Rhode Island Patent of the Month – February 2025
FarSounder has reimagined sonar protection with its groundbreaking transducer module, delivering durability without compromising performance. At the heart of this innovation is a rugged internal housing that features a cavity defined by strategically placed walls—engineered to shield delicate transducer elements from potential impacts while preserving a clear acoustic field of view. Whether facing top, bottom, or side collisions from anchor chains, docks, or debris, the design adapts with as few as two or as many as four protective walls depending on need.
Sealing the deal—literally and figuratively—is a custom overmolded urethane cover. This material, selected for its acoustic transparency and marine-grade resilience, forms a tight bond over the housing, creating a watertight barrier that enhances both structural integrity and acoustic performance. Unlike traditional oil-filled covers or bulky external housings, this integrated design minimizes refraction and eliminates complex vessel modifications.
What sets FarSounder’s module apart is its standalone, hull-mountable format. It doesn’t rely on the vessel’s structure for protection, allowing for easier integration across vessel types—from yachts to research ships. For vessels already equipped with hull recesses, the module also fits seamlessly, leveraging both internal and structural defenses.
Built with SAE 316L duplex stainless steel, the housing resists corrosion in harsh marine environments. With its forward-looking sonar capabilities intact and its transducer elements secure, FarSounder’s innovation marks a leap forward in underwater sensing—smart, tough, and ready for the deep.
Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.
Who We Are:
Swanson Reed is one of the U.S.’ largest Specialist R&D tax advisory firms. We manage all facets of the R&D tax credit program, from claim preparation and audit compliance to claim disputes.
Swanson Reed regularly hosts free webinars and provides free IRS CE and CPE credits for CPAs. For more information please visit us at www.swansonreed.com/webinars or contact your usual Swanson Reed representative.
What is the R&D Tax Credit?
The Research & Experimentation Tax Credit (or R&D Tax Credit), is a general business tax credit under Internal Revenue Code section 41 for companies that incur research and development (R&D) costs in the United States. The credits are a tax incentive for performing qualified research in the United States, resulting in a credit to a tax return. For the first three years of R&D claims, 6% of the total qualified research expenses (QRE) form the gross credit. In the 4th year of claims and beyond, a base amount is calculated, and an adjusted expense line is multiplied times 14%. Click here to learn more.
R&D Tax Credit Preparation Services
Swanson Reed is one of the only companies in the United States to exclusively focus on R&D tax credit preparation. Swanson Reed provides state and federal R&D tax credit preparation and audit services to all 50 states.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call or email our CEO, Damian Smyth on (800) 986-4725.
Feel free to book a quick teleconference with one of our national R&D tax credit specialists at a time that is convenient for you.
R&D Tax Credit Audit Advisory Services
creditARMOR is a sophisticated R&D tax credit insurance and AI-driven risk management platform. It mitigates audit exposure by covering defense expenses, including CPA, tax attorney, and specialist consultant fees—delivering robust, compliant support for R&D credit claims. Click here for more information about R&D tax credit management and implementation.
Our Fees
Swanson Reed offers R&D tax credit preparation and audit services at our hourly rates of between $195 – $395 per hour. We are also able offer fixed fees and success fees in special circumstances. Learn more at https://www.swansonreed.com/about-us/research-tax-credit-consulting/our-fees/