Abstract: A noise trap circuit particularly suitable for use in an electro-acoustic system, operates to suppress low level signals or noise while allowing a relatively large signal to pass unattenuated between input and output terminals of the circuit. Blocking elements between the input and output terminals establish a high impedance path to the noise but switch to a conductive state when the large signals are present at the input terminals. Shunt elements across the output terminals provide a low resistance path or "crowbar" when only the noise is present at the input terminals, but switch to a non-conductive state when the large signals are sensed at the circuit input.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring high temperatures in a boiler transmits pulses of acoustic waves, from one side wall of the boiler to an opposite side wall thereof. Acoustic noise within the boiler, as well as the transmitted pulses of acoustic waves are received at the opposite side of the boiler. The received signal is digitized and compared to a digitized sample of the pulses during a time period which is more than the maximum transit time for the pulses between the side walls. A point of maximum correlation between the sample and the signal is taken as the arrival time for the pulse and is used to calculate the transit time of the pulse across the boiler. This transit time is used in turn to calculate the velocity of the pulses. The temperature can then be calculated as a function of the velocity, the molecular weight of the medium and the specific heat ratio of the medium. Each pulse has a modulated frequency between 500 and 3,000 Hz.

Abstract: System to measure the coefficients of reflection of submerged surfaces such as the seabed, by comparison of the intensities of acoustic impulses propagated between a source and a receptor, both of which are submerged, and that of the echoes of these impulses on the reflectors. For this purpose, there is provided a programmed calculator, an interface card to communicate with different units: an echo-sounder, a source triggering detector, a shot box to control the source and a recorder, a programmable attenuator, an acquisition card driven by the calculator and bearing an adjustable type filter and a circuit, also controlled by the calculator, for modifying the functioning parameters of the attenuation and of the filter, and fixing the starting parameters.

Abstract: A distance detecting device having a transmitter for intermittently transmitting measuring waves toward an object, a pair of receivers provided so as to be spaced from each other by half the wave length of the waves in a direction of the object, each receiver receiving reflected waves from the object and transmitting a reception signal responsive to the amplitude of the reflected waves, an addition circuit for adding the reception signal from each of the pair of receivers and transmitting an addition signal, a peak detection circuit for detecting a peak of the addition signal and transmitting a reflected waves reach signal at the time of peak detection, and an operation device for calculating the distance to the object based on the return time from the time when the waves are transmitted to the time when the reflected waves reach signal is outputted.

Abstract: A method for locating signal sources, particularly sound signal sources, is suggested using several spacially separated sensors whose output signals are processed in order to detect noise and to eliminate such noise under utilization of a normalizing factor, the normalizing factor considers particularly those frequencies which, for one reason or another, are uniquely attributable to noise.

Abstract: A process and device for passive detection of helicopters includes detection of helicopter noise and ambient noise by means of an electro-acoustic transducer, and outputting of an amplitude modulated signal therefrom; amplitude demodulation of the signal in the frequency band between 300 Hz and 3500 Hz; spectral analysis of the demodulated signal; and selection and registration of characteristic frequency lines reflective of the rotary units of the helicopter. The process and device permit passive detection of helicopters in the lower noise, higher frequency band, thereby also permitting utilization of smaller antenna arrays.

Abstract: A method and device for attenuating wideband spurious noises to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of a tracked acoustic signal. Two sensors (1 and 2) are provided, one of which receives the disturbed tracked signal and the other the spurious noises, to feed a plurality of correlation modules (4) via as many spectrum-line filters (3) distributed throughout the useful bandwidth of sensor (1), each of said correlation modules (4) supplying a correction signal and the sum of said correction signals being subtracted from the signal given by sensor (1) to yield a noise-free tracked signal. The invention is applicable to acoustic reception systems used in noisy environments.

Abstract: An electronic noise filtration system for use in improving the signal to noise ratio of acoustic data transmitted from a downhole transducer in a measurement while drilling system. Signals from a pair of receiving acoustic transducers located in the mud flow path directed downhole are input to a differencing amplifier. The RMS output of the amplifier is converted from an analog to a digital signal and then processed by a computer programmed with a least mean squares technique for minimizing the signal. The input from one receiving transducer is routed through a delay line wherein a programmable clock controls the timing of the signal delay. The delay time is controlled and adjusted by the computer's calculation of the frequency with which the clock should drive the delay line to minimize the difference between the two received transducer signals. This function minimizes ambient noise in the acoustic transmission line formed by the column of drilling fluids when no data transmissions are being made.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for discriminating against non-Gaussian noise. Analog signals from an array of sensors are converted to real and imaginary digital representations and processed such that non-Gaussian noise is separated from signals of interest. The processor uses estimates of Kurtosis and quantiles from either past or adjacent frequency components to construct non-linear elements, which are then used to process remaining signal data to improve the signal-to-noise ratio thereof by removing non-Gaussian noise therefrom.

Abstract: A modulation/signal processing technique for acoustic communication in show water. Digital information is transmitted in a time expended version of frequency shift keying where a tone burst at a first frequency represents a logical zero and a tone burst at a second frequency represents a logical one. There is a long quiet time between bits to allow multipath interference to decay. A relative energy detector with a fast attack/slow decay circuit for Doppler compensation is used to receive the transmitted tone bursts and reproduce a digital data train equivalent to the transmitted pulse train. A single communication channel employs two frequencies to transmit an identity code as a signal validating and identification method and two frequencies to simultaneously transmit telemetry data.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the design of finite noise barriers by using an extension of the Biot-Tolstoy rigorous closed form impulse solution for diffraction of an acoustic pressure pulse by an infinite rigid wedge. An initial finite barrier is defined and then a calculation made of the impulse signal transmitted on one side of the barrier and received on the other side by adapting the Biot-Tolstoy solution to a digital computer. The integrals of the acoustic pressure impulse are calculated for each source/receiver path for each segment of the barrier. The integrals are then compared and the segments are adjusted and new calculations made until all integral contributions are equal. The integrals are then digitally Fourier transformed to determine attenuation at the desired frequencies. After comparison with the desired attenuation, all segments are proportionately adjusted and the entire computational process reiterated until the optimal attenuation is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for rejection of turbulence induced flow noise for towed hydhone arrays. Two adjacent hydrophones in the array are spaced less than flow noise coherence distance apart forming a flow noise cancelling module. The inverted acoustic/flow noise signal from the lead hydrophone of the pair is split, one side passing to the final stage of signal processing while the other side, filtered, amplified and inverted, is added to the combined signal from the lag hydrophone which has been filtered and amplified. The acoustic signal components cancel leaving only the lead hydrophone flow noise plus the lag hydrophone flow noise which has been shifted by a factor dependent upon tow vessel speed and hydrophone spacing.

Abstract: Apparatus for suppression of water flow noises in connection with a keel nted sonar dome. A solution of water soluble polymer is ejected through a series of holes along the leading edge of the sonar dome under forward movement of the ship. The concentration and flow rate is chosen to "bathe" the dome in a very dilute dispersion (of the order of 10 parts per million by weight) of the polymer.

Abstract: An intrusion detection apparatus including a sensor for sensing an objectionable interference phenomenon within a detection area and developing a pulse train coincident therewith, signal processing circuitry responsive to the pulse train and operation to actuate a Gunn diode microwave generator or the like in a pulsed manner causing it to transmit microwave energy into the detection area in synchronism with the interference phenomenon, a microwave receiver for detecting microwave energy reflected from the detection area and for developing detection signals indicating motion within the monitored area, and further signal processing circuitry responsive to the detection signal and operative to actuate an alarm or the like.

Abstract: An ambient sea noise elimination system is disclosed in which the outputs of a directional hydrophone and an omnidirectional hydrophone are filtered and summed such that the effective receiving pattern below approximately 300 Hz is a vertically oriented dipole pattern having a null in the horizontal direction and such that the effective receiving pattern above 300 Hz is a cardioid having its null either pointing upwardly or pointing downwardly in a vertical direction. The option of simple omnicoverage at the high frequencies can also be easily implemented. This system thus takes advantage of the discovery that ambient sea noise under 300 Hz primarily travels in a horizontal direction whereas ambient sea noise above 300 Hz generally travels in a vertical direction.

Abstract: In a borehole acoustic telemetry system for acoustically transmitting data over a pipe suspended in a borehole, the level of noise in the data stream is inherently high, making the use of precise frequencies advantageous to provide useful data. A first transmitter in the system operates at a precise frequency to transmit a signal over the pipe where it is received by a receive and retransmit circuit path. Components in the receive and retransmit section filter and amplify a data component of the signal and retransmit the data signal at a precise frequency. Crystal controlled oscillator clocks are operated in the system at a same frequency in the transmitter and receiver-retransmitter to insure precise frequency control of the system.

Abstract: The oscillations which are generated during an attempted instrusion at a protected area or surface, for instance a vault wall or fence, are received at a sonic receiver and processed by an evaluation circuit such that only the oscillations emanating from an intrusion attempt trip an alarm, not however spurious oscillations from the surroundings. The received oscillations are mixed with a carrier frequency whose frequency periodically and continuously passes through a certain frequency range. The mixed signals are filtered in a narrow band frequency range, so that at the output, during each frequency through pass period, there appears the entire frequency spectrum of the received sonic oscillations in the evaluated frequency range. The filtered signals are integrated and the integrated signal, after a brief period of time, is reset as a frequency throughpass if no further signal appears.

Abstract: A signal processor for use with an array of antenna elements comprises a plurality of pairs of receiver channels which receive signals from respective halves of the array. The component of the signals resulting from noise, such as the noise generated within the ocean, is substantially decorrelated between the respective halves of the array, while a component of the signal obtained from a source of a desired signal is coherent between the two halves of the array. The signals in each pair of channels are translated to intermediate frequencies by mixing the signals with reference signals of differing frequencies in each of the respective pairs of channels. The translated signals in each pair of channels are then multiplied together to produce a signal of substantially constant amplitude which is suitable for detection, or for a bearing deviation indication.

Abstract: A propeller modulation enhancement and display system which suppresses hull cho and displays propeller modulation of a return sonar signal in real time. The real-time operation is obtained through the use of a multichannel frequency spectrum analyzer having a plurality of narrow bandpass filters covering the frequency of interest. Suppression of the hull echo is obtained through the use of a narrow band-reject filter having a variable center frequency. The filter precedes the multichannel frequency spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intruder alarm system which compensates for background and other interfering noises. The system comprises dual amplifiers, one a main channel and the other a control channel wherein the control channel is responsive primarily to background and other interfering noises and develops a control signal which when applied as a control signal to modify the amplification characteristics of the main amplifier effectively removes the effect of the background and other interfering noises from the output of the main channel.

Abstract: A noise-cancellation scheme in a system receiving acoustic information signals, where the system is carried in a vehicle having self-generated engine noise. An engine rotation sensor generates pulses driving a synchronous type filter device which passes only the engine noise frequency and its harmonics. The latter signal is then subtracted from the total input signal having information and noise combined. One filter circuit comprises a phase-locked loop with a multiplying counter whose output goes to a multiplexer having a plurality of grounded capacitors connected thereto.

Abstract: Means are provided for reducing the dynamic range requirement of an underer sound system by minimizing the effects of noise interference. Computer means are provided to automatically rotate the pattern function of the combination of the dipole hydrophones in the system. A minimum noise pattern position is derived from hydrophone output information.

Abstract: An acoustical deverberator for eliminating the reverberation from a sound gnal originating with a transient sound source in shallow water. The sound signal is received by a single hydrophone and autocorrelated to determine the time differences between the direct signal and the bottom surface reflected signals. Together with the surface and bottom reflection coefficients and known depths of the hydrophone and water, the time differences are used to determine corrections which are applied to the received sound signal. The result is a clean sound signal free from interfering reverberation.

Abstract: A surface acoustic signal defader for optimizing the signal received from derwater sound scattered from the ocean surface. The bandwidth of the underwater sound source is monitored and the frequency of maximum signal strength is identified. When the maximum signal strength frequency fades a predetermined amount, reception is switched to the signal of maximum anti-correlation. This process is continuous such that when the new frequency fades the anti-correlation process will determine the optimum frequency for the new fading condition, thus resulting in optimum reception of surface scattered underwater sound.

Abstract: Each receiving or transmitting circuit for a respective transducer element includes an individually controllable buffer amplifier which is so operated as to avoid detrimental switching transients. For example, the buffer amplifiers in the receiving circuit may have input switches closed immediately after a transmit pulse and prior to the actual receiving phase. Then output switches of the buffer amplifiers to be activated are closed in the receiving phase, but transients so produced are blocked by the high reverse attenuation of the buffer amplifiers. The input switches may be actuated prior to activation of the transducer elements in receive mode and may serve to simultaneously supply operating voltage to the respective associated buffer amplifiers, the buffer amplifiers all being switched off during transmit mode to block transmit energy from non-active transducers.

Abstract: An improved position determining device using a delay line with energy absorptive terminations at the ends thereof and having a driver transducer coupled to the delay line for producing a traveling wave on the line and a first receiver transducer coupled to the delay line at the distance to be determined. A second receiver transducer, also coupled to the delay line, is displaced from the first receiver transducer by a distance preferably substantially equal to one-quarter wavelength of the traveling wave signal. Each of the receiver transducers detects the direct traveling wave signal from the driver transducer and a traveling wave signal component which is reflected from an end termination. The detected signals from the second receiver transducer are phase-shifted by a 90.degree. phase lag and the phase-shifted signals are combined with the signals detected by the first receiver transducer, whereby the reflected signal components in the combined output signal are effectively eliminated.

Abstract: An echo sounder has a transducer for transmitting and receiving pulses of energy, a rotary arm display and a meter or digital display. The rotary arm is arranged to cause the transducer to transmit a pulse of energy on each occasion it passes a datum position. The motor of the rotary arm display may be switched off while simultaneously energizing an oscillator having an output frequency equal to that of the rotational speed of the motor prior to deenergization.

Abstract: An adaptive filter for sonar signals which operates on the complex spectral components of the received signal, which signal has been transformed into the frequency domain by means such as the Fast Fourier Transform. The adaptive filter consists of a plurality of component filters, each of which operates on a single spectral component of the received signals. The transfer coefficient of each component filter is described by a complex number and is adaptively adjusted by means of a computational feedback loop. The feedback loop compares the product of the transfer coefficient and the complex spectral component of the received signal from a prior frequency transformation cycle, with the present spectral component to obtain an error signal. The error signal, in turn, adaptively alters the magnitude and phase of the transfer coefficient.A plurality of such component filters operate together to adaptively filter, in the frequency domain, the entire spectrum of the received signal.

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Abstract: In sound target detection equipment, at least three microphones are used in a broadside array manner to ascertain the presence of a selected sound source. The outputs of the three microphones all include the sought signal S and respectively contain noise components X, U and Y. These outputs are combined to provide X-U and X-Y. These two signals are then applied as separate inputs to a discriminator which applies the rules:(a) when the input signals are both of the same polarity, the discriminator selects the input closer to zero and presents it as the output;(b) when the input signals are of opposite polarity, the device presents zero as the output.The output from the discriminator is then subtracted from one of the original microphone outputs in a manner tending to cancel out the noise contents, and the resulting signal examined for the presence of the sought signal S. The invention is applicable also to non-aural signal detection equipment.

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Abstract: An acoustic height sensor, particularly adapted for use in the foil-borne mode of operation of a hydrofoil, wherein sensitivity to noise pulses is materially reduced or essentially eliminated by monitoring for noise levels capable of producing interference and, if the noise persists for a sufficiently long period, suspending processing of any signal returns until the noise ceases. In the meantime, and as processing of signal returns is suspended, sample and hold circuitry maintains the output of the system at its previous level until the noise abates.