Apparatus and method of surveying

• US 6,425,186 B1
• Filed: 03/08/2000
• Issued: 07/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/12/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael L. Oliver
• Original Assignee: Michael L. Oliver
• Inventors: Oliver, Michael L.
• Primary Examiner(s): BENNETT, GEORGE B
• Application Number:
  US09/520,823
• Time in Patent Office: 874 Days
• Field of Search: 332/63, 332/64, 332/93, 332/94, 332/95, 333/18, 333/33, 33D/IG.21
• US Class Current: 33/293
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/02 Means for marking measuring points
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 33/21 with laser

Abstract

A method and apparatus for surveying is described whereby a selected survey point may be quickly and accurately located and marked. The apparatus comprises a prism pole with a mechanism for assuring the vertical orientation of the prism pole to the earth'"'"'s surface, a satellite positioning system antenna mounted to the prism pole, and a marking device mounted to the prism pole for establishing a survey mark. The surveying apparatus is designed to be mounted to a wheeled vehicle for increased convenience to the user.

Claims

1. A surveying apparatus for mounting on a wheeled vehicle comprising:

a prism pole;

a satellite positioning system antenna mounted to said prism pole;

a marker mounted to said prism pole for establishing a survey mark/grade stake upon underlying ground;

a mounting assembly for securing said prism pole to said wheeled vehicle; and

an electronic controller.

2. The surveying apparatus of claim 1 further including:

a leveling vial incorporating a compass mounted to said prism pole; and

a gyroscope mounted to said prism pole for maintaining said prism pole in a vertical orientation.

3. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said prism pole is secured to said mounting assembly through a gimbal assembly that allows said prism pole to freely assume a vertical orientation.

4. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly includes a means for adjusting the position of said prism pole relative to said wheeled vehicle.

5. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly further includes a pivot point and a slide allowing adjustment of the position of said prism pole relative to said vehicle.

6. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said mounting assembly includes an adjustor for adjusting the position of said prism pole relative to said wheeled vehicle.

7. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said marker is a laser range finder carried axially adjacent an end of said prism pole.

8. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said marker is a laser pointer.

9. The surveying apparatus of claim 1, wherein said marker is a spray paint device.

10. A surveying apparatus, comprising:

a prism pole;

a satellite positioning system antenna mounted to said prism pole;

a mounting assembly for securing said prism pole to a wheeled vehicle;

a self-orienting connection assembly that allows said prism pole to freely assume a vertical orientation; and

an electronic controller.

11. The surveying apparatus of claim 10, further including a leveling vial incorporating a compass mounted to said prism pole.

12. The surveying apparatus of claim 10, wherein said self-orienting connection assembly is a gimbal assembly.

13. The surveying apparatus of claim 10, wherein said mounting assembly includes a means for adjusting the position of said prism pole relative to said wheeled vehicle.

14. The surveying apparatus of claim 10, wherein said mounting assembly further includes a pivot point and a slide allowing adjustment of the position of said prism pole relative to said vehicle.

15. The surveying apparatus of claim 14 further including a base receiver unit.