Rapid exchange system for testing wireless networks

• US 7,431,245 B2
• Filed: 09/24/2004
• Issued: 10/07/2008
• 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): Sterling; Amy J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Le; Tan
• Application Number:
  US10/950,187
• Publication Number:
  US 20050072888A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,474 Days
• Field of Search: 248/27.1, 248/551, 248/552, 248/612, 248/680, 248/309.1, 248/309.2, 248/230.1, 248/316.8, 248/547, 312/264, 312/265, 312/333, 312/348, 312/245, 361/682, 361/683, 439/527, 439/248, 439/374, 439/929, 439/532, 439/533
• US Class Current: 248/27.1
• 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

Various embodiments of the invention are directed to a system 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 connector plate that is attachable to a vehicle surface and includes a plurality of guide pins extending perpendicularly from the connector plate. Guide pin receivers are attached to at least two faces of a signal testing unit and, when each guide pin receiver slidably engages each of the guide pins, movement of the signal testing unit relative to the connector plate is prevented.

Claims

1. A signal testing assembly mounted to a vehicle surface, said assembly comprising:

a signal testing unit having a plurality of guide pin receivers positioned along at least two opposing exterior surfaces of said testing unit;

a connector plate comprising a front planar face, a back planar face, at least one fastening portion for securely mounting said back planar face adjacent a surface of said vehicle, a plurality of guide pins extending from said front planar face, and at least one electrical connector for engaging a mating electrical connector on said signal testing unit;

wherein said guide pin receivers slidably engage said guide pins, said back planar face of said connector plate is mounted adjacent said vehicle surface, and said signal testing unit is mounted adjacent said front planar face of said connector plate such that said connector plate is disposed between said signal testing unit and said vehicle surface;

wherein each of said guide pins includes a top portion and a bottom portion; and

at least two of said guide pins include an aperture in said top portion of each guide pin, said apertures being aligned to receive a T-shaped bar.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of said guide pins includes a locking mechanism for preventing removal of said testing unit after said guide pin receivers are slidably engaged with said guide pins.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said locking mechanism includes an aperture and a lock, said aperture being configured for receiving said lock.

4. The vehicle-mounted assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

one or more stops, each of said one or more stops including one or more apertures for slidably engaging said one or more guide pins;

wherein each of said one or more stops engages one or more of said guide pins and is positioned adjacent at least one of said guide pin receivers to prevent the movement of said guide pin receivers relative to said guide pins.