Sean M Dehart

US Patent:

20130215719, Aug 22, 2013

Filed:

Feb 22, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/774143

Inventors:

David A. Betts - Eufaula AL, US
Sean M. DeHart - Eufaula AL, US

Assignee:

Johnson Outdoors Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01S 15/89

US Classification:

367 88

Abstract:

A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.

US Patent:

20160259055, Sep 8, 2016

Filed:

Mar 9, 2016

Appl. No.:

15/065073

Inventors:

David A. Betts - Eufaula AL, US
Sean M. DeHart - Eufaula AL, US

Assignee:

Johnson Outdoors Inc. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01S 15/89
G01S 7/62
G01S 15/96
G01S 7/521

Abstract:

A 360-degree sonar imaging system and method are provided. The system includes a sonar transducer assembly pod with tilted mechanically scanning sonar (MSS) transducers that is deployed into the water below the bottom of the boat. The system provides photo-like imaging of an area surrounding a boat which does not require the boat to be in motion. The pod is deployed by a variety of manual, (trolling motor, transom) or powered mechanical (bow, transom, or fairing block) deployment mechanisms to allow for deployment and retraction of the sonar transducer assembly. In particular embodiments, the MSS system communicates with a side-scan-sonar-imaging-equipped control head unit to display the images generated therefrom. Various speeds and sector scans are provided, as well as a locked side-scan sonar mode. Waypoint navigation and split screen views are also provided.

US Patent:

20140269164, Sep 18, 2014

Filed:

Mar 14, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/213106

Inventors:

David A. Betts - Eufaula AL, US
Sean M. DeHart - Eufaula AL, US

Assignee:

JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC. - Racine WI

International Classification:

G01S 15/89
G01S 7/56

US Classification:

367 7

Abstract:

A sector-scanning sonar imaging system with at least one sonar imaging element housed within a transducer housing coupled to a self-reciprocating mechanism, and a drive mechanism housed within a waterproof housing. The oscillating motion of the transducer housing produces a highly-detailed, photo like sector scan sonar image of the bottom and other objects surrounding the boat on which it is mounted. The drive mechanism housing may be rigidly attached to either a boat hull or to a trolling motor. The sonar imaging element housing may be removably attached to the drive mechanism, and shielded by an acoustically transparent shroud to protect the elements from damage. The sector-scanning sonar imaging system connects to a control head with display either directly, or through some other communications protocol, such as a wireless protocol.