Abstract: A floating alerting device includes a housing enclosure which floats when closed, a rechargeable battery within the housing enclosure, a wireless transmitter circuit coupled to the rechargeable battery and housed within the housing enclosure, and one or more sensors configured for detecting objects entering a body of water or for measuring one or more among water quality, water temperature, or pool usage or tub usage where the one or more sensors are coupled to the wireless transmitter circuit and housed within the housing enclosure. The floating alerting device further includes an antenna coupled to the wireless transmitter circuit and one or more processors coupled to the wireless transmitter circuit and configured to transmit data from the one or more sensors to a remote computing device.

Abstract: A system for obtaining energy from surface waves is disclosed. The system can include an array of buoys. The array of buoys can include a framework having a plurality of vertical members. The array of buoys can also include a base buoy coupled to the framework to support the framework in a body of water and maintain the vertical members in a vertical orientation. The array of buoys can further include a plurality of movable buoys. Each of the plurality of movable buoys can be movably disposed about a different one of the vertical members and configured to move relative to the respective vertical members and the base buoy in response to a wave in the body of water. Additionally, the array of buoys can include an energy conversion device operable with each of the plurality of movable buoys to generate power from movement of the movable buoys relative to the vertical members. In addition, the system can include a buoyant tether coupled to the array of buoys to secure the array of buoys to an object.

Abstract: Unmanned underwater vehicle with variable-geometry internally pressurized hull that enables the underwater vehicle to submerge/emerge and change submersion depth by varying hull's buoyancy and not the vehicle weight.

Abstract: A location tracking system includes a first plurality of signal receiving and transmitting devices, the members of the first plurality each include an RF transceiver, sound receivers and sound emitters. A second plurality of signal transmitting units, the members of the second plurality each include at least an RF transceiver and a sound emitter. A system control element in communication with the members of the first plurality wherein the control element determines the locations of members of the second plurality based, at least in part, on information received from members of the first plurality.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display unit having one or more display surfaces, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight mechanism is mounted to the signal display unit to maintain the signal display unit in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination system comprising one or more illumination members is mounted to the signal display unit, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display unit while it is deployed n the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend to a first predetermined depth (H1) in water, at least one buoy having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys; and a first acoustic system attached to the first vessel and configured to detect a position of the at least one buoy while underwater. The at least one buoy is instructed to maintain the first predetermined depth (H1) underwater while recording the seismic data.

Abstract: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display assembly having one or more display surface, and at least one signal indicia affixed to each display surface. The multi-directional display assembly comprises a buoyant construction such that the signal indicia affixed to the display surface(s) are readily visible above the surface of a body of water in which the assembly is deployed. A counterweight assembly is mounted to the signal display assembly to maintain the signal display assembly in a substantially upright, operative orientation when deployed. An illumination assembly comprising one or more illumination member is mounted to the signal display assembly, and is actuated to increase visibility of the signal display assembly while it is deployed n the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for protecting subsea pipeline from damage caused by excessive stress or fatigue loading caused by geo-hazards, and environmental and operating loads. The systems and methods utilize lifting buoyancy modules capable of being attached to a section of subsea pipeline to lift the subsea pipeline off the seabed to a predetermined height over a predetermined length upon being activated by a planned or unplanned triggering event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated distress locator transmitter assembly adapted to be installed on transportation means such as aircrafts and the like comprising: a base member having a primary enclosure downwardly formed from the surface thereof and defining a first peripheral flange thereon; a secondary enclosure having a second peripheral flange formed at the upper portion thereof, said secondary enclosure being enclosed within said primary enclosure and being provided with an ejector means; a locator transmitter member being provided within said secondary enclosure and secured on said ejector means; an associated cover being provided on said secondary enclosure, said associated cover being secured on said second peripheral flange; and means to secure and automatically detached said associated cover from said second peripheral flange to release and eject said locator transmitter member to a substantial distance away from said second enclosure at a predetermined switching command.

Abstract: From the beginning of mankinds encounters with the sea there have been great perils involved with oceanic voyages and so few ways to protect ones self from them. Over the years as population has increased and more and more people are navigating waterways the demand for life saving devices has grown enormously. The devices that do exist are just adequate and very costly because you can't simply buy one device that contains all the components required for survival at sea. There is clearly a market for a device that has multirole capabilities and contains all the necessary components for surviving at sea.

Abstract: A light emitting inflatable safety beacon is disclosed for identifying a location of the beacon. The beacon comprises an elongated bladder defining an interior chamber extending between an upper end and a lower end. A tether extends between a first end and a second end. A couple links the tether with the elongated bladder for suspending the tether within the interior chamber. A light source is secured to the tether for emitting an electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation internally illuminates the elongated bladder for creating an illuminated beacon. The electromagnetic radiation traverses the elongated bladder for creating a location beacon.

Abstract: The remotely actuated marker buoy is releasably tethered to, or immediately adjacent to, a maritime animal trap (e.g., crab trap, lobster pot, etc.) or other submerged object requiring recovery. The operator (fisherman, etc.) uses a transmitter to send a signal to a receiver at the trap to release the buoy when trap recovery is desired. The buoy is tethered to the trap, enabling the fisherman to sight the buoy when it rises to the surface and thus recover the trap by drawing up the tether. The transmitter may include an authentication code requirement to prevent another party from recovering the trap if the transmitter is stolen. The system may include a reply transmitter at the trap to provide a signal if the trap is empty and cancel the release of the buoy. The operator may override this recovery cancellation, if desired.

Abstract: According to one preferred embodiment, the present invention can have a housing with a cap on one end. A flag support and a flag can project from the cap. A sleeve can be movable between the ends of the housing. A mechanical assembly is contained within the housing, and includes a rod, a plug, a tensioner and a reel. The tensioner can control the amount of tension on a line that is dispensed from the marker buoy. The line self-dispenses under the load of a weight connected to the line. The sleeve, operable in a first position, helps to maintain a vertical orientation of the housing within the water. Yet, the sleeve in a second position can prevent unwinding of the reel and maintain the flag in a storage position.

Abstract: The beacon for increasing the visibility of a person floating in water. The beacon includes a flotation core constructed of a buoyant material, an outer cover and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism allows the beacon to be attached to a user, user's clothing or life jacket worn by the user. The beacon floats in an essentially vertical position when the bottom end of the beacon is submerged in water.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable safety marker for a diver comprising a cylindrical hollow housing having a lid, a puncture plate, an inflatable bladder and a length of line connecting the bladder to the housing. The lid is hingably affixed to one end of the housing. The puncture plate is affixed within the housing below the lid. The puncture plate comprises a pierce needle positioned at the center with the sharp end exposed on the lower surface of the plate and the other end of the pierce needle exposed on the upper surface of the plate. The puncture plate also has a threaded cylindrical skirt depending from the lower surface about the sharp end of the pierce needle. The threaded cylindrical skirt is able to receive a threaded end of a canister containing gas for inflating the bladder. The inflatable bladder is positioned on the upper surface of the puncture plate with its open end removably affixed to the other end of the pierce needle. A length of line connects the bladder to the housing.

Abstract: A buoy provided preferably for ascending in the water from an initial submerged position. The buoy comprises a buoyancy element positioned at an upper portion of the buoy in the ascending direction. Further the buoy comprises a storing structure for an elongated member positioned below the buoyancy element in the ascending direction, wherein one end of the elongated member is connected to the buoy and the other end of the elongated member is connected to an object submerged in the water. The buoyancy element is provided to obtain a rotation of the buoy around its central axis thereby paying out the elongated member while the buoy is ascending essentially vertically in the water.

Abstract: A communication float for an oceanographic instrument, such as a profiler, comprising an elongated buoyant float, connected at one to the instrument by means of a neutrally buoyant communication cable, and having an antenna mounted on the other end. The float is ballasted to float at an angle such that the antenna extends from the water when the float is on the surface of the water, and whereby the float is oriented substantially vertically when submerged. The communication float is configured to provide minimal effects on the profiler instrument for either the submerged or floating mode, and to maintain transmission while subjected to wave action on the ocean.

Abstract: An Air-Deployable Expendable Ice Buoy (AXIB) that can withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles and operate equally well in ice prone ocean or fresh water. The AXIB can be dropped from an airborne platform, land on an ice surface, right itself to the vertical position, anchor and stabilize itself in the ice, withstand several freeze-thaw cycles and continue to transmit data while anchored to the ice or floating in the ocean. The unique hull design of the AXIB allows it to withstand multiple freeze-thaw cycles and continue to function. The AXIB is particularly well suited for deployment and utilization in any ice zone where repeated freeze-thaw cycles occur.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention has a shell, an indicator and straps. The shell has flanges at the top and bottom, respectively, constricting the hole size at the ends of the shell. The shell can be comprised of a body and a cap. The indicator is in telescoping engagement with the shell. The indicator has two ends. The first end of the indicator protrudes from the second end of the shell. A weight is at the second end of the indicator. The weight has a sidewall with an outer periphery greater in size than the inner periphery of the shell ends. The straps are used to secure the apparatus to a person. The indicator extends from the shell when the person enters the water. The indicator, aided by the weight, retracts into the shell when the person exits the water. The shell can have wings.

Abstract: A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23).

Abstract: A mooring grid having at least one mooring line submersible at a changeable depth. The mooring line consists of a substantially horizontal linear array of interconnected caissons and a plurality of suspended members connected each to a respective caisson. The suspended members are selected from a group consisting of cables, ropes, hawsers, chains and combinations of a hawser and a chain.

Abstract: “Retract-A-Flag is a snorkelers/divers flag and buoy that automatically dispenses and retracts lanyard as diver descends and ascends. This allows diver to focus completely on dive and not on line tending as this is a hands free function. Lanyard is kept taut and clear of diver, eliminating diver/lanyard entanglement. Safety Break-Away eliminates the dangers associated with marine vessel vs. diver lanyard snags. Diver surfaces with dive flag every time. Internal weight allows for easier transport and storage. Integrated carry handle allows for easier transport.

Abstract: An all purpose surface support station for use in dive applications having an inflatable bladder for floating the station, a screw-in type anchor for docking the station, removable pockets for storing dive equipment, and a cover that can store dive equipment, protect the bladder and, upon deflation of the bladder, is also used as a device for transporting dive equipment to and from the dive site.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel, but simply structured life-saving diving buoy that protects human lives by indicating presence of divers in a certain area while providing a dry storage compartment to store life-saving equipment useful to mark a submerged scuba diver's location while providing a dry compartment to store emergency and/or lifesaving equipment for when the diver comes to the surface and is far away from his boat.

Abstract: A marine locator device including: a light section including a visible light emitter and an infrared light emitter; a communication device operable to broadcast an information signal; a controller operable to communicate with and control the light section and the communication device; a power supply electrically connected with the light section, the communication device, positioning system, and a controller; and a positioning system configured to determine geographic coordinates of the device, wherein the controller is operable to communicate with and control the positioning system and to incorporate the geographic coordinates into the information signal.

Abstract: An improved safety signaling apparatus intended to be used with watercraft to increase the visibility of the watercraft to others, incorporating a mast-supported signaling device, a base member for attachment to the watercraft, and a retention member removably attaching the mast assembly to the base member. The retention member is suitably adapted to maintain the mast assembly in a fixed orientation in relation to the base member under certain conditions, namely ordinary operation of the watercraft, and to permit independent movement of the mast relative to the base member under different conditions, namely when the mast is in danger of damage or for independent use or storage.

Abstract: A non-inflatable device for supporting a sign on water. A single float embodiment is the basic element. In a typical embodiment, two or more non-inflatable floats are separated at a predetermined distance by one or more spacing members that mate with a spacing member mount on the top of each float. The spacing member mount and spacing members of the invention enable the invention to be expandable, such that the number of floats and spacing members may be varied, depending on the application and need. The floating sign may be anchored or mobile. Sign supporting members are mounted onto the top end of the float in order to support a substantially planar sign portion.

Abstract: A freeze resistant buoy system includes a tail-tube buoy having a thermally insulated section disposed predominantly above a waterline, and a thermo-siphon disposed predominantly below the waterline.

Abstract: An extendable spar buoy sea-based communication system includes a spar buoy having a retracted configuration deployable from an underwater vessel and an extended configuration after deployment, and a communication subsystem mounted to the top of the spar buoy and supported thereby.

Abstract: An antenna linear extension and retraction apparatus and method of use for a submersible device is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a cavity formed at an external surface. A bladder containing a core material is arranged within the cavity. The core material contracts and expands the bladder depending upon a pressure that surrounds the bladder. An antenna is operatively connected with the bladder and moves between a retracted position and a deployed position as the bladder contracts and expands.

Abstract: An underwater flotation safety device includes a base that may be positioned below the water surface of a swimming pool with ballast, a hook, or the like. A buoyant member is releasably coupled to the base and is also positioned below the water surface. A release member is positioned within a channel defined by the base for selectively releasing the buoyant member from the base. A transmitter is connected to the buoyant member for selectively transmitting a sing. A sensor for detecting a release of the buoyant member from the base is in communication with the transmitter for sending a signal when the buoyant member is released. An alarm unit remote from the transmitter includes a receiver for receiving the signal indicative of a release of the buoyant member. The alarm unit includes another transmitter for transmitting an emergency signal indicative of an emergency condition.

Abstract: A marker for marking debris, weed lines and/or other objects floating in a body of water. The marker can consist of a tube, such as a plastic tube having a weighted end such that the marker floats upright in the ocean. Preferably, the marker is coated with a fluorescent color such as the color orange or other highly visible coloring. A reflective strip of material can also be disposed at the end (non-weighted end) of the marker which extends out of the water. A loop can be provided at the non-weighted end of the marker such that the marker can be retrieved by a gaff, boat hook, fishing rod, etc. A piece of floating material, such as foam, can be disposed at an intermediate portion of the tube and defines the amount of material or portion of the tube that extends out of the water.

Abstract: A user worn man overboard beacon that provides multiple indication means to alert a ship to an overboard crew person and to assist in locating the crew person. The beacon device is contained in a housing attached to the clothing of the sailor and is activated upon contact with seawater. A battery powers the multiple indicators contained in the housing, which include a high intensity strobe light to provide a visual indication, an x-band radar patch antenna to transmit a radar signal indication that can be detected by the ship's radar system, and an acoustic transducer to project an acoustic signal indication that can be detected by the ship's sonar system.

Abstract: Locator device that can be used to aid in the recovery of or to provide positional information about a structure that becomes submerged. The locator device for submerged structures consists of one or more modules. Each module can be customized to incorporate one or more features including a power source, a transmitter or source, a receiver or detector, a fastener means, a computer, buoyancy means, a propulsion means, and a communications means.

Abstract: A flameless and smokeless marker attracts attention to a site. A battery and electronics section has a battery module and electronics module. The battery module connects power to the electronics module for creating responsive power-activation signals. An inflatable bag section is connected to the battery and electronics section and has an inflator and flexible bag. The flexible bag is metalized to reflect radar signals and has ChLCD strips receiving the power-activation signals to be visible to radiation from a remotely located search beacon. A beacon section connected to the battery and electronics section and inflatable bag section has IR laser diode arrays arranged in a circular pattern and a strobe light. The IR laser diode arrays and strobe light are coupled to receive the power-activation signals from the battery and electronics section to emit IR radiation and visible radiation, respectively.

Abstract: A SCUBA diving flag/float assembly is used to support a GPS antenna on the surface of the water for use by divers in performing underwater navigation. An associated GPS receiver is integrated with a dive flag line take-up mechanism such as a spool or SCUBA diving line reel. The dive flag line and cable interconnecting the GPS receiver to the GPS antenna is integrated within a single assembly, or in an alternate embodiment, braided together forming a single tether. Alternate embodiments include optional sensors such as a flowmeter, compass, tiltmeter, depth gauge and diver techniques to compensate for navigational errors due to a water current pushing a dive flag/float away from a diver. Alternatively, a GPS receiver may be mounted on or in the dive flag/float assembly and navigational information relayed to the diver under the water.

Abstract: A land and water flash flood detecting and warning system includes a buoyant waterproof casing. A detachable tether is externally fixed to the casing and a distal end of the tether is attached to an anchor to secure the casing in place on land. Accelerometers mounted internally to the casing are configured to measure short-range and short-term positional information of the casing when the casing is in water due to flooding of the land. A radio transceiver coupled to the accelerometers transmit the positional information to land based receiving stations to indicate a flooding condition.

Abstract: A land and water flash flood detecting and warning system includes a buoyant waterproof casing. A detachable tether is externally fixed to the casing and a distal end of the tether is attached to an anchor to secure the casing in place on land. Accelerometers mounted internally to the casing are configured to measure short-range and short-term positional information of the casing when the casing is in water due to flooding of the land. A radio transceiver coupled to the accelerometers transmit the positional information to land based receiving stations to indicate a flooding condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal-pressure detection apparatus for a pneumatic fender that can reduce the labor of maintenance. The internal-pressure detection apparatus is configured of an internal-pressure detection unit 10 provided in a pneumatic fender that is fixed to an underwater structure such as a quay 2 and bridge pier 3 or floated and is used as cushioning material for a ship or the like, and a monitor unit 20 provided in an internal-pressure monitoring station 4 on land. The internal-pressure detection unit 10 is driven by the energy of an electromagnetic wave having a first frequency, and detects internal air pressure of the pneumatic fender 1; transmits this air pressure information by an electromagnetic wave having a second frequency.

Abstract: A sand spike system anchors a cable in an earthen substrate. A penetrator connected to the cable has folded petal-shaped sections of spring steel propelled into the earth by a propellant. Cables connected to opposite petal-shaped sections help arrest penetration and spread the folded petal-shaped sections outwardly to increase the resistance to tensile loads. Sand spike system may use a delay activated or an electrically initiated propellant to drive the penetrator into the earth instead of mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic force. This permits remote initiation of sand spikes from a safe distance on land or underwater. In addition, each sand spike creates far a greater surface area to entrain and use the earthen substrate and not friction to anchor, and, as a consequence, it safely bears greater tensile loads on the cable.

Abstract: Buoy (3) incorporates a release mechanism (5) that permits buoy (3) to be submersed and subsequently automatically released to ascend to the surface. Mechanism (5) includes cap (16) which hermetically seals a space (8) within which release unit (101) is located. Cap (16) is unitarily formed to include two jaws (28, 29) which are moveable relative to one another to release a pin (20). Movement of jaws (28, 29) is via release unit (101) acting to bias at least one jaw (28) away from the other jaw (29). Release unit (101) may be operated by a remotely transmitted signal, or initiated directly by a timer or a controller where specific circumstances dictate such a release (for example, the internal power source is near deplection). Buoy (3) can be attached to any submerged structure such as crab pot (7).

Abstract: The Near Shore Spar Buoy Communication Platform is a semi-stable platform for data collection and retrieval for distances up to and over several miles offshore. It is an ocean-going computer housed in a modified spar buoy which is connected to a shore computer via a wireless Ethernet LAN. The Ethernet LAN is provided through use of wireless link technology capable of 2 to 11 megabits of bi-directional throughput and is expandable to higher data rates in the future. The platform behaves much like a spar buoy, which is essentially decoupled from waves and has a very small roll motion. An anti-heave appendage allows for the decrease of the heave motion normally associated with traditional spar buoys. The platform has a airfoil-like design which allows it to align itself with the current thus decreasing the overall yaw motion commonly associated with buoy communication platforms.

Abstract: A low watch circle buoy system (LWCBS) uses global positioning system (GPS) P(Y) code coordinate sensing and transmission to mark its position in wr depths up to 40 feet to a positional accuracy of 3 meters or less. LWCBS maintains this position with a flotation unit on the water's surface that transmits signals representative of its location. A submerged unit is affixed to a surface at the bottom of the body of water and has outwardly reaching extensions that lie adjacent the surface. The extensions are tethered to the flotation unit by lines that are each connected between a distal part of each of the extensions and the flotation unit. A spool on each distal part each deploys and secures one of the lines to maintain the flotation unit substantially vertically above the submerged unit. These tether lines limit the range (watch circle) the flotation unit may traverse on the water.

Abstract: An air-deliverable global positioning system (GPS) position marking device nd method involves the operations of providing an air-deliverable GPS position marking device, launching the device into flight through the air to a desired location, arming the device in response to launching the device into flight, firing a detonation mechanism contained in the device when the device is at the desired location after receipt of a magneto-inductive transmission so as to generate a predetermined pressure in an interior chamber of the device that causes ejection of a payload assembly from the interior chamber, initiates inflation of an inflatable flotation body of the payload assembly, and initiates communications between a GPS receiver and transmitter unit in the payload assembly and a remote station to determine the position of the position marking device at the desired location.

Abstract: A combination inflatable dive flag and float that visually marks a position in a waterway where a diver is diving. The combination includes an inflatable, hollow, elongated, slender, vertically-oriented, and generally cylindrically-shaped mast tube, and a rectangular-shaped flag. The inflatable, hollow, elongated, slender, vertically-oriented, and generally cylindrically-shaped mast tube is upright extendable from the position in the waterway where the diver is diving and has an upper portion that terminates in a flat, closed, and horizontally-oriented upper end that extends out of the waterway, a lower portion that terminates in a flat, closed, and generally rectangular-shaped lower end that extends into the waterway, a generally cylindrically-shaped outer surface, and a deflated position, so that the combination inflatable dive flag and float can be deflated and rolled for transit and storage.

Abstract: The present invention is a floatation apparatus with a self-deploying mast for use in a marine towing operation. The invention includes a mast assembly. The mast assembly comprises a shaft adapted to pivotally mount in a storage position on the floatation apparatus, a pair of masts mounted on the shaft forming a structure with front and back sides and dividing the masts into a top section above the shaft and a bottom section below the shaft, pairs of arms and legs projecting perpendicularly from the front of the top section of the masts and from the back of the bottom section of the masts, respectively, a crosspiece connecting the arms to each other and another crosspiece connecting the legs to each other.

Abstract: A signal buoy is provided which is ejectable from a submarine vehicle. The buoy is also provided with an internal heat source that raises the temperature of a portion of the buoy to a magnitude sufficient to melt ice. The buoy is provided with sufficient buoyancy to cause it to rise upward through the water above a submarine vehicle and, eventually, to make contact with the undersurface of a body of ice. The attitude of the buoy is maintained in such a way that the internally generated heat causes the ice to melt and, in cooperation with the buoyancy of the buoy, moves the buoy upward through a hole melted in the ice. The buoy is provided with a means for transmitting a signal to a land based or airborne receiving station. Either one way or two way communication are possible, with two way communications being provided by a signal line connecting the buoy with the submarine vehicle.

Abstract: A buoyant antenna for providing sufficient transmission time windows for munication at ultra-high and extremely-high frequencies. The antenna is configured to float on the surface of a body of water and is connected to a vessel through a communications cable. The buoyant antenna has a length and a stabile or rotation resistant cross-section which minimizes wash over when deployed in a manner which essentially eliminates in line tension on the antenna. The antenna is cylindrically shaped with sensor elements offset from the centerline. A high density mass is placed diametrically opposite the sensor elements and a high buoyancy foam fills out the remaining cylindrical shape. The high density mass creates a righting moment to maintain the sensor elements above the water line. The absence of in line tension during communication periods serves also to eliminate any detectable wake during those communication periods.

Abstract: A replaceable buoy cover or buoy sock includes a tubular, cylindrical sleeve which is closed at a top end by a cap. A lower end of the sleeve is provided with a cinch member. The buoy cover is removably secured to a buoy by sliding the sleeve over the buoy until the cap contacts the top of the buoy. The cinch member is tightened to frictionally secure the cover on the buoy. When replacement of the buoy cover is required, the cinch member is cut to release the cover, and the cover is removed and replaced with a new cover. The replaceable buoy cover may be provided in standard marker buoy colors and has standard symbols or markings applied thereto.

Abstract: The Locator Beacon (LB) is an 18 inch diameter hemispherical unit designed to be air dropped via parachute from a search aircraft near an aircraft crash site. The LB is self uprighting when it lands on the ground and its antenna is always oriented for maximum efficiency. When activated, the LB sends out a radio frequency signal on 121.6 Mhz and 243.2 Mhz, this signal can be tracked by aircraft or by ground parties equipped with directional locating equipment. The LB also contains a strobe light beacon to aid in visual acquisition of the unit. The LB remains in the active (broadcast) mode for approximately 20 minutes before resetting itself to the listening mode. External VHF activation of the LB repeats the LB broadcast and strobe light cycle for another 20 minutes.