Alignment device
First Claim
1. An alignment apparatus for aligning an antenna mounted on a fixture, the alignment apparatus comprising:
- a mounting plate having a first and second side and having a plurality of positioning members on the second side for properly positioning the antenna with respect to the alignment apparatus, a laser secured to the first side of the mounting plate;
a level secured to the first side of the mounting plate; and
an attachment mechanism for detachably securing the mounting plate to the antenna.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An alignment device is provided for aligning an object mounted to a fixture in a desired orientation. The alignment device includes a level, a laser, a plurality of positioning members, and a suction device in fluid communication with a vacuum generator, and preferably an angular rotation indicator. The suction device removably engages the alignment device with the object to be aligned. Utilizing the alignment device, a technician can simultaneously adjusted a horizontal and vertical (pitch) orientation of an object and a rotation of the object until the object is aligned according to the desired orientation. The alignment device can further include a separate but cooperative adjustable stabilizing frame having a plurality of stabilizers. The stabilizing frame is expandable and retractable to be secured about the object, and the stabilizers can be adjusted to maintain the desired orientation of the object relative to the fixture.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. An alignment apparatus for aligning an antenna mounted on a fixture, the alignment apparatus comprising:
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a mounting plate having a first and second side and having a plurality of positioning members on the second side for properly positioning the antenna with respect to the alignment apparatus, a laser secured to the first side of the mounting plate;
a level secured to the first side of the mounting plate; and
an attachment mechanism for detachably securing the mounting plate to the antenna. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An alignment method comprising the steps of:
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installing an alignment device onto a vehicle-mounted antenna loosely secured to a vehicle, the alignment device comprising a mounting plate, a laser attached to the mounting plate, and a level attached to the mounting plate;
using the level to substantially align the antenna in a desired vertical orientation;
using the laser to substantially align the antenna in a desired horizontal orientation; and
tightening the vehicle-mounted antenna to the vehicle while substantially maintaining the antenna in both the desired vertical orientation and the desired horizontal orientation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. An alignment device for aligning an object relative to a fixture, said alignment device comprising:
an orientation-indicating assembly attachable to the object, the orientation-indicating assembly comprising;
a mounting plate;
a plurality of positioners for positioning the object therebetween within the orientation-indicating assembly;
an alignment laser secured to the mounting plate; and
a level secured to the mounting plate;
wherein the level indicates a vertical orientation of the object, and wherein the alignment laser indicates a horizontal orientation of the object. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. An alignment device for aligning an antenna mounted to a vehicle according to a predetermined horizontal orientation and a predetermined vertical orientation, the alignment device comprising:
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an orientation-indicating assembly comprising;
a mounting plate having a first and second side;
a laser secured to the first side of the mounting plate;
a digital level secured to the first side of the mounting plate;
a plurality of positioners on the second side of the mounting plate for positioning the antenna within the orientation-indicating assembly;
a suction mechanism for detachably securing the antenna to the orientation-indicating assembly, said suction mechanism having a suction cup mounted on the second side of the mounting plate, a venturi vacuum generator mounted on the first side of the mounting plate in fluid communication with the suction cup, and a toggle switch for switching the vacuum generator on and off; and
at least one handle on the mounting plate;
an adjustable frame operative in combination with said orientation-indicating assembly, said adjustable frame comprising;
a plurality of sides defining a space therebetween, wherein at least one of said plurality of sides is moveable relative to the others such that the space has an adjustable size; and
a plurality of adjustable stabilizers for at least temporarily stabilizing the antenna relative to the vehicle subsequent to alignment of the antenna in the predetermined horizontal and vertical orientations, wherein the predetermined horizontal orientation and the predetermined vertical orientation are defined by a thrust line of the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (26)
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Specification