Radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points

• US 5,825,298 A
• Filed: 01/16/1996
• Issued: 10/20/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 01/16/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kenneth E. Walter
• Original Assignee: Kenneth E. Walter
• Inventors: Walter, Kenneth E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Holloway, III, Edwin C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MERZ, EDWARD W
• Application Number:
  US08/586,344
• Time in Patent Office: 1,008 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.54, 340/825.36, 340/825.49, 52/103, 324/329
• US Class Current: 324/329
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/30 Arrangements interacting with transmitters or receivers otherwise than by visible means, e.g. using radar reflectors or radio transmitters E01F11/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 9/608 for guiding, warning or controlling traffic, e.g. delineator posts or milestones
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/04 Permanent marks; Boundary markers
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 15/00 Tags attached to, or associated with, an object, in order to enable detection of the object record carriers for use with machines having a detectable tag or marker G06K19/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 3/15 specially adapted for use during transport, e.g. by a person, vehicle or boat

Abstract

An identification system including a device for locating land and construction survey traverse control points, other survey sites or any location marking the position of a place or thing comprised of a read only or read/write radio frequency transponder enclosed within a durable watertight container including a stake which may be driven into the earth, a read/write reader assembly and, a portable computer. The radio frequency transponder may be written to or read by a non-contacting radio frequency read/write reader assembly. The reader assembly connected to a portable computer through a data interface means such as RS232 or RS422/485. The stake or other container may be buried under any non-metallic material or otherwise not visible as long as it is within the operating range of the reader assembly. Each radio frequency transponder will have a unique identification code imprinted in its memory and, on the read/write transponders, may have additional information written into its memory. The reader assembly requires a 12 vdc power supply which may be self contained or an external battery pack. The transponder requires no power while in the standby non-excited state.

Claims

1. A radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points comprising the steps of:

positioning a transponder at a geographical location to be identified, the transponder having a memory, the memory being coded with data related to identifying the geographical location at which the transponder is positioned, the memory further being such that the data so coded is retrievable by remote scanning,

remotely scanning the geographical location with a transponder activating radio frequency pulse transmitting device, thereby causing the transponder to emit a modulated signal, the signal carrying the geographical location identifying data coded in the memory of the transponder,

receiving the modulated signal and the geographical location identifying data using a receiving device, and

reading the geographical location identifying data using a reader, thereby identifying the geographical location.

2. A radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points according to claim 1 wherein:

container means encloses the Transponder.

3. A radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points according to claim 1 wherein:

a container encloses the Transponder;

said container comprising a Stake Assembly which is composed of a Stake Body, a Stake Transponder Container affixed to the Stake Body with means and providing a location to which the Transponder is affixed by means, a Stake Transponder Container Cap covers and encloses the Transponder and is fixed by means to the Stake Transponder Container to provide a water tight compartment.

4. A radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points according to claim 1 wherein:

a container encloses the Transponder;

said container comprising a Stake Assembly which is of a Stake Body which is composed of a rigid and durable material suitable to be driven into various soil types including rocky ground;

a non-metallic and non-electrically conductive Stake Transponder Container affixed to the Stake Body with means;

the Stake Transponder Container provides a location to which the Transponder is affixed by means including a non-metallic nylon screw;

a non-metallic and non-electrically conductive Stake Transponder Container Cap covers and encloses the Transponder and is fixed by means to the Stake Transponder Container to provide a water tight compartment.

5. A radio frequency transponder method for identifying geographical locations such as survey traverse points according to claim 1 wherein:

A. a framework and handle are formed of rigid tubing or other suitable framework structural material with mounting and or clamping means, including a clamp, for securing the reader and antenna to the framework;

B. a computer connected to the Reader Assembly by means;

the computer being equipped with a computer program;

the computer program being capable of interpreting the data obtained from the transponder memory;

the computer program further being capable of directing the writing of information into the transponder memory.