Patent · US Expired

Sonar depth sounder apparatus

US4873676A · kind A · utility

32Cited by
41References
25Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 28, 1987
Grant dateOct 10, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 28, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S367/90
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.