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 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: An oxygen sensor removal tool includes an axial throughbore with an oxygen sensor socket bore at one end and a socket drive bore at the opposite end, and further including a radially extending drive socket arm with a drive socket opening so that the tool may be placed over an oxygen sensor and a socket drive or other drive may be attached to the tool to provide for effective force to permit adequate torque to disengage the oxygen sensor from a vehicle exhaust system.

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 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 fuel line disconnection tool includes a handle member with a hand grip end and a slotted opposite head end adapted to receive generally mirror image flanged adapters having semi-cylindrical tubular projections which enable placement of the adapters in the slot at the head end of the handle. The adapters may then be fitted about a fuel line and the handle attached thereto and manipulated to disengage the connection mechanism between the fuel line and fuel filter.

Abstract: A sensor system for vehicle steering control comprising: a plurality of global navigation satellite sensor systems (GNSS) including receivers 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 corrected real time kinematic (RTK) 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.

Abstract: A method and system for local computation of information to improve accuracy in a differential Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). The method comprising: determining a current location of a reference receiver; comparing the current location with at least one stored location; if a resultant of the comparing is less than a selected threshold, identifying as a reference location the at least one stored location, which is closest to the current location; otherwise establishing the current location as the reference location and storing the current location. The method also includes computing the information from signals from one or more GNSS satellites the based on the reference location; and transmitting the information for reception by one or more remote receivers.

Abstract: A method and system for reducing Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) carrier tracking loop ambiguities comprising: receiving a plurality of GNSS satellite signals with a first antenna in operable communication with a first tracking device and a second antenna in communication with a second tracking device in at least one GNSS receiver; and sharing of data between the first tracking device and the second tracking device. The sharing is configured to facilitate a commonality in a carrier phase derived in the first and second tracking devices. The sharing also results in a cancellation of the commonality when a difference phase is formed between a carrier phase from the first tracking device and a carrier phase from the second tracking device.

Abstract: Universal vehicle tire valve core and cap removal installation tool includes a cap removal counterbore at one end of a cylindrical rod member and a reversible valve core engagement member positioned in a counterbore at the opposite end of the cylindrical rod member.

Abstract: A tool for uncoupling tubular connections includes a pair of bifurcated arms joined together by an integral, arcuate, bridge member wherein the bifurcated arms of the tool include ends mounted transversely on the arms in opposed relation.

Abstract: A method and system of synchronizing multiple tracking devices in a geo-location receiver system comprising: receiving a first plurality of geo-location signals with a first tracking device; and receiving a second plurality of geo-location signals with a second tracking device. The method also includes: enabling the first tracking device as either a master tracking device or a master-with-mark tracking device; enabling the second tracking device to operate as a slave tracking device; the master tracking device generates and transmits a timing signal to the slave tracking device; and the master-with-mark tracking device is configured to receive an external input for synchronization and generates and transmits a timing signal to the slave tracking device. The method also includes acquiring the first plurality of geo-location signals and the second plurality of geo-location signals at a substantially simultaneous instant of time.

Abstract: A method and system for determining at least one attitude angle of a rigid body. The method comprising: receiving a plurality of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) satellite signals with a plurality of antennas; establishing at least one pair of antennas such that each antenna of the plurality of antennas is included in at least one antenna pair; computing single- or double-difference phases corresponding to one or more GNSS satellites for each of the pairs of antennas; and constructing a single Differential Carrier Phase Attitude (DCPA) equation based on known geometry constraints of each of the pairs of antennas. The method also includes determining a solution for the DCPA equation based on a cost function, the solution yielding at least one integer ambiguity value and the at least one attitude angle.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a stabilizer link in vehicles includes a first socket adapted to rotationally receive a second socket attached to the shaped end of a threaded bolt. A socket drive rotates the second socket relative to the first socket as the first socket is placed over a nut on the threaded bolt. The first socket includes an attached handle which is gripped to prevent undesirable rotation of the first socket relative to the second socket.

Abstract: An adjustable wrench for gripping and rotation of a generally cylindrical canister, such as an oil filter canister, includes handles which are pivotally connected to each other for rotation about a first axis. Each handle is also connected by an articulatable joint to a gripping jaw that may be positioned about the canister or body, to thereby alter the angle of the handles with respect to the jaws in order to enable use of the tool in confined spaces.

Abstract: A tool for removal of an automotive window belt molding from a body member includes a formed hook on the end of a generally flat, rigid, elastically deformable planar sheet.

Abstract: A tool for removal of a fuel line from a vehicle fuel module by engagement of and displacement of a locking member, said tool including first and second arms with semi-cylindrical sections at each end that may be used in combination to engage the locking member.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor removal and installation tool comprises a driving wrench which includes a socket drive with a socket sized to fit onto an oxygen sensor of a vehicle. The driving wrench is made from a thin plate of steel with an attached socket drive projecting at a right angle from the plane of the flat plate. A separate handle includes bifurcated legs which fit over the sides of the opposite end of the flat plate driving wrench and engage a driving surface to vibrate and drive the driving wrench and impart a turning force on the oxygen sensor.

Abstract: The cam gear holding and turning wrench includes first and second arms which are slidably attached one to the other and which include angled extensions that have transverse rods projecting therefrom so that the spacing of the rods may be adjusted while maintaining the region between the extensions accessible.

Abstract: A method for locking the sprockets or gears of a dual overhead camshaft engine in a fixed position includes two spaced bars with studs for engaging against the inside rim of the sprockets and a means for adjusting the spacing of the bars to frictionally maintain the sprockets in a locked position against the inside rims.