Albert S Menin

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Albert S. Menin

Introduction

Albert S. Menin, an inventive mind based in Sylmar, California, has made significant contributions to the field of fish counting technology. With three patents to his name, Menin's innovations have revolutionized the way fish populations, particularly salmon, are monitored in natural streams. His latest patents reflect his commitment to advancing aquatic research methodologies.

Latest Patents

Menin's most recent patent is the "Salmon counter with separate king salmon tabulator." This advanced sonar fish counter is designed for counting salmon migrating in streams, including a specialized count for king salmon. The system employs a narrow beamwidth side-scanning sonar transducer to insonify a defined volume of water above a mechanical beam acting as an artificial bottom. The transducer transmits short-duration pulses and utilizes a receiver to collect echo signals from fish crossing the beam. To handle high counts, which could represent either debris or peak migration periods, Menin incorporated a counter arrangement that flags unusual counts for operator determination. Additionally, a discrimination circuit separates elongated pulses indicative of king salmon, allowing for a detailed report of salmon counts across various sectors.

Another notable patent by Menin is the "Fish counter with scanning transducer." This system utilizes acoustic focusing liquid lens transducers composed of numerous piezoelectric elements, structured in an arc to generate a fan-shaped array of adjacent beams. This design ensures a narrow beam width, enhancing counting accuracy in aquatic environments. The integrated electrical counting circuit is driven by a series of timing pulses that govern the operation of each transducer element, facilitating efficient counting and display of fish populations. With the capability to synchronize operations across multiple transducers, this innovation underscores Menin's expertise in aquatic data collection.

Career Highlights

Albert S. Menin has spent a significant part of his career at Bendix Corporation, where he has seen his innovative ideas come to fruition. His work has placed the company at the forefront of technological advancements in sonar and fish counting systems. The practical applications of his inventions have garnered attention, influencing both commercial and research sectors.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Menin has worked alongside accomplished professionals such as Merrill E. Fife and Robert M. Bridges. Their collaborations have fostered a culture of innovation, contributing to the successful development and implementation of advanced fish counting technologies.

Conclusion

Albert S. Menin stands out as an exemplary innovator whose contributions have provided essential tools for fish population management and research. His patents, particularly in sonar technology, illustrate a deep understanding of both engineering principles and ecological needs. Through his work at Bendix Corporation and collaborations with fellow inventors, Menin has left a lasting mark on the field, paving the way for future advancements in monitoring aquatic ecosystems.