Abstract: A cold gas thruster having a two-stage solenoid is provided. Pressurized gas from the inlet flows to the back side of the piston to hold the piston closed. The pressure is maintained by a check ball held by the solenoid armature. When the solenoid is energized, the armature allows the check ball to move to bleed off the pressure holding the piston closed. The piston moves away from its seat and allows the pressurized gas to flow to the outlet creating thrust. When the solenoid coil is de-energized, the check ball is forced against its seat, which blocks the escape of pressure on the back side of the piston, so that it can re-pressurize back up to the inlet pressure. This creates a force imbalance and moves the piston to close the valve and stop the thrust. Different nozzles can be used for different thrust profiles without changing the solenoid.

Abstract: An aquatic receptacle with a sectioned floating rim that, while floating, maintains an opening for receiving articles into the receptacle. Embodiments can include an escape barrier over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. One embodiment has a lanyard that can attach the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. A lanyard can have a breakaway mechanism that can detach the receptacle from a diver or other structure if sufficient force is applied to the lanyard. There can also be a shock-arrest mechanism that reduces the amount of force exerted on a diver or structure before the lanyard breaks. Force exerted on the lanyard pulls the floatable rim at least partially beneath the water surface causing the sections of the floatable rim come together and close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of articles within the container.

Abstract: An aquatic receptacle with a sectioned floating rim that, while floating, maintains an opening for receiving articles into the receptacle. Embodiments can include an escape barrier over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. One embodiment has a lanyard that can attach the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. A lanyard can have a breakaway mechanism that can detach the receptacle from a diver or other structure if sufficient force is applied to the lanyard. There can also be a shock-arrest mechanism that reduces the amount of force exerted on a diver or structure before the lanyard breaks. Force exerted on the lanyard pulls the floatable rim at least partially beneath the water surface causing the sections of the floatable rim come together and close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of articles within the container.

Abstract: An aquatic collection receptacle that floats while remaining attached to a diver. Embodiments can include floatable rim with an attached underwater container. Further embodiments include an escape barrier or crossing lines over the mouth of the receptacle to prevent loss of contents while floating. A lanyard connects the receptacle to a diver, allowing it to float and be pulled along by the diver. If pulled beneath the water surface by the lanyard, the floatable rim can fold or otherwise close over the mouth of the container to prevent loss of contents. Alternative embodiments include a breakaway lanyard to ensure safety of the diver.