[0001] Oil and gas explorations commonly employ seismic surveys to determine the location, nature, and likely quantity of oil and gas deposits disposed below the ground. During such seismic operations, a large pulse is emitted and directed into a rock formation at one point along the surface. This signal is driven into the formation and is reflected back such that the reflected signals may be received by a plurality of seismic sensors positioned at different points along the surface. The variations in the reflected signals may then be used to determine the likely location of oil and gas and other mineral deposits within the formation.

[0002] Some seismic surveys incorporate a wireless network which is linked to the plurality of seismic sensors such that the received data is received and transmitted without the need to have wires directly coupled to the sensors. Such wireless systems require a plurality of antennas which receive, aggregate, and transmit the signals emitted from the sensors. Such antennas must conform to a variety of operational specifications in order to be effective in the types of environments that seismic surveys are typically conducted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] For a detailed description of various examples, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0004] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a wireless network used to carry out a seismic survey in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0005] Figure 2 shows a prospective view of an antenna support system in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0006] Figure 3 is a side view of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0007] Figure 4 is an enlarged prospective view of the base of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0008] Figure 5 shows an enlarged prospective view of the mid-body connector of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein; [0009] Figure 6 shows the mid-body connector of Figure 5 in a folded or stowed position in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0010] Figure 7 is a top view of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0011] Figure 8 is an enlarged prospective view of the hinges disposed between each of the plurality of arms and the upper mast of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0012] Figure 9 is an enlarged prospective view of the hinges of Figure 8 in a folded or stowed position in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0013] Figure 10 is another enlarged prospective view of the hinges of Figure 8 in a folded or stowed position in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0014] Figure 1 1 is an enlarged prospective view of the hinges disposed between the arms and the antennas of the antenna support system of Figure 2;

[0015] Figure 12 is an enlarged prospective view of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in a folded or stowed position in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0016] Figures 13-16 show a progression of enlarged prospective views detailing the steps for securing the arms and antennas to the upper mast of the antenna support system of Figure 2 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0017] Figure 17 shows a partially schematic side view of an antenna support system with an inclinometer and electronic computation module attached thereto in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0018] Figure 18 shows another partially schematic side view of the antenna support system of Figure 17 that is axially deflected from the direction of the gravity vector in accordance with the principles disclosed herein;

[0019] Figure 19 shows a method of aligning an antenna support system in accordance with the principles disclosed herein; and

[0020] Figure 20 shows another method of aligning an antenna support system in accordance with the principles disclosed herein. NOTATION AND NOMENCLATURE

[0021] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular system components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, computer companies may refer to a component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components that differ in name but not function. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to... ." Also, the term "couple" or "couples" is intended to mean either an indirect, direct, optical or wireless electrical connection. Thus, if a first device couples to a second device, that connection may be through a direct electrical connection, through an indirect electrical connection via other devices and connections, through an optical electrical connection, or through a wireless electrical connection. The terms "axial" and "axially" generally mean along or parallel to a central axis (e.g., central axis of a body or a port), while the terms "radial" and "radially" generally mean perpendicular to the central axis. For instance, an axial distance refers to a distance measured along or parallel to the central axis, and a radial distance means a distance measured perpendicular to the central axis. Also, as used herein, the word "approximately" means "plus or minus 10%."

[0022] Furthermore, the drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and components herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The following discussion is directed to various examples of the invention. Although one or more of these examples may be preferred, the examples disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any example is meant only to be exemplary of that example, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that example. [0024] In the following description and figures, examples of an antenna support system are described for use in a system for carrying out seismic surveys. However, it should be noted that examples of the antenna support system described herein and methods relating thereto may be utilized in a wide variety of systems and applications which employ antennas to detect, aggregate, and/or transmit signals from sensors or nodes, while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Therefore, seismic surveys are merely one of many potential uses of the antenna support system and methods described herein. Thus, any reference to seismic surveys and related subject matter is merely included to provide context to the description contained herein and is in no way meant to limit the scope thereof.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 , a wireless network used to collect and aggregate data in a seismic survey according the principles disclosed herein generally comprises a plurality of seismic sensors 3, plurality of antennas 4, and at least one electronic aggregation module 8, and at least one transmission antenna 6. Each sensor 3 receives and measures the reflected seismic waves which are emitted during a seismic survey. Thereafter, each of the plurality of sensors 3 sends a signal which is received by a plurality of antennas 4, which comprise a first aggregation layer. The signals received by the antennas 4 are then aggregated or combined by an electronic aggregation module 8, such as, for example, a wireless access point. Aggregation module 8 then routes the aggregated signal to a second aggregation layer, represented by transmission antenna 6. Antenna 6 may then transmit the signals from aggregation module 8 to a receiving antenna at a remote location, such that all such data may be collected and analyzed accordingly. It should be noted that in some examples, only one antenna 4 may be utilized while still generally complying with the principles disclosed herein. Such systems include antenna masts and structures supporting such masts to be placed around or near the seismic sensors 3. The antenna support system disclosed herein has a rugged and lightweight construction suitable for the environments in which such seismic surveys are conducted. [0026] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, wherein a prospective view and a side view of an antenna support system 10 are shown in accordance with the principles disclosed herein. Antenna support system 10 generally comprises a base 12, an antenna mast assembly 21 further comprising a first or lower mast 14 and a second or upper mast 16, a mid-body connector 18 coupled to both the lower mast 14 and the upper mast 16, a plurality of guy wires 24 extending from points along the upper mast 16 to the ground 5, and a central longitudinal axis 19 running through the upper and lower masts 16, 14, respectively. In some examples, the length of the guy wires 24 is adjustable. Such adjustment may be accomplished by any suitable means. For example, in some examples, each guy wire 24 may be adjusted by means of a rope tensioner similar to that used in rock climbing. Other examples may employ equipment such as pulleys, buckles, winches or other similar devices in order to adjust the length of guy wires 24.

[0027] It should also be noted that, while the antenna support system 10 will be described herein as being placed on the ground 5, the support system 10 may be placed on other surfaces that do not include the ground 5 while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. The lower mast 14 and the upper mast 16 are both substantially hollow, and therefore each includes a throughbore (not shown) extending along their entire length, such that one or more conductors may be housed within. Additionally, support system 10 further comprises a plurality of arms 20 extending from the upper mast 16 and an electronic aggregation module 13 (e.g., a wireless access point). Furthermore, in this example, system 10 includes a top antenna 22 disposed on the top of the upper mast 16; however, it should be noted that in alternative examples, top antenna 22 may not be included. In the example shown, upper mast 16 comprises a plurality of individual tubulars 16a and 16b. As will be described in more detail below, the tubulars 16a, b are coupled together at the connection point of one of the arms. Each of the above referenced components will now be described in more detail below.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 4, wherein an enlarged prospective view of the base 12 is shown. Base 12 comprises a foot 30, a first or lower housing member 32 coupled to and extending upward from the foot 30, a second or upper housing member 34 disposed above the lower housing member 32, and a joint 35 coupling the lower housing member 32 to the upper housing member 34. In some implementations, such as that shown in Figure 4, the joint 35 comprises a gimbal joint and may be referred to as gimbal joint 35 herein.

[0029] Foot 30 is substantially flat and engages the ground 5 when support system 10 is fully deployed (as shown in Figure 2). Foot 30 also comprises a plurality of holes 33 that allow a securing device (not shown) such as, for example, a stake to be driven through holes 33 in foot 30 and into the ground 5. However, it should be understood that other examples of foot 30 may not include holes 33 while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Additionally, foot 30 may be secured to the ground 5 by any other suitable means while still complying with the principles disclosed herein.

[0030] Lower housing member 32 has an upper end 32a, a lower end 32b, and is coupled to foot 30 at its lower end 32b via a plurality of attachment members 31 . Attachment members 31 may comprise any suitable mechanism for attaching and securing two components together. For example, attachment members 31 may comprise bolts, screws, rivets, or an adhesive while still complying with principles disclosed herein.

[0031] Upper housing member 34 has an upper end 34a, a lower end 34b, and a receptacle 36 disposed at the upper end 34a and configured to receive one end of the lower mast 14. In the example shown, receptacle 36 is substantially circular in cross-section; however, it should be noted that the cross-section of receptacle 36 of the lower housing member 32 may be varied while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. For example, the cross-section may be rectangular, square, elliptical, octagonal, or hexagonal. Additionally, as shown in Figure 4, both the upper housing member 34 and the lower housing member 32 are substantially hollow such that they may house a conductor therein.

[0032] Joint 35 is disposed between and is coupled to the upper housing member 34 and the lower housing member 32. Joint 35 generally comprises a first shaft 37 oriented along a first axis of rotation 17 and coupled to the upper end 32a of lower housing member 32, and a second shaft 39 oriented along a second axis of rotation 15 and coupled to the lower end 34b of the upper housing member 34. Additionally, joint 35 comprises a first sleeve 38a, and a second sleeve 38b rigidly coupled to the first sleeve 38a such that the first and second sleeve 38a, b are fixed relative to one another. The first shaft 37 is received with the first sleeve 38a and the second shaft 39 is received within the second sleeve 38b such that the axes 17, 15 are oriented substantially perpendicular to one another. Furthermore, the first and second shafts 37, 39 are configured such that they may freely rotate within the sleeves 38a, b, respectively, thereby allowing the lower mast 14 to achieve a wide variety of positions, relative to foot 30 on base 12.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, mid-body connector 18 comprises an upper portion 40, a lower portion 42, a lock 46, and a hinge 44. The upper portion 40 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a receptacle 41 which receives one end of the upper mast 16. Similarly, the lower portion 42 is substantially cylindrical in shape and has a receptacle 43 which receives one end of the lower mast 14. The shape of the upper and lower portions 40, 42 may be varied while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. For example, upper and lower portions, 40 and 42, respectively, may have inner and/or outer cross-sections which are rectangular, square, elliptical, hexagonal, or octagonal. Hinge 44 rotatably couples the upper portion 40 to the lower portion 42 such that the connector 18 may occupy a first position wherein the upper and lower portions 40, 42 are axially aligned, as is shown in Figure 5, and a second position wherein the lower portion 42 is rotated 180° from the first position, as is shown in Figure 6. Referring briefly to Figure 6, a conductor tray 45 is disposed within the connector 18 such that a conductor or conductors disposed within the upper and/or lower mast 14, 16, respectively, may be routed through tray 45. Thus, tray 45 provides a dedicated pathway for a conductor or conductors that are routed through the upper and lower masts 14, 16, respectively, and ensures that said conductor or conductors are not overly bent or pinched when the connector 18 is transitioned between the first and second positions, previously described.

[0034] Lock 46 may be any suitable locking mechanism for fixing two components in a desired orientation. For example, lock 46 may comprise a snap, a tie, a latch, a buckle, a key, or a combination thereof while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. In the current example, lock 46 generally comprises a latch further comprising a locking member 47 which is coupled to the upper portion 40, a tab 47a disposed on one end of member 47, and a locking receptacle 48 which is coupled to the lower portion 42. When the connector 18 is in the first position, as previously described and shown in Figure 5, locking member 47 engages with locking receptacle 48 such that the upper portion 40 is fixed relative to the second portion 42. In order to release lock 46 to allow connector 18 to freely rotate about hinge 44 (e.g., in order to occupy the second position shown in Figure 6), the locking member 47 is disengaged from the locking receptacle 48 via tab 47a.

[0035] In some examples of connector 18, a hole or opening (not shown) is included on the first portion 40 and/or the second portion 42 which allows for access into the throughbores of the lower mast 14 and the upper mast 16. This access point may be used to route a conductor or cable into the throughbores of the lower mast 14 and/or the upper mast 16.

[0036] Referring now to Figures 3 and 7, arms 20 extend radially from the upper mast 16 and each comprises a first end 20a coupled to the upper mast 16, a distal end 20b extending radially away from the upper mast 16, a central axis 51 extending between the ends 20a, b, and a throughbore (not shown) extending along axis 51 between ends 20a, b. An antenna 50 is coupled to the end 20b of each arm 20; wherein each antenna 50 may, as will be described in more detail below, collect signals transmitted from various seismic sensors or nodes (not shown) which are positioned to receive the reflected seismic waves emitted during a seismic survey.

[0037] The plurality of arms 20 is axially or longitudinally separated from one another along the upper mast 16 and, as is best shown in Figure 7, each of the arms 20 are oriented such that the central axis 51 of each arm 20 is offset at an angle Θ from one another. In some examples, the angle Θ may be equal to 120°. However, other values for angle Θ may be used while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Each arm 20 includes a first bi-stable hinge 52 which is disposed between the first end 20a and the upper mast 16, and a second bi-stable hinge 54 which is disposed between the distal end 20b and the antenna 50.

[0038] Referring now to Figures 8-10, each hinge 52 comprises a mast sleeve 55, an arm sleeve 53, a first pair of connecting members 58, and a second pair of connecting members 56. For simplicity only one hinge 52 is shown in Figures 8- 10; however, it should be understood that each hinge 52 is configured the same. Additionally, in the description below, only one of the first pair of connecting members 58 and only one of the second pair of connecting members 56 will be described. However, it should be understood that each of the first pair of connecting members 58 is configured the same, and each of the second pair of connecting members 56 is configured the same. Therefore, a description of each of the first and second pairs of connecting members 58, 56 has been omitted.

[0039] The arm sleeve 53 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section such that it has a closed top side 53a, an open bottom side 53b, and a central open region 57 extending from the top side 53a to the bottom side 53b. Sleeve 35 may be coupled to the arm 20 by any suitable means such that the central open region 57 is axially aligned with the central axis 51 and throughbore of arm 20. For example, arm sleeve 53 may be coupled to the first end 20a of arm 20 via a friction fit connection, a threaded connection, an adhesive connection, or a combination thereof while still complying with the principles disclosed herein.

[0040] Mast sleeve 55 is substantially cylindrical in shape and is disposed between a pair of tubular sections 16a, b which make up a portion of the upper mast 16. In other examples, upper mast 16 may be made up of a single tubular piece such that sleeve 55 securely fits around the outer diameter of upper mast 16. In the example shown, mast sleeve 55 has an opening or slot 59 extending through sleeve 55. Opening 59 may be used, in some examples, to allow an access point for a conductor or cable, which may be routed into and/or out of the throughbores of the upper mast 16, the lower mast 14, or the arms 20.

[0041] The first connecting member 58 has first end 58a and a second end 58b. The first end 58a is rotatably coupled to mast sleeve 55 via pin 57. The second end 58b is rotatably coupled to the arm sleeve 53 via pin 63. A spring 62 is disposed about pin 57 such that it applies a counter clockwise torque to the member 58 about pin 57 and rotation about pin 57 is at least partially counteracted. Additionally, in the example shown, member 58 is disposed within a groove 60 along the outer body of sleeve 55 such that the rotation of member 58 about pin 57 is further limited.

[0042] The second connecting member 56 has first end 56a and a second end 56b. The first end 56a is rotatably coupled to the mast sleeve 55 via pin 65. Similarly, the second end 56b is rotatably coupled to the arm sleeve 53 via pin 61 . Member 56 also has a bent region 64 disposed thereon between the ends 56a, b to allow the connecting members 56 to fit over the first connecting members 58 when the arms 20 are in a folded or stowed position, as shown in Figure 9 (discussed below).

[0043] The spring 62 is configured such that the hinge 52 is stable both when the central axis 51 of arm 20 is oriented at approximately 0° relative to the central axis 19 of the upper mast 16 (as shown in Figure 9), and when the central axis 51 of arm 20 is oriented at approximately 90° relative to the central axis 19 of the upper mast 16 (as shown in Figure 8). Specifically, when the central axis 51 of the arm 20 is transitioned to the 90° orientation shown in Figure 8, the spring 62 applies a counter clockwise torque load to the member 58 about pin 57 such that the second end 58b experiences an upward force. This upward force further results in the application of a clockwise torque load to the arm sleeve 53 about pin 61 , such that arm 20 is maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation. The arm 20 is further prevented from rotating beyond the 90° orientation shown in Figure 8, by the connecting member 56. Conversely and as best shown in Figure 9, when the central axis 51 of the arm 20 is transitioned to the 0° orientation shown in Figure 9, the spring 62 again applies a counter clockwise torque load to the member 58 about pin 57 such that the second end 58b experiences an upward force. However, in the orientation shown in Figure 9, the upward force at the second end 58b of member 58 results in the application of a counter clockwise torque load to arm sleeve 53 about pin 61 , such that arm 20 is maintained in a substantially vertical orientation.

[0044] Figures 8-10 also show an attachment member 82 coupled to the upper mast 16 adjacent to the mast sleeve 55 via a band 84. Attachment member 82 also comprises a pair of slots or receptacles 85 which, as will be described in more detail below, engage with and facilitate the securing of arms 20 when they are in a folded or stowed position.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 1 1 , wherein an enlarged prospective view of the distal end 20b of one of the arms 20 is shown. While only one of the arms is shown in Figure 1 1 , it should be understood that each of the arms 20 is configured the same. As previously described, the distal end 20b of arm 20 includes a second bi-stable hinge 54 disposed thereon. The second bi-stable hinge 54 generally comprises a fixed sleeve 70, a connector hood 74, an antenna sleeve 72, and a pair connecting members 76. For simplicity and clarity, only one connecting member 76 will be described below and fully shown in the associated figures. However, it should be understood that both of the connecting members 76 are configured the same.

[0046] Fixed sleeve 70 is substantially U-shaped in cross-section such that it has a closed top side 70a, an open bottom side 70b, and a central open region 71 extending from the top side 70a to the bottom side 70b. The fixed sleeve 70 may be coupled to the distal end 20b of the arm 20 such that sleeve 70 is axially aligned with the central axis 51 and throughbore of arm 20 by any suitable means. For example, fixed sleeve 70 may be coupled to the end 20b via a threaded connection, a friction fit connection, an adhesive connection, or a combination thereof while still complying with the principles disclosed herein.

[0047] Connector hood 74 is rotatably coupled to the fixed sleeve 70 via pin 73. A spring 75 (only partially shown in Figure 1 1 ) is disposed about pin 73 such that it applies a counter clockwise torque to the connector hood 74 about pin 73 and rotation of connector hood 74 about pin 73 is at least partially counteracted. Connector hood 74 is also rotatably coupled to the antenna sleeve 72 via a pair of pins 77. Antenna 50 is in turn coupled to the antenna sleeve 72 via a pair of screws 79. However, it should be noted that any suitable connection or coupling means may be employed to secure antenna 50 to antenna sleeve 72 while still complying with the principles disclosed herein.

[0048] Each connecting member 76 includes a first end 76a, a second end 76b, an engagement member 86 extending proximate to the first end 76a, and a curved or bent region 78 disposed between the ends 76a, b. The first end 76a of member 76 is rotatably coupled to the fixed sleeve 70 via pin 81 . Similarly, the second end 76b of member 76 is rotatably coupled to the antenna sleeve 72 via pin 83. Bent region 78 allows member 76 to fit around pin 73 when the antenna

50 is in an extended or stowed position, as shown in Figure 16 (discussed below).

[0049] Referring now to Figures 1 1 and 16, in a similar manner previously described for spring 62 on hinge 52, the spring 75 is configured such that the hinge 54 is stable both when the antenna 50 is orientated approximately 0° relative to the central axis 51 of arm 20 (as shown in Figure 16), and when the antenna 50 is oriented at approximately 90° relative to the central axis 51 of arm 20 (as shown in Figure 1 1 ). Specifically, when the antenna 50 is transitioned to the 90° orientation shown in Figure 1 1 , the spring 75 applies a counter clockwise torque load to the connector hood 74 about pin 73 such that a clockwise torque load is applied to the antenna sleeve 72 about pin 83, thereby maintaining antenna 50 in a substantially perpendicular or 90° orientation to the central axis

51 of arm 20. The antenna 50 is further prevented from rotating beyond the 90° orientation shown in Figure 1 1 , by the connecting member 76. Conversely, when the antenna 50 is transitioned to the 0° orientation shown in Figure 16, the spring 75 again applies a counter clockwise torque load to the connector hood 74 about pin 73. However, in the orientation shown in Figure 16, the counter clockwise torque applied to the connector hood 74 results in the application of a counter clockwise torque load to antenna sleeve 72 about pin 83, such that antenna 50 is maintained in a substantially parallel or 0° orientation to the central axis 51 of arm 20.

[0050] Referring again to Figures 2, some examples of the antenna support system 10 further comprise a pair of guy wire attachment rings 90, 92 disposed on the upper mast 16. Ring 90 is disposed adjacent to the mid-body connection 18; while ring 92 is disposed adjacent the upper antenna 22. However, the number and arrangement points of guy wire attachment rings 90, 92 may be varied while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Additionally, in the description below, only ring 90 will be specifically described; however, it should be understood that ring 92 is substantially the same as ring 90. Therefore, a specific description of ring 92 has been omitted since the description associated with ring 90 may be identically applied to fully describe ring 92.

[0051] Referring again to Figure 5, ring 90 generally comprises a circular plate with a plurality of holes or slots 91 disposed therein. Each hole 91 is configured to attach to one end of a guy wire (e.g., guy wire 24). In other examples, ring 90 may have other shapes. For example, ring 90 may be substantially square, polygonal, octagonal, hexagonal, triangular, or rectangular while still complying with the principles disclosed herein. Also, ring 90 may be a separate component which is coupled to the upper mast 16 via bolts 93 or any other suitable connection mechanism, as is shown in Figure 5, or ring 90 may be monolithically formed with upper mast 16 such that it is an integral piece thereof.

[0052] Referring briefly again to Figure 2, during operation, system 10 is placed or deployed proximate to a plurality of seismic sensor or nodes (not shown) that are each configured to detect any reflected seismic waves emitted during a seismic survey. Each of the plurality of seismic nodes is also configured to transmit a signal containing the collected data. The antennas 50 disposed on the ends of arms 20 detect these transmitted signals from the nodes and relay their contents to the electronic aggregation module 13 via internal cabling or conductors which are routed from the antennas 50, through the arms 20, into the upper mast 16, and to the module 13. The various signals received from the antennas 50 are then aggregated in the module 13 and transmitted to the top antenna 22 via internal conductors which are routed from the module 13, through the upper mast 16, and into to the antenna 22. This aggregated signal is then transmitted by the top antenna 22 either to the ultimate destination of the data, or to another aggregation layer. In some examples, the antennas 50 may receive signals from as many as 100 sensors or nodes.

[0053] Referring now to Figures 2 and 12, wherein the antenna support system 10 is shown in a deployed and stowed position, respectively. In order to transition structure 10 from its deployed position, as shown in Figure 2, to its stowed position, as shown in Figure 12, the arms 20 must each be folded against the upper mast 16 such that they are substantially parallel thereto (as shown in Figures 8 and 9). Next, the hinges 54 are extended such that each antenna 50 is substantially aligned with the central axis 51 of each arm 20 (as shown in Figures 13-16). Additionally and as is shown in Figures 13-16, each of the arms 20 are secured against the upper mast 16 through engagement of members 86 into slots 85 on attachment member 82. Finally, the mid-body connector 18 is rotated about hinge 44 in the manner shown in Figure 6, such that the upper mast 16 is substantially parallel to the lower mast 14, thereby resulting in the arrangement shown in Figure 12.

[0054] Referring now to Figure 17, wherein a partially schematic side view of an antenna support system 100 in accordance with the principles disclosed herein is shown. System 100 is substantially similar to system 10, previously described, however system 100 further includes an electronic sensor 1 10 which is disposed on the upper mast 16, adjacent the upper antenna 22. Additionally, an electronic computation device 130 is coupled to sensor 1 10 via a conductor 125. As will be described in more detail below, sensor 1 10 may be any sensor (such as an inclinometer) capable of sensing or measuring an axial displacement. For example, sensor 1 10 may be a SOLAR-2-15-01 sensor, available from Level Developments, located in Croydon, Surrey, United Kingdom. Furthermore, electronic computation device 130 may be any suitable device for detecting, interpreting, and/or displaying the readings of an inclinometer or similar device. For example, device 130 may be an IDS-01 inclinometer display system available from Level Developments, located in Croydon, Surrey, United Kingdom. Conductor 125 may be routed into the lower mast 14 at or proximate to base 12, and into the throughbore of both the lower mast 14 and the upper mast 16 such that it may then be electrically coupled to sensor 1 10. In other examples of system 100, conductor 125 may be routed externally to both upper mast 16 and lower mast 14. In still other examples, electronic computation device 130 may be coupled to sensor 1 10 via a wireless connection. Top antenna 22 must typically be substantially aligned with the gravity vector in order to function properly. In some examples, antenna 22 must be aligned within 2° of the direction of gravity.

[0055] Sensor 1 10 is configured to measure the axial displacement of the top antenna 22 relative to the gravity vector. In some implementations, sensor 1 10 may comprise an inclinometer. As best shown in Figure 18, the antenna 22 and therefore the central axis 19 may be angled at an angle β relative to the gravity vector (represented by a vertical axis 7); wherein β may be sufficiently large enough in order to require adjustment of system 100 for proper functioning of antenna 22. Sensor 1 10 is configured to sense the axial displacement (represented by the angle β) and generate a signal which is transmitted, in the current example, through conductor 125 to the electronic computation device 130. Electronic computation device 130 receives and translates the signal such that the resulting measurement from sensor 1 10 may be displayed on a screen 135. Thereafter an operator may interpret the reading being displayed on screen 135 and determine the appropriate adjustments to make to system 100 in order to align sensor 1 10 and therefore antenna 22 with the gravity vector or axis 7.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 19, wherein a method 200 of aligning an antenna support system (e.g., system 10 or 100) is shown. Though depicted sequentially as a matter of convenience, at least some of the actions shown can be performed in a different order and/or performed in parallel. Additionally, some examples may perform only some of the actions shown.

[0057] First, method 200 begins by measuring an axial displacements of an electronic sensor disposed at a top end of a first antenna mast (e.g., upper mast 16) using an electronic computation device (e.g., device 130) at 205. Second, the method comprises adjusting the axial alignment or direction of the first antenna mast at 210 by altering the alignment of a joint, as a result of the measured axial displacement. Thereafter, new measurements may be taken by the sensor at 205, thereby reinitiating the analysis.

[0058] Referring now to Figure 20, wherein a method 250 of aligning an antenna support system (e.g., system 10 or 100) is shown. Though depicted sequentially as a matter of convenience, at least some of the actions shown can be performed in a different order and/or performed in parallel. Additionally, some examples may perform only some of the actions shown.

[0059] First, the method 200 begins by measuring an axial displacement of a top antenna via an electronic sensor which is located at or near the top of an antenna mast (e.g., sensor 1 10) at 255. Next, a signal is generated by the sensor at 260. The signal is then received by an electronic computation device (e.g., device 130) via either a wireless or cabled connection at 265. The receive signal is then converted into a readable representation of the axial displacement of the sensor and displayed on a screen or display disposed on the electronic computation device at 270. In other examples of method 250, the axial displacement is displayed on a screen or display which is not disposed on electronic computation device. In still other examples, the axial displacement is communicated or represented through a non-visual means, such as, for example, a pulse or an audible tone. Finally, the method includes a final step of adjusting the orientation of the top antenna based on the displayed axial displacement at 275. Thereafter, new measurements may be taken by the sensor at 205, thereby reinitiating the analysis.

[0060] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various examples of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.