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: A multi-directional signal assembly includes a signal display unit 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 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 member 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 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: A system for marking a route, path or boundary. The system may comprise a plurality of modules, each of which comprises a signaling device, a radiofrequency apparatus and control circuitry. Such modules are positionable in an array which marks the route, path or boundary. When positioned in the array, the modules undergo radiofrequency communication with one another and the control circuitry causes the signaling devices of the modules to emit warning signals in sequence from a first-positioned module of the array to a last-positioned module of the array.

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: A floating marker for marking the location of a line in the water. The marker has a cylindrical shape and includes a pair of clips for attaching to a line while allowing the marker to move along the line. The marker includes a lighting module having a plurality of LEDs for illuminating the marker at during low visibility conditions, e.g. at night. The lighting module also includes a solar collector for charging a power source during the day. Finally, the lighting module includes a light sensor and controller allowing the amount of light emitted from the marker to be controlled either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A device which will act efficiently as a float for any article (e.g. keys, mobile telephone, wallet) attached thereto when dropped into water comprises an inflatable bag (14) of substantially waterproof and air impervious material, a container (12) of compressed gas, and trigger means (16,30,32) associated with the container (12) and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container (12) and allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (14). The trigger means comprises a valve (16) mounted on the container (12) and connecting the container to the inflatable bag (14), retainer means (30) operative to hold the valve (16) in a closed condition, and water reactive means (32) which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means (30) and allow the valve to open. The water reactive means may comprise a band of material (32), at least part of which is water reactive.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base assembly useful in permitting a floating campfire, comprising a base shaped to float in open water, the base having an airtight pontoon portion at its periphery; and a floor defining an opening therethrough to accommodate a fire bowl to house the campfire; wherein the base assembly is constructed to counteract the weight of the campfire in use such that the base assembly floats in open water. The base assembly is preferably square in shape. The floor is preferably made of aluminum checker plate and TIG welded in a stitch pattern to the centre.

Abstract: Provided is a floater for marine hose, which can be easily formed into an annular shape conformable even to marine hoses having variations in the circularity of their cross-section or to marine hoses of different outside diameters. A belt-like floater 1 is formed by rotatably connecting together, by using connection pins 7a, float blocks 2 equal to the number corresponding to the outside diameter of a marine hose 10. A fitting groove is formed on the inner side of the belt-like floater 1. The groove is placed along the outer surface of the marine hose 10 while being fitted onto a location collar 11 projected on the outer surface of the marine hose 10. Then, the end portions of the floater are coupled together by an end coupling member 7b. Thus, the floater 1 is fitted in annular shape onto the marine hose 10.

Abstract: A device which will act efficiently as a float for any article (e.g. keys, mobile telephone, wallet) attached thereto when dropped into water comprises an inflatable bag (14) of substantially waterproof and air impervious material, a container (12) of compressed gas, and trigger means (16,30,32) associated with the container (12) and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container (12) and allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (14). The trigger means comprises a valve (16) mounted on the container (12) and connecting the container to the inflatable bag (14), retainer means (30) operative to hold the valve (16) in a closed condition, and water reactive means (32) which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means (30) and allow the valve to open. The water reactive means may comprise a band of material (32), at least part of which is water reactive.

Abstract: A diver's buoy is provided. The buoy includes a floatation device that carries a display panel. A power source and light source are provided to increase visibility of the buoy. Stabilization devices may be provided to reduce pitching of the buoy to also improve visibility.

Abstract: A simplified, self-setting marker buoy having an outer shell of abrasion-resistant plastic material, two end portions (14) that are filled with foam or hollow to provide buoyancy, an integrally formed medial portion (18) on which the anchor line (22) is wound, an anchor line (22), and an anchor weight (38). The medial portion (18) is slightly offset from the axis of rotation of the floatation unit (10) to provide rotational resistance to impede rotation of the floatation unit (10) and the resulting release of excess anchor line (22) due to the action of wind, waves, or currents. The amount of offset of the medial portion (18) is preselected to provide the maximum amount of rotational impedance that will still allow rotation of the floatation unit (10) while the anchor weight (38) descends to the bottom of the water body. The medial portion (18) also has a relatively large cross-sectional area resulting in greater ease in rewinding the anchor line (22) onto the medial portion (18).

Abstract: There is a grasping device for a mast buoy comprising a body, at least one loop coupled to the body, and at least one locking element for locking the body to a shaft of a mast buoy. The grasping device can also optionally be coupled to a light such as a remote controlled light which can be turned on remotely using a switch and wireless communication. The grasping device can also include a telescoping body, adjustable loops, an annunciator, and a locating system as well. There can also be an optional solar panel coupled to the grasping device which can be used to charge a battery to provide power to a light.

Abstract: A decorative light system includes a base and a portable light device capable of communicating with each other to generate a light show. The system includes a base defining a receptacle and including a microcontroller, a transceiver operably coupled to the microcontroller and adapted to generate a control signal, a first power source operably coupled to the microcontroller, and a user interface operably coupled to the microcontroller and including at least one switch for activating the microcontroller.

Abstract: A stackable buoy can be mounted on a U-shaped mounting bracket that can in turn be attached to a panel, such as the inner surface of a boat hull. The buoy includes protrusions molded as part of parallel channels, which receive the two legs of the bracket. Multiple buoys can be stacked one of top of the other. Pockets on each side of the H-shaped buoy are provided for mounting commercially available light sticks.

Abstract: An illuminated ball formed by two substantially identical mating elements. Each mating element has an exterior surface bounded by an edge, an annular surface joined to said exterior surface at the edge, two opposed radial recesses formed in the annular surface, a well abutting a portion of the annular surface and one of the recesses, and an alignment guide abutting a portion of the annular surface and the other of the recesses. The alignment guide extends away from the exterior surface and includes a hole therethrough in alignment with the recesses. The mating element is matable with a second, substantially identical mating element by the well of each mating element receiving the alignment guide of the other element. The channel formed by the cooperation of the recesses and holes of both mating elements is sized to contain a light source.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting users of surfboards, kayaks and other personal water activity apparatus against sharks and other water-borne predators is provided. A plurality of lights is provided on the bottom and side surfaces of the personal water activity apparatus. The lights are actuated to mask and distort the shadow, shape or outline of the user together with the personal water activity apparatus, in effect camouflaging the user and his or her personal water activity apparatus. The lights may be actuated either manually or automatically. Sensors are provided to detect the stage of ambient light in order to automatically actuate the light sources.

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: This invention relates to a hydrant locator that facilitates the location of a hydrant by firefighters, particularly in an emergency. The low profile device wraps around the hydrant cylinder for mounting purposes and a switch in an emergency vehicle sets off strobe lights on the device upon activation to alert firefighters to the hydrant location. The locator device comprises a plurality of solar powered strobe lights that are strapped about the hydrant alternating with solar panels. A locked latch secures the locator belt of strobe lights and solar panels to the hydrant. A shatterproof shield is mounted over the strobe lights and solar panels. A receiver is also mounted within the locator to activate the strobe lights upon receipt of a remote signal. A remote switch located in an emergency vehicle is coupled to a transmitter to activate only those hydrant locators within a given range of approximately 1500 feet. The switch can activate a different color strobe light to indicate the closeness of the hydrant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1), including an elongated tubular body (3) arranged to be located in water in an essentially vertical position. The tubular body (3) includes an open end (6) at the bottom and a narrowing portion (7) at the top, which ends in an opening (8) arranged to be located above the level of the surrounding water (2). The device (1) is arranged to establish a water level in the narrowing portion (7) of the tubular body (3), which is lower than the level of the surrounding water and to intermittently level out this level difference in such a way that the water in the tubular body (3) is transported up to a higher level than the level of the surrounding water by the action thereon of the narrowing portion (7).

Abstract: An inflatable flag buoy for divers including a buoyant seat and a flag body in the form of two air chambers separated by a transparent interface. The buoyant seat is further divided into an upper air chamber and a lower water chamber that are not communicable with one another. Water filled in the water chamber always keeps the whole flag buoy in an upright position while air filled in the air chamber always keeps the flag buoy afloat on a water surface. A flashlight may be held in a space below said transparent interface and surrounded by said buoyant seat. The flag body includes communicable post portion and flag portion that is centered at a top of the post portion. Light given out by the flashlight passes through the transparent interface and the post portion to project onto and lighten the flag portion to produce good warning effect in the night. Pockets and recesses are provided on the post portion and the buoyant seat for conveniently holding miscellaneous articles, beverage bottles, etc.

Abstract: The device comprises a body which can float in water and, at the same time, has wheels for movement on land, having independent elements for driving the wheels and for movement on the water, and having internal-combustion and electric drive apparatus as well as steering, rescue, remote vision and auxiliary devices, all of the members of the device being operable by remote control both on land and on the water.

Abstract: A remotely controllable signal device, such as a buoy which may be used as target for gunfire training includes platform, a radio receiver, a decoding device, and one or more visual location signaling devices. The platform is floatable in the case of a buoy. The visual location signaling devices provide a visual indication of the location of the device. The visual location signaling devices include smoke generating devices such as marine smoke canisters, and a light such as a strobe light. The light can be mounted on a short tower for higher visibility. The decoding device can be a dual-tone multiple frequency decoder, and can include a switching device which selectively activates one of a number of visual location signaling devices located on the platform. The radio receiver may be a UHF AM receiver. The platform can also include a Global Positioning System transceiver device to assist in tracking the platform in the open ocean.

Abstract: A fish attractor in the form of a bottom dwelling or floating but anchored light including, optionally, a surface which provides for scintillating light effect as the device floats or moves in response to the waves. Optionally, the invention includes a fish, bait or scent dispenser for gradually dispensing a fish attracting chemical into the waters surrounding the light.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for identifying a down diver in distress comprising activating automatic inflation means to inflate a tube, activating automatic signal means, to provide sensory indication of a diver in distress, releasing the tube and the signal means away from a diver's body, allowing the tube and the signal means to float to the surface of the water and signalling for help with the signal means.

Abstract: A water marker buoy comprising a clear end and a brightly colored end, both ends possessing mounting studs which allow attachment to a submerged reel, the clear end being illuminated for use as a night marker and the brightly colored end being suitable for daytime marking, with the buoy having the capability of being deployed with either the clear end or the brightly colored end exposed above the water line depending upon which end is attached to the submerged reel, with the buoy being held in place by an automatic unwinding reel, which is counterweighted to prevent extra line payout, consequently rendering a more accurate location marker.

Abstract: A lantern float is arranged to attract fish, insects, and the like to enhance success of a fishing procedure. The organization includes a perimeter buoyant ring mounting a light transmissive support therewithin, with the support having a support ring to include a lantern positioned thereon. The invention may further be afforded with a reflective inverted cone mounted above the lantern utilizing various anchor structure associated with the ring support. A replacement illumination ring is provided in lieu of the lantern.

Abstract: A buoy member includes a central cavity with a weighted bottom portion to maintain alignment of the buoy apparatus, and the buoy apparatus includes a transmitter operative upon the buoy being projected from an associated boat. The buoy apparatus is further arranged to include a visible signal member inflated upon actuation of switching interiorly of the buoy, as well as a signal light. A spool brake is arranged to provide for controlled descent of the control tether mounted to the associated boat or individual.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved emergency illuminated lifeline including a buoyant housing in which may be stored a length of line which may be payed out during an emergency. In the preferred embodiment, the housing also includes a battery powered light which may be activated by pulling on the end of the lifeline affixed in the housing. Two embodiments of actuation of the light through pulling of the line are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved buoyant pyrotechnic marine marker of the type comprising a water impermeable jacket enclosing a pyrotechnic candle, an ignition device for the candle consisting of a water actuable battery, a candle igniting squib electrically acutated by the battery and circuitry extending between the battery and the squib. The jacket has a gas emission hole for escape of the combustion gases produced by the candle when ignited. The improvement is characterized by a reversible arming mechanism comprising an open ended casing having walls, within which casing is seated a piston with walls slidably cooperating with those of the casing, for axial movement of the piston with respect to the casing. The casing and piston form a chamber adjacent the pyrotechnic candle within which the battery is seated. Guides are provided on confronting overlapping portions of the walls of the casing and piston to permit the piston to slide between an unarmed position and an armed position.

Abstract: Marine buoy lantern employs a heavily damped two-axis gimbal including an outer gimbal frame supported to the lantern housing by a pair of hinges and an inner gimbal member mounted to the outer gimbal frame by another pair of hinges. The hinges are made of plastic and respond very slowly to a torque applied thereto unlike gimbals employing bearings. The inner gimbal member supports the drum lens, flasher, lampchanger, and counterweights. The hinged gimbal cooperates with the counterweights immersed in a very viscous fluid to maintain the lantern vertically disposed notwithstanding angles of inclination of .+-.9.degree., or a total of 18.degree., of the marine buoy mounting the lantern atop thereof.

Abstract: A balloon distress marker wherein the balloon has, in a wall thereof, a small compartment interiorly of the balloon and accessible through an aperture in the wall of the balloon for retaining an article therein. The compartment is substantially smaller than the volumne of the balloon and is useable for interconnecting balloons in series or inserting a flashlight therein to illuminate the balloon. A coupling for interconnecting balloons is preferably a small balloon in itself which can be inflated when in the compartment. A two-part balloon wherein the two parts are interconnected by a narrow neck portion rendering the marker useable as a life preserver. A rescue kit consisting of a casing having a removable top that can be illuminated by flashlights in the cap. Located within the container is a cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: A device of the nature of a sea-anchor has a body tapered to the nose where it is attachable to a cable from a boat and formed with ports normally closed by spring-loaded closures but opened, by predetermined cable tension, to increase resistance to passage through water. Tail fins behind the body, and water passages through the body restrict rotation of the device. A chamber in the body when air-filled converts the device to a distress buoy, the tail fins uppermost to serve as a radar reflector, aerial for a distress transmitter in the body and carrier for a light.

Abstract: A light source, which is releasably attachable to a 12-volt battery, is mounted in floating housing. A plurality of pivot arms are attached to the housing, each of which arms includes a buoyant block or float attached to the free end thereof. When the arms are extended there is formed a stable floating platform which supports the light on the surface of a body of water. When the arms are retracted there results a compact configuration for storage and transportation.

Abstract: A safety marker for divers comprising detection means (5) designed to emit electrical signals upon the appearance of an element dangerous to the divers within a specific zone around said marker, means (8) for shaping these signals to control signalling means (6, 7) arranged on one hand at the surface to signal the presence of divers and on the other hand below surface to signal the presence of a danger to the divers.

Abstract: A device of the nature of a sea-anchor has a body tapered to the nose where it is attachable to a cable from a boat and formed with ports normally closed by spring-loaded closures but opened, by predetermined cable tension, to increase resistance to passage through water. Tail fins behind the body, and water passages through the body restrict rotation of the device. A chamber in the body when air-filled converts the device to a distress buoy, the tail fins uppermost to serve as a radar reflector, aerial for a distress transmitter in the body and carrier for a light.