Rapid exchange system for testing wireless networks

• US 7,059,897 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2004
• Issued: 06/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• 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
• Primary Examiner(s): Zarroli, Michael C.
• Application Number:
  US10/950,188
• Publication Number:
  US 20050082077A1
• Time in Patent Office: 627 Days
• Field of Search: 439/527, 439/374, 439/532, 439/542, 439/545, 439/929, 174/50, 174/260
• 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

One embodiment of the system provides for removably mounting a signal testing unit to a suitable vehicle surface, and optionally provides 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 signal testing unit with a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the testing unit and a bracket defined by a panel that is intermediate two inwardly opening U-shaped channels. Each U-shaped channel is positioned to slidably receive one of the lips extending from the side of the testing unit. The channels can receive a connector plate that has a lip extending from each of two opposing sides of the plate and an electrical connector positioned on the plate to align and mate with an electrical connector on the testing unit.

Claims

1. In combination, a signal testing unit and vehicle mounting assembly, comprising:

a signal testing unit having at least two opposing faces, wherein each of said two opposing faces includes a lip; and

a bracket for receiving said testing unit, said bracket defining two inwardly opening U-shaped channels and a fastening portion, said fastening portion for mounting said bracket to a surface of said vehicle; and

a modular electrical connector including two opposing faces, each of said two opposing faces including a lip,

wherein said channels of said bracket are positioned each to slidably receive one of said lips of said signal testing unit and one of said lips of said modular electrical connector, said signal testing unit and said modular electrical connector being separable from said bracket,

wherein said testing unit further includes an electrical connector for mating with said modular electrical connector when said modular electrical connector and said testing unit are mounted onto said bracket.

2. The combination of said testing unit and said vehicle mounting assembly of claim 1, said bracket further including:

a center segment intermediate said U-shaped channels, said center segment including a first panel and a second panel;

wherein said first panel is in slidable contact with said second panel such that when said first panel is moved relative said second panel, said U-shaped channels move relative to each other.