Abstract: An improved microprocessor-controlled sonar depth sounder, which is automatically operative to detect and lock to the bottom of a body of water, fill in the display below the detected bottom, change display scales in response to the detected bottom going off-scale, and reformat the entire display in response to a scale change. A memory is provided for storing target data up to the operable depth limits of the device, thereby allowing display reversing and display expansion or "zoom" of a predetermined portion of the display selected by a zoom cursor. The zoom or cursor is variably positionable at different depths. The device employs an improved variable sensitivity amplifier. Also disclosed is an improved water-resistant switch construction for marine electronic equipment.

Abstract: A depthfinder has a color LCD display without a polarizer. This permits viewing of the display in bright sunlight, such as would be ordinarily used for fishing, without washing out of the display. Additionally, the provision of a LCD display without a polarizing filter permits viewing of the display even by a fisherman wearing polarized sunglasses without rainbow effects or fringing effects. A micrprocessor is employed to drive a color LCD display, the display having two primary colors red and green, which can be combined to form a yellow color. Additionally, a fourth color exists when the overlying pixel elements are in an off state, the color being black. A program memory provides multicolor display functions including zoom, numeric indications and numeric adjustments, and a vertical line of a predetermined color to separate the halves of a split screen zoom display.

Abstract: An automatic, ultrasonic system for controlling the filling of different sizes of beverage containers which may or may not contain various quantities of ice. The system includes a transducer assembly and a control module, both preferably connected to a beverage dispenser valve assembly. The transducer assembly includes a pair of piezo-electric crystals for separately transmitting and receiving ultrasonic wave energy from the grate, the cup lip, the top of any ice in the cup, and the rising liquid level. The control module includes a microcomputer and associated circuitry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sounding of waters, particularly suitable for depth (and the like) sounding of Arctic waters, comprises shooting an energetic projectile at the water or ice surface from, say, a helicopter which has suspended close to the waters surface a suitably housed microphone for receiving the echo energizing from the waters. By measuring elapsed time between firing of the projectile and reception of the echo, and knowing all distances except the depth of the reflecting boundary (be it the bottom or a submarine), the unknown depth is easily determined.

Abstract: The liquid level detector using guided waves, comprises a first transducer situated out of the liquid for sending an incident elastic pulse which propagates in an elongated guide of which the lower part is immersed in the liquid, a second transducer situated out of the liquid and receiving the elastic pulse sent by the first transducer and transmitted by the guide, and electronic circuits for measuring the time elapsing between the transmission of an incident elastic pulse by the first transducer and the subsequent reception of the same elastic wave by the second transducer.

Abstract: An echo ranging gun (10) is disclosed which is useable with high pressure gas wells having gas pressure exceeding 15,000 psi. The gun (10) is connected to the needle valve (30) typically encountered on a well having high pressure. The needle valve can have a diameter as small as approximately 1/8 inch. The gun (10) has a passage (38) which is exposed to the gas in the wellbore (14) and a volume chamber (46). A poppet valve (56) is movable between open and closed positions in the volume chamber by rotating a wing handle (88) connected to a head (78) within the volume chamber (46) which has a ramp (80) to contact the poppet valve (56) to move the valve to the closed position. A bleed valve (112) is used to bleed the wellbore gas from the volume chamber to create a predetermined pressure differential between the passage (38) and volume chamber (46). Further rotation of the wing handle (88) causes the poppet valve (56) to be released from the ramp at a down step (86).

Abstract: A gas gun assembly for measuring depths of reflectors in a well bore includes a housing having a central chamber and bottom bulkhead through which a first valve bore extends. Coupling structure is provided to connect the housing to the well. A cap closure for the chamber has a second valve bore therethrough of diameter larger than the diameter of the first valve bore and is located in axial alignment with the first valve bore. A valve stem has one end axially movable within the second valve bore while closing the same and the other end movable into and out of the first valve bore. A predetermined pressure condition is established across the bulkhead. The valve stem is then released for rapid equalization of pressure across the bulkhead to produce an acoustic pulse in the well bore.

Abstract: An underwater camera in a pressure tight housing and a release mechanism for releasing the shutter at a predetermined distance from the sea bed. The release mechanism includes a transducer on the housing exterior for transmitting ultrasonic signals and receiving echo signals and an electronic circuit on the interior of the housing for opening the shutter in response to the echo signals when the camera has reached the predetermined distance from the sea bed.