Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/291,694, filed Dec. 31, 2009, entitled “VEHICLE AND MAST MOUNTING ASSEMBLY THEREFOR,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein. The present application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/696,778, filed Jan. 29, 2010, entitled “PROTECTIVE MEMBERS FOR A SIGNAL INTERFACE ASSEMBLY”, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/696,787, filed Jan. 29, 2010, entitled “ELECTRICAL INTERFACE ASSEMBLY”, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     The invention described herein was made in the performance of official duties by employees of the Department of the Navy and may be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any royalties thereon. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Oftentimes it is necessary in the commercial and military communications field to locate communications hubs and controllers in areas proximate significant events. In such situations, communications gear has been transported in cases and then assembled on site. When the communications equipment is desired at a different location, the gear is disassembled, closed up in the cases, moved to the new location, unpacked, and then reassembled. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a communications assembly is provided including a shelter housing; a first cabling raceway disposed within the shelter housing, the first cabling raceway being exclusively dedicated for radio frequency transmitting cabling; a second cabling raceway disposed within the shelter housing, the second cabling raceway being exclusively dedicated for non-radio frequency data transmitting cabling; and a third cabling raceway disposed within the shelter housing, the third cabling raceway being exclusively dedicated for alternating current and direct current transmitting cabling. 
     In another embodiment, a method of assembling a communications assembly is provided, the method including obtaining a shelter housing having side walls, a front wall, a rear wall, a floor, and a top wall; coupling a first cabling raceway to the walls at a first height, the first cabling raceway extending generally parallel to the top wall; coupling a second cabling raceway to the walls at a second height, the second cabling raceway extending generally parallel to the top wall; coupling a third cabling raceway to the walls at a third height, the third cabling raceway extending generally parallel to the top wall; placing radio-frequency transmission cabling exclusively within the first cabling raceway; placing non-radio-frequency data transmission cabling exclusively within the second cabling raceway; and placing alternating current transmission cabling and direct current transmission cabling exclusively within the third raceway. 
     In still another embodiment, a communications vehicle is provided, including a vehicle frame; a shelter housing supported by the frame, the shelter housing defining an interior and an exterior; a first communication device located within the interior of the shelter housing; and a signal interface positioned on the shelter housing. The signal interface includes ports thereon in communication the first communication device. The first communication device includes software therein that permits the first communication device to control and operate a second communication device that is substantially similar to the first communication device, that is located in a shelter housing separate from the shelter housing containing the first communication device, and that is electrically coupled via a wire to the signal interface. 
     In another embodiment, a method of expanding a communications array is provided including the steps of providing a first shelter on a first vehicle frame, the first shelter including a first radio therein and a first signal interface accessible from the exterior of the first shelter, the first radio providing a plurality of communication channels; providing a second shelter on a second vehicle frame, the second shelter including a second radio therein and a second signal interface accessible from the exterior of the second shelter, the second radio providing a plurality of communication channels; electrically coupling ports on the first signal interface to ports on the second signal interface; and controlling all provided communications channels with the first radio. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle array is provided including a first vehicle including a power input interface and a power output interface; a second vehicle including a power input interface and a power output interface; a power generator having a power output interface; a first power cable linking the power output interface of the power generator to the power input interface of the first vehicle; and a second power cable linking the power output interface of the first vehicle to the power input interface of the second vehicle. 
     In another embodiment, a method of powering a vehicle array is provided including the steps of providing a first vehicle having a frame and a first shelter supported on the frame, the first shelter including a power input interface and a power output interface; providing a second vehicle having a frame and a second shelter supported on the frame, the second shelter including a power input interface and a power output interface; providing a power generator having a power output; coupling the power output of the power generator to the power input interface of the first vehicle such that the power generator provides power to electronics housed within the first shelter; coupling the power output interface of the first shelter to the power input interface of the second shelter to provide power to electronics housed within the second shelter. 
     In another embodiment, a method of transporting a communications array is provided. The method including the steps of providing a first vehicle having a frame and a first shelter supported on the frame at a first location, the first shelter including plurality of communications devices therein, the communications devices being coupled to each other and to a signal interface disposed on the first shelter, the signal interface providing a plurality of ports that are accessible on the exterior of the first shelter; providing a second vehicle having a frame and a second shelter supported on the frame at the first location, the second shelter including plurality of communications devices therein, the communications devices being coupled to each other and to a signal interface disposed on the second shelter, the signal interface providing a plurality of ports that are accessible on the exterior of the second shelter; providing interconnect cables that interface with the signal interfaces of the first and second shelters to provide data connections between the plurality of electronics in the first and second shelters; uncoupling the interconnect cables from the first and second shelters; driving the first and second vehicles to a second location; and coupling the interconnect cables to the signal interfaces of the first and second shelters to provide data connections between the plurality of electronics in the first and second shelters at the second location. 
     In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided including a frame, an engine supported by the frame, the engine operatively coupled to ground engaging members and capable of imparting motion to at least one of the ground engaging members; a shelter housing coupled to the frame and dependent upon the frame for supporting the shelter housing; a first communication device located within the interior of the shelter housing; and a signal interface positioned on the shelter housing, the signal interface including ports thereon in communication the first communication device; wherein the first communication device includes software therein that permits the first communication device to control and operate a second communication device that is substantially similar to the first communication device, that is located in a shelter housing separate from the shelter housing containing the first communication device, and that is electrically coupled via a wire to the signal interface. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of the vehicle of the present disclosure in a mobile configuration; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the vehicle of  FIG. 1  in a stationary configuration; 
         FIG. 3  is a front left perspective view of the shelter carried by the vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a top view of the shelter of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4B  is a top view showing flattened out walls of the shelter of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a side view of racks and electronics located within the shelter of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a connection housing of the shelter of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a plan view of a first set of connections present within the connection housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second set of connections present within the connection housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the housing and connections of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a side partially-cross sectional view of the housing and connections of  FIGS. 6 and 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  is an overhead view of four of the vehicles of  FIG. 1  that are coupled together and to a power generator. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     With reference first to  FIG. 1 , a vehicle  10  is disclosed which as disclosed is depicted as a truck, and more particularly as a military vehicle. It should be understood that the disclosure is equally applicable to commercial vehicles for use, for example, in radio or TV broadcasting or in any other application in which mobile and extensible communications devices are utilized. 
     As shown, vehicle  10  comprises a frame  12 , and ground engaging members  14  which support the frame  12 . Engine  11  provides power to at least one ground engaging member  14 . As depicted, ground engaging members  14  are shown as tires and wheels, however it should be understood that other ground engaging members such as tracks or skis could be employed. The invention is equally applicable to any water flotation devices. As shown, a shelter assembly  16  is supported by the vehicle frame  12  and includes a mast assembly  18 . Shelter assembly  16  is positioned on frame  12  in a fixed manner such that parts of vehicle  10  such as ground engaging members  14 , engine  11 , and frame  12 , etc. have a fixed spatial relationship with shelter assembly  16 . 
       FIG. 1  shows vehicle  10  having mast assembly  18  and antennae  36  in stowed positions suitable for transport.  FIG. 2  shows mast assembly  18  in a vertical position that is ready for extension. Additional details of the mast assembly  18  are provided in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/291,694, filed Dec. 31, 2009, entitled “VEHICLE AND MAST MOUNTING ASSEMBLY THEREFOR,” the disclosure of which has been expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     With respect now to  FIG. 2 , shelter assembly  16  is shown in greater detail. Shelter assembly  16  includes an enclosure  20  having a top wall  22 , a front wall  24 , lower wall  25 , side walls  26 ,  28  and rear wall  30 . Shelter assembly  16  could also include a front work platform  32  including a hoist  34 , as well as a plurality of antennas positioned around enclosure  20  and shown generally at  36 . Walls  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  include or potentially include signal interface assemblies  112  disposed therein. Shelter assembly  16  further includes cabling raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514  disposed therein, shown in  FIG. 4B . 
     Shelter assembly  16  houses a plurality of electronic racks  210 ,  212 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  and safe  214  therein, shown in  FIG. 4 . Electronic equipment  200  is located on electronic racks  210 ,  212 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  according multiple considerations. These considerations include, but are not limited to, weight of the equipment  200 , center of gravity of shelter assembly  16 , interconnections needed between equipment  200 , cabling sizes of the interconnections, and cabling weight of the interconnections. 
     Equipment  200  is generally communications equipment including but not limited to: Ethernet switches, power distributors, speakers, headset interfaces, keyboards, filters, power supplies (uninterruptible or otherwise), PCI bus bays, servers, modems, encryption devices, secure terminal equipment devices, multi-band radios/transceivers (high frequency, very high frequency, and ultra high frequency), amplifiers for the radios, power supplies for the radios, mercury interface unit, GPS distribution system, low volume terminals, voice cable kit, and Ethernet kit. 
     As previously noted, equipment  200  requires interconnections. Equipment  200  further requires power. Raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514  are provided within for data, RF, and power cable routing and management. Raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514  include upper raceways  510 , middle raceways  512 , and lower raceways  514 . Each raceway  510 ,  512 ,  514  generally extends along walls  24 ,  26 ,  30  parallel to top wall  22  at different heights. Raceways  510  contain and route radio frequency (RF) cabling exclusively. Raceways  510  are located proximate the top of shelter assembly  16  because RF cables connect radios to antennae  36  and antennae  36  are located at the external top wall  22  of shelter assembly  16 . Raceways  512  contain and route data connections exclusively. Raceways  512  are positioned midway up walls  24 ,  26 . Such positioning places raceways  512  and the cabling therein proximate the positioning of signal interface assemblies  112  that provide external connections for the data cabling. Raceways  514  contain and route power cables exclusively. Raceways  514  are internally divided to provide sub-raceways  514   a ,  514   b . Raceways  514   a  contain and route alternating current (AC) power cables exclusively. Raceways  514   b  contain and route direct current (DC) power cables exclusively. Raceways  514  are located proximate lower wall  25  on walls  24 ,  26 . However, raceways  514  do not abut shelter floor  27 . Separation from shelter floor  27  permits raceways  514  to remain straight while clearing any wall  26  irregularities necessitated by a wheel well of vehicle  10 . Furthermore, separation from shelter floor  27  decreases the likelihood of electrical complications should water collect on shelter floor  27 . 
     By separating the cabling into exclusive raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514 , the potential for cross-talk and data corruption is thereby lessened. Furthermore, the reduced likelihood of data corruption allows the use of interconnection wires having less shielding relative to those that would be needed in a mixed cabling environment. Cables having less shielding are lighter than the more heavily shielded cabling. Lower weight cabling, and lower weight in general, affect the weight distribution within shelter assembly  16  and the handling of vehicle  10 . In general, lower weight components and lower overall weight lessen the size and cost of support components needed to support shelter assembly  16  on vehicle  10  both while stationary and while in motion. Additionally, cables with less shielding have a generally smaller cross-sectional area than equivalent cables with more shielding. Accordingly, an increased number of wires can be fit in a given space, such as raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514 . 
     Raceways  510 ,  512 ,  514  allow the routing of data, RF, and power cables to relevant signal interface assemblies  112  and/or power interface assemblies  112  and/or antennae  36 . Signal interface assembly  112  is illustratively configured to provide for simple and efficient electrical communication between an exterior  40  of shelter assembly  16  and an interior  42  of shelter assembly  16 . More particularly, the signal interface assembly  112  permits communication (e.g., communication signals, electrical power, etc.) between equipment external to shelter assembly  16  and to equipment secured within shelter assembly  16 . As indicated above, signal interface assembly  112  may be positioned within a vertical support structure, such as vertical wall  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30  of shelter assembly  16 . 
     Signal interface assemblies  112  illustratively include support  44  having frame  46  coupled to housing  48 . Frame  46  is illustratively formed of a durable material, such as aluminum, and includes an outer frame  50  and an inner frame  52  spaced apart from each other and defining a chamber  54  therebetween. 
     Outer frame  50  includes upper frame member  56  coupled to lower frame member  58 . Both upper frame member  56  and lower frame member  58  are angled relative to each other. Water deflector  59  is coupled to lower frame member  58  and is configured to prevent water from collecting at the bottom of signal interface assembly  112 . More particularly, deflector  59  is angled downwardly for directing water downwardly and outwardly from signal interface assembly  112 . 
     Upper frame member  56  includes first and second openings  62  and  64  defined by rectangular mounting flanges  66  and  68 , respectively. Outer surfaces of mounting flanges  66  and  68  define respective gasket seats  70  and  72 . A plurality of mounting apertures  74  and  76  extend through each mounting flange  66  and  68 , respectively. 
     Lower frame member  58  includes first and second openings  82  and  84  defined by rectangular mounting flanges  86  and  88 , respectively. Outer surfaces of mounting flanges  86  and  88  define respective gasket seats  90  and  92 . A plurality of mounting apertures  94  and  96  extend through each mounting flange  86  and  88 , respectively. 
     A plurality of outer or external electrical interface panels  100 ,  102 ,  104  are removably coupled the outer frame  50  by a plurality of fasteners, illustratively bolts  106  received within mounting apertures  74 ,  76 ,  94 ,  96  of respective frame members  56 ,  58 . Electromagnetic interference (EMI) gasket  108  is received intermediate each interface panel  100 ,  102 ,  104  and its respective gasket seat  70 ,  72 ,  90 ,  92 . EMI gasket  108  is illustratively formed of an electrically conductive material, such as wire mesh material. In one illustrative embodiment, EMI gasket  108  comprises a carbon-filled cellular PTFE matrix. Pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be supported by a rear surface of matrix. 
     Each outer electrical interface panel  100 ,  102  and  104  may be customized with a variety of different electrical connectors or ports. As further detailed herein, panels  100 ,  102 , and  104  are modular and may be easily removed and replaced with other panels  100 ,  102 , and  104  as desired. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, electrical interface panel  100  includes connectors  114 ,  116 , and  118 . Electrical interface panel  102  illustratively includes electrical connectors  120 . Protective caps  122  may be releasably coupled to connectors  120  and are retained to panel  102  by cords  124 . Electrical interface panel  104  illustratively includes electrical connectors  126  which may include threadably coupled protective caps  128 . It should be appreciated that external panels  100 ,  102 ,  104  can be used as internal panels, described below, as desired. 
     Inner frame  52  illustratively includes upper frame member  132  and lower frame member  134  disposed within common plane  136 . Upper frame member  132  includes first and second openings  138  (only one shown) defined by rectangular mounting flanges  142 . Outer surfaces of mounting flanges  142  define gasket seats  146 . A plurality of mounting apertures  150  extend through each mounting flange  142 . Lower frame member  134  includes first and second openings  158  (only one shown) defined by rectangular mounting flanges  162 . Outer surfaces of mounting flanges  162  define gasket seats  166 . A plurality of mounting apertures  170  extend through each mounting flange  162 . 
     A plurality of inner or internal electrical interface panels  100 ,  180 ,  182  are removably coupled the inner frame  52  by a plurality of fasteners, illustratively bolts  106  received within mounting apertures  150 ,  170  of respective frame members  132  and  134 . Each inner electrical interface panel  100 ,  180 ,  182  may be customized with a variety of different electrical connectors or ports  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  184 . Panels  100 ,  180 ,  182  are modular and may be easily removed and replaced with other panels as desired. 
     In the illustrative embodiment, electrical interface panels  100 ,  180 ,  182  include connectors  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  184 ,  185  suitable for receiving interconnect wires  186  able to transmit radio control signals, data signals, and radio transmissions as well as wires  188  able to transmit power. 
     Electrical wires or cables  186 ,  188  interconnect outer panels  100 ,  102 ,  104  to inner panels  100 ,  180 ,  182 . More particularly, cables  186 ,  188  extend through chamber  54  of the support  44 . 
     Housing  48  illustratively includes first and second vertical walls  220  interconnected by top and bottom walls  222 ,  224  to define a protective enclosure surrounding frame  46  and protecting it from debris and external elements. 
     Movable cover  226  is coupled to housing  48  through a first or horizontal hinge  228 . Cover  226  is movable between a stowed position substantially vertical, shown in  FIG. 5 , to a deployed position offset from vertical, shown in  FIG. 9 , to a fully opened position approximately 180 degrees from the closed position. 
     A pair of side shields or wings  230  are supported by a pair of second or vertical hinges  232 . Side wings  230  are configured to move from a stowed position to a deployed position by rotating or pivoting about a substantially vertical axis. 
     By choosing the connectors and interface panels  100 ,  102 ,  104 , external access points are created to link electronics  200  within shelter assembly  16  to electronics  200  within other similar shelter assemblies  16  or elsewhere. In one example, vehicle  10  pulls a mobile power generator  1000 . Mobile power generator  1000  may have signal interface assemblies  112  of its own that, along with proper interconnect wiring, provide for interconnection with shelter assembly  16 . Alternatively, power generator  1000  may have hardwired cabling that couples to interface panels  100 ,  102 ,  104 . Shelter assembly  16  includes at least two interface panels  100 ,  102 ,  104  capable of transmitting power. In the provided example, power transmitting interface panels  100 ,  102 ,  104  are located in signal interface assembly  112   a  located in the left rear side wall  28  of shelter assembly  16 , shown in  FIG. 3 . A first power interface panel  100 ,  102 ,  104  receives power from an external source such as mobile power generator  1000  or from another shelter assembly  16 . A second power interface panel  100 ,  102 ,  104  is present to provide power to other shelter assemblies  16 . Thus, a plurality of shelter assemblies  16  can be daisy-chained together to receive power from a single mobile power generator  1000  or otherwise. 
     As previously discussed, electronic equipment  200  is located on electronic racks  210 ,  212 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  according multiple considerations. By way of example shown in  FIG. 4C , rack  210  includes, cryptographic security device  300 , pre/post selector  302 , High Frequency (HF) communications device  304 , and Data Terminal Set for radio communications  306 . Rack  212  includes tactical data system to fiber converter  308 , digital voice conferencing switch  310 , tactical HF and VHF radio  312 , and Multifunctional Information Distribution System  314 . Rack  216  includes Ethernet patch panels  316 , Multiservice Access Router  318 , Ethernet Switch  320 , multiband manpack radios  322 ,  324 , and multichannel transceiver  326 . Rack  218  includes serial patch panels  328 , modems  330 , encryption device  332 , and data secure terminal equipment  334 . Rack  220  includes coded communications device  336 , PCI expansion chassis  338 , Common Aviation Command and Control System  340 , and universal power supply  342 . 
     Notably, High Frequency (HF) communications device  304  is able to provide/control/connect four channels of HF communication. However, electronics  200  overall are able to control more, for example 16, channels of HF communication. Accordingly, the limitations of High Frequency (HF) communications device  304  restrict the number of channels of HF communication controlled by a lone shelter assembly  16 . To overcome this limitation, external connectors  114 - 116 , present in signal interface assemblies  112 , are provided. External connectors  114 - 116  of one shelter assembly  16  are coupled, via CAT5 cable or otherwise, to one or more other shelter assemblies  16 . This connection allows the electronics  200  of one shelter assembly  16   a ,  FIG. 10 , to control and link the electronics  200  of the other shelter assemblies  16   b - d , including the High Frequency (HF) communications devices  304  thereof. Accordingly, while each shelter assembly  16   a - d  contains a High Frequency (HF) communications device  304  that can control and link four channels of communication, by linking the shelter assemblies  16 , a single shelter assembly  16  can control and link up to sixteen channels of communication. Thus, operators in one shelter assembly  16  can control the electronics  200  in multiple shelter assemblies  16 . Similarly, a single power generator  1000  can couple to shelter assembly  16   a  to provide power thereto. Shelter assemblies  16   b - c  are then connected in a daisy-chain fashion to shelter assembly  16   a  and power generator  1000  to provide power to all shelter assemblies  16   a - d  as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
     Accordingly, vehicle  10  provides a platform for transporting a shelter assembly  16 . When shelter assembly  16  is brought into the company of other similar shelter assemblies  16 , shelter assemblies  16  can be linked for data and power via connections in signal interface assemblies  112 . Furthermore, adjacent connected shelter assemblies  16  can be quickly detached. When detached, the respective shelter assemblies  16  can be quickly moved via respective vehicles  10 . 
     While this invention has been described as having an exemplary design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Technology Category: 4