Abstract: A retrieval system and methods of preparing and using same to retrieve underwater objects from a selected depth, including a flotation device having at least a selected amount of buoyancy, a release mechanism that is capable of releasably engaging an anchor, and a controller to actuate the release mechanism when a selected condition is achieved. The system further includes a spool assembly having a frame for carrying (i) the floatation device, (ii) the release mechanism, (iii) the controller and (iv) in combination with the flotation device, a quantity of pre-wound line having a length greater than the selected depth.

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 fixation releasing device by which a buoyant body and a weight may be securely fixed and the fixed state between the buoyant body and the weight may be readily released, using a simple structure. The fixation releasing device is made from a buoyant body, a weight, and a connection designed to connect the buoyant body and weight. The connection device has a connection structure made from a closed loop member, rotation arms, and connection members. A connection member is engaged with each rotation arm, and rotation of each rotation arm is restrained b the closed loop member, thereby fixing the buoyant body. To release the buoyant body, a trigger mechanism provided at the closed loop member is operated to fusion cut the closed loop member. Then, each rotation arm is rotated, and then the connection member comes out of each rotation arm, thereby releasing the buoyant body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deployment and retrieval of ocean bottom seismic receivers. In some embodiments, the system includes a carrier containing receivers. The carrier can include a frame having a mounted structure (e.g., a movable carousel, movable conveyor, fixed parallel rails, or a barrel) for seating and releasing the receivers (e.g., axially stacked). The structure can facilitate delivering receivers to a discharge port on the frame. The system can include a discharge mechanism for removing receivers from the carrier. In some embodiments, the method includes loading a carrier with receivers, transporting the carrier from a surface vessel to a position adjacent the seabed, and using an ROV to remove receivers from the carrier and place the receivers on the seabed. In some embodiments, an ROV adjacent the seabed engages a deployment line that guides receivers from the vessel down to the ROV for “on-time” delivery and placement on the seabed.

Abstract: Fluid activated retrieval devices for retrieving an object from a fluidic medium are presented including: a hollow base having a cavity formed therein, where the hollow base includes, a port disposed along an outer surface of the hollow base, the port configured to provide passage of the fluidic medium to the cavity, a diaphragm disposed along the cavity and proximate to the port, and an anchor disposed along the cavity for securing a line; a deployable float housing removably attached with the hollow base, the deployable float housing having another cavity formed therein, where the deployable float housing includes, a buoyant chamber disposed along a distal end of the other cavity, a spool for receiving the line, the spool disposed within the second cavity and attached with the deployable float housing; and a reactant disposed in the cavities.

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: This invention relates to a submerged buoy (1) consisting of: a housing (2) containing a receiver (4) of a radioacoustic signal; a mooring rope (11) with one end attached to a mooring point; a mechanism for releasing said buoy, allowing it to return to the surface; and a flotation reserve; said buoy being noteworthy in that the release mechanism (7) is of electromechanical type and is enclosed in a hermetically sealed tank (5) which thus forms the flotation reserve; said mechanism (7) controlling a catch (8) which either prevents or allows the free rotation of a winding drum (10) around which the mooring rope (11) is wound. This buoy may be used particularly for marking submerged objects such as fishing equipment, nets, fish pots etc., for controlling mooring sites in pleasure ports or even to mark off a sensitive area (such as around an underwater mine).

Abstract: Fluid activated retrieval devices for retrieving an object from a fluidic medium are presented including: a hollow base having a cavity formed therein, where the hollow base includes, a port disposed along an outer surface of the hollow base, the port configured to provide passage of the fluidic medium to the cavity, a diaphragm disposed along the cavity and proximate to the port, and an anchor disposed along the cavity for securing a line; a deployable float housing removably attached with the hollow base, the deployable float housing having another cavity formed therein, where the deployable float housing includes, a buoyant chamber disposed along a distal end of the other cavity, a spool for receiving the line, the spool disposed within the second cavity and attached with the deployable float housing; and a reactant disposed in the cavities.

Abstract: The invention in one variation is a modular recovery apparatus for dispensing a tether spool having a tow line with a float, where the tow line can be used to retrieve an unmanned underwater vehicle and other underwater platforms. The modular recovery apparatus can be triggered underwater or on the surface, and being modular in configuration it is suitable to be fitted to a variety of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The apparatus has a tether spool that is spring loaded, such that when the tether spool is deployed, the spring expels the tether spool with sufficient force to clearly separate it from the UUV. One end of the tow line is typically fastened to a tow point on the UUV, and an opposing end is attached to the float. When the tether spool is deployed, the tow line unwinds from the float, providing a securable length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for marine deployment according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a floatable housing adapted to be deployed by a marine vehicle. The floatable housing may be adapted to be launched from a marine vehicle and rise to the surface. Assets, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, may be deployed from the surfaced floatable housing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a submerged buoy (1) consisting of: a housing (2) containing a receiver (4) of a radioacoustic signal; a mooring rope (11) with one end attached to a mooring point; a mechanism for releasing said buoy, allowing it to return to the surface; and a flotation reserve; said buoy being noteworthy in that the release mechanism (7) is of electromechanical type and is enclosed in a hermetically sealed tank (5) which thus forms the flotation reserve; said mechanism (7) controlling a catch (8) which either prevents or allows the free rotation of a winding drum (10) around which the mooring rope (11) is wound. This buoy may be used particularly for marking submerged objects such as fishing equipment, nets, fish pots etc., for controlling mooring sites in pleasure ports or even to mark off a sensitive area (such as around an underwater mine).

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: An underwater buoy release system having a moment arm release system. The moment arm release system has a magnetically attractive arm structure connected to a buoy. The buoy release system further includes an electromechanical device having magnetically attractive elements, wherein the electromechanical device moves the magnetically attractive elements toward, and away from, the magnetically attractive arm structure. The magnetic attraction in the moment arm release system and the electromechanical device is created by rare earth magnets. The buoy release system further includes a signal reception device, wherein the signal reception device includes a battery, a signal reception transducer, and a PC board. The PC board is formatted to decipher a predetermined signal transmitted from a remote signal transmission device.

Abstract: A device for remotely decoupling coupled objects with a fusible link underwater using a replaceable fusible link of appropriate electrical resistance, a method to supply a high-power charge of electricity across the fusible link, a mechanism held by the fusible link to hold and release a secondary link between the coupled objects and to add mechanical advantage to the strength of the fusible link, and a command-signal delivery system that enables remote activation of the device.

Abstract: A closed loop buoyancy system wherein a device housing the system is submerged in a liquid filled container, the device dives to the bottom of the container, remains for a regulated amount of time, and then floats back to the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A remote controlled buoy includes a buoyant reel and an actuator. The buoyant reel includes connectivity for connecting the buoyant reel to the actuator. The actuator includes a releasing mechanism for releasing the buoyant reel from the actuator.

Abstract: An improved marine engine control methodology is utilized in either single or twin engine applications, and provides a safe and logical transitioning between manual and automatic operating modes. A standard software instruction set is installed in a microprocessor-based engine control module for each engine, and a discrete input informs the control module if the respective engine is a master engine or a slave engine. In single engine applications, the engine is identified as a master engine, while in twin engine applications, one of the engines is identified as a master engine, and the other as a slave engine. The control software provides an operator activated speed control function for a master engine, and an operator activated sync control function for a slave engine. Each engine has an operator manipulated throttle lever for controlling the respective engine throttle position during the manual operating mode, and for defining a limit throttle position during the automatic operating modes.

Abstract: A subsea buoy for use in maneuvering a submerged object, the buoy comprising a buoyant body, a first frangible link for securing said buoy to the object, means for rupturing said first frangible link, a drogue secured to said buoyant body by a second frangible link and by means allowing said drogue to move on rupture of said second frangible link from a first configuration to a second configuration, where said drogue is spaced apart from said buoyant body, and a third frangible link extending between the object and said drogue.

Abstract: An underwater clamp-type release apparatus has a main body and a release mechanism. The main body includes a housing, a motor stand, and a speed reducing gear motor while the release mechanism includes a base plate, a pair of clamp frames, a clamp, and a rotationally controlled block. The clamp is positioned between the two clamp frames and is pivotally connected to the clamp frames with a pin installed through holes in the clamp and the clamp frames. The top end of the clamp has a concave part for clamping and holding the working piece.

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: Submarine (6) devices consisting of cavity to hold sand and an inflatable air bladder (10) are located beneath and connected to floating buoys (2). The weight of the sand when put inside the cavity is enough to sink buoy (2) until submarine (6) sits on the bottom of a lake or river. When bladders (10) are inflated by air supplied by an air compressor or a portable air tank, and distributed through a network of polyethylene tubing. They create enough buoyancy to offset the downward pull of the sand, thus allowing the buoys (2) to float back to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy buoy includes a shell and expansion apparatus. The two are combined in a manner to provide a watertight structure with an internal region wherein a constant pressure is maintained that is substantially equal to the pressure at a predetermined depth below the water surface. At depths above the predetermined depth the internal pressure is greater than the external water pressure. This differential pressure causes the buoy to expand, thereby increasing its buoyancy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing and maintaining control over an area of the sea from a remote location, consisting of a remote control point, a number of submersible satellite stations and means for communicating by radio or conductive cable between the control point and each station. Each battery-powered satellite station includes either a flotation chamber or airbag and a stabilizing chamber. The stabilizing chamber is equipped with pumps for intake and discharge of water, allowing adjustment of the buoyancy of each satellite station. Detection devices, such as infrared or acoustical sensors, and weapons systems, such as missiles, are mounted on a platform affixed to a mast on top of each station. The remote control point is equipped with a programmable logic system, which converts data received from the satellite stations and graphically depicts it on computer screens, providing real-time input for combat command decisions.

Abstract: A compact, retrievable and inexpensive marker buoy has a primary housing in the shape of an hourglass having a throat in the center, and a base. The primary housing has a waterproof chamber situated closer to one end than the other and a non-waterproof chamber at the opposite end. A lid at one end provides access to the waterproof chamber, which chamber contains an unattached battery, a signal receiving device, and an electrical device which are linked to a releasably attachable hook. The base has a corresponding device attached to the hook. A tether is connected from the base to the primary housing unit. A transmitter transmits the necessary command signal to the receiver from above the water.

Abstract: A recovery system for a submerged instrument that includes a buoyant member and an electrically promoted magnetic flux diversion device comprising a pair of pole pieces, a permanent magnet disposed substantially centrally between said pole pieces, and a release plate comprising ferromagnetic material bridging one end of said pole pieces, the pole pieces and permanent magnet forming tow flux paths with the metal release plate forming a portion of one of said flux paths. A control winding associated with the pole pieces are disposed for producing a momentary magnetic field opposite to that of the permanent magnet to divert the flux path from the path that includes the release plate to the other flux path. A remotely activated electrical pulse to the control winding diverts the flux path and releases the release plate form the pole pieces allowing the marker buoy to rise to the surface for recovery of instrument or device to which the buoy is attached.

Abstract: An underwater acoustic release system includes a buoyed member with an attached line that is released from a preselected underwater location using an acoustic signal that activates a heating element to melt a volume of wax or like meltable substance. The wax expands, pushing a cylinder or like linkage to release the buoy and its attached line so that it rises to the surface identifying the location for a survey vessel.

Abstract: A mooring system and method of anchoring a buoyant module (16) in a submerged location in the sea for supporting an underwater structure such as a plurality of acoustical arrays (18) for receiving and transmitting acoustical signals is disclosed. The buoyant module (16) is held in a submerged position by at least one anchor leg or line (46) anchored to the sea floor and of a variable length to permit controlled movement of the module (16) to the sea surface (10) for servicing. The single anchor line (46) is a stretchable line and includes an upper segment (56) formed of a Kevlar material and a lower segment (58) formed of a nylon material. Line 46 may stretch easily for a length of 400 feet, a preferred submerged depth of the module (16). Module (16) includes a constant buoyant material (36) and a source of compressed gas (32) controlled by a remotely actuated valve (40) to provide a variable buoyancy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a marker float release that includes a houg; an electromagnet mounted to the housing having an electromagnetic core; and a buoyant element having a permanent magnet. The buoyant element is positioned against the housing so that the permanent magnet is magnetically attracted to the electromagnetic core with sufficient force to hold the buoyant element adjacent to the housing when the housing and the buoyant element are submerged in water by inducing a magnetic field in the electromagnetic core. A flexible line having one end attached to the buoyant element and another end attached to the housing links the buoyant element to the housing. Magnetic field reversing means is operably coupled to the electromagnet for selectively reversing the magnetic field of the electromagnetic core, thereby permitting the buoyant element to be released from the housing.

Abstract: Floating device for releasing safety equipment, this device being fixed on a unit such as a ship and comprising a support on which a movable member is fixed under the influence of hydrostatic pressure, this member acting on a bolt by means of which the safety equipment is normally secured, characterized in that the movable element (10) consists of a face of a flexible pocket.

Abstract: A method for mooring and connecting at least one flexible line end with a conduit of a floating sea edifice, with the method including the steps of mooring a harpoon to a float, which harpoon is attached to a first cable, pulling on the first cable to bring the float toward a support integral with the edifice, mooring the float to the support, and, with an arm fixed to the flexible line end and attached to the second cable, bringing the arm and the flexible line by the second cable and/or positioning in a position permitting connection with the conduit. The conduit is placed in a vicinity of the flexible line end, and the conduit and flexible line end are assembled and connected together, with the flexible line end being connected to the float.

Abstract: An improved underwater release apparatus, underwater release system and method of controlled release of an underwater object employing the underwater release apparatus. The underwater release apparatus comprises a housing release means mounted on a housing, a securing means for holding the housing at a defined position, the housing release means comprising a pair of load-balanced clamping jaws mounted for movement between a clamping position and a load releasing position, a coupling means attached to a water balanced shaft means slideably mounted on a nonexplosive drive means for driving the shaft between an engaged position and a disengaged position and for releasing the housing from the mooring.

Abstract: A deep ocean recoverable, tethered acoustic sensor system launchable from aircraft or ship. Upon water entry, the system separates into an upper flotation module containing a receiver/transmitter, antenna and inflatable bag, and a lower flotation module containing an expandable hydrophone array, transmission cable, flotation chamber, cable disconnect means, radio transmitter and antenna, and a flashing beacon light. The lower flotation module also includes a releasable anchor assembly containing a tethering cable. Recovery of the lower flotation module is accomplished by actuation of the cable disconnect means either by a preset timer means contained within the flotation module or by remote electrical command; upon cable disconnect, the anchor assembly and upper flotation module are discarded, and the lower flotation module floats to the surface for recovery.

Abstract: A subsea acoustic relocation system provides an apparatus that includes in one embodiment an anchor, and in another embodiment a weighted frame having in part a casing which has an inner bore with an open top portion. A line canister connected to the anchor or disposed within the casing bore has an opening through which a contained canister line can pay out. The canister line is placed within the line canister and is anchored at one end to the anchor or frame, the other end of the canister line being a free end which dispenses from the canister during operation. An acoustic transponder release assembly is detachably affixed to the anchor or frame (within the casing bore) at a provided removable connection which can be broken by an acoustic signal. The acoustic transponder release assembly has attached to it the free end of the line canister with the acoustic transponder release forming a temporary connection of the free end of the line to the frame.

Abstract: An instrumentation package and float are releasably joined to an anchor by connector that holds the float and anchor together until the anchor impacts the ocean bottom. Upon impact, the inertia of the float and package cause a connector shaft to continue downward motion so that an inwardly biased ball is displaced from a lateral opening in a coaxially located connector housing. After the ball clears the retainer hole and is displaced into a lateral bore in the shaft and after the downward inertial travel of the float and package have stopped, the float pulls the shaft free from the connector housing to suspend the package a predetermined distance below the float via a supporting lanyard. An anchoring lanyard is provided to hold the instrumentation package a predetermined length above the anchor so that it is located a set distance above the ocean bottom.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for making depth related measurements from an untethered, gravity driven oceanographic platform. The platform is a smooth streamlined, torpedo shaped body releasably carrying ballast in its nose and covered with syntactic foam for buoyancy. At the appropriate depth, the ballast is released and the body ascends under control of an interferometric homing system which guides it to a recovery vessel. The ballast may be an iron slug held in place electromagnetically.

Abstract: A device for indicating the presence in water of an object consisting of material capable of being affected by a magnet, the device containing a magnet. The device enables a reliable and effective indication to be given of metallic objects which are present in water. The magnet exhibits an active surface capable of interacting with the object in question and a floating body connected to the magnet in such a way as to be capable of being released from it, in conjunction with which there is present at least one ejector protrusion projecting beyond the active surface in question, so arranged that the ejector protrusion will endeavour, because of the nature of the interaction between the ejector protrusion and the object in question, to break the bond between the magnet and the floating body when the magnet is affected by the object in question.

Abstract: A non-rigid, gas inflatable airfoil having a bulbous inflatable forward body and three spaced-apart rearwardly extending inflatable tails. The tails are attached to the rearward portion of the body and form with the body a single inflatable chamber. The central tail is yieldably biased into an upwardly inclined position, and a pair of sheets extend between the tails. The airfoil has a generally delta shape and provides a positive lift when exposed to wind. The airfoil is connected to a single tie down line by a single attachment member and swivel attached to a central portion of the underside of the body. The body and tails have sufficient interior gas containing volume that when filled with a lighter-than-air gas will offset the weight of the airfoil. The bulbous body contains enough lighter-than-air gas that the airfoil assumes a vertical orientation with the body above the tail when in the water or in the air without wind.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving an ocean bottom seismometer deployed to a subsea location is disclosed wherein inflatable flexible housings are attached to cylindrical cannisters having detecting and recording equipment along with identical inflation apparatus.

Abstract: A latch mechanism (release) for use in anchoring equipment and devices submerged in water, held closed by a permanent magnet and which can be automatically or remotely opened by diverting the magnetic field. The release is held closed by the magnetic attraction between a permanent magnet and a plate on a lever arm whose movement effects closure of the latch. A spring acts to move the lever arm and open the latch but the magnet normally overwelms it. The latch opens when a brief electromagnetic field is applied to a soft magnetic alloy which guides magnetic flux from the magnet to the plate on the latch. The brief electromagnetic field weakens the attraction between the magnet and the plate by diverting the magnetic flux through an alternate loop in the alloy material, and thus allows the spring on the lever arm to open the latch.

Abstract: A method of delivering to the ocean bottom and raising to the surface of a station provided with instrument packages for deep-water researches is realized by way of free submergence of the station in a water mass under the action of negative buoyancy of a ballast weight, landing of the station to the bottom, dropping of the ballast weight upon completing the bottom researches, and free emergence of the station under the action of positive buoyancy of a float module. In the course of free submergence, the station is divided into a unit comprising the instrument packages and a unit comprising the ballast weight and the float module, the unit comprising the instrument packages is directed along a path differing from the path of the free-falling unit comprising the ballast weight, thus ensuring the landing of the instrument packages at a predetermined distance from the ballast weight.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring a fluid, such as oil, between a fluid conveying line and a ship. The apparatus includes a transfer unit anchored at the bottom of the sea and attached to the fluid conveying line, and a coupling device which is brought into the ship together with the transfer unit so that connections can be made to the coupling device at a weather resistant location within the ship. Fluid is transferred between the fluid conveying line and the ship via the transfer unit and coupling device.

Abstract: A mooring system for anchoring sea going ships, such as storage or production tanker vessels, and more particularly, a submerged single point mooring system fixed to the seabed and which is particularly adapted for use in arctic waters having surface hazards such as pack ice or icebergs.

Abstract: A subsea acoustic relocation system provides an apparatus that includes in one embodiment an anchor, and in another embodiment a weighted frame having in part a casing which has an inner bore with an open top portion. A line canister connected to the anchor or disposed within the casing bore has an opening through which a contained canister line can pay out. The canister line is placed within the line canister and is anchored at one end to the anchor or frame, the other end of the canister line being a free end which dispenses from the canister during operation. An acoustic transponder release assembly is detachably affixed to the anchor or frame (within the casing bore) at a provided removable connection which can be broken by an acoustic signal. The acoustic transponder release assembly has attached to it the free end of the line canister with the acoustic transponder release forming a temporary connection of the free end of the line to the frame.

Abstract: A device for automatically raising fish traps, crayfish pots, nets and the like comprises a tank containing pressurized gas connected through a control valve to an inflatable bladder. A control unit including a receiver and a solenoid driver is operable to open the valve, causing bladder inflation, when activated by a signal transmitted through the water or a timing mechanism. The control unit and valve are located within a watertight compartment of a housing connected to the tank. A pair of substantially flat frame members interconnect the housing to the tank. The frame members are mutually orthogonal and include identical cutouts defining a spherical inflation region. The bladder is positioned in the inflation region by upper and lower mounting sleeves. The upper sleeve includes a deflation valve and lift ring to provide automatic bladder deflation as the ring is engaged by surface personnel to raise the device from the water.

Abstract: A thermal release device made up of a heating element in contact with a thermally fusible connective link which upon supplying electric current to the heating element melts through the link and parts the linkage.