Abstract: Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.

Abstract: The inflatable pool divider is configured for use with a swimming pool. The inflatable pool divider is placed in the swimming pool such that each inflatable pool divider bifurcates the swimming pool into two regions called a swimming lane. The inflatable pool divider is a floating structure. The inflatable pool divider is an inflatable structure. The inflatable pool divider comprises a master bladder, a plurality of valves, a plurality of end caps, a plurality of tensioning devices, a plurality of carabiners, and a sleeve. The plurality of valves and the plurality of end caps attach to the master bladder. The plurality of tension devices and the plurality of carabiners anchor the plurality of end caps to the swimming pool.

Abstract: Power supplies for pool and spa equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the power supply includes a buoyant housing, a peripheral float, at least one solar cell positioned on the buoyant housing for collecting sunlight and converting same to electrical energy, and a power cable for interconnecting the power supply and pool/spa equipment. In other embodiments, first and second inductive power couplings are provided for powering pool and spa equipment. The power couplings can also be installed using existing plumbing features of the pool or spa.

Abstract: A method of filling a chamber with buoyant macrospheres places a mass of the spheres into a mould cavity. In the mould cavity, packing of the spheres is optimized to form an optimally-packed mass, followed by fixing the spheres in the optimally-packed mass to form a block. The block is then transferred from the mould cavity into the chamber while the spheres of the block remain fixed in the optimally-packed mass. This method enables the production of a buoyant element comprising an envelope defining an internal chamber that contains a mass of buoyant macrospheres each with an external diameter of at least 5 mm, packed with a packing factor of at least 50%.

Abstract: A floating pool monitor and alarm device is disclosed with a 360 degree HD camera that captures live pool video and wirelessly transmits it to a mobile device of a pool owner. The device allows for remote monitoring of the pool. The HD camera is enclosed by a transparent dome that is disposed at the bottom of the device, thereby capturing the pool video from an underwater perspective, which allows visibility below the surface of the water down to the bottom of the pool. The mobile device includes a mobile app that displays the live video feed and enables the pool owner to hear audio from the poolside, speak to anyone in or around the pool via a speaker, arm or disarm an alarm, receive alarm notifications, make emergency calls, and view video with night vision to show the pool when light is low.

Abstract: A network of modular, multitier pool mobile units, that wander around and under water of a swimming pool. The pool mobile units monitor for safety, emergency and accident related events and undertakes appropriate actions, scrub and clean the swimming pool, emit chemical agents to sanitize the swimming pool water, and may play music. The pool mobile units may simply operate on the pool surface, be fully submersible, or semisubmersible. A central server manages a plurality of multitier pool mobile units in a plurality of swimming pools, supports music download, and provides experience based resources for the multitier pool mobile units. The central server provides experience based resources in the form of safety, emergency and accident supports. The user can configure the parameters of both pool mobile unit and the central server.

Abstract: A floating monitoring apparatus and system comprising: a base; a first flotation device attached to the base and located generally below the base, the flotation device configured to float on a surface of water; a light support member extending downward from the base, and configured to be at least partially below the surface of water; a camera attached to the base and configured to be aimed to capture images of a target below the base, where the camera is generally kept above the surface of the water; a light source attached to the light support member, and configured to direct light to illuminate the target, the lights located below the surface of the water.

Abstract: In a communication system, an image forming apparatus sends an address of a receiving section to a mobile terminal. The mobile terminal receives a selection of an image data among plural thumbnails displayed on a display section, and wirelessly sends the selected image data to the image forming apparatus with the address. The image forming apparatus receives the selected image data sent with the address by the mobile terminal, and prints an image based on the selected image data. A communication between the mobile terminal and the image forming apparatus is performed wirelessly with an IEEE 802.11 standard. The image forming apparatus keeps the address of the mobile terminal without deleting the address of the mobile terminal when the communication with the mobile terminal through the receiving section is finished.

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: The present application discloses a retention device for retaining an item in a body of water, for example a swimming pool. In some embodiments, the retention device comprises at least one water-fillable receptacle connected to a retention element—for example a strap—that is placed over the item that is to be retained. When an upward force is applied to the retention element in a direction generally away from the surface of the body of water, the filled water receptacle restricts upward movement of the attached retention element, thereby maintaining the item in the body of water.

Abstract: A sun shade designed for portability and selective angular orientation in a body of water. The device comprises an umbrella portion, together with at least two distally joined buoyant members to keep the umbrella from sinking. The umbrella portion's cover comprises generally opaque material to keep the sun's rays from penetrating. The user orients the expanded umbrella towards the sun and allows the umbrella to float on the buoyant members while the user is below the umbrella. The shape and selective angular orientation of the sun shade enable the user to block rays of the sun from 0° to 90° relative to the surface of the water.

Abstract: The present application discloses a retention device for retaining an item in a body of water, for example a swimming pool. In some embodiments, the retention device comprises at least one water-fillable receptacle connected to a retention element—for example a strap—that is placed over the item that is to be retained. When an upward force is applied to the retention element in a direction generally away from the surface of the body of water, the filled water receptacle restricts upward movement of the attached retention element, thereby maintaining the item in the body of water.

Abstract: A floating cage system for containing and transporting animals over water is described. This is useful in flood conditions or when hunting to keep animals and pets out of the water. The cage system has a buoyant base equipped with towing and lifting hooks and handles for easy pulling. The cage system has a top that forms a watertight seal with the base. The top has a door that opens from the top, allowing easier access to the cage than a door that opens from the side.

Abstract: An inflatable device that floats on water has an inflatable body that has a hollow interior, a speaker unit removably secured to the body, a battery box removably secured to the body, and wiring that electrically connects the speaker unit with the battery box. The wiring is housed inside a tube that extends inside the hollow interior of the body and exits the body at at least one exit location, the wiring including a first electrical connector that is removably coupled to the speaker unit, and a second electrical connector that is removably coupled to the battery box.

Abstract: A mobile security apparatus without wheels is provided. The mobile security system may be suitable for transportation to and/or deployment in locations that are not accessible by roads, such as those covered by ice or snow, those in a body of water, etc. For some embodiments, the mobile security apparatus includes surveillance equipment, a pole for supporting the surveillance equipment, a base unit for supporting the pole, and wheel-less positioning means for transporting the mobile security system.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.

Abstract: A floating water surface cover module, comprising a rim (1), and a shallow dome-shaped cover (2 )extending from the top of the rim (1 )and formed with a vent (3), the rim and cover being formed with shaped air-filled air-tight cavities (5 )spaced around the rim (1 )to provide buoyancy, the rim (1 )and the cover (2 )being configured so that one module will nest within another to form a stable stack.

Abstract: An aquatic device (10) for providing manoeuvrability to a user (11) moving in water. The aquatic device (10) may be propelled through the water in any appropriate way, such as by being towed through the water or propelled through the water by the user (11). The aquatic device (10) comprises a handle means (20) adapted to be grasped by the user (11) with arms extending forwardly, and two fins (21, 22) movable one with respect of one to the other to manoeuvre the aquatic device. The aquatic device (10) can be manoeuvred through movement of the fins (21, 22) to provide directional control or variation to the orientation of the aquatic device. The directional control may include both steering and depth control. The handle means (20) are operably connected to the two fins (21, 22) whereby the user can manually control movement of the fins one with respect to the other.

Abstract: Artificial foliage is described for use in camouflaging underwater structures, and/or for serving as cover vegetation which attracts aquatic life. A preferred version of the artificial foliage includes an elongated stem having shoots (e.g., leaves and/or branches) extending therefrom, a ballast weight connected to one of the stem ends, and a float and/or tensioning line connected to the opposite stem end for supporting the stem at least partially upright in the water above the ballast. The ballast may take a variety of forms, such as a conventional fishing sinker, sinkable structures such as bait traps or anchors, or an underwater camera.

Abstract: One embodiment of a fluid mobilizing vessel shown in FIG. 1 comprises a hull (14) impervious to a surrounding fluid (12), a solar cell (16) capable of converting light (18) into electrical energy, an electromechanical actuator (24), and a mobile weight (28) movable with respect to the hull, whereby the electromechanical actuator moves the weight relative to the hull, causing compensatory motion of the hull within the surrounding fluid and thereby motion (32) of the surrounding fluid.

Abstract: A collapsible, height adjustable support device with inflatable buoyancy floats for mounting articles particularly cinematographic apparatus upon and below the water. It is characterised by a central tubular frame (1) with a plurality of detachable support arms (2) perpendicular to the central frame. The support arms also attach to the elongate inflatable buoys (10). Cinematographic apparatus is mounted upon a fixing plate (5) positioned centrally on the central frame member (1). The adjustable height of the mount above and below the surface of the water, is facilitated by the angular relationship of the central longitudinally splined frame member (1) and each support arms splined hub. Footpads (4) with releasable locking pins and receiving plates (22) provide attachment of support arms to the floats (10). Anchorage and tether points (14) permit towing and static deployment.

Abstract: A wave-powered water vehicle includes a surface float, a submerged swimmer, and a tether which connects the float and the swimmer, so that the swimmer moves up and down as a result of wave motion. The swimmer includes one or more fins which interact with the water as the swimmer moves up and down, and generate forces which propel the vehicle forward. The vehicle, which need not be manned, can carry communication and control equipment so that it can follow a course directed by signals sent to it, and so that it can record or transmit data from sensors on the vehicle.

Abstract: One or a plurality of weighted pillows are deployed at the bottom of a swimming pool for a child to stand upon in water when tiring, with the height of the pillow selected so that the child's head would extend above the swimming pool's water line.

Abstract: A self-guided apparatus for repelling birds through various means of deterrence. The device comprises a chassis, a floatation assembly, a propulsion system, and a guidance and control system. The device may operate in either of at least two modes: passive and active. In the passive mode, the device traverses a predefined area, scaring birds away. In the active mode, the device surveys a designated area and, upon detection of birds, propels itself towards the birds and drives them away.

Abstract: A buoyant apparatus for connection to a beverage insulator, comprising an elongate arm having a rod like configuration and including an upper portion and a lower portion, said upper and lower portions being joined at a predetermined angle; a top plate connected to the upper portion of the elongate arm member having a slot and/or air vent located therein; and a stabilizer weight connected to the lower portion of the arm operable for stabilizing the buoyant apparatus in moderately rough aquatic action, wherein the buoyant apparatus is inserted into the beverage insulator by passing the elongate arm through a flexible air vent located in a bottom wall of the beverage insulator.

Abstract: A system and method autonomously clears obstacles and mines from an approach lane. A ship is distantly located from an approach lane spanning a surf zone and beach portion, and the ship has operator control station software in an onboard computer. At least one system delivery vehicle having a storage bay and propulsion system transits from the ship to the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. A line charge is disposed in each bay and has one end coupled to the system delivery vehicle. A line charge delivery vehicle in the bay is connected to another end of the line charge to pull the line charge from the bay and emplace it in a straight path in the approach lane in response to instructions from the operator control station. Explosives in all line charges are detonated to clear the approach lane.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating jacket is provided on a waist portion with a pocket having a first flap, a pouch having a flat cord adapted to be inserted into and taken out from the pocket with a weight packed into the pouch. As a guide means for the flat cord, at least one of a substantially C-shaped guide ring provided at a distal end of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle and a groove formed on an outer surface of the pocket and/or an inner surface of the first flap substantially in the vertically middle.

Abstract: A stable, manually portable floating electronic platform for use in pools and spas is equipped with recesses for receiving beverage containers and is equipped with any of a variety of electronic audio/visual entertainment devices that are powered by an on-board battery, or a remote rechargeable battery or a conventional remote low-voltage power supply unit via a power cable. Solar power collector panels on the platform provide a recharging current to on-board or remote batteries via a power cable.

Abstract: A diving back plate designed with independent shoulder and waist straps. The diving back plate accommodates either a single tank or double tank configuration without the need for an adapter. The independent straps are self-fastening to the back plate through a series of throughslots on the back plate. Items and accessories may be permanently attached to the independent straps while the straps remain fully adjustable and removable. The configuration of the back plate, throughslots, and throughbores eliminate the need for adapters when changing between a single tank configuration and a double tank configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling hand tools to float is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention is a grip comprising a tubular sleeve which is placed over a handle or pre-existing tool grip and enables the tool to float grip side up, thereby allowing the tool to be easily seen and retrieved. The grip may have varying thicknesses and diameters and may be colored or treated with a luminescent or reflective coating so as to be easily seen. The grip material may also be selected so that it molds to the user's hand during use.

Abstract: A marine buoyancy unit which fits at least partly around a marine object such as a riser with auxiliary conduits is composed of syntactic foam with an external layer or skin of harder polymeric composite. To reinforce the unit slots or channels are cut in the exterior of the unit or borings are created which extend within the unit and reinforcement in the form of webs or strips are placed into the slots or channels or borings. The reinforcement is embedded into the slots, channels or borings by introducing a curable resins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling hand tools to float is disclosed. In one aspect, the invention is a grip comprising a tubular sleeve which is placed over a handle or pre-existing tool grip and enables the tool to float grip side up, thereby allowing the tool to be easily seen and retrieved. The grip may have varying thicknesses and diameters and may be colored or treated with a luminescent or reflective coating so as to be easily seen. The grip material may also be selected so that it molds to the user's hand during use.

Abstract: An energy conserving moored buoyant ocean profiler wherein an instrument carrying vertically traversing buoyant member of low buoyancy is interconnected with a second buoyant member of high buoyancy to travel in the opposite direction at lesser distance, such that the potential energy of one buoyant member is increased as the potential energy of the other is decreased, thereby conserving energy as the instrument carrying buoyant member is raised and lowered.

Abstract: A board securing device for securing surfboards and other similar shaped boards. The board securing device includes a first portion arranged to engage over a first end of the board and a second portion arranged to engage over a second end of the board. An interconnecting means is provided to releasably connect the first portion to the second portion such that the first and second portions cannot be removed from the ends of the board. A locking means is also provided secured to the first portion such that the locking means can secure the first portion to a fixed object.

Abstract: A gliding or flying hydrodynamic disc designed for recreational use under water. The disc is circular and about 12 inches or 300 mm in diameter, and about ½ inch or 1.198 centimeters high. Circular grooves on the surface of the disc provide a grip surface so that the user can adequately maintain control of the disc under water. The weight of the disc is determined to allow the device to generally maintain equilibrium while under water. The shape and the materials are crafted to provide minimum drag. The top and bottom of the device are symmetrical to minimize drag-inducing lift effects. A soft outer edge surface provides a good grip on the device and for safety in pool and dive use. The disc can also be used as a dive plane or to change course by holding it out in front while the user is swimming.

Abstract: An avalanche life saving system has at least one inflatable buoyancy body of balloon design secured close to a user's body, a filling unit, a compressed gas unit with a compressed gas container and a release mechanism capable of actuation without a tool and attached to said compressed gas unit via a quick coupling and a release tubing. Compressed gas is transmitted to the buoyancy body via the filling unit upon actuation of the release mechanism. Actuation of the release mechanism produces a controlled pressure wave, which starts the flow of compressed gas from the compressed gas container to the filling unit.

Abstract: A floating devices connection and/or storage system, including a wide variety of hermaphroditic and non-hermaphroditic connectors for interconnecting two or more floating devices together. The connectors may be original equipment or added as after-market items. Storage devices include structure for storing floating devices from a vertical surface, spaced therefrom to guard against mold and mildew formation on the floating devices by assuring air flow about the stored device. A floating table, which is also disclosed, has a unitary structure and is useful in water or on land, having a weighted base and water-draining top surface, the water-draining top surface being slightly convex in structure. Further disclosed is a floating water lounge, the lounge including a floating wedge portion and being anchorable to prevent drift.

Abstract: A flotation unit, for example a table, for use within water such as a swimming pool has a sufficient size and weight to be self-stable without requiring any external stabilization such as weights or extensions. The flotation unit may have an upper portion having one or more holding spaces therein and a lower portion that is substantially solid. The flotation unit may alternatively have a hollow interior. The flotation unit may include a sunshade, cup holders or electronic equipment within the holding spaces. The flotation unit is readily carried and transported.

Abstract: A water toy apparatus includes an elongated buoyant torso having first and second ends. A head is defined on the first end of the torso. First and second arms are connected to an intermediate location on the torso. The first and second arms include first and second manually squeezable pump bulbs each of which has an inlet and an outlet. A discharge conduit has a first end communicated with the outlets of the first and second pump bulbs, and has a second end terminating in the head, so that upon squeezing the pump bulbs water is squirted out of the head.

Abstract: An end portion of an elongate personal flotation device includes a hand-held tool. In one embodiment, a hand-held tool head assembly has a mounting cup with a cylindrical wall and a flat cup base. The cup is fitted over an end portion of a flexible, cylindrical, noodle-type flotation device. A boss extends from the cup base outward, generally along the longitudinal axis of the flotation device. In a first embodiment, a trigger actuated, plunger type hand pump for pumping water is pivotally mounted on the boss and may rotate about the boss axis. In a second embodiment, a scrubbing brush is so mounted.

Abstract: A flotation device that converts an existing flexible round foam flotation piece into a flotation aid for recreational and/or exercise purposes. The flotation device is water resistant, lightweight, flexible and easy to carry and store. The round flotation piece, commonly known as a noodle, is inserted through a sleeve in the flotation device wherein the floating seat then takes shape. Due to the flexible characteristics of the invention, a wide range of body shapes and sizes provide a comfortable and stable flotation aid that allows the user to remain mostly submerged in the water with unrestricted movement of the arms and legs. In addition to a floating chair, other configurations utilizing the round flotation piece are possible by utilizing a reconfigured attachment device. For example, a flotation device can be made to form a floating raft by using a plurality of sleeves to mate with three round flotation pieces.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for containers of human waste. The apparatus has a floating receiving station with receiving apertures projecting from the receiving station to receive containers of human waste which have been stored on a boat. As the boat approaches the receiving station, the waste may be placed within the receiving aperture and thereby prevent the pollution of water.

Abstract: A handle unit for rafts, towables, and other buoyant water sports equipment which is recessed within the interior of the device and therefore provides a relatively smooth surface, eliminating the dangers of injury from protruding handles. The handgrips are fabricated from polyvinylchloride (PVC) or other material having similar properties and comprise a flat disk member having an enlarged aperture secured at its lower surface to a cup-shaped receptacle member. The periphery of the disk member is then thermosealed or glued to the exterior skin of the aquatic device with the cup-shaped member extending within the interior of the aquatic device. The enlarged aperture of the handle unit is of sufficient size to receive the fingers of the user. An enlarged downwardly depending lip surrounding the aperture facilitates gripping of the handle unit.

Abstract: Fractal hollow tube reinforced structural members are presented having a maximum strength-to-weight ratio and a wall density less than 1/2 that of water, which are versatile, practical and economical for use in any kind of construction. The strength is maximized by introducing a high degree of order down to the atomic scale to the walls of the hollow structures, while the mass and thickness of these walls is minimized. The wall density is further reduced by including microspheres in the walls, mesh spaces and bonding substances which minimizes the total mass of bonding agent that uselessly occupies the dead spaces of the meshes and coils of the fibers and tubes. Strength and thermal tolerance are further enhanced by building the tube walls out of hollow carbon or titanium fibers and buckyball microspheres. These fractal structural members will greatly improve the fuel efficiency of any craft supported by them and will make possible crafts and structures never possible before.

Abstract: A float post (12, 12', 12") is shown having one end (14) receivable in a mounting stand (20) or directly into the bottom surface of a body of water and a second end (16) which mounts a storage locker 50 having a plurality of beverage container holders mounted thereto. A tether mounting device (36,80,90) is mounted adjacent the second end and receives one end of a tether (46,46') with the opposite end of the tether formed with a loop for reception on a foot or other body part of a person on a floatation device. The post may be unitary of may have a plurality of telescoping sections (70,72,74) to provide adjustable length.

Abstract: A non-mechanical ascent rate indicator for use in saltwater scuba diving. A high density sphere attached by means of a ball chain tether to the gauge, or hose, of a scuba diver has a free rate of ascent of less than 60 feet/minute, the difference in this rate and that of the diver will be shown by the amount to free loop in the tether as it is observed on a horizontal plane even to the diver's eyes. A safe ascent rate will provide a loop of approximately 1 to 11/2 inch.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for interconnecting an unmanned underwater vehicle V) and a free-floating pod, the apparatus comprising a communications cable extending between the pod and a less buoyant buoy, the buoy being in communication with a distal station, a mobile UUV in communication with a control vessel, connector structure on the UUV adapted to intercept the cable and adapted to slide along the cable toward the pod, and complementary engagement structure on the UUV and the pod adapted to cause the UUV to engage the pod in a preselected orientation and azimuth, to place the control vessel in communication with the distal station.

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 bouncer ring amusement toy is disclosed in the form of an air-inflatable annular ring. The ring is designed to extend around the torso of a person to form a bouncing cushion, allowing the person to engage in bouncing amusement activities. The dimensions of the ring, including the size of the central opening, the diameter of the outer perimeter, and the thickness of the ring, relate to the size of the intended user. In other words, an adult-sized version of the ring is larger than one designed for use by a child. Handles are provided on the ring to allow the user to securely grip the ring while engaging in bouncing activities.

Abstract: In order to change defective buoys on the net line of a fishing net and to change the spacing between the buoys threaded onto the net line, it has hitherto been necessary to release the net line from the net and to re-secure it to the net after re-arranging the buoys, thus to re-tie it. This is a very time-consuming task, which can now be avoided by use of the novel buoy. This novel buoy consists of two identical portions, thus of two halves, which engage against the net line and which can be assembled together effortlessly at the desired location for the complete buoy. To connect the halves, a clamping member disposed to surround the barrel-shaped buoy in a groove can be used.