696A (en) * 1990-11-20 1992-11-24 Ltv Aerospace And Defense Co. Apparatus and method for deploying an inflatable antenna
WO2006031708A2 (fr) * 2004-09-10 2006-03-23 Sensis Corporation Procede et appareil de soutenement de dispositifs
US20060268518A1 (en) * 2005-05-31 2006-11-30 Sensis Corporation Method and apparatus for dissipating heat, and radar antenna containing heat dissipating apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4148528A (en) * 1978-01-16 1979-04-10 Channell Glenn L Scissor frame for a truck hoist
US5166696A (en) * 1990-11-20 1992-11-24 Ltv Aerospace And Defense Co. Apparatus and method for deploying an inflatable antenna
WO2006031708A2 (fr) * 2004-09-10 2006-03-23 Sensis Corporation Procede et appareil de soutenement de dispositifs
US20060268518A1 (en) * 2005-05-31 2006-11-30 Sensis Corporation Method and apparatus for dissipating heat, and radar antenna containing heat dissipating apparatus

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015069937A1 (fr) * 2013-11-11 2015-05-14 Moulton John Patrick Système de vidéosurveillance mobile universel et procédé d'exploitation pratique dudit système dans un camion
CN110635214A (zh) * 2019-10-23 2019-12-31 深圳市威通科技有限公司 移动式短波天线系统

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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