Abstract: An integrated position mapping system and an integrated sonar mapping system both permit recording, storage and playback of audio data. Audio data is provided to the integrated sonar mapping system or the integrated position mapping system so that it may be correlated to position data or echo data. The integrated sonar mapping system includes a sonar transducer for emitting and receiving sonar signals that may be subsequently be processed to provide echo data from objects in the water which reflect sonar signals. The integrated position mapping system includes a position receiver for providing position data. A controller not only processes the data for storage, but also correlates the audio data to echo data or position data. The correlated data may therefore be retrieved for playback of the audio data and display of the position data or echo data.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved support and lock for use in conjunction with a mobile sonar unit or other device. The improved support is rotatably coupled to the sonar unit base by a coupling assembly. A stabilizing member is slideably coupled to the distal end of the support via a locking assembly. Advantageously, the support maintains an object, such as a transducer, in a selected position and is able to resist deflection despite adverse environment conditions. Further, the disclosed locking assembly can be used for a wide variety of other applications.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes first and second mounts that connect two objects, such as an electronic instrument housing and a surface. The first mount engages the second mount at a receptacle by way of cooperating detent members. One mount includes a resilient member, upon which cooperating detent members are disposed. The resilient member provides a bias to cause secure engagement of the cooperating detent members. Other features of the mounting assembly include rotational engagement between first and second cooperating detent members such that the angle of the first mount may be adjusted with respect to the angle of the second mount. Also, lead-ins may be included on the second mount so that the resilient members on the first mount may be depressed to ensure proper engagement of the cooperating detent members.

Abstract: A mounting assembly includes first and second mounts that connect two objects, such as an electronic instrument housing and a surface. The first mount engages the second mount at a receptacle by way of cooperating detent members. One mount includes a resilient member, upon which cooperating detent members are disposed. The resilient member provides a bias to cause secure engagement of the cooperating detent members. Other features of the mounting assembly include rotational engagement between first and second cooperating detent members such that the angle of the first mount may be adjusted with respect to the angle of the second mount. Also, lead-ins may be included on the second mount so that the resilient members on the first mount may be depressed to ensure proper engagement of the cooperating detent members.

Abstract: A buoyant transducer assembly which may be attached to a fishing pole for providing signals indicative of objects, such as fish, within the water. The buoyant transducer assembly includes a sonar transducer supported by a float. The float has a central hub defining a downward opened recess for receiving the transducer and diametrically opposing buoyant cells for supporting the float upon the water. The float is positioned upon the water such that a predetermined portion of the float which has a surface area significantly larger than the surface area of the transducer contacts the water, thereby stabilizing the transducer and maintaining the transducer in a predetermined position relative to the body of water.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securely mounting a dash instrument within a corresponding aperture of a dashboard. The mounting assembly comprises one or more mounting brackets mounted to the instrument and positioned against the rear side of the instrument panel to securely mount the instrument to withstand forces typically experienced by fast moving vehicles such as boats. The mounting brackets each comprise a slot defined therein which divides the bracket into two regions, a first of which provides a tapered portion. A connector extends through the slot and into a corresponding aperture of the instrument so as to contact only one side of the slot of the mounting bracket.

Abstract: A buoyant transducer assembly which may be attached to a fishing pole for providing signals indicative of objects, such as fish, within the water. The buoyant transducer assembly includes a sonar transducer supported by a float. The float has a central hub defining a downward opened recess for receiving the transducer and diametrically opposing buoyant cells for supporting the float upon the water. The float is positioned upon the water such that a predetermined portion of the float which has a surface area significantly larger than the surface area of the transducer contacts the water, thereby stabilizing the transducer and maintaining the transducer in a predetermined position relative to the body of water.

Abstract: A removable form is positioned within a boat hull and may be removed to optionally install a sonar transducer and a method of optionally positioning a sonar transducer within a boat hull after the hull is fabricated. The removable form is defined by a distal end and an opposing proximal end. The proximal end includes a retaining flange extending beyond a nominal thickness of a portion of the hull for anchoring the removable form within the boat hull. The distal end is substantially flush with the outer surface of the hull. The removable form is temporarily adhered to a boat mold and the hull is formed therearound. When the hull is hardened, it is removed from the mold with the removable form secured therein. The hull is operative in this condition, or the removable form may be removed and a sonar transducer may be positioned in its place.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a sonar transducer assembly to an aquatic vehicle, particularly for fish finding and mapping devices. The mounting apparatus permits the transducer assembly, typically extending beneath the hull of a boat, to "kick-up" when contacted by a predetermined force such as when colliding with an underwater obstacle. The mounting apparatus includes a mounting member including a ratchet surface for matingly engaging a complimentary ratchet surface of the transducer assembly. The ratchet surfaces will give way upon contact with sufficient force permitting the transducer assembly to pivot upwardly and rearwardly to protect the transducer and prevent it from being sheared from the aquatic vehicle.

Abstract: A sonar system includes an interactive sonar viewing apparatus for facilitating operator selection of a variety of features. The interactive sonar viewing apparatus can include a screen display for displaying a graphical representation of characterization data representative of the predetermined signal characteristics of each of the transducers. The characterization data can include data representative of the predetermined orientation and predetermined cone angle of each of the transducers. Based upon the graphical representation of the characterization data, the operator can select the specific transducers to be activated. Thus, the operator can selectively reconfigure the sonar system. Alternatively, the interactive sonar viewing apparatus can include a screen display which displays a graphical representation of orientation data representative of a number of display frames.

Abstract: A sonar transducer assembly is provided which is adapted to be mounted on the transom of a boat. The assembly includes a shaped transducer device comprising a housing having a base portion of substantially elliptical cross section and a nose of a flattened ellipsoidal shape. A connector stem having a faired leading edge connects the transducer housing to a mounting bracket assembly. The mounting bracket assembly includes a base member adapted to be connected to the transom and a pivotable member which supports the transducer device. A releasable connection between the members includes a pair of laterally spaced, outwardly extending projections on one member which engage ears formed on the other member. An elastomeric insert disposed between the arms controls the force necessary to cause release of the connection to provide "kick-up" when the transducer device strikes an object in the water.

Abstract: A method for mounting a transducer in a boat hull is disclosed where the transducer has a frusto-conical outer end portion adjacent an end which is to be mounted flush with the boat hull. Initially, a member is positioned at a predetermined location in the boat hull mold, which member includes an upwardly converging frusto-conical surface. The boat hull is then molded around the member and the molded boat hull removed from the mold. The transducer is then attached to the portion of the boat hull which was molded about the member. In one embodiment, the member is a plug and the plug is mounted to the hull mold so that the removing of the boat hull from the hull mold also includes the removing of the boat hull from the member. The plug can have a thickness greater than the boat hull, or less than the boat hull in which case a subsequent cylindrical hole is drilled in order to attach the transducer. In an alternative embodiment, the member is a collar having a cavity therein which receives the transducer.

Abstract: A sonar transducer assembly for a fishing boat provides electrical signals corresponding to an image of the area surrounding the boat on both sides thereof based on sound echoes received by the transducer assembly. The transducer assembly comprises a transducer housing mounted on the transom of the boat so that the bottom surface thereof is at substantially the level as the hull of the boat in the normal position of the transducer housing, and such that the transducer housing can move rearwardly and upwardly in response to hitting an object in the water. The housing is generally bullet-shaped and houses a plurality of individual transducers directed in different directions away from the hull of the boat so as to provide scanning of areas of the water beneath and on both sides of the boat.

Abstract: A sonar fish finder system is provided for a boat for determining and displaying the location of fish in the body of water surrounding the boat. The system includes an electromechanical transducer assembly for transmitting sound waves in the body of water along separate paths in different directions into separate areas of the body of water, for receiving corresponding echoes from obstructions in the paths (including echoes from any fish in the paths) and for generating electrical signals in accordance with the received echoes. Electrical transmitters connected to the transducer assembly control transmission of the sound waves and receivers, connected to the transducer assembly, receive and process the electrical signals produced thereby.