Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for use of a linear frequency chirp in a transmitter/receiver (14/16) having a correlator to synthesize a narrow beamwidth pattern from otherwise broadbeam transducers when there is relative velocity between the transmitter/receiver (14/16) and the target. The chirp is so produced in a generator (20) in bandwidth, B, and time, T, as to produce a time-bandwidth product, TB, that is increased for a narrower angle. A replica of the chirp produced in a generator (26) is time delayed and Doppler shifted for use as a reference in receiver (16) for correlation of received chirps from targets. This reference is Doppler shifted to select targets preferentially, thereby to not only synthesize a narrow beam but also aim the beam in azimuth and elevation.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
November 7, 1979
Date of Patent:
September 1, 1981
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Abstract: A beam of sound, of sufficient amplitude for inducing a finite amplitude effect in water, is directed into a field of sound for interaction therewith to produce intermodulation products. Energy is removed from the sound field in the formation of the intermodulation products resulting in an attenuation of sound in the sound field.
Abstract: An electronic filter for use in determining the position of a body travelling through water relative to a datum such as mean sea level, and having specific application to underwater seismic systems that produce profiles of the terrain beneath bodies of water. The filter is connected to an accelerometer and a pressure transducer, physically located within the body, that respectively produce an acceleration signal indicative of the body's vertical acceleration and a pressure signal indicative of the body's vertical displacement with respect to the datum. The filter combines the acceleration and pressure signals to effectively isolate a signal proportional to noise generated by the pressure transducer. The filter then combines the signal so isolated with the pressure transducer signal to produce a vertical displacement signal relatively free from noise.
Abstract: An underwater mapping system in which a swath of terrain, much wider than a sonar beam width, is observed by means of a sonar beam scanned in the cross track plane of a ship. Filtering and correlation techniques are employed to compensate for distortions in echoes emanating from the ocean bottom by a selection of filter coefficients in accordance with the orientation of the sonar beams and by providing a simulated echo envelope for correlation.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating the level of liquid in a tank or the like whereby a transducer is mounted on a pipe above the liquid for producing, in response to a trigger signal, an ultrasonic pulse which is transmitted toward and reflected to the transducer first from a calibration target in the pipe above the liquid and then from the liquid so that the transducer produces echo pulses in response to receipt thereof. In one embodiment the calibration echo signal is applied to a logic circuit together with the output of a counter which is incremented to a predetermined count following the trigger signal by pulses from a voltage controlled oscillator so that the logic produces a control signal indicating the difference in time between when the calibration echo is received and when the counter reaches its predetermined count and which event occurs first. The logic then varies the frequency of the oscillator to reduce the difference.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
July 22, 1977
Date of Patent:
October 9, 1979
Assignee:
Marvtek, Corporation
Inventors:
James W. Austin, Oscar L. Morris, Michael E. Rothrock
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.