Abstract: A Platform and Method for Evaluating, Exploring, and Predicting the Status of Regions of the Planet through Time is provided. The method is a computer-implemented means for evaluating an area. The method includes collecting relevant datasets, transforming datasets into dynamic datasets, selecting a region of interest, selecting factors of interest, producing an evaluation index for the region of interest, specifying targets and thresholds for the evaluation index, generating a visualization of the evaluation index for the region of interest; generating alerts when the evaluation index changes in specified ways, and reporting the status and trend of the region of interest using the evaluation index. The data transformation is optionally achieved with machine learning algorithms and training data to produce time series indices. The method may also produce predictive models and maps from the time series indices.

Abstract: A Buoyancy-Controlled Lagrangian Camera Platform and method for use to observe layers of the open ocean. The platform has subsystems for recovery, for its camera, and for its buoyancy engine, which has a buoyancy engine and engine controller to control the platform depth. The engine controller adjusts the buoyancy engine volume with an adaptive PID control system and gain scheduling to control the buoyancy engine. The method for observation consists of a camera platform, a surface vessel with an echosounder, and a means of communication between the two. The vessel uses the echosounder to identify layers of the open water for the platform to target for observation. Instruction and feedback between the platform and vessel are communicated using an acoustic modem. The vessel also uses the acoustic link to track the Buoyancy-controlled Lagrangian Platform with repeated queries on its depth and range.

Abstract: An animal-borne instrumentation system having an integrated tail assembly that reduces hydrodynamic drag while inducing positive buoyancy and providing increased useable space for instrumentation storage. The system comprises a submersible, pressure-resistant housing and means for harnessing the housing to an animal under study. The housing is designed to contain any combination of image and data-logging and/or transmission equipment useful for obtaining information about the animal or its habitat, as well as other gear necessary to support such equipment.

Abstract: Claimed is an illuminated globe which is fully rotational about its axis. A translucent globe is slidably and rotatably mounted on an axial support pin and rests on a bearing surface. The axial support pin and the globe base are a unitary assembly. A lamp socket is affixed to the top of the support pin and the wiring is passed through the center of the support pin and exits through the side of the base.

Abstract: An underwater camera casing is formed as a pouch of molded flexible waterproof material with front, back and side walls forming an upper body space adapted to contain a camera and a lower space into which a hand may be inserted for insertion of the camera. The side wall is provided with a side opening extending from the top of one side of the upper and lower body spaces to the top of the other side of the upper and lower body spaces. An opening is provided through the front wall of the upper body space into which a removable waterproof lens unit may be inserted to be detachably connected to a camera body removably positioned within the pouch camera body space thus securing the camera body within the pouch. Waterproof sealing means is provided for the lens opening for the lens unit and a waterproof closure is provided for the side opening.

Abstract: A geographically configured globe is provided with a transparent overlay globe geometer segment shaped to closely overlay the globe surface and is adapted to be removably and pivotally secured to the globe at a pivot point of the overlay. A transparent circular longitude degree amd time disk is pivotally secured to the overlay assembly at the pivot point thereof and the overlay assembly may be generally pie-shaped with the pivot point end enlarged to a circular configuration about the pivot point.