Abstract: A system (400) for positioning and navigating an autonomous vehicle (310) allows the vehicle (310) to travel between locations. Position information (432) is derived from global positioning system satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) or other sources (624) when the satellites (200, 202, 204, and 206) are not in the view of the vehicle (310). Navigation of the vehicle (310) is obtained using the position information (432), route information (414), obstacle detection and avoidance data (416), and on board vehicle data (908 and 910).

Abstract: Vehicle navigation systems typically include devices for determining the location of the vehicle. In many situations it is advantageous to improve the resolution of such devices or to provide a back-up system for determining vehicle location. Simple and efficient systems are also desirable when used as the primary positioning systems. The subject invention provides a simple and efficient system for determining the location of a vehicle in a base reference frame. One or more targets are located at predefined positions with respect to the base reference frame. A target sensing device determines a position of one of the one or more targets with respect to the vehicle. A device determines an estimated vehicle position. A vehicle locating device determines the location of the vehicle with respect to the base reference frame in response to the position of the target with respect to the vehicle and the estimated vehicle position.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely controlling an autonomous vehicle uses a tele-panel to interrupt autonomous operation. Radio communications established between the tele-panel and the vehicle ceases autonomous operation of the vehicle and places the vehicle in a tele-ready mode in which the vehicle will not respond to commands from other tele-panels. Upon communication of a tele-operation request signal to the vehicle, the vehicle enters tele-operation mode. In this mode, the vehicle is responsive only to speed and steering angle requests from the transmitting tele-panel. A unique tele-panel identifier transmitted to the vehicle prevents other tele-panels from gaining control of the vehicle. If communications between the vehicle and the tele-panel identified by the tele-panel identifier are interrupted while the vehicle is in tele-operation mode, the vehicle is locked and will not respond to commands from other tele-panels and will not enter autonomous operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting an antenna assembly to an elevationally movable portion of a vehicle dump bed includes a mountable support member having first and second end portions. The first end portion is fixed to the vehicle bed. The antenna assembly has an active element connected to a first end of a mounting element and a counterweight element connected to a second end of a mounting element. An intermediate portion of the mounting element is connected to the second end portion of the mountable support member. The antenna assembly is therefore free to rotate about at least one axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the elevationally movable dump bed.

Abstract: A testing apparatus determines the piezoelectric properties associated with the performance of a multilayer ceramic actuator. The actuator has a predetermined length, L.sub.1, and a predetermined cross sectional area, A. The actuator includes an axis and a plurality of piezoelectric elements with electrodes interleaved therebetween. The testing apparatus includes a pressure regulator which controllably supplies pressurized air. A pneumatic cylinder receives the pressurized air and responsively applies axial forces to the actuator. A load cell and associated circuitry measures the applied force on the actuator and responsively produces a force signal, F.sub.n. A fiber optic sensor and associated circuitry determines the axial displacement of the actuator and produces a position signal, L.sub.n, in response to the magnitude thereof. A computer receives the force signals, F.sub.n, and the position signals, L.sub.n, and responsively determines the effective modulus of the actuator, Y.sub.eff.