Abstract: A sonar system mounted to a platform is disclosed. The sonar system includes a positioning shaft rotatably connected to the platform; a motor operably connected to the positioning shaft, wherein operation of the motor causes the positioning shaft to rotate; a transducer connected to a distal end of the positioning shaft such that rotation of the positioning shaft causes the transducer to rotate, the transducer defining an axis aligned with a sonar field projected by the transducer; and a position indicator connected to and extending from the positioning shaft to a position viewable by a user, the position indicator being aligned with the axis of the transducer to provide a visual indication to the user of a direction of the sonar field projected by the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device for a fish finding apparatus and, more particularly, to a motorized mounting device which includes an adjustable length pole used to mount a sonar transducer or other device an angler may be interested in mounting to the end of the pole that enters the water. The pole is used to spin the transducer or other apparatus in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with a switch that is adapted to be operated by the angler's foot or a wireless remote. The mounting device is configured to be secured to a boat or mounted on a boat troll motor whereby the adjustable pole is secured and spins independent of the troll motor shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a transducer module including a two-piece protective assembly offering mechanical protection for one or more transducer elements (i.e., transmitter(s) and/or receiver(s)) provided within. The two-piece protective assembly comprises an internal rigid housing including a cavity formed by a set of walls or projections extending from a rear portion thereof. The cavity is shaped and/or sized to receive the one or more transducer elements within. The two-piece protective assembly further includes a cover overmolded and coupled to the rigid housing and sealing the one or more transducer elements within the cavity of the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for detecting flooding in a flexible pipe from a connector of the flexible pipe, comprising: an ROV (3) comprising an arm element (18) designed to move an ultrasound sensor (13), until the ultrasound sensor (13) comes into contact with the connector (14) of the flexible pipe (17); and means for taking ultrasound measurements with respect to the state of the annulus of the flexible pipe (17) from a chamber of the connector of the flexible pipe (17) in contact with the annulus of the flexible pipe (17).

Abstract: The system and method of retractable solar arrays for underwater vehicles. In some cases, the retractable solar arrays for underwater vehicles contain anti-biofouling mechanisms. The retractable solar arrays may extend in a linear or a fan-like manner. In some cases, the solar array may be wrapped around the outside of the underwater vehicle or within a cylindrical housing. In some cases the solar array is a single flexible member with a series of connected panels.

Abstract: A parking meter may have a housing that is formed at least significantly of an impact resistant material. In particular, the impact resistant material may comprise one of a polycarbonate copolymer or polycarbonate blended resin, a nylon-based copolymer, or a nylon-based polymer that includes long glass fiber or Kevlar fiber. The housing encloses the parking meter components to provide protection for the parking meter components against an external environment and vandalism attacks.

Abstract: A fish finder system is provided with a capture device information input terminal configured to input a capture device information, a capture device dropping point input terminal configured to input a dropping point at which a capture device is dropped, a tidal current input terminal configured to input tidal current information including a tidal current direction and a tidal current speed, and processing circuitry communicatively coupled to the capture device information input terminal, the capture device dropping point input terminal, and the tidal current input terminal. The processing circuitry is configured to calculate a drift amount of the capture device relative to the dropping point and calculate a capture device arrival point at which the capture device arrives in the water.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device for a fish finding apparatus and, more particularly, to a motorized mounting device which includes an adjustable length pole used to mount a sonar transducer or other device an angler may be interested in mounting to the end of the pole that enters the water. The pole is used to spin the transducer or other apparatus in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with a switch that is adapted to be operated by the angler's foot or a wireless remote. The mounting device is configured to be secured to a boat or mounted on a boat troll motor whereby the adjustable pole is secured and spins independent of the troll motor shaft.

Abstract: A fish finder transducer mount apparatus for independently controlling a directional transducer and trolling motor includes a clamp body. A motor clamp is coupled to the clamp body. The motor clamp is selectively engageable with the clamp body and configured to secure the apparatus to a propeller shaft of a trolling motor. A directional transducer shaft is rotatably coupled to the clamp body and a directional transducer shaft bottom end of the directional transducer shaft to receive a directional transducer of a fish finder. A gearing system is coupled to the directional transducer shaft to rotate the directional transducer shaft. A handle is coupled to the gearing system. The handle comprises an extension portion secured by a user to manipulate the orientation of the directional transducer shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device for a fish finding apparatus and, more particularly, to a motorized mounting device which includes an adjustable length pole used to mount a sonar transducer or other device an angler may be interested in mounting to the end of the pole that enters the water. The pole is used to spin the transducer or other apparatus in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with a switch that is adapted to be operated by the angler's foot or a wireless remote. The mounting device is configured to be secured to a boat or mounted on a boat troll motor whereby the adjustable pole is secured and spins independent of the troll motor shaft.

Abstract: A maritime vehicle includes a surface for contacting a fluid medium through which the maritime vehicle is propelled. The maritime vehicle also includes an array of transducers and a controller. The transducers in the array are arranged across the maritime vehicle's surface for generating pressure waves in the fluid medium. Each transducer in the array is arranged to vibrate for generating a respective pressure wave, which propagates away from the surface in the fluid medium. The controller vibrates the transducers in the array so that the pressure waves control the drag of the maritime vehicle from the fluid medium.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle including a vehicle body, propulsion system, maneuvering system, vehicle control system, rack, sensor, and a power supply. The vehicle control may be used to control the unmanned vehicle in combination with the propulsion and the maneuvering system. The rack may include a retractable mount that may move between a down position and an up position. The sensor system may include a plurality of transient object detection sensors. The plurality of transient object detection sensors may include a sensor adapted to detect an item of interest and may provide an item of interest signal to the vehicle control system. The vehicle control system may identify an item of interest classification and may provide a classification signal. The classification signal may be determined by the item of interest classification and may be utilized to avoid detection of the unmanned vehicle by the item of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mounting device for a fish finding apparatus and, more particularly, to a motorized mounting device which includes an adjustable length pole used to mount a sonar transducer or other device an angler may be interested in mounting to the end of the pole that enters the water. The pole is used to spin the transducer or other apparatus in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction with a switch that is adapted to be operated by the angler's foot or a wireless remote. The mounting device is configured to be secured to a boat or mounted on a boat troll motor whereby the adjustable pole is secured and spins independent of the troll motor shaft.

Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus is provided which includes a transmission transducer, a reception transducer, and a motor. The transmission transducer transmits a transmission wave within a given fan-shaped transmission space, the fan-shaped transmission space having a first transmission width in a given first plane and a second transmission width in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The reception transducer receives, as a reception wave, a reflection wave of the transmission wave within a given fan-shaped reception space, the fan-shaped reception space having a first reception width in the first plane and a second reception width in the second plane, the second reception width being wider than the second transmission width, and in the second plane, the fan-shaped transmission space being within the fan-shaped reception space. The motor rotates the fan-shaped transmission space and the fan-shaped reception space.

Abstract: A measurement device intended to be immersed in water, includes a set of arms and a reference axis, the measurement device being able to be in a deployed configuration, the measurement device comprising a set of measurement units borne by arms of the set of arms and each comprising an acoustic-waves sensor, the set of measurement units being configured and arranged in such a way as to generate a torque on the measurement device about the reference axis upon a vertical translational movement of the measurement device in the deployed configuration, the measurement device comprising compensation means configured and arranged in such a way as to generate another torque on the measurement device about the reference axis during the vertical translational movement, the other torque being directed in the opposite direction to the torque and having an intensity less than twice that of the torque.

Abstract: An underwater detection apparatus is provided which includes a transmission transducer, a reception transducer, and a motor. The transmission transducer transmits a transmission wave within a given fan-shaped transmission space, the fan-shaped transmission space having a first transmission width in a given first plane and a second transmission width in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane. The reception transducer receives, as a reception wave, a reflection wave of the transmission wave within a given fan-shaped reception space, the fan-shaped reception space having a first reception width in the first plane and a second reception width in the second plane, the second reception width being wider than the second transmission width, and in the second plane, the fan-shaped transmission space being within the fan-shaped reception space. The motor rotates the fan-shaped transmission space and the fan-shaped reception space.

Abstract: An acoustic array has a frame and multimode transducers positioned along the frame. The multimode transducers are cylindrical and divided into circumferential transducer segments. The transducer segments each have a common ground electrode and an electrode associated with the segment. An elastomeric bushing is between each multimode transducer and the frame. Electrical leads are joined to the electrodes. A proximate plug is provided at one end of the frame, and a distal plug is provided at the other. A connector is positioned in the proximate plug and joined to the electrical leads. An elastomeric hose surrounds the frame and is sealed to the proximate plug and the distal plug. The interior volume is filled with a dielectric fluid.

Abstract: Motor assembly for providing propulsion of a floating vessel, comprising: motor device (23), mounting means (24, 32) for attaching the motor device (23) to the floating vessel, the motor device (23) comprising an electrical motor (4) and a propeller (5) arrange inside a propeller house (3).

Abstract: A trolling motor assembly for use with a watercraft and for wirelessly communicating marine data with a remote electronic device. The assembly includes a trolling motor housing coupled to a second end of a main shaft and having mounted therein a propulsion motor for providing propulsion power to the watercraft and a sonar transducer assembly for generating marine data about an underwater environment relative to the watercraft, and a main housing coupled to a first end of the main shaft and having mounted therein a processor for processing the marine data received from the sonar transducer assembly, and a wireless module for wirelessly transmitting the marine data to the remote electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking vessel activities are described.

Abstract: Trolling motor assemblies with an integrated screen and/or user interface are provided herein. For example, the screen is integrated in the main housing or a foot pedal housing of the trolling motor assembly and accessible/visible by a user while the trolling motor is deployed. Such an assembly provides an easy-to-use and compact assembly that provides useful marine features for the user right at the trolling motor, thereby saving space and allowing the user to receive all pertinent information at their current position on the watercraft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for velocity scanning in, e.g., bodies of water. In one embodiment, a scanned one-dimensional transducer array Doppler sonar arrangement is used to remotely measure both vertical and horizontal profiles of a river or channel along-stream water velocities within a cross-section of the river/channel from a single side-mounted sonar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sounder module, which comprises a housing for accommodating a vibration system and a magnetic circuit system. The housing is provided with a sound hole which is formed to deviate from the center position of the vibration system and is higher than the surface of the housing. The vibration system comprises a vibrating diaphragm. A dome is provided at one side of the vibrating diaphragm closer to the sound hole. A pressure regulating part is arranged on the dome. The pressure regulating part is higher than other positions of the dome and projects towards the sound hole. The sounder module in the present invention is capable of balancing asymmetrical sound field distribution of the front acoustic cavity, and locally increasing the sound pressure distribution on the surface of the vibrating diaphragm to balance it with other parts, effectively decreasing system polarization, and reducing harmonic distortion.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods for providing accurate and reliable compact sonar systems for mobile structures. In one embodiment, a sonar system includes a mounting bracket, a transducer support arm, and a pivoting mechanism pivotably coupling the transducer support arm to the mounting bracket such that, for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are less than a preselected kick-up level, the pivoting mechanism holds the transducer support arm against such forces and at a user selectable first angular position relative to the mounting bracket, and for forces acting on the transducer support arm that are equal to or greater than the preselected kick-up level, allows the transducer support arm to be moved by those forces to a second angular position relative to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Trolling motor assemblies with an integrated screen and/or user interface are provided herein. For example, the screen is integrated in the main housing or a foot pedal housing of the trolling motor assembly and accessible/visible by a user while the trolling motor is deployed. Such an assembly provides an easy-to-use and compact assembly that provides useful marine features for the user right at the trolling motor, thereby saving space and allowing the user to receive all pertinent information at their current position on the watercraft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for velocity scanning in, e.g., bodies of water. In one embodiment, a scanned one-dimensional transducer array Doppler sonar arrangement is used to remotely measure both vertical and horizontal profiles of a river or channel along-stream water velocities within a cross-section of the river/channel from a single side-mounted sonar.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using a rigid-stem assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected rigid stems in a marine survey. An embodiment discloses a geophysical survey method comprising: deploying a rigid-stem assembly from a survey vessel into a body of water, wherein the rigid-stem assembly comprises a plurality of rigid stems that are interconnected and each comprise a stem body defining one or more interior chambers; towing the rigid-stem assembly from the survey vessel through the body of water; and either (1) detecting a geophysical signal with a sensor towed by the survey vessel, and/or (2) activating a geophysical source that is towed by the survey vessel. Also disclosed are survey systems and rigid-stem handling systems.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for using a rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected rigid stems in a marine geophysical survey. An embodiment discloses a method of towing a survey device from a survey vessel, comprising: coupling the survey device to the survey vessel with a lead-in comprising a rigid-stem lead-in assembly, the rigid-stem lead-in assembly comprising a plurality of rigid stems that are interconnected and each comprise a stem both defining one or more interior chambers; and towing the survey device through a body of water. Also disclosed are marine geophysical survey methods and marine survey systems.

Abstract: An acoustic antenna element for receiving and/or emitting low-frequency underwater waves comprises an acoustic panel formed by at least one acoustic pick-up enclosed in a flexible jacket, the acoustic panel being generally rectangular and being mounted against a curved support by a mounting device including a clamping device comprising at least two flanges the ends of which are mounted on the support, the respective flanges comprising at least one tie between the two ends thereof, and the clamping device capable of adjusting the tension in the ties between the two respective ends thereof, the flanges being arranged so that the support is bent between the two respective ends of the ties and so that the panel is clamped against the support by the ties when they are under tension.

Abstract: Systems and apparatuses for interchangeable mounting options for a transducer housing are provided herein. Such a system may provide for easy change of mounting to a watercraft, such as between transom mounting, portable mounting, trolling motor mounting, and thru-hull mounting. A system for interchangeable mounting options of a sonar transducer to a watercraft may comprise at least one transducer, a transducer housing configured to house the at least one transducer, and a mount adapter. The transducer housing may comprise at least one upper engagement surface configured to adjacently engage the mount adapter to facilitate mounting. The at least one upper engagement surface may be configured to releasably engage the mount adapter to allow the mount adapter to be detached and removed without damaging or altering the transducer housing.

Abstract: A mounting block for fastening equipment such as a sonar transducer onto the hull or transom of a boat which consists of a flat body portion formed into a predetermined size and shape, the body further having a front face and a back face, the back face further having one or more channel grooves for retaining an adhesive, the channel grooves further having internal surfaces to provide mechanical grip to the hardened adhesive thereby preventing mechanical separation between sonar transducer or other equipment and the mounting block.

Abstract: A method and system that can be used for scanning underwater structures. The method and system allow a user to gain a better understanding of an underwater structure. For example, the method and system detect change(s) to an underwater structure. An acoustic sonar wave is directed toward an underwater structure, and a reflected acoustic sonar wave is received and processed to produce a three dimensional image. Data points of this three-dimensional image of the underwater structure are aligned to a pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. A change detection model is generated based on the aligned 3D images, and the change detection model is compared to the pre-existing three dimensional model of the underwater structure. Based on the comparison, occurrences of structural changes in the underwater structure are detected.

Abstract: A system that can be used for inspecting underwater structures. The system allows a user to gain a better understanding of the condition of an underwater structure. The system is a self-contained, modular system that can be operated by divers, coupled to an AUV, ROV or other host platform vehicle deployment platform, towed by a ship, pole mounted, or hull mounted. All of the components necessary to achieve the desired scanning functions are incorporated onto the self-contained, modular system. The system can include and fully utilize a 3D sonar system and an inertial navigation system. This combination of features permits the system to be used to, for example, generate 3D models of underwater structures, detect changes in underwater structures by comparing the generated 3D model against an a priori 3D model, and provide navigational updates to the host platform based on the observed features of an underwater structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting a transducer on a boat includes a pair of slotted portions adjustably connected to one another. One of the slotted portions includes a transducer mounting portion, which can be used to mount a transducer to the apparatus. The apparatus can be mounted to a boat by positioning the apparatus close to the boat and then adjusting the slotted portions so that slots included in these portions engage with the boat and hold the apparatus in place.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.

Abstract: The invention relates to a source device for the emission of seismic waves designed to operate by being towed by a vessel. The source device according to the invention comprises at least three support-beams, a plurality of guns placed along each support-beam, a central hub receiving one end of support-beams and arranged such that support-beams can be deployed according to a star-like geometry, and the means to keep support-beams in this geometry during operation.

Abstract: An acoustic array hose is provided for towing behind a marine vessel. The acoustic array includes acoustic sensors, a hydraulic fill-fluid circumferentially surrounding the acoustic sensors, and an array hose wall of polyurethane with single wall carbon nanotubes embedded therein. The hose wall circumferentially surrounds the hydraulic fill fluid along a length of the array hose. When an electrical current is applied to the towed array, the nanotubes align with the hose wall with the effect of strengthening the hose wall of the towed array.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.

Abstract: A hull-mounted sonar array is provided. The array comprises a linear arrangement of hydrophones disposed within a generally D-shaped housing. The D-shaped housing comprises a generally flat portion having a first and second end and a curved portion extending from the first end to the second end. The hydrophones are arranged along the generally flat portion of the housing, equidistant from the curved portion. The housing is mounted to the hull of a vessel by, for example, a marine adhesive.

Abstract: There is provided a mounting system for a fish finding device to a watercraft which has a support for supporting a fish finding device on a watercraft. The support has a top, a bottom and a peripheral side wall which form a receptacle housing for a battery. Mounting means are positioned at the top of the support to receive a fish finder. Securing means are provided on the bottom of the support for mounting the support to a surface on a watercraft. Mounting means are provided for detachably securing a transducer to a watercraft.

Abstract: An element of an ultrasonic transducer includes a first substrate, at least one cell of the ultrasonic transducer arranged above the first substrate, and a second substrate arranged under the first substrate, in which a first power supply for applying an electric signal to the first substrate is formed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for underwater deployment of a structure. For example, the embodiments described herein are particularly focused on sonobuoys that are configured for autonomous deployment in an underwater environment. One embodiment provides a sonobuoy having a plurality of arms, which are in some embodiments telescopic. The sonobuoy is configured such that, upon deployment in an underwater environment, the arms extend and rotate from a collapsed storage configuration to an operative configuration. The rotation is brought about by way of tension in petal lines, which extend between an innermost telescopic segment of each arm and a central tether line intermediate the arms and a buoyancy device.

Abstract: An acoustic transceiver assembly including a housing, an oscillator, and a blocking element. The housing has at least one inner wall defining a cavity. The cavity has a first end and a second end defining an axis of said acoustic transceiver assembly. The oscillator is provided in said cavity. The oscillator is provided with a transducer element, and a backing mass positioned adjacent to the transducer element. A blocking element is positioned inside the cavity and adjacent to the oscillator. The blocking element is adapted to restrain a portion of said backing mass at a first pressure to thereby restrain the backing mass from lateral movement relative to the axis of the acoustic transceiver assembly. The blocking element is also adapted to release the backing mass at a second pressure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for rotational alignment and attachment of ultrasonic transducers to a barrier with one submerged surface uses a temporary transducer assembly to position mounting rings on opposite surfaces of the barrier. Plural permanent transducers are then mounted to each mounting ring and are aligned with each other across the barrier by virtue of the alignment of their mounting rings. The submerged mounting ring is used like a cylinder in combination with a mounting plate for the transducers on the submerged side of the barrier or each submerged side transducer has a suction cup fitting for use to exclude water from between each transducer and the submerged barrier surface to facilitate bonding of the submerged side transducers to the barrier.

Abstract: The ultrasonic-transducer mounting structure includes: a housing including: a body part which is formed into a hollow cylindrical shape and is provided at its front surface with a transmission surface allowing an ultrasonic wave to pass therethrough and is designed to accommodate an ultrasonic transducer therein; and plural connection pieces provided to a side surface of the body part; and a holder fixed to a rear surface of a bumper and designed to hold the housing such that the transmission surface of the housing is exposed via an opening of the bumper. The holder includes plural reception pieces to which the plural connection pieces are detachably coupled respectively. The plural reception pieces are fixed to the rear surface of the bumper to surround the opening.

Abstract: A system comprises marine geophysical equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and tightly fitting covers, attached to the marine seismic equipment, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, for gathering marine geophysical data. A method comprises marine geophysical equipment having tightly fitting covers, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, attached thereto, for gathering marine geophysical data.

Abstract: A hydrophone for recording underwater sound includes a housing having an outer surface designed to serve as a boundary surface for an incident sound wave and at least one vibration sensor having a sensor surface for recording sound waves and for preparing a sensor signal. The sensor surface of the vibration sensor is in an opening of the housing. A hydrophone assembly includes a plurality of the hydrophones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a submarine antenna to be attached to the hull of a submarine, said antenna comprising a planar converter arrangement (15) which extends along the hull (11) when attached and which has a reflector (21) and a plurality of electroacoustic converter elements (20). Said converter elements are arranged next to and interspaced from each other and are arranged in front of the reflector (21) in the sound incidence direction. The aim of the invention is to optimize said lateral antenna for attachment to the submarine in terms of its weight and volume and signal-to-disturbance ratio.

Abstract: A mounting block for fastening equipment such as a sonar transducer onto the hull or transom of a boat which consists of a flat body portion formed into a predetermined size and shape, the body further having a front face and a back face, the back face further having one or more channel grooves for retaining an adhesive, the channel grooves further having internal surfaces to provide mechanical grip to the hardened adhesive thereby preventing mechanical separation between sonar transducer or other equipment and the mounting block.