Patent ID: 8781556

Claim:
A system for extending the operating range of a tracking system using localizing devices, comprising: a first fixator connected to a first point proximate an area of interest and a first localizing device, said first fixator including a body having two portions separated by a space between said two portions wherein said first localizing device is positioned in said space and snapably connectable between said two portions to secure said first localizing device to said body and said first localizing device is snapably dis-connectable from between said two portions, said first fixator including a post, wherein said post has a spring and locking mechanism attached thereto, wherein a second localizing device receives said post and is engaged by said spring and locking mechanism such that said second localizing device is detachably connected to said post; a second fixator at a second point and proximate said first point said second fixator including a second post having a spring and locking mechanism attached thereto, wherein said second localizing device is configured to receive said post and be engaged by said spring and locking mechanism such that said second localizing device is detachably connected to said second post of said second fixator; a first instrument and a third localizing device, and said third localizing device being mounted on said first instrument and communicating with said second localizing device at said second fixator in order that the position of said third localizing device can be determined relative to said second localizing device, said second localizing device communicating with said first localizing device at said first fixator in order that the position of said third localizing device on said first instrument can be determined relative to the position of said first localizing device at said first fixator; and a second instrument and a fourth localizing device, said fourth localizing device being mounted on said second instrument and communicating with said first localizing device at said first fixator in order that the position of said fourth localizing device on said second instrument can be determined relative to said first localizing device on said first fixator and to the position of said third localizing device on said first instrument.