Abstract:
Sonar suspension apparatus comprising a flotation buoy and an underwater sonar array connected to the flotation buoy by a suspension cable, wherein the sonar array comprises a plurality of transducer-carrying elongate members including at least one rigid arm and at least one flexible line.
Abstract:
An improvement is disclosed for a fishing float tube of the type formed by a pneumatic tube having a seat in the mid portion thereof which supports a person seated in the seat when the tube is floating on a body of water. The improvement comprises apparatus to be used in combination with the float tube for mounting a sonar device on the float tube above the water line when the float tube is floating on a body of water. In addition, the apparatus accommodates mounting of a sonar transmitter below the water line. The sonar device is mounted so as to be visible by the fisherman using the float tube and allows the fisherman to determine optimum areas for fishing.
Abstract:
A recoverable underwater acoustic beacon having a magnetic latch holds a marker buoy captive while submerged. The acoustic beacon sends out pulses of underwater sound so that it can be located and also has receiving means to detect a momentary continuous wave (CW) release command signal during the periods between pulses. A current flows through a neutralizing coil within the acoustic beacon when the CW release command signal is received. The neutralizing coil establishes a magnetic field through the beacon''s non-magnetic shell to neutralize the magnetic field of an external permanent magnet and, through an associated leverage form of latch, releases the marker buoy to rise to the water surface on the end of a recovery cable.