Abstract: A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

Abstract: A method for removing biases in dual frequency GNSS receivers circumvents the need for ionosphere corrections by using L2(P) in combination with either L1(P) or L1(C/A) to form ionosphere-free ranges. A table of biases is stored in microprocessor controller memory and utilized for computing a location using corrected ionosphere-free pseudo ranges. A system for removing biases in dual frequency GNSS receivers includes a dual frequency GNSS receiver and a controller microprocessor adapted to store a table of bias values for correcting pseudo ranges determined using L2(P) in combination with either L1(P) or L1(C/A).

Abstract: An extractor tool for Torx brand and other fluted fasteners comprising an end section for engaging a fastener opening comprising six equally spaced, uniformly sized, pitched flutes separated by uniform depth grooves located at the end of a shank with a cylindrical connecting section joined thereto, in turn, joined to an impact drive end of the shank. The fluted end section has a frusto-conical configuration with the narrow dimension of the fluted end section at the distal end of the tool and wherein the distal end has a flat surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

Abstract: A feedback control law steers a reference phase that tracks the phase of a received code sequence. The reference phase clocks a track-reference signal consisting of a series of correlation kernels, over which data is extracted and then summed in various combinations. The correlation kernels are designed in such a manner that errors caused by multipath are eliminated or substantially reduced. Furthermore, the areas of the correlation kernels are balanced across level-transitions of a code and non-transitions to eliminate phase biases when tracking specific satellites. Extra care must be taken to balance the correlation kernels in this manner due to a little known aspect of GPS C/A codes. Specifically, not all C/A codes have the same ratio of level-transitions to non-transitions as has been assumed in prior art.

Abstract: A flywheel locking tool kit comprises unitary body blocks designed to fit through and respectively compatible with the opening of a bell housing of a transmission so that teeth provided on one sector of the tool may be engaged with the flywheel teeth and projections and elements of the opposite end of the tool may be engaged with the sides or edges of the opening through the bell housing to retain the tool in a fixed, desired position.

Abstract: An automotive repair tool for removal of an engine fluid cap includes a scalloped interior opening through a circular base having a circumferential edge surface transverse to the axis of the rotation of the cap. The base receives a U-shape metal bracket welded thereto and aligned axially with the rotational axis of the base member. The opening through the base member is compatible with and generally congruent with a fluid cap for an internal combustion automobile engine.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

Abstract: In the invention, a rover receiver first utilizes data from a base Receiver, a DGNSS reference network, or other differential source to compute a differentially corrected location. Then, using this location and data observed only at the rover, the rover computes an internal set of differential corrections that are stored in computer memory, updated as necessary, and applied in future times to correct observations taken by the rover. The possibly mobile rover receiver, therefore, corrects its own observations with differential corrections computed from its own past observations; relying on external differential for the sole purpose of establishing a reference location, and this is unlike prior art.

Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.

Abstract: A kit for removal of a broken spark plug from a cylinder head includes first and second tools. The first tool is designed to position a broken porcelain element into the spark plug tip so that the second tool may be utilized to engage the tip by threading into the tip and thereafter axially withdraw the plug tip from the cylinder head by rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A GNSS system includes a receiver connected to an external mass storage device. Applications for the system, including GNSS data processing methods are also disclosed. The external storage device can comprise a flash (thumb) drive, which can be connected to the receiver via a USB interconnection.

Abstract: A method for removing biases in dual frequency GNSS receivers circumvents the need for ionosphere corrections by using L2(P) in combination with either L1(P) or L1(C/A) to form ionosphere-free ranges. A table of biases is stored in microprocessor controller memory and utilized for computing a location using corrected ionosphere-free pseudo ranges. A system for removing biases in dual frequency GNSS receivers includes a dual frequency GNSS receiver and a controller microprocessor adapted to store a table of bias values for correcting pseudo ranges determined using L2(P) in combination with either L1(P) or L1(C/A).

Abstract: A multi-antenna GNSS system and method provide earth-referenced GNSS heading and position solutions. The system and method compensate for partial blocking of the antennas by using a known attitude or orientation of the structure, which can be determined by an orientation device or with GNSS measurements. Multiple receiver units can optionally be provided and can share a common clock signal for processing multiple GNSS signals in unison. The system can optionally be installed on fixed or slow-moving structures, such as dams and marine vessels, and on mobile structures such as terrestrial vehicles and aircraft.

Abstract: A bearing race and pinion bearing race installation tool kit or set includes a pneumatic and manual driver handles in combination with a multiplicity of separate drivers. The component parts may be selected from the kit, combined and then used for installation of a bearing raceway.

Abstract: A method for locating GNSS-defined points, distances, directional attitudes and closed geometric shapes includes the steps of providing a base with a base GNSS antenna and providing a rover with a rover GNSS antenna and receiver. The receiver is connected to the rover GNSS antenna and is connected to the base GNSS antenna by an RF cable. The receiver thereby simultaneously processes signals received at the antennas. The method includes determining a vector directional arrow from the differential positions of the antennas and calculating a distance between the antennas, which can be sequentially chained together for determining a cumulative distance in a “digital tape measure” mode of operation. A localized RTK surveying method uses the rover antenna for determining relative or absolute point locations. A system includes a base with an antenna, a rover with an antenna and a receiver, with the receiver being connected to the antennas.

Abstract: A kit for removal of a broken spark plug from a cylinder head includes first and second tools. The first tool is designed to position a broken porcelain element into the spark plug tip so that the second tool may be utilized to engage the tip by threading into the tip and thereafter axially withdraw the plug tip from the cylinder head by rotation of the tool.

Abstract: A global navigation satellite sensor system (GNSS) and gyroscope control system for vehicle steering control comprising a GNSS receiver and antennas at a fixed spacing to determine a vehicle position, velocity and at least one of a heading angle, a pitch angle and a roll angle based on carrier phase position differences. The roll angle facilitates correction of the lateral motion induced position errors resultant from motion of the antennae as the vehicle moves based on an offset to ground and the roll angle. The system also includes a control system configured to receive the vehicle position, heading, and at least one of roll and pitch, and configured to generate a steering command to a vehicle steering system. The system includes gyroscopes for determining system attitude change with respect to multiple axes for integrating with GNSS-derived positioning information to determine vehicle position, velocity, rate-of-turn, attitude and other operating characteristics.