Abstract: A distance measuring device including a casing bearing a visual display and incorporating therein a transmitter for directing signals toward a selected surface; a receiver for detecting echoes from the selected surface; distance calculating circuitry for measuring the distance to a selected surface in accordance with the transit time of the signal; visually displaying the calculated distance; memory for storing at least two displayed distances measured in perpendicular directions; multiplication circuitry for multiplying the stored measurements; and visually displaying the product of the multiplication. The device further includes a key to effect the operation of the device whereby a distance is displayed, another key to initiate the storage of a displayed distance; and a key to initiate the multiplication of the stored distance measurements.

Abstract: A swimmer protection and pool safety warning device comprises a portable sonic signal generating member worn by a swimmer in a pool, the signal generating member having a switch or similar device which is activated at a predetermined depth. Also included is a timer for detecting immersion at said predetermined depth for a predetermined time. On immersion occurring at the predetermined depth for the predetermined time, a sonic signal is generated, and detected by a receiver mounted in the pool. An alarm signal is generated to operate an alarm device. Calibration of the source signal generating member can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for scanning a specified underwater area with sonar energy to generate sonar image signals of a submerged diver and othe objects within said underwater area, processing said sonar image signals at, for example, a remote station such as a surface vessel, whereby information is incorporated with said sonar image signals for designating a route from the starting underwater location of the diver to a particular underwater object, and transmitting said processed signals to an image monitor carried by the diver for providing him with visual directional information to assist him in going from his starting location to the location of the targeted object. Preferably, said directional information includes a route or heading line that the diver can follow on his monitor in moving toward the object.

Abstract: An underwater guidance system includes a transmitter located at a home base and generating a signal having a prescribed frequency. A diver wears a receiver on his wrist. The receiver includes a plurality of direction indicating elements and an out-of-range indicating element. The diver views the receiver to determine his position relative to the transmitter.

Abstract: A hand held electronic grading level which automatically and accurately calculates the grade of a ground plane and indicates whether said grade is level. The grading level comprises a telescopic site level and a sonar system that is coupled to a microelectronically controlled calculator and a digital read out display. The sight level permits the grading level to be aligned horizontally with a distant sight target. The sonar system then generates an acoustic pulse which is reflected off the ground plane and received at a detector. The elapsed time between the transmission and receipt of the acoustic pulse provides an indication of the vertical elevation from the gorund plane to the sonar system. This elevation is displayed and compared to the known elevation of the distant sight target. The deviation between the shot and known elevations is also displayed to indicate the actual grade of the ground plane and whether said ground plane is level.

Abstract: A dive parameter transmitter/receiver assembly for scuba diving includes a transmitter circuit with a control unit with one or more sensors for detecting dive parameters and/or information to be displayed. A modulator is included for modulating the parameter(s) or information and a transmitting transducer for propagating the parameter(s) or information. A receiver circuit is included and has a receiver transducer a demodulator, a decoder and a display for displaying the parameter(s) or information.

Abstract: The castable fish/depth finder has a display unit, rod and reel, transducer and conductors establishing electrical continuity from the display unit to the rod and reel, and therefrom to the transducer. The conductor from the rod and reel to the transducer additionally functions as mechanical means for conventional casting by an onshore fisherman of the transducer to a particular section of a body of water. The presence of fish in such particular section and the water depth is ascertained and indicia therefor is displayed on a screen of the display unit.

Abstract: An ultrasonic system for identifying the location of personnel within a multiple room complex. The system includes ultrasonic transmitters adapted to be transported by the personnel. The transmitters periodically transmit pulse code modulated (PCM) transmitter signals representative of a digital code sequence characteristic of the person, and formed by a plurality of bit positions which are separated from adjacent bit positions by predetermined time intervals. Ultrasonic receivers for receiving the transmitter signals are positioned within each room of the complex. The receivers detect bits of the code sequence only during window periods corresponding to expected bit positions. Detected code sequences are compared to predetermined code sequences, and receiver signals are produced as a function of the comparison. A central station is coupled to receive the receiver signals, and provides a visual indication of the rooms in which the persons transporting the transmitters are located.

Abstract: A dive parameter transmitter/receiver assembly for scuba diving includes a transmitter circuit with a control unit with one or more sensors for detecting dive parameters and/or information to be displayed. A modulator is included for modulating the parameter(s) or information and a transmitting transducer for propagating the parameter(s) or information. A receiver circuit is included and has a receiver transducer, a demodulator, a decoder, and a display for displaying the parameter(s) or information.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display depth finder using a sonar transducer is provided with a plurality of input keys interfaced to a microprocessor with each input key being dedicated to a particular function or feature usable with the depth finder. The microprocessor is utilized to control the operation of the transducer and the display of the data generated thereby in accordance with the particular function or set of functions chosen by the operator and to manipulate programming stored within the depth finder which will enable a tutorial mode comprising alphanumeric information and command key indication such that an the user may determine how the machine is to properly function.

Abstract: A homing system for directing the user to one of a plurality of objects and/or locations comprises a plurality of remote modules and a mobile module. The remote modules transmit an uncoded nondirectional response signal after receiving a coded request signal. The mobile module at spaced intervals transmits coded nondirectional request signals. The mobile module generates internal representation of the distance between the receiving means and the selected module from the time measured between the transmission of the request signal and the receipt of the response signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring distances comprising circuit for sending an acoustic signal to a distant location, the distance of which is to be measured, circuit for receiving back reflected acoustic energy, and electronic circuit means for eliminating spurious echoes by providing a threshold signal level above the signal level of said spurious echoes, and a timing circuit to time the interval between the transmission of the acoustic signal and receipt of the acoustic signal.

Abstract: Fish sonar signals, temperature signals, PH signals or speed signals of a boat which are emitted from a transmitter as RF signals are respectively received in a wrist watch type receiver, and are displayed on a display device attached to a case of the wrist watch type receiver, whereby each fisherman can see the state of the sea by putting on the wrist watch type receiver to his wrist.

Abstract: A resonant tube having an inlet fitting at one end for connection to the regulator hose attached to an intermediate pressure port on the first stage of a scuba diver's regulator and containing therein a sound generator responsive to pressurized air for generating an audible sound to be propagated against the wall of such tube. The outlet from such tube includes a normally closed air valve which may be selectively depressed to release air from such resonator tube causing incoming air to flow through such generator to generate such audible sound. Frequencies generated are propagated to the surrounding water or air.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying by a diver while underwater that provides information useful for enabling the diver to expeditiously and safely work on submerged vessels without the danger of tapping into an explosive gas. The invention is particularly useful for finding liquid/gas boundary in a submerged vessel or the pressure of liquid or gas behind the wall of a vessel. A transmitting transducer provides a low frequency acoustic tone burst that is transmitted toward the hull of the ship. The reflected signal from the inner surface of the hull is received by a hydrophone and processed. Electronic circuit means, responsive to the received signal, processes the signal and computes the location of a liquid/gas interface or the presence of liquid or gas behind the hull. A display provides indications of the computed values.

Abstract: A method for processing a reflected echo signal which is received from an object and supplied to an ultrasonic binaural sensory aid comprising the step of stretching said reflected signal in time axis, and the step of converting the stretched signal into a signal of audible frequency, and a blind aid which works by the above mentioned method.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for mounting a sonar depth sounder transducer on an electric trolling motor such that the transducer is protected from entaglement with vegetation and from being knocked out of a predetermined orientation relative to the boat. The conventional bearing cap connected to the nose of a trolling motor is replaced by a bearing cap having a sonar tranducer integrally mounted therein such that the power cable, extending from the depth sounder in the boat to the transducer, is routed through the inside of the trolling motor housing and through the hollow tubular trolling motor support shaft. A power cable guide is mounted inside the trolling motor housing and is supported by a guide ring for positioning the power cable along a path preventing engagement with the armature, rotor and other moving parts in the trolling motor.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable, simple to use, low-cost yet accurate measurement device for measuring distances and calculating areas and volumes. The device comprises a microprocessor-controlled transmitter/receiver combination for transmitting measuring signals, and receiving reflections of those signals to provide distance or length measurements. The microprocessor operates to store sequential measurements and to calculate areas and volumes therefrom. The measurement procedure involves aiming the device and operating a simple sequence of buttons to obtain the measurements. Additional features of the device include a target and stand to reflect the measuring signals, a viewfinder, a level meter, and an indented rear portion with flush sides to place the device against a vertical surface for measuring, and a generally flat surface to place the device on a horizontal surface for measuring.

Abstract: A low cost, effective electronic audio aid for the blind who have good hearing. The aid employs a hand held housing about the size of a flashlight which contains a battery power supply and electronic-audio circuit together with a somewhat directional audio speaker for emitting a low power, directional beam of acoustic energy having specially-shaped audio waveforms which when impinging on an object in the vicinity of the user return an altered, reflected characteristic sound signal which can be audibly discerned by the user to detect the presence of the object and its approximate location.

Abstract: A portable, self-contained underwater signalling device adapted to be worn by a diver. A waterproof housing has contained therein an acoustic sound generator, a power source and a three-position switch and circuit board connected in circuit between the power source and sound generator. The three-position switch provides an off or open position, a momentary on position and a full on position. The circuit board may vary the frequency of the signal output of the sound generator when the switch is in the constant on position to generate a pulsed frequency or a constant frequency.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for measuring the length of an open pipe includes a sound transducer placed in spaced open air communication with the interior of the pipe at a selected end. A logic circuit is employed with the transducer for producing a square wave sound pulse that is directed at the pipe's selected end. An oscillator provides an ambient temperature modified count in accordance with the time required for the pulse to travel the length of the pipe and return. For compensating for error tending to be introduced because of the spacing of the impedance reflective surface at the far end of the pipe, a standoff device establishes such a distance between the transducer and the selected end of the pipe as to effect an adjustment in the duration of the oscillator count that corrects for the error.

Abstract: A system for measuring the distance between two objects, for determining the center between two objects and for triangulating the height of a tall object. In measuring the distance between two objects, an initial count is started when a first ultrasonic pulse is transmitted. The initial count is stopped when that pulse is received. The second pulse is transmitted only after a delay interval where the delay interval begins at the start of the initial count and is substantially equal to the maximum range time of a transducer. The restarted count is stopped when the second pulse is received, and the resultant count is displayed as a number related to the total distance between the objects.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the length of a tubular member such as a pipe are disclosed. A burst of acoustical pulses are emitted from a sending unit and are received by a reference acoustical transducer and by a slave acoustic transducer. The slave transducer emits a return pulse which is used to compute the duration of the sound propagation interval between the ends of the pipe. A phase angle compensation factor is computed by measuring the phase shift of the signal received by the reference transducer with respect to the signal emitted by the master transducer.

Abstract: Acoustic intensity measuring apparatus for determining sound energy intensity utilizing a probe having a pair of microphones and an associated ambient noise shield.

Abstract: A curved faced, disc shaped transducer and an oppositely facing, circular angularly disposed mirror form the transmission and reception path of a mechanical sector scan imaging system. The transducer and mirror are mounted on a common axis, and a shaft upon which the mirror is affixed oscillates about that axis. Through a belt drive mechanism, a motor provides the oscillating motion, in turn scanning the ultrasound beams through the subject by virtue of the mirror motion. An optical encoder records positional information from the motor, for coordination of the mirror oscillation with transducer signals, and thereby for the assembly of a composite image.

Abstract: Acoustic beacon for use at sea and having a pipe-shaped housing in the one nd of which is space for a battery which drives a transmitter disposed coaxially around the housing at the other end where there is arranged a pressure switch covered by a membrane. The transmitter is switched on by the pressure switch when the pressure on the outside of the membrane exceeds a certain limit when the beacon falls in water.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for locating an object by stress wave energy reflection in which the wave energy is transmitted as a beam by transmitting transducer elements, and is scanned through successive sectors of a field of view by imposing differential transmission delays on transmitting signals fed to the elements by means of a delay line. Indicator signals are developed in receiving channels connected respectively to receiving transducers providing binaural characteristics, and transducer providing monaural characteristics but collectively covering the field. An indicator means comprises any, or any combination, of audible means, visual means or tactile means the two latter providing coordinate displays.

Abstract: A system, which automatically or manually signals and senses the event of a person falling overboard from a vessel (12) into water (14), comprises a portable transmitter (16) coupled to a sound-producing transducer carried by the person (10) for transmitting ultrasonic and/or audible sound waves (18) through the water to a receiver (20) carried by the vessel. The receiver thereby permits rescue operations of the person to be initiated.

Abstract: A method of locating an object by wave energy reflection and an apparatus therefor in which receiving outer transducers provide directional receptivities represented by polar lobes diverging on opposite sides of a reference axis and an inner receiving transducer provide a directional receptivity represented by a narrower polar lobe centered on the reference axis. The signals received from the outer transducers are operated upon in channels of the receiver to modulate them with a frequency swept local signal derived from the transmitted signal and develop indicator signals of difference frequency between the transmitted and received frequencies and which represent the range of the object. The outer signals are displayed binaurally, to enable the user to achieve firstly approximate directional sensing by binaural effect, and thereafter more accurate directional sensing by the use of signals developed in a central channel and derived from the inner transducer or outer transducers simulating an inner transducer.

Abstract: A device for detecting ultrasonic noise, particularly such noise as generated by fluid leaks, includes a directional ultrasonic microphone, amplifiers and ultrasonic filters, an envelope detector, an audio preamplifier and filter, a level control, a meter, an audio power amplifier and speaker, and a phase shift feedback network connected from the output of the power amplifier to an input thereof. A switch is operable in a first setting to connect the power amplifier to the level control to convey the audio frequency amplitude envelope of the detected ultrasonic noise through the speaker or in a second setting to connect the power amplifier to the feedback network. A level detector is operatively connected to the level control and provides a control signal which is conducted to the feedback network. When the control signal exceeds a selected level, the feedback loop circuit is completed, whereby the power amplifier oscillates audibly through the speaker and gives audible indication of an ultrasonic noise.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained depth finding device is immersible into water for transmitting and receiving sonic impulses in the direction the device is aimed. The device includes a hand grip carrying a battery cartridge and an external trigger for operating a power switch within the waterproof interior. A liquid crystal display registers the measured depth in feet.

Abstract: A conventional mobility cane for the blind incorporates a compact, dual-mode, ultrasonic obstacle detection sensor that includes a combination transmitting and receiving, capacitance type electrostatic transducer. The size of the protective zone associated with said sensor is infinitely variable. In one mode, the sensor warns of low lying objects that might contact the upper extremities of an ambulatory mobility cane user. In another mode, the user can determine the presence or absence of more remote objects. Means are provided for readily alternating between said object sensor modes.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for determining the length of a tubular member from a selected end thereof utilizing a hand-held probe wherein means are provided for producing sound pulses at the selected end, means are provided for detecting sound pulses at the selected end, means are provided for sensing the ambient temperature of the air in the vicinity of the inside of the tubular member being measured, means are provided for determining the time elapsed from the moment the sound pulse is generated until the accoustic wave comprising the returning sound pulse is detected by the detecting means, and means are provided for compensating for the increased travel time of the sound pulse occasioned by the sound pulse being reflected from the impedance differential surface set up by the other end of the pipe and spaced from the other end of the pipe.

Abstract: A marine depth sounding apparatus including a floatable housing carrying a sonic transducer for emitting sound waves toward the bottom of a body of water and for detecting the reflections of such sound waves, and a sound transmitter for emitting an audible signal when the information provided by the sonic transducer indicates that the depth of the water is less than a predetermined depth. The apparatus may be cast away from the vessel to provide information concerning the depth of water at locations remote from the vessel. A circuit is disclosed for comparing the time period required for sound waves to travel a distance corresponding to the predetermined depth with the actual time elapsed between the emitting of the sound waves by the sonic transducer and their detection by the sonic transducer.

Abstract: A personnel locator and display system for indicating on a status board the room numbers where designated key individuals are located at a given moment. Small portable transmitters, either ultrasonic or radio frequency, are worn by the key individuals, and receivers are provided in the rooms. The various transmitters emit pulses according to a preprogrammed timing sequence, and a decoding logic network connected to receive signals received in the rooms identifies the specific transmitter and room number and displays same on a status board. A programmer-recharger unit programs the pulse timing for each transmitter for identification of the wearer.

Abstract: An underwater apparatus is described for acoustically inspecting a submerged object at considerable depths such as the lower structural portion of an off-shore drilling rig to determine if the structure has internal defect which cannot be optically detected. The apparatus is intended to operate in depths of up to 500 meters. The apparatus includes an underwater craft for transporting both humans and equipment to the submerged object. The apparatus includes a hand held acoustical and optical probe that is movable by a diver over the surface of the submerged object. The probe includes an array of acoustical transducers that are sequentially activated to acoustically scan the interior of the object. The acoustical transducers are mounted in a flexible support material to accommodate the array to the contour of the surface. The probe additionally includes a real-time display of the acoustical information to assist the diver in effectively inspecting the object.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for locating an object by stress wave energy reflection in which the wave energy is transmitted as a beam by transmitting transducer elements, and is scanned through successive sectors of a field of view by imposing differential transmission delays on transmitting signals fed to the elements by means of a delay line. Indicator signals are developed in receiving channels connected respectively to receiving transducers providing binaural characteristics, and transducer providing monaural characteristics but collectively covering the field. An indicator means comprises any, or any combination, of audible means, visual means or tactile means the two latter providing coordinate displays.