Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tower crane load locator is disclosed. One example includes at least four RFID components to provide RFID range measurements between the at least four RFID components. In addition, a load position determiner utilizes the RFID range measurements to determine a location of the load. A load information generator provides the location of the load information suitable for subsequent access by a user.

Abstract: A system for exchanging data. A first mobile device configured to generate a first set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the first mobile device has been located and configured to exchange the first set of data with a second mobile device wherein the first mobile device receives a second set of data related to a plurality of geographic positions where the second mobile device has been located. A mapping system configured to receive the first set of data and the second set of data and to generate a map based on the first set of data and the second set of data.

Abstract: A collaborative sharing workgroup comprising a plurality of assets is disclosed. An integrated manager module is fixedly coupled with each asset, the integrated manager module comprising an asset systems monitor; a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) position information monitor; and an environment information monitor. In addition, a communications module is fixedly coupled with each asset. The communications module automatically shares information from each integrated manager module to each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup and similarly receives the shared information from each of the plurality of assets in the workgroup. A user guidance module is also coupled with each asset. The user guidance module utilizes the shared information to automatically update guidance information for an asset. Moreover, the user guidance module operates independently on each asset in a workgroup without utilizing a central managing device.

Abstract: In a method for creating a record of crane inspection activity, a wireless inspection communication between a component monitor and a component information unit is initiated in response to a crane inspection activity. The component information unit is mechanically coupled with a crane component. An inspection record related to the crane component is automatically storing within the component monitor. The inspection record includes a geostamp and a timestamp associated with the inspection communication. The geostamp and timestamp are stored in the inspection record in conjunction with a component identification that is associated the crane component and that is received from the component information unit as part of the wireless inspection communication.

Abstract: In a method for construction equipment component location tracking, a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit which is mechanically coupled with the component. An identity of the component is received at the component monitor via the wireless mesh network communication. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver of the component monitor is utilized to ascertain a location of the component at a completion of an inventory action.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a lifting device is disclosed. The method receives location information from a position determiner module coupled with a point of interest associated with the lifting device and determines an autonomous position of the point of interest based on the location information. The method further includes accessing position information associated with a jobsite object and monitoring the lifting device based on the autonomous position of the point of interest and based on the position information of the jobsite object to prevent collision.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring overstress conditions experienced by a crane component, a wireless signal is received. The wireless signal is indicative of an overstress condition experienced by a crane of which the crane component constitutes an assembled portion. In response to receiving the wireless signal, a record of the overstress condition is stored in a storage module mechanically coupled with the crane component. Information from the record is provided via a wireless communication to facilitate monitoring of occurrence of overstress conditions experienced by the crane component.

Abstract: In a method for construction equipment component location tracking, a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit which is mechanically coupled with the component. An identity of the component is received at the component monitor via the wireless mesh network communication. A Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver of the component monitor is utilized to ascertain a location of the component at a completion of an inventory action.

Abstract: In a method for creating a record of crane inspection activity, a wireless inspection communication between a component monitor and a component information unit is initiated in response to a crane inspection activity. The component information unit is mechanically coupled with a crane component. An inspection record related to the crane component is automatically storing within the component monitor. The inspection record includes a geostamp and a timestamp associated with the inspection communication. The geostamp and timestamp are stored in the inspection record in conjunction with a component identification that is associated the crane component and that is received from the component information unit as part of the wireless inspection communication.

Abstract: In a method for construction equipment component location tracking, a wireless mesh network communication is initiated between a component monitor and a component information unit which is mechanically coupled with the component. A location of the component is accessed in response to a movement of the component. The location of the component is stored within the component information unit to facilitate location tracking of the component.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a lifting device is disclosed. The method receives location information from a position determiner module coupled with a point of interest associated with the lifting device and determines an autonomous position of the point of interest based on the location information. The method further includes monitoring the lifting device based on the autonomous position of the point of interest.

Abstract: In a differential global positioning system that includes one or more base stations and rover units, a system and method for including a radio modem transceiver in the rover units, and packaging several components, including the transceiver and a radio antenna in a single package, and possibly including re-chargeable batteries, a GPS receiver, and a GPS antenna in the package, to reduce the number of external electrical connections. Several of the components may be packaged into a survey range pole. GPS satellite correction information is transmitted from a base station in response to a request transmitted from the rover unit by means of the radio modem transceiver. Automatic channel selection is performed by the base stations to select a channel having low communication traffic. The rover units scan the available channels for valid GPS correction information and, in the event that more than one such channel is located, select the channel with the strongest signal.

Abstract: In a survey system involving either differential global positioning (DGPS) or robotic total station (RTS) systems, the mobile station includes the radio system in the surveyor pole and either connects the laser reflector system or the GPS to the top of the pole or provides a connector for releasably connecting the laser reflector system or GPS. Electric connections between the GPS or laser reflector system, and the radio system are made either by using the physical connector between the pole and the GPS or laser reflector system, or by providing separate electrical conductors and electrical connectors from the pole to the GPS or laser reflector. In the case of a RTS system the base station includes a GPS for locating the position of the base station. For added convenience, the pole may be formed in sections and the power supply may include an inductive coupling battery charger. Data communications may also take place using wireless technology such as Bluetooth.

Abstract: In a differential global positioning system that includes one or more base stations and rover units, a system and method for including a radio modem transceiver in the rover units, and packaging several components, including the transceiver and a radio antenna in a single package, and possibly including re-chargeable batteries, a GPS receiver, and a GPS antenna in the package, to reduce the number of external electrical connections. Several of the components may be packaged into a survey range pole. GPS satellite correction information is transmitted from a base station in response to a request transmitted from the rover unit by means of the radio modem transceiver. Automatic channel selection is performed by the base stations to select a channel having low communication traffic. The rover units scan the available channels for valid GPS correction information and, in the event that more than one such channel is located, select the channel with the strongest signal.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an electrostatic member 33 for holding a substrate 45 in a process chamber 80 containing erosive process gas. The method comprises the steps of forming an electrostatic member 33 comprising an insulator or dielectric layer 35 covering an electrically conductive layer, and shaping the electrostatic member 33 to form a dielectric covered electrode and an electrical connector 55 attached to the dielectric covered electrode 50 to conduct charge to the dielectric covered electrode 50.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck (20) for holding a substrate (45) is described. One version of the chuck (20) suitable for mounting on a base (25), comprises (i) an electrostatic member (33) having an electrode (50) therein, and (ii) an electrical lead (60) extending through the base (25) to electrically engage the electrode (50) of the electrostatic member (33). When the chuck (20) is used to hold a substrate (45) in a process chamber (80) containing erosive process gas, the substrate (45) covers and substantially protects the electrical lead (60) from erosion by the erosive process gas. In a preferred version of the chuck (20), an electrical connector (55) forming an integral extension of the electrode (50), electrically connects the electrode (50) to a voltage supply terminal (70) used to operate the chuck (20).

Abstract: A method of forming an electrostatic chuck 20 for holding substrates 42 in a process chamber 40 containing a magnetic flux 43 is described. The method comprises the steps of forming a base 22 for supporting a substrate 42. An insulator 26 with an electrode 24 therein, is formed on the base 22. A magnetic shunt 34 comprising a ferromagnetic material is formed either (i) on the base 22, or (ii) in the insulator 26, or (iii) directly below, and contiguous to, the base 22.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck 20 of the present invention is capable of maintaining substantially uniform temperatures across a substrate 30. The chuck 20 comprises an electrostatic member 35 that includes (i) an insulator 45 covering an electrode 40, (ii) a substantially planar and conformal contact surface 50 capable of conforming to a substrate 30, and (iii) conduits 105 terminating at the contact surface 50 for providing heat transfer fluid to the contact surface 50. Application of a voltage to the electrode 40 of the electrostatic member 35 electrostatically holds the substrate 30 on the conformal contact surface 50 to define an outer periphery 110 having (1) leaking portions 115 where heat transfer fluid leaks out, and (2) sealed portions 130 where heat transfer fluid substantially does not leak out.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck (20) for holding a substrate (45) is described. One version of the chuck (20) suitable for mounting on a base (25), comprises (i) an electrostatic member (33) having an electrode (50) therein, and (ii) an electrical lead (60) extending through the base (25) to electrically engage the electrode (50) of the electrostatic member (33). When the chuck (20) is used to hold a substrate (45) in a process chamber (80) containing erosive process gas, the substrate (45) covers and substantially protects the electrical lead (60) from erosion by the erosive process gas. In a preferred version of the chuck (20), an electrical connector (55) forming an integral extension of the electrode (50), electrically connects the electrode (50) to a voltage supply terminal (70) used to operate the chuck (20).