US3839680A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sonar depth tracking system
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1972-09-01
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Granted: 1974-10-01
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Expires: 1992-09-01
Abstract
Abstract A system, selectively responsive to the first, peak, or last portion of a radiant energy signal for displaying a gate which brackets the radiant energy signal and also provides means for inhibiting the generation of such signal during a preset time interval preceding the gate. Means are also provided for automatically widening the gate and repositioning the gate to insure tracking of the radiant energy signal. The system is particularly adapted for monitoring a sonar depth recording to provide audible and visual alarms when the sonar data becomes excessively noisy and during sudden changes in the water depth.
Inventors
- 👤 W Backman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 10:12
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01S; G01S15/00; G01S15/66; G01S15/02; G01S15/06; G01S15/08; G01S15/10; G01S15/18; G01S15/88; G01S15/89; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S367/00; Y10S367/901
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
269 words
In combination: means for detecting the difference between an analog signal and a threshold, said analog signal comprising a sequence of pulses, said detecting means providing a rectangular pulse when a pulse of said analog signal exceeds said threshold, said rectangular pulse having a width equal to the duration of time that a pulse of said analog signal exceeds said threshold; a source of digital numbers; means coupled between an output of said detecting means and said source of digital numbers for applying said rectangular pulse to said source of digital numbers, said source of digital numbers providing, in response to said rectangular pulse, a sequence of digital numbers of increasing value during the duration of said rectangular pulse, said sequence terminating when said threshold attains a value substantially equal to the value of a pulse of said analog signal; a digital-to-analog converter coupled to said source of digital numbers for converting said digital numbers into said threshold; a gate and a flip-flop for controlling said gate, and input terminal of said gate being coupled to said output of said detecting means for passing a portion of said rectangular pulse, said flip-flop being coupled to said output of said detecting means for activating said gate to inhibit the passage of signals from the output of said detecting means subsequent to said rectangular pulse; and means for switching between the output of said gate and the output of said detecting means for providing a signal indicating the occurrence of a first pulse of said pulses of said analog signal or a pulse of said analog signal having a peak value.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
269 words
In combination: means for detecting the difference between an analog signal and a threshold, said analog signal comprising a sequence of pulses, said detecting means providing a rectangular pulse when a pulse of said analog signal exceeds said threshold, said rectangular pulse having a width equal to the duration of time that a pulse of said analog signal exceeds said threshold; a source of digital numbers; means coupled between an output of said detecting means and said source of digital numbers for applying said rectangular pulse to said source of digital numbers, said source of digital numbers providing, in response to said rectangular pulse, a sequence of digital numbers of increasing value during the duration of said rectangular pulse, said sequence terminating when said threshold attains a value substantially equal to the value of a pulse of said analog signal; a digital-to-analog converter coupled to said source of digital numbers for converting said digital numbers into said threshold; a gate and a flip-flop for controlling said gate, and input terminal of said gate being coupled to said output of said detecting means for passing a portion of said rectangular pulse, said flip-flop being coupled to said output of said detecting means for activating said gate to inhibit the passage of signals from the output of said detecting means subsequent to said rectangular pulse; and means for switching between the output of said gate and the output of said detecting means for providing a signal indicating the occurrence of a first pulse of said pulses of said analog signal or a pulse of said analog signal having a peak value.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
55 words
A combination according to claim 1 wherein said source of digital numbers comprises a counter and a gate coupled to said counter for admitting clock pulses to be counted by said counter, a terminal of said gate being coupled to said detecting means, said gate being operated in accordance with the magnitude of said difference.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-09-30 | 1978-04-01 | 1978-10-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-09-30 | 1982-04-01 | 1982-10-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-09-30 | 1986-04-01 | 1986-10-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |