Rapid exchange system for testing wireless networks

• US 20050075006A1
• Filed: 09/24/2004
• Published: 04/07/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Inventors: Smith, Steven L., Horton, Mark, Schenken, Christopher T., Radosta, Chris R., Silvernale, Daniel
• Application Number:
  US10/950,160
• Publication Number:
  US 20050075006A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 439/527
• CPC Class Codes: F16J 15/3456 without external means for pressing the ring against the face, e.g. slip-ring with a resilient lip
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/041 Allowing quick release of the apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 13/02 for supporting on, or attaching to, an object, e.g. tree, gate, window-frame, cycle
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 19/35 Constructional details or hardware or software details of the signal processing chain
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/12 Supports; Mounting means
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3216 where the road or rail vehicle is only used as transportation means
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/081 Bases, casings or covers
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 24/08 Testing, supervising or monitoring using real traffic
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/029 Location-based management or tracking services
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 439/929 Connecting base plate or shelf type holder

Abstract

Systems are disclosed for removably mounting a signal testing unit to a suitable vehicle surface, and optionally providing for an electrical connector to a power source, GPS antenna, and cellular antennas such that moving a signal testing unit from one vehicle to another can be accomplished more easily. The mounting system includes a mounting bracket that is attachable to a vehicle surface. A signal testing unit is positioned within the mounting bracket and held in a secure position relative to the mounting bracket by set screws, flanges, springs, or other suitable mechanism. One embodiment of the mounting bracket includes three adjacent panels that define a U-shaped channel for receiving the signal testing unit. Alternatively, the mounting bracket includes four adjacent panels that define a box for receiving the signal testing unit.

Claims

1. A mounting system for mounting a signal testing unit on a vehicle surface comprising:

a bracket including at least three adjacent segments defining a U-shaped channel for receiving said testing unit; and

a fastening portion for securely mounting said bracket to said vehicle surface.

2. The mounting system of claim 1, said bracket further comprising at least one electrical connector for engaging a mating electrical connector on said testing unit.

3. The mounting system of claim 2, wherein said electrical connector on said bracket connects to a power source, a global positioning system antenna, and a cellular antenna.

4. The mounting system of claim 1, at least one of said segments further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures, each of said apertures configured for receiving one of a plurality of set screws, wherein said set screws are configured for engaging said testing unit and preventing movement of said testing unit relative to said bracket.

5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein said segments include a center segment, a first side segment, and a second side segment.

6. The mounting system of claim 5, wherein said center segment includes a first panel connected to said first side segment and a second panel connected to said second side segment, said first panel being in slidable contact with said second panel such that when said first and second panels are moved relative to each other, said first side segment moves relative to said second side segment.

7. The mounting system of claim 5, further including a U-shaped flange, said flange being connected to said side segments and said center segment and extending inwardly from and normal to said segments, wherein said flanges provide a barrier for preventing movement of said testing unit relative to said bracket.

8. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein

said testing unit includes a plurality of pin receivers;

and

one of said segments includes a plurality of pins and an electrical connector adjacent said pins;

wherein two or more of said pins are positioned for slidably receiving two or more of said pin receivers of said testing unit and aligning said electrical connector on said bracket with a mating electrical connector on said testing unit when said unit is installed.

9. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein each of said segments includes an inwardly facing surface, said mounting system further comprising:

one or more compression springs positioned on one or more of said inwardly facing surfaces,

wherein said testing unit engages and compresses said one or more springs when said testing unit is positioned within said channel, said one or more springs urging said testing unit into a substantially stable position.

10. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said segments includes a locking portion, said locking portion positioned to align with a mating locking portion on said testing unit when said testing unit is mounted within said bracket.

11. The mounting system of claim 1, at least one of said segments further comprising an aperture through which electrical connectors on said testing unit can pass.

12. A mounting system for mounting a signal testing unit on a vehicle surface comprising:

a bracket including at least four adjacent segments defining a box for receiving said testing unit; and

said bracket further comprising a fastening portion for securely mounting said bracket to said vehicle surface.

13. The mounting system of claim 12, said bracket further comprising at least one electrical connector for engaging a mating electrical connector on said testing unit.

14. The mounting system of claim 12, at least one of said segments further comprising an aperture through which one or more electrical connectors on said testing unit can pass.

15. The mounting system of claim 12, at least one of said segments further comprising a plurality of spaced apart apertures, each of said apertures configured for receiving one of a plurality of set screws, wherein said set screws are configured for engaging said testing unit and preventing movement of said testing unit relative to said bracket.

16. The mounting system of claim 12, wherein each of said segments includes an inwardly facing surface, and further comprising:

one or more compression springs positioned on one or more of said inwardly facing surfaces,

wherein said testing unit engages and compresses said one or more springs when said testing unit is positioned within said channel, said one or more springs urging said testing unit into a substantially stable position.

17. The mounting system of claim 12, wherein at least one of said segments includes a locking portion, said locking portion positioned to align with a mating locking portion on said testing unit when said testing unit is mounted within said bracket.

18. The mounting system of claim 12, said bracket further including a door for enclosing said testing unit in said bracket.

19. The mounting system of claim 18, wherein said door is slidably mounted onto said bracket such that said door slides between an open position and a closed position.

20. The mounting system of claim 18, wherein said door is pivotably mounted onto said bracket such that said door swings from an open position to a closed position.