US3781777A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for providing an indication of the depth of objects in water
Assignee: Navico Inc
•
Filing: 1972-11-27
•
Granted: 1973-12-25
•
Expires: 1992-11-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for providing an indication of angular position in response to indicating signals including a disc rotated at a constant rate, the disc being opaque and having a light passing slot adjacent the periphery, a stationary circumferential scale positioned adjacent the periphery of the disc having indications thereon, and a light source positioned rearwardly of the disc and arranged to direct the light on the circumferential portion of the disc when energized by signals, a portion of the light passing through the slot in the disc.
Inventors
- 👤 D Lowrance
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 05:37
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 2
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
An apparatus for providing an indication of the depth of objects in water in response to indicating signals, comprising a housing within which is: a disc rotated about its axis at a preselected constant rate, the disc having a forward and a rearward face, the disc being opaque to light and having a light passing slot therein adjacent the disc periphery, said disc rotated by an axially positioned electric motor rearward of said disc; a stationary circumferential scale positioned adjacent the forward face of said periPhery of the disc; and a stationary light source positioned axially and rearwardly of said motor; a concave reflector circumferentially positioned about said light source positioned to direct light forwardly onto at least the outer circumferential portion of the rearward surface of said disc when the light source is energized, the portion of such light passing through said slot; means associated with such housing to transmit within said water sequence pulses toward said object and to receive reflected pulses therefrom; means to apply electrical energy to said light source as a function of said transmitted and reflected pulses whereby the location of the light passing through said slot relative to said scale provides an indication of the depth of said objects.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
206 words
An apparatus for providing an indication of the depth of objects in water in response to indicating signals, comprising a housing within which is: a disc rotated about its axis at a preselected constant rate, the disc having a forward and a rearward face, the disc being opaque to light and having a light passing slot therein adjacent the disc periphery, said disc rotated by an axially positioned electric motor rearward of said disc; a stationary circumferential scale positioned adjacent the forward face of said periPhery of the disc; and a stationary light source positioned axially and rearwardly of said motor; a concave reflector circumferentially positioned about said light source positioned to direct light forwardly onto at least the outer circumferential portion of the rearward surface of said disc when the light source is energized, the portion of such light passing through said slot; means associated with such housing to transmit within said water sequence pulses toward said object and to receive reflected pulses therefrom; means to apply electrical energy to said light source as a function of said transmitted and reflected pulses whereby the location of the light passing through said slot relative to said scale provides an indication of the depth of said objects.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-24 | 1977-06-25 | 1977-12-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-24 | 1981-06-25 | 1981-12-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-24 | 1985-06-25 | 1985-12-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |