The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 30, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 14, 2005
Richard Paul Piekutowski, Huber Heights, OH (US);
Richard Paul Piekutowski, Huber Heights, OH (US);
Trimble Navigation Limited, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
A method of monitoring the location, and the orientation of a machine element, and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the operation of the machine include a robotic total station and a plurality of targets in known positions relative to the machine element. The total station, located at a known location near the machine element, repeatedly, successively determines the location of each target. Acquisition and re-acquisition of the targets is aided by stored data regarding the prior locations and movements of the targets. Further, active targets may be used to facilitate re-acquisition. The operation of the machine is controlled based upon the location and orientation of the machine element.