Segmented transducer electrode for directional power distribution of sonar energy and control system therefor

Abstract

A curved monolithic transducer having a segmented positive electrode to provide directional power distribution of sonar energy and a control system and method to be used therefor are provided. The curved monolithic transducer includes a single negative electrode and multiple, individually powered positive electrodes that are energized by individual sonar power transmitters or a single sonar power transmitter via a variable resistance network. The transducer assembly may be mounted in various orientations, and the power delivery to each of the positive electrodes may be controlled in accordance with user settings or automatically in accordance with fishing modes or environments. Power distribution within the ensonification cone produced thereby may be varied as a result thereof.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.