Patents by Inventor Sean M. DeHart

Sean M. DeHart has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10408933
    Abstract: A sonar imaging system, that includes a control head with a user interface and a display unit for displaying a sonar-generated image, is provided. A sonar transducer assembly is coupled to the control head and configured to transmit sonar data to the control head. The sonar data is used to generate the sonar-generated image. The sonar transducer assembly includes a first side scan acoustic sonar element that transmits a sonar beam. The sonar transducer assembly further includes a plurality of sonar beam receiving elements. Each receiving element is arranged to receive a portion of the return beam from the first side scan acoustic sonar element. Each of the plurality of sonar beam receiving elements is configured to identify both a depth and a lateral distance of an underwater object relative to the position of the sonar transducer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: Sean M. DeHart, David A. Betts, Zachary Thomas Jordan, Jesus Carmona-Valdes, Brian Lee Chase, William Mark Gibson
  • Patent number: 10107908
    Abstract: A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart
  • Patent number: 9459350
    Abstract: A sector-scanning sonar imaging system with at least one sonar imaging element housed within a transducer housing coupled to a self-reciprocating mechanism, and a drive mechanism housed within a waterproof housing. The oscillating motion of the transducer housing produces a highly-detailed, photo like sector scan sonar image of the bottom and other objects surrounding the boat on which it is mounted. The drive mechanism housing may be rigidly attached to either a boat hull or to a trolling motor. The sonar imaging element housing may be removably attached to the drive mechanism, and shielded by an acoustically transparent shroud to protect the elements from damage. The sector-scanning sonar imaging system connects to a control head with display either directly, or through some other communications protocol, such as a wireless protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart
  • Publication number: 20160259055
    Abstract: A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart
  • Patent number: 9322915
    Abstract: A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart
  • Publication number: 20140269164
    Abstract: A sector-scanning sonar imaging system with at least one sonar imaging element housed within a transducer housing coupled to a self-reciprocating mechanism, and a drive mechanism housed within a waterproof housing. The oscillating motion of the transducer housing produces a highly-detailed, photo like sector scan sonar image of the bottom and other objects surrounding the boat on which it is mounted. The drive mechanism housing may be rigidly attached to either a boat hull or to a trolling motor. The sonar imaging element housing may be removably attached to the drive mechanism, and shielded by an acoustically transparent shroud to protect the elements from damage. The sector-scanning sonar imaging system connects to a control head with display either directly, or through some other communications protocol, such as a wireless protocol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart
  • Publication number: 20130215719
    Abstract: A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: Johnson Outdoors Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Betts, Sean M. DeHart