Abstract: An autonomous anchor device, involving a streamlined body configured to freefall through a water column and to drive itself into sediment of an aquatic environment and a plurality of blades operably coupled with the streamlined body and configured to deploy itself into the sediment as well as retract itself from the sediment.

Abstract: A vapor transport device can include a tube, a first cap positioned at a first region of the tube, a second cap positioned at a second region of the tube, and a piston positioned between the first cap and the second cap so as to divide the tube into a first chamber of variable size that extends between the first cap and the piston and a second chamber of variable size that extends between the piston and the second cap. The vapor transport device can further include a drive shaft connected to the piston and extending through the second cap, and can also include a plurality of one-way valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for maintaining or replacing a tether line (22) anchoring a buoyancy unit to an underwater or seabed anchoring installation, characterized in that a pull down line (12,12a, 12b?) is connected to the buoyancy unit and the line is guided through a block (21) fixed to the lower anchoring installation, and then the buoyancy unit is pulled down to slacken the tether line (22), and the sufficient maintenance or replacement is performed. A device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A marine device has a floating buoy containing electronics, a submerged payload containing electrical devices and electronics, a power source and a mooring line. At least a part of the power source is submerged and electrically connected to at least one of the submerged payload and the floating buoy, and the mooring line extends between the buoy and at least one of the power source submerged part, the submerged payload and a submerged anchor having a mass allowing it to stay under the water surface.

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: 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: 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: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: An anchoring base and a buoy that are adapted to resist entanglement with a trawler net that may be dragged over the anchor and buoy. The buoy may have a plurality of cones that are secured to the tether in a spaced relationship proximate the lower end of the buoy. The anchoring base has a top side having an upper surface that defines a plurality of indentations between raised portions. The tether may be received in at least one of the indentations when the tether is pressed against the upper surface of the insert to protect the tether from being damaged or severed.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A buoy is provided with first and second fixed hydrodynamic surfaces (15,16). When the buoy is towed through water by a tether (17), the first hydrodynamic surface (15) generates a downward force that reduces with increased speed through the water. The second hydrodynamic surface (16) generates an upward force that increases with increased speed through the water so that the buoy dives up to an upper critical speed through the water speed and rises beyond said upper critical speed through the water. The downward force of the first hydrodynamic surface (15) overcomes the buoyancy of the buoy at a lower critical speed through the water above, which the buoy dives. The hydrodynamic surface (15) comprises first fins (15) mounted on an outer casing (1) of the buoy and are spaced angularity and extend parallel to the center axis of the buoy which is substantially aligned with the direction of towing.

Abstract: An easily deployable data relay buoy, in some embodiments, has a diesel powered alternator and storage battery, providing long service life. The data relay buoy has mechanical characteristics that allow it to maintain antenna stability in the presence of seas states from at least zero through four and to survive in sea states up to sea state six.

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: A flotation device for attachment to a small object to prevent the object from sinking if it is dropped into a body of liquid and for allowing the user to quickly and easily retrieve it. The device comprises a float formed of buoyant material and having a longitudinally oriented opening therethrough, a lanyard having its free ends attached together and fixed within said opening so as to form a loop portion about the float, and a spring-biased clip attached to the loop and attachable to the object to be prevented from sinking in a pool of liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus includes a buoyant structure having a central vertical axis when floating in water and having at least one feature to reduce a rotation of the buoyant structure about the central vertical axis when floating in the water. The apparatus further includes an electronic camera assembly coupled to the buoyant structure. The electronic camera assembly is configured to generate an electronic image signal. The apparatus further includes a tubular structure coupled to the buoyant structure and configured to remain under the surface of the water. The tubular structure includes a watertight compartment and an electronic circuit assembly disposed within the watertight compartment. The electronic circuit assembly is coupled to receive the electronic image signal and is configured to generate an optical image signal representative of the electronic image signal. The apparatus further includes a fiber optic cable configured to carry the optical image signal.

Abstract: A submersible mooring buoy for a floating vessel comprises a compartmented hull; a plurality of non-buoyant, catenary anchor lines each connected to the hull and a spring buoy such that the hull may be submerged without sinking to the seafloor by flooding selected compartments; and, a plurality of mooring legs anchoring each spring buoy to the seafloor.

Abstract: A flotation device for attachment to a small object to prevent the object from sinking if it is dropped into a body of liquid and for allowing the user to quickly and easily retrieve it. The device comprises a float formed of buoyant material and having a longitudinally oriented opening therethrough, a lanyard having its free ends attached together and fixed within said opening so as to form a loop portion about the float, and a spring-biased clip attached to the loop and attachable to the object to be prevented from sinking in a pool of liquid.

Abstract: A system is described for use at offshore locations of large depth, for mooring a production vessel or floating unit (14) at a location over a hydrocarbon reservoir (26) and for connecting risers (101) that can be carrying hydrocarbons up from the sea floor to a production vessel that stores the hydrocarbons, flowlines for water injection, gas lift, gas export, umbilicals and mooring lines that moor the vessel. Both the mooring lines and the risers are disconnectably connected to the vessel though a connection buoy, or connector (16). The invention concerns a system that allows a connector (16) to be used that is of minimum mass and volume, to ease its handling especially during its connection and disconnection to and from a vessel.

Abstract: A sinkable buoy system including a guide buoy, an inflatable air bladder, a weight component, an air supply line and an air supply, wherein the air bladder and the weight component are not housed within a common housing. A system for inflating and deflating an air bladder in order to float a buoy at the surface and sink a buoy below the surface as desired. A sinkable buoy system for use with a water sports course in order to float buoys of the course during course use and sink the buoys when the course is not in use.

Abstract: A rope-severing device includes a first sleeve having a first axis. A second sleeve is provided abutting and slideably oriented with the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a second axis, wherein the first axis and the second axis are at least one of coaxial and parallel. A sharp object is mounted at least partially within the first sleeve.

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: A mooring line for an oceanographic buoy system includes four sections. The first section is a protected cable that is connectable to the buoy. The second section is an energy absorbing cable. The third section is a weighted cable. The fourth section is a buoyant cable that is connectable to the anchor. The four sections are connected in series by smooth transitional connections. When the mooring line is deployed, it has an inverse catenary lay.

Abstract: An aquatic amusement toy including a buoyant body and an underwater member. The buoyant has a housing including an engaging portion, a first protruding shell and a second protruding shell, and the underwater member has a first and second face and a receiving portion communicating through the first and second surface. The engaging portion of the buoyant body is engageable with the receiving portion of the underwater member. In use the buoyant body is coupled with the underwater member and sinks in water such that the first protruding shell or the second protruding shell keeps the buoyant body at a predetermined height above the bottom of water, and when the underwater member is depressed to disengage from the buoyant body, said buoyant body floats to the surface of the water and the underwater member remains immersed.

Abstract: A self-mooring module. In particular, a self-mooring module that may be deployed by air, surface or underwater. The module includes a combination anchor/air brake, a buoy, and a mooring line. The module may also include a sensor module. The anchor, combination anchor/air brake and buoy may be used in combination as part of the module or may be used alone in different aspects. The anchor and combination anchor/air brake are foldable to conserve space. The buoy has reduced drag and increased stability versus regular buoys. The self-mooring module may also include an intelligent mooring line module that determines the amount of mooring line to be released for a particular mooring depth and does not release a substantive amount of extra or insufficient mooring line, thereby helping ensure proper placement of an sensor module. Other features include a release mechanism for releasing the anchor from the module and a mechanism for inflating the buoy.

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: An aquatic fun toy for an aquatic game including a buoyant body having an upper and a lower surface and a receiving portion communicating through the upper and lower surface, an underwater member receivable in the receiving portion and a plurality of supporting portions for supporting the buoyant body at a predetermined height above a bottom of water. A first engaging portion formed on the receiving portion and second engaging portion formed on the underwater member is engageable and disengageable with the first engaging portion. In use, the buoyant body engages the underwater member and sinks in water such that the supporting portions keep the buoyant body at a predetermined height above the bottom of the water, and when the underwater member is separated from the buoyant body, said buoyant body floats to the surface of the water and the underwater member remains immersed.

Abstract: A floating device for dispersing a solute-containing solution comprised of a floatation cap in communication with a telescoping assembly having a sleeve for controlling the dispersion of the solute-containing solution is herein provided, as well as associated methods of use.

Abstract: A multi-gimbal configured transition protectively interfaces a mooring and communication cable to a communication ocean buoy. The transition interface contains a segmented, flexible sheath formed of a plurality of pivotally interconnected gimbal rings having mutually adjacent interior apertures through which one or more communication link members pass. Successive gimbal rings are orthogonally pivotally interconnected with one another so as to make the flexible sheath flexible in three dimensions. Upper ends of one or more communication link members are connectable with a communication cable connection fixture of the buoy. Lower ends of the communication link members are connectable to communication cable terminal connectors of a terminal end of the mooring cable.

Abstract: A self-mooring module. In particular, a self-mooring module that may be deployed by air, surface or underwater. The module includes a combination anchor/air brake, a buoy, and a mooring line. The module may also include a sensor module. The anchor, combination anchor/air brake and buoy may be used in combination as part of the module or may be used alone in different aspects. The anchor and combination anchor/air brake are foldable to conserve space. The buoy has reduced drag and increased stability versus regular buoys. The self-mooring module may also include an intelligent mooring line module that determines the amount of mooring line to be released for a particular mooring depth and does not release a substantive amount of extra or insufficient mooring line, thereby helping ensure proper placement of an sensor module. Other features include a release mechanism for releasing the anchor from the module and a mechanism for inflating the buoy.

Abstract: A mooring system (10) is described for mooring a vessel to a floor portion of a body of water. The system (10) comprises a substantially rigid, elongate support member (12) having a connecting point (14) adjacent an upper end thereof to which a vessel can be connected and being coupled adjacent a lower end (16) thereof to an anchor on said floor portion, and a displacement buoy (20) slidably received on said support member (12) such that the displacement buoy (20) is capable of moving up and down said support member (12) with wave movement. The mooring system (10) also includes an elongate resilient member (26) operatively associated with the buoy such that upwards movement of the displacement buoy causes the resilient member to stretch.

Abstract: A spot marking buoy. A flotation body, cylindrical in shape with rounded ends having a groove around the periphery of the flotation body creating a reel with one end of a string attached to the reel and the other end of the string attached to an anchor weight. The flotation body employs angular cores to receive a rubber locking cord which is affixed to the flotation body by the use of crimps or knots on the ends of the rubber locking cord with said crimps or knots being larger in circumference than the angular cores. And surface grooves on each side of the top end of the flotation body to receive and secure the rubber locking cord when in use and when storage. Included are recessed counterweights, an anchor weight and anchor weight housing for storage and a built in hand grip for reminding.

Abstract: A loop bottom buoy stick having a primary upper section and a primary lower section configured to receive a connector in an eyelet at the distal end of the primary lower section. The lower section includes a fixed section and a flap section adjacent to the fixed section. The fixed section is a continuation of the primary upper section and the flap section in combination with the fixed section forms the eyelet. The flap section is arranged to be able to be drawn away from the fixed section to establish a spacing through which the connector can easily pass. Optional spacer inserts may be used to set the positioning of a buoy on the stick.

Abstract: Safety swimwear with an automatically retractable buoy secured in a manner not interfering with play in and out of the water, the float providing no buoyancy for the child but having sufficient buoyancy to remain on the surface and thus serve as an aid in locating the child whenever the child is submerged. The connector for the float is a permanent part of the swimwear so as to determine the location of the float relative to the wearer and increase the lkikelihood of the use thereof. In some embodiments, the detachable buoy may take the form of a beach toy.

Abstract: A stabilizing system for watercraft that lowers the point of attachment of the anchor line below the bottom of the hull, typically for a waterfowl decoy mounting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mooring that provides an alternative to the chain traditionally used in mooring installations. It provides a flexible tie member to couple vessels to permanently located anchors which simulates the action of a mooring chain, but which is more durable and where the weights used in the apparatus may be reusable. The mooring apparatus comprises or includes, a flexible or articulable elongate member having a first end and a second end, and plurality of weights each secured and spaced along the elongate member, the first end adapted to be connected to an anchor weight and the second end adapted to be connected to a buoy. The method comprises using the mooring apparatus to moor a vessel.

Abstract: An automatically retractable buoy secured to the trunk of a child in a manner not interfering with play in and out of the water, the buoy providing no buoyancy for the child but having sufficient buoyancy to remain on the surface and thus serve as an aid in locating the child whenever the child is submerged.

Abstract: A vertical, flexible, fiberglass pole extending vertically upward from a mooring buoy, the pole having a resilient line holder attached near to the top of the pole. Reflective tape is applied to the pole. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a chain anchoring the mooring buoy. In an alternate embodiment, a resilient line holder is attached to a piling through a vinyl base. The hook is arranged vertically, but can rotate in a horizontal plane 180 degrees. A label of reflective tape is applied to the vinyl base for increased visibility, even during nighttime. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a cleat attached to the piling, in a coil until removed when mooring.

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 method and a buoyancy device adapted to impart buoyancy to at least one longitudinal element submerged in water. The buoyancy device is hollow and is preferably made of plastic or a similarly corrosion-resistant material. The device is preferably produced as one single unit, but may include several separate chambers which, via valves, may be brought into communicating connection with the surroundings, in a controlled manner. The device will therefore not be subjected to large differential pressures in use, and accordingly may have relatively thin walls. The buoyancy device has a much lower weight than prior-art buoys, is simpler to assemble, and is not subject to corrosion.

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 rope assembly comprises a central rope, which may be composed of nylon, a plurality of flotation elements of closed cell form and buffer elements of open cell form which are disposed between and flush with the flotation elements. A protective layer, which may be formed of polyurethane, surrounds the rope and the flotation and buffer elements. The closed cell form elements may be polyethylene. The open cell form elements may be polyurethane.

Abstract: A new dummy for water rescue practice for facilitating the honing by sailors of skills necessary for the successful rescue of a person fallen overboard. The inventive device includes a hollow, air-tight head portion having a top section, a neck section, and a bottom section, the neck section being disposed intermediate the top section and the bottom section, a pole having an upper section and a lower section, the pole upper section being perpendicularly and fixedly attached to a bottom section lower portion, a weight fixedly attached to the pole lower section, and a rope releasably attachable to the bottom section.

Abstract: A debris shedding buoy having a float body with a top and a bottom is provided. The buoy includes a slide rail, adapted for slidable engagement to a mooring line, is attached to the bottom of the float body. The slide rail is located in a generally centered position beneath the float body and is oriented in a first direction. A rudder device is affixed to the float body and adapted to produce a stabilizing force to maintain the float body in a quasi stable orientation with respect to a current direction, with the first direction being generally aligned to the current direction. Debris lodging against the float body overcomes the stabilizing force produced by the rudder device, causing the float body to rotate from the quasi stable orientation to a second orientation to shed the debris whereupon the float body rotates back to the quasi stable orientation.

Abstract: A portable, anchored sensor module for collecting fresh water environmental data over a range of depths, is supported relative to a buoy having a power supply and control circuitry. A depth control housing supports the underwater sensor module. The depth control housing can be controlled as to its buoyancy for supporting the sensor module at selected depths and collecting data at such depths. The control circuitry includes capabilities for transmitting data on suitable frequencies, such as those for a cellular phone, and has a computer with memory for storing the sensor signal for remote call up. Periodically the sensor information may be transmitted to a remote station used for control. The remote station also can control the depth from which the sensors are taking data.

Abstract: A buoyancy package for subsurface instrumented moorings with reduced drag and increased stability is provided with the use of spherical buoyant members enclosed in a pivotally connected streamlined housing. The use of a spherical buoyant member provides a buoyant member capable of withstanding high pressures for deep water applications, and in one embodiment provides a convenient structure for providing a pivot with respect to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for marking a preselected reference point on the water surface of a lake having a bottom surface comprising a float member with parallel top and bottom surfaces and two sides defining a cradle for holding a plurality of turns of fine line. The float member further includes at least one weight receiving recess in the top or bottom, a central bore and a line attaching rod member extending perpendicularly through the bore. A weight member is provided having a preselected shape permitting the snug positioning thereof in the recess. A preselected length of fine line is connected at one end to the rod and at the other end to the weight member.

Abstract: A radar reflector buoy is disclosed comprising a unitary molded inflatable hollow body with an enlarged or thickened portion which is used to attach the buoy to an anchor. The thickened portion includes a mount for an internal staff and corner radar reflector. Also disclosed is a process for producing the radar reflective buoy. The process involved open molding of the attachment area from a liquid unpolymerized polymer, partially curing it with a mount for a radar reflector staff in place, transferring the attachment area to a rotational molding apparatus, inserting a radar corner reflector and rotational molding the buoy body from a compatible powdered polymer.

Abstract: A pair of buoy winding apparatus includes a housing having a pair of opposite end portions and a central cavity defined therein between the opposite end portions and being open at a side thereof for receiving a marker buoy therein, a support shaft mounted to one opposite end portion of the housing and having an end protruding into one end of the central cavity, the end of the support shaft being adapted to rotatably engage one end of the marker buoy so as to rotatably support the one end of the marker buoy, and a drive motor mounted to the other of the opposite end portions of the housing and having an output drive shaft extending therefrom with an end protruding into an opposite end of the central cavity, the end of the output drive shaft being adapted to non-rotatably engage an opposite end of the marker buoy so as to rotatably drive the marker buoy, in response to actuation of operation of the drive motor, about a rotational axis defined by and between the support and drive shafts and extending between the

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: A spar buoy is so arranged that a buoyancy body (1) is provided halfway on a marker mast (2), the lower end of the marker mast (2) being moored to a sinker (7) sunk at water bottom by a mooring device (6) and that the buoyancy body 1 is pulled in the water so that the water line comes to halfway on the marker mast (2) above the buoyancy body (1), the spar buoy comprising at least two arms (8, 8) protruded in opposite directions to each other from the marker mast (2) below the buoyancy body (1), and blades (9, 9) attached to the end of each arm (8) so as to have a positive angle of attack .alpha. toward the center of the buoy.