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`RAY-1004
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`Page 1 of 32
`
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`Boucher et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,961,552 B2
`Jun. 14, 2011
`
`USOO7961552B2
`
`(54)
`
`FAN BEAM TRANSDUCERASSEMBLY
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Stephen G. Boucher, Amherst, NH
`(US), Robert M. Cullen, Temple, NH
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Airmar Technology Corporation,
`Milford NH (US)
`’
`.
`.
`.
`.
`Subject. to any d1scla1mer, the term ofthis
`patent 1s extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 384 days.
`
`.
`( * ) Notlce:
`
`(21) Appl.No.: 12/231,054
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Aug. 28, 2008
`
`10/1984 Granbefg et 31~
`4,479,206 A
`4/1988 Arringotn
`4,737,940 A
`3/1989 B
`h
`t
`l.
`4815 048 A
`5/1990 H??? ere a
`4:926:399 A
`5/1990 Havins
`4,928,915 A
`4,970,700 A * 11/1990 Gilmouretal.
`4,979,153 A
`12/1990 Terry
`4,980,872 A
`12/ 1990 0163 6t 31~
`4,982,924 A
`l/199l Havrns
`4,995,010 A
`2/1991 Knight
`5,016,225 A
`5/1991 Bl
`b
`5,025,423 A *
`6/1991 Bail? erg........................ 367/137
`5,142,497 A
`8/1992 Warrow
`5,182,732 A
`1/1993 Pichowkin
`(Continued)
`
`................. 367/88
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`_
`_
`_
`_
`_
`_
`_
`“D1g1tal Selcntlfic Echosoundcr”, http://www.bloson1051nc.com/
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`docs/hardware-specifications.pdf. At least by Jul. 7, 2008.
`
`US 2010/0054084 A1
`
`Mar. 4, 2010
`
`(Continued)
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`GOIS 3/80
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`....................................................... 367/173
`(58) Field of Classification Search .................. 367/173,
`367/140, 138, 88, 111
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`2,671,206 A
`2,837,727 A
`3,553,638 A
`3,752,431 A
`3,753,219 A
`3,880,106 A
`3,907,239 A
`3,989,213 A
`3,989,216 A
`4,052,693 A
`4,144,518 A
`4,207,620 A
`4,282,590 A
`
`3/1954 Krause
`6/1958 Mayes
`1/1971 Sublett
`8/1973 McBride
`8/1973 King, Jr.
`4/1975 Farmer
`9/1975 Ehrlich
`11/1976 Allen
`11/1976 Veatch
`10/1977 Gilmour
`3/1979 Minohara et al.
`6/1980 Morgera
`8/1981 Wingate
`
`Primary Examiner 7 Dan Pihulic
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm 7 Hamilton, Brook, Smith &
`Reynolds, PC.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A transducer assembly including a fan beam transducer hav-
`ing a beam generation axis for generating a fan shaped acous-
`tic beam along the beam generation axis. The fan shaped
`acoustic beam can have a generally elliptical cross sectional
`shape with a major axis and a minor axis across a plane
`generally perpendicular to the beam generation axis. The
`transducer can be housed in a housing and have a direction of
`travel axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can be rotatable
`relative to the direction of travel axis. The housing can have a
`release locking arrangement for rotationally releasing and
`locking the position of the fan shaped acoustic beam for
`orienting at least one of the major axis and minor axis of the
`fan shaped acoustic beam at a desired position relative to the
`direction of travel axis.
`
`46 Claims, 21 Drawing Sheets
`
`

`

`
`
`
`5,186,050
`5,327,398
`5,515,340
`5,526,765
`5,573,221
`5,577,006
`5,675,552
`6,094,402
`6,160,764
`6,201,767
`6,377,516
`6,421,299
`6,490,229
`6,652,331
`6,661,742
`6,791,902
`6,899,574
`6,904,798
`7,036,451
`7,230,882
`7,327,636
`7,369,459
`2006/0236770
`
`>>>>>>>>>
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2/1993
`7/1994
`5/1996
`6/1996
`11/1996
`11/1996
`10/1997
`7/2000
`12/2000
`3/2001
`4/2002
`7/2002
`12/2002
`11/2003
`12/2003
`9/2004
`5/2005
`6/2005
`5/2006
`6/2007
`2/2008
`5/2008
`10/2006
`
`Lagace et al.
`Wansley et al.
`Kim et al.
`Ahearn
`Reeves
`Kuc .............................. 367/103
`Hicks et al.
`Cooper et al.
`Powell
`................. 367/173
`Lagace et al.
`Whiteside et al.
`Betts et al.
`Caver
`Healey
`Hansen
`Steiner et al.
`Kalis et al.
`Boucher et al.
`Hutchinson
`Swisher
`Nishimori et al.
`Kawabata et al.
`Nishimori et al.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`RAY-1004
`
`Page 2 of 32
`
`US 7,961,552 132
`Page 2
`
`2008/0025149 A1
`2008/0068926 A1
`2010/0054084 A1*
`
`1/2008 Snyder
`3/2008 Chambers et al.
`3/2010 Boucher et al.
`............... 367/118
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`“Model 540 Split-Beam Transducers”, http://www.htisonar.com/
`transducers.htm. At least by Jul. 7, 2008.
`http://www.
`“Thru-HulliProfessional Series Bronze Stem”,
`airmartechnology.com/uploads/catalogPages/cati81.pdf.
`Mar.
`2004.
`http://www.echomastermarine.co.uld
`“Transducersisimrad”,
`transducers/manufacturer/Simradhtml. At least by Jul. 7, 2008.
`“B258 Professional Series Temp/Depth Transducer”, http://www.
`defender.com/product.jsp?path:-1| 344| 69977| 320684| 699997|
`781123&id:| 1006640| At least by Jul. 7, 2008.
`“SS270W Twin Wide-Beam Preliminary”, Airmar Technology Cor-
`poration, Oct. 24, 2007.
`Naoi, Jun, et al., “Sea Trial Results of a Cross Fan Beam Type
`Sub-Bottom Profiler”, Japanese Journal oprplied Physics, vol. 39,
`The Japan Society of Applied Physics, http://jjap.ipap.jp/link?JJAP/
`39/3209/5/15/2008, 2000.
`
`

`

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`Page 3 of 32
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`RAY-1004
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 14, 2011
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`Sheet 1 of 21
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`US 7,961,552 B2
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`
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`
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`US. Patent
`
`Jun. 14, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of 21
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`US 7,961,552 B2
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`RAY-1004
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`Page 4 of 32
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`Jun. 14, 2011
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`Sheet 3 of 21
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`Jun. 14, 2011
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`2
`
`1
`FAN BEAM TRANSDUCER ASSEMBLY
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Typically fish finding devices employ an acoustic trans-
`ducer that generates a conical acoustic beam directed down-
`wardly into the water for locating fish. Fan beam transducers
`that generate a fan or elliptical shaped beam are often used for
`bottom finding or surveying, and fish finding. However, beam
`orientation has typically been fixed, which has limited their
`utility and versatility in fish finding applications.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The present invention can provide a transducer assembly
`including a fan beam transducer that is suitable for fish find-
`ing. The fan beam transducer has a beam generation axis, and
`can generate a fan shaped acoustic beam along the beam
`generation axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can have a
`generally elliptical cross sectional shape with a major axis
`and a minor axis across a plane generally perpendicular to the
`beam generation axis. The transducer can be housed in a
`housing, and have a direction of travel axis. The fan shaped
`acoustic beam can be rotatable relative to the direction of
`
`travel axis. The housing can have a release locking arrange-
`ment for rotationally releasing and locking the position of the
`fan shaped acoustic beam for orienting at least one of the
`major axis and minor axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam at
`a desired position relative to the direction of travel axis.
`In particular embodiments, the transducer can be rotatable
`within the housing about the beam generation axis. The lock-
`ing arrangement can be a quick release locking arrangement
`and can include a locking member resiliently biased relative
`to the transducer for releasably locking the transducer. The
`transducer can be resiliently biased upwardly against the
`locking member by a resilient biasing member, and can be
`resiliently moved downwardly by a hand to disengage from
`the locking member for allowing rotation. Release of the
`transducer by the hand allows the resilient biasing member to
`bias and re-engage the transducer with the locking member in
`the desired position relative to the direction oftravel axis. The
`transducer and the locking member each can have a locking
`structure which interlock with each other. At least one of the
`
`locking structures of the transducer and the locking member
`can have protrusions, and the other recesses, which interlock
`for locking the transducer in the desired position. The locking
`structures of the transducer and the locking member can be
`positioned in a circular pattern relative to the beam generation
`axis. The locking structure of the locking member can be
`positioned above the locking structure of the transducer, and
`the locking structure of the transducer can be spring loaded
`against the locking structure of the locking member by an
`annular spring, which can be a wave spring washer. The
`locking member can have a central opening through which an
`upper region of the transducer can be seen. The upper region
`of the transducer can have an indicator of position of the
`major axis ofthe fan shaped acoustic beam. The major axis of
`the fan shaped acoustic beam can be locked in line with the
`direction of travel axis, 90° to the direction of travel axis, and
`in some situations, at an acute angle relative to the direction of
`travel axis. The locking member can have fixed predeter-
`mined locking positions for orienting angular position of the
`major axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam, and the assembly
`can include angle alignment markings for alignment with the
`major axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam. In one embodi-
`ment, the transducer assembly can have a mounting bracket
`for mounting to a watercraft. In another embodiment, the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`transducer assembly can have an adjustable mounting band
`for mounting to a trolling motor. In other embodiments, the
`fan beam transducer can include a transducer element and a
`
`mask member or acoustic baffle for generating the fan shaped
`acoustic beam. The mask member can be rotatable relative to
`
`the transducer element for rotationally changing the position
`of the fan shaped acoustic beam.
`The present invention can also provide a transducer assem-
`bly including a fan beam transducer having a beam generation
`axis, for generating a fan shaped acoustic beam along the
`beam generation axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can have
`a generally elliptical cross sectional shape with a major axis
`and a minor axis across a plane generally perpendicular to the
`beam generation axis. The transducer can be housed in a
`housing having a direction of travel axis. The transducer can
`be oriented for generating the fan shaped acoustic beam gen-
`erally vertically downwardly into the water with the major
`axis at an acute angle relative to the direction of travel axis,
`such that the fan shaped acoustic beam has a relative width
`and length with respect to the direction of travel axis that is
`greater than a distance across the fan shaped acoustic beam
`along the minor axis.
`In particular embodiments, the housing can include an
`adjustment mechanism capable oflocking the fan beam trans-
`ducer at a series of predetermined angles. The major axis of
`the fan shaped acoustic beam can be positioned relative to the
`direction oftravel axis at an angle in the range of about 20° to
`50°.
`
`The present invention can also provide a method of oper-
`ating a transducer assembly which has a fan beam transducer
`with a beam generation axis, for generating a fan shaped
`acoustic beam along the beam generation axis. The fan
`shaped acoustic beam can have a generally elliptical cross
`sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis across a
`plane generally perpendicular to the beam generation axis.
`The transducer can be housed within a housing, and have a
`direction of travel axis. The fan shaped acoustic beam can be
`rotatable relative to the direction of travel axis. The position
`of the fan shaped acoustic beam can be rotationally released
`and locked with a release locking arrangement for orienting at
`least one of the major axis and minor axis of the fan shaped
`acoustic beam at a desired position relative to the direction of
`travel axis.
`
`In particular embodiments, the transducer can be rotated
`within the housing about the beam generation axis. The trans-
`ducer can be released and locked with a quick release locking
`arrangement. A locking member can be resiliently biased
`relative to the transducer for releasably locking the trans-
`ducer. The transducer can be resiliently biased upwardly
`against the locking member with the resilient biasing mem-
`ber, and can be resiliently movable downwardly by a hand to
`disengage from the locking member for allowing rotation.
`Release of the transducer by the hand can allow the resilient
`biasing member to bias and re-engage the transducer with the
`locking member in the desired position relative to the direc-
`tion of travel axis. The transducer and the locking member
`can each have a locking structure which interlock with each
`other. At least one of the locking structures of the transducer
`and the locking member can have protrusions, and the other
`recesses, which interlock for locking the transducer in the
`desired position. The locking structures of the transducer and
`the locking member can be positioned in a circular pattern
`relative to the beam generation axis. The locking structure of
`the locking member can be positioned above the locking
`structure of the transducer, and the locking structure of the
`transducer can be spring loaded against the locking structure
`of the locking member with an annular spring, which can be
`
`RAY-1004
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`Page 24 of 32
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`

`

`‹ŒŽ‘
`’“”•–—˜–™š–›—
`
`FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of the transducer.
`FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of
`the top cover locking member.
`FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a trans-
`ducer assembly in the present invention for mounting to a
`trolling motor.
`FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 13
`with the mounting band removed.
`FIGS. 15 and 16 are exploded views of the assembly of
`FIG. 14.
`
`FIG. 17 is a bottom view ofthe assembly of FIG. 14.
`FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of the
`housing.
`FIG. 19 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of
`the top cover locking member.
`FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views of an embodiment
`of a portable transducer assembly in which the trolling motor
`transducer assembly of FIG. 14 is mounted to a mounting
`bracket.
`FIG. 22 is a side schematic view of an embodiment of
`
`another acoustic transducer generator device for generating a
`fan shaped beam.
`FIG. 23 is a bottom or end schematic view of the acoustic
`transducer device of FIG. 22.
`
`FIGS. 23A-23C are schematic views ofelliptical, diamond
`and curved masking configurations.
`FIG. 24 is a side view of another embodiment of a transom
`
`mounting transducer assembly in the present invention.
`FIG. 25 is a bottom view ofthe embodiment of FIG. 24.
`
`FIG. 26 is a schematic representation offish images viewed
`on the display produced by different fan beam orientations
`relative to the direction of travel axis.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a watercraft 10, for example, a
`ship or boat, can include a fan beam transducer assembly 14
`mounted to the back, rear, stern or transom 12. The transducer
`assembly 14 can have housing 1411 with a housing axis E
`aligned with the direction oftravel axis D ofthe watercraft 1 0,
`and contain an acoustic transducer generator device 28 with a
`vertical or beam generation axis V for generating a fan or
`elliptical shaped acoustic transducer beam 16, typically gen-
`erally vertically downwardly into the water 8 for finding
`targets, for example, fish 9. The cross sectional shape of the
`beam 16 is shown schematically for illustration purposes, and
`it is understood that the actual shape ofthe beam 1 6 can differ.
`The beam 1 6 can be directed generally vertically downwardly
`into the water 8 and typically has a generally elliptical cross
`section with a minor axis A and a major axis B, taken across
`or along a plane P that is generally horizontal, perpendicular
`or at a right angle relative to the vertical axis V. Referring to
`FIG. 1, the transducer assembly 14 can orient the transducer
`28 such that the major axis B of the fan shaped beam 16 is
`positioned along or inline with the direction oftravel axis D or
`housing axis E. The fan beam transducer assembly 14 is
`shown positioned along the longitudinal axis C of the water-
`craft 10, but it is understood that often, the assembly 14 is
`
`RAY-1004
`
`Page 25 of 32
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`5
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`3
`a wave spring washer. The locking member can have a central
`opening through which an upper region of the transducer can
`be seen. An indicator of position of the major axis of the fan
`shaped acoustic beam can be on the upper region of the
`transducer for determining the desired position. The major
`axis ofthe fan shaped acoustic beam can be locked in line with
`the direction of travel axis, 90° to the direction of travel axis,
`and in some situations, at an acute angle relative to the direc-
`tion of travel axis. Fixed predetermined locking positions on
`the locking member can be employed for orienting angular
`position of the major axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam,
`and angle alignment markings on the assembly can be aligned
`with the major axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam. In one
`embodiment, the transducer assembly can be mounted to a
`watercraft with a mounting bracket. In another embodiment,
`the transducer assembly can be mounted to a trolling motor
`with an adjustable mounting band. In other embodiments, the
`fan shaped acoustic beam can be generated with a transducer
`element and a mask member or acoustic baffle. The mask
`member can be rotatable relative to the transducer element for 20
`
`10
`
`15
`
`rotationally changing the position of the fan shaped acoustic
`beam.
`
`The present invention can also provide a method of detect-
`ing fish in water, including moving a water craft relative to the
`water along a direction of travel axis. A fan beam transducer 25
`can be mounted to the watercraft, and can have a beam gen-
`eration axis. A fan shaped acoustic beam can be generated
`along the beam generation axis with the transducer. The fan
`shaped acoustic beam can have a generally elliptical cross
`sectional shape with a major axis and a minor axis across a 30
`plane generally perpendicular to the beam generation axis.
`The fan shaped acoustic beam can be directed generally ver-
`tically downwardly into the water with the major axis at an
`acute angle relative to the direction oftravel axis, such that the
`fan shaped acoustic beam has a relative width and length with 35
`respect to the direction of travel axis that is greater than a
`distance across the fan shaped acoustic beam along the minor
`axis.
`
`In particular embodiments, the fan beam transducer can be
`housed in a housing having an adjustment mechanism 40
`capable of locking the fan beam transducer at a series of
`predetermined angles. The fan beam transducer can be oper-
`ated with the major axis of the fan shaped acoustic beam
`being positioned relative to the direction of travel axis at an
`angle in the range of about 200 to 50°.
`
`45
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The foregoing will be apparent from the following more
`particular description of example embodiments of the inven- 50
`tion, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which
`like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout
`the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale,
`emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating embodi-
`ments of the present invention.
`FIGS. 1-3 are schematic drawings of a watercraft employ-
`ing a fan or elliptical shaped acoustic beam on the transom,
`with the major axis ofthe beam oriented along the direction of
`travel, at 90°, and at an acute angle in accordance with
`embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a watercraft employing a
`fan shaped beam in a through hull transducer housing in
`accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a transom
`mounting transducer assembly in the present invention, with 65
`the transducer positioned to generate a fan shaped beam ori-
`ented at 90°.
`
`60
`
`55
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`US 7,961,552 B2
`
`4
`
`FIG. 6 is a top view ofthe assembly of FIG. 5 with portions
`of the transducer removed to show the transducer element.
`
`FIG. 7 is a perspective view ofthe assembly of FIG. 5 with
`the transducer positioned to generate a fan shaped beam ori-
`ented along the direction of travel.
`FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view ofthe assembly of FIG.
`
`FIGS. 9 and 10 are exploded views ofthe assembly of FIG.
`
`5.
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`5.
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`US 7,961,552 B2
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`6
`be different, or that the beam 16 can be angled from the
`opposite side. Usually, the longitudinal axis C of the water-
`craft 10, the direction of travel axis D and housing axis E are
`in the same direction or parallel when the watercraft 10 is
`moving forward but in some instances, this can be varied.
`Referring to FIG. 4, an adjustable through hull transducer
`assembly 15 can be mounted to the hull 18 of the watercraft
`10 and can have an adjustable housing 1511 with a quick
`release adjustment/locking arrangement or feature 15b simi-
`lar to that discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-3, for adjusting the
`orientation of the transducer 28 and beam 16. Adjustment/
`locking features discussed below can also be employed. The
`transducer 28 can be operated at an angle to obtain detection
`of fish 9 over a greater width W than obtained in FIG. 1 and
`with a suitable signature on the display.
`Referring to FIGS. 5-12, transducer assembly 20 is an
`embodiment of a transom mounted fan beam transducer
`
`assembly 14 in the present invention having a quick release
`adjustment/locking arrangement, feature or mechanism 21,
`that can be mounted to the transom 12 of a watercraft 10.
`
`5
`positioned offset from axis C, while still being considered
`along the direction of travel axis D. Fish 9 can be detected
`within the width W and length L of the fan shaped beam 16
`relative to the direction of travel axis D, housing axis E or
`watercraft 10, as the watercraft 10 moves relative to the water
`8. With the major axis B of the fan shaped beam 16 being
`positioned in the direction of travel axis D or housing axis E,
`the beam 16 has a long length L and the fish 9 detected within
`the fan shaped beam 16 can remain in the beam 16 for a long
`enough time to appear on a time vs. depth graphical display 6 10
`as an arched shaped signature, which can allow the user to
`determine that the target is a fish, and have an idea of the
`relative size. In addition, this orientation can be used for
`bottom discrimination.
`
`5
`
`The transducer assembly 14 can have a quick release 15
`adjustment/locking arrangement or feature 14b for rotation-
`ally changing the orientation of transducer 28 and the fan
`shaped beam 16 about vertical axis V. For example, the major
`axis B ofthe fan shaped beam 16 canbe fixed or secured at 90°
`or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis C of the watercraft 20
`10, the direction oftravel axis D or housing axis E, laterally or
`on plane P, as seen in FIG. 2. Such an orientation increases the
`width W of the beam 16 relative to the direction of travel axis
`
`D, housing axis E or watercraft 10, while the watercraft 10 is
`traveling along the direction of travel axis D. This can detect 25
`fish 9 that are outside the width W provided by the orientation
`of FIG. 1 and undetectable in that orientation. However, the
`length L of the beam 16 relative to the direction of travel axis
`D or housing axis E is shortened such that the fish 9 are not
`within the beam 16 for a significant length ofthe time and can 30
`appear on the display 6 only as short straight lines and for a
`shorter period of time. If the targets are already known to be
`fish 9, the orientation of FIG. 2 can be useful in finding fish 9
`over a wider width W relative to the direction oftravel axis D.
`Referring to FIG. 3, the quick release adjustment/locking 35
`feature 14b of transducer assembly 14 can also orient the
`transducer 28 into a fixed position where the major axis B is
`at an acute angle 6 relative to the longitudinal axis C of the
`watercraft 10, the direction oftravel axis D, or housing axis E,
`laterally or on plane P. At such an orientation, the fan shaped 40
`acoustic beam 16 has a width W and length L relative to the
`direction oftravel axis D, housing axis E or watercraft 10, that
`are both greater than the distance across the cross section of
`the beam 16 along the minor axis A. As a result, the width W
`of the beam 16 relative to the direction of travel axis D or 45
`
`housing axis E is greater than in the orientation of FIG. 1, and
`the length L of the beam 16 is greater than in the orientation
`of FIG. 2, resulting in a width W and length L that are
`intermediate or a composite of those obtained in the orienta-
`tions of FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 3, the length L ofbeam 16 is 50
`schematically shown as the total length in the direction of
`travel, which can be an approximation across much of the
`width W, but it is understood the actual length L of the beam
`16 relative to the target or fish 9 can vary depending upon the
`actual shape of the beam 16 and the portion or location of the 55
`beam 16 that of the fish 9 passes through. Typically, when the
`watercraft 10 is moving forward as shown, with the major
`axis B at an acute angle 6, fish 9 can be detected at a greater
`width W than obtained in the orientation ofFIG. 1, can appear
`on the display 6 for a longer period of time than obtained in 60
`the orientation of FIG. 2, and can have an arched shaped and
`larger signature. The width W and length L ofbeam 16 can be
`adjusted by adjusting the orientation of the transducer 28 to
`adjust the angle 6 of the major axis B of the beam relative to
`the longitudinal axis C, the direction of travel axis D or 65
`housing axis E. In FIG. 3, the beam 16 is shown angled to one
`side at an angle of45°, and it is understood that the angle 6 can
`
`Transducer assembly 20 can include a housing 24 for con-
`taining or housing the transducer 28. The housing 24 can
`include or be connected to a mounting bracket. The housing
`24 can have opposed ears 23 between which a mounting
`bracket member 22 is pivotably connected about a pivot point
`23b, for example, by screws 23a. The mounting portion or
`surface 22a of the mounting bracket member 22 can be
`mounted to the transom 12, with fasteners such as screws,
`through mounting slots 22b. The mounting bracket member
`22 can include or employ adjustment wedges or wedge mem-
`bers 220 of desired angles so that the vertical axis V of the
`transducer 28 can be positioned in the desired orientation, for
`example, usually directed generally vertically downwardly
`into the water 8. In some embodiments, some adjustment can
`also be obtained by pivoting housing 24 about pivot point 23b.
`The housing 24 can be adjusted so that the bottom 44 of the
`housing 29 of the transducer 28 is at a slight angle of attack to
`generate or obtain positive water pressure against the bottom
`44, but the transducer 28, and axis V can still be considered to
`be positioned generally vertically. The housing 24 has a lon—
`gitudinal housing axis E which can be aligned along the
`direction of travel axis D and can be considered to be or along
`the direction of travel axis D. The slots 22b can also allow
`
`adjustment of the vertical axis V of the transducer 28 about
`axis E. The upstream or leading surface 24a ofhousing 24 can
`be shaped, for example, rounded as shown, or pointed, for
`reducing water flow resistance, turbulence and aeration. In
`addition, the bottom 44 of transducer 28 can be flush with the
`bottom of housing 24. The transducer 28 can have an indica-
`tor or knob structure 28a on the top ofthe transducer 28 which
`can provide a schematic representation of the shape and ori-
`entation of the fan shaped beam 16 and can be an elongate
`3-dimensional elliptical indicator structure. Furthermore, the
`indicator structure 2811 can be grasped as a knob and manipu-
`lated by hand for adjustment. A top cover locking member 26
`can trap or secure, and rotationally lock the transducer 28
`within the housing 24 along a central circular cavity 34. The
`top cover 26 of the housing 24 can include angle indicator
`markings to identify the angle at which the indicator structure
`2811 and the major axis B of the fan shaped beam 16 are
`oriented relative to housing axis E or direction of travel axis
`D. The indicator markings can be, for example, 0°, 23°, 45°
`and 90° on both sides of housing axis E, allowing positioning
`on either side. Referring to FIG. 5, the transducer 28 is shown
`with the indicator structure 2811 and major axis B oriented at
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`US 7,961,552 B2
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`8
`transducer 28 out of position or disengage the locking struc-
`tures 40 and 50. The tubular structure 34b can serve as a
`
`bushing or bearing within which housing portion 29 of trans-
`ducer 28 can rotate about vertical axis V. A spring member 48,
`such as an annular wave spring washer, can be positioned
`between the top annular rim 35 of the tubular structure 34b
`and the shoulder 46 of transducer 28, for resiliently forcing,
`springloading or biasing the transducer 28 and locking struc-
`ture 50 upwardly against the top cover 26, and locking struc-
`ture 40. The top cover 26 can have a central opening 3411 that
`is smaller than the outer diameter or periphery of the cap 49
`and the locking structure 50 of the transducer 28, thereby
`capturing the top of the transducer 28 while providing visual
`and physical access to the indicator structure 28a. If desired,
`the spring member 48 can be sandwiched between two flat
`annular washers 47. The washers 47 can be used as spacers
`and/or for wear or bearing purposes against rim 35 and shoul-
`der 46. The washers 47 and spring member 48 can be fitted
`around the housing 29 of transducer 28. Although the spring
`member 48 has been described as a wave spring washer,
`alternatively, the spring member 48 can be other types of
`suitable springs, for example, cantilever springs, a coil spring,
`or a bellville spring. In addition, more than one spring can be
`used.
`
`7
`90° to the E or D axes. Referring to FIG. 7 the indicator
`structure 2811 and major axis B are shown oriented at 0° or
`along the E or D axes.
`The transducer 28 can include a bottom or lower cylindri-
`cal housing portion 29 (FIG. 9) with a flat bottom 44, and
`containing one or more bar shaped piezoelectric or piezoce-
`ramic acoustic transducer elements 32 (FIG. 6) oriented to
`generate the fan shaped beam 16 in a manner corresponding
`with the indicator structure 2811 and along the major axis B.
`The piezoceramic element 32 can be powered by an electric
`cable 30 and resonated at about 200 kHz for generating the
`fan or elliptical shaped acoustic transducer beam 16 down-
`wardly through the bottom 44 of housing 29 along vertical
`axis V and typically generally vertically downward into the
`water 8 for finding fish 9 and/or the bottom. The cable 30 can
`be connected to display 6. The piezoceramic element 32 can
`be formed, shaped and constructed, acoustically coupled to
`the bottom 44, and electrically driven, as is known in the art.
`In some embodiments, an acoustic matching layer 32a with
`high sound speed such as epoxy or thermoplastic,
`for
`example, polyetherimide, can be cast and adhered to element
`32 and used to increase the bandwidth of the element 32.