Abstract: A crawfish harvest system and method of harvesting crawfish from a crawfish pond, without entry into the pond by personnel or boats. A crawfish trap deployment and retrieval unit is positioned by a crawfish pond. One or more crawfish traps are attached to a main line, which is engaged with the deployment and retrieval unit and runs into the crawfish pond and around one or more turn points in the pond, forming an endless loop of main line. The crawfish traps can be deployed into and retrieved from the crawfish pond by the deployment and retrieval unit pulling the main line, without personnel, boat or other entry into the pond.

Abstract: A pot for catching crabs or fish has a lockable door adapted for unloading crabs or fish from the pot and a locking mechanism operable for locking and unlocking the door. The crab or fish pot has a frame structure defining a shape of the pot; a number of mesh panels attached to the frame structure; and at least one entrance for crabs or fish to enter the pot.

Abstract: Presented is a system and method via nature-inspired design and engineering to autonomously fish, sort and deliver the catch. It implements rope-less fishing via a novel variable buoyancy device and an autonomous aerial and underwater vehicle as a fishing gear carrier. Its versatile capabilities are comprised of the AI sorting capability to comply with regulations, the capability to capture renewable energy to reduce operating costs, the capability to both passively fish with bait and proactively hunt for fish and the capability to gather intelligence to find optimal fishing grounds.

Abstract: The invention is a system comprising a wire cage trap and wire-cage enclosed lifting subsystem. The two systems are attached and submerged together. When ready to be retrieved, a sound control signal is conveyed to the system. The sound control signal is converted to an electric control signal, which enables inflation of a buoyancy bladder and bringing the wire-cage trap and wire-cage lifting subsystems to the surface. The invention may comprise sensors in the lifting system which can provide information about valve on-off state, gas pressure, depth and location. That information is converted from electric to sound signals and generated through the water.

Abstract: A sound or thermal baffling device comprising an enclosure containing a variable density fluid and a force generating means for preserving and creating the structure and form of the enclosure, the shape and composition of the enclosure crafted to vary the baffling characteristics of the enclosure, and a further embodiment showing how a cellular material containing a variable density fluid may be created and used, and a still further embodiment showing improvements to ear protectors and head phone sets, including latching means for attaching these and other devices to the ears and head. Various applications involving previous as well as new uses are set out, including a description of how dynamic sound baffling may be implemented.

Abstract: An underwater mobile body includes: a movement control unit that controls movement underwater; a detection unit that moves underwater under the control of the movement control unit and that detects a position of a fish; and a guidance unit that guides the fish based on the position of the fish detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A structurally sound circular crab trap suitable for commercial crab fishing, designed to be stacked one inside another to facilitate transport.

Abstract: The fish trap system includes an enclosure having a revolving trap door attached to a coned gate Gargoor. Still and video cameras are included in the enclosure to provide snapshot and moving pictures of fish caught in the trap. A buoy (float) is included, from which images of fish in the enclosure are relayed via digital link to the user on the Internet. Moreover, user-controlled electrical gates are provided to either retain a fish or release a fish by closing and opening the gates via the Internet connection. The video camera, being disposed in the trap housing, is movable and provides views of the area around the fish trap when submerging the trap until it reaches the ground in order to locate the right flooring for the fish trap. Aside from fishing purposes, the fish trap system may be used for experimental purposes.

Abstract: A device for colonizing and harvesting marine hardground animals in an underwater region of a ground-based offshore edifice includes at least one rail device configured to extend vertically on the offshore edifice along a height of the underwater region to above a waterline. The device also includes a netting array including a habitat carriage having a habitat and trapping basket that is adapted to contain the hardground animals. A lifting device is configured to move the netting array along the at least one rail device. Additionally, the device includes a scavenging carriage including a basic unit and a running unit that is configured to detachably couple the scavenging carriage with the at least one rail device so as to be movable thereon. The scavenging carriage is configured to detachably couple with the habitat carriage and the lifting device.

Abstract: A trigger for a marine animal trap is preferably constructed from two identical, or nearly identical, parts. The two parts are substantially flat as manufactured, and are constructed to have connector sections that fold without breaking away from each substantially flat part. The connector sections overlap and secure to one another, preferably with integral connection facilitators on each connector section. Fingers from each substantially flat part converge towards one another when the connector sections are secured together. Optional excluder bars may be included on each substantially flat part, and may be bent towards one another and secured together.

Abstract: A trap for crabs or lobsters has a mesh extending over a trap frame, with at least one inlet opening provided with a one-way inlet gate spaced apart pins which are pivotable between open and closed positions. Pin retainers prevent spreading of the pins apart from one another when the pins are in the closed position and an undersized crab outlet opening, dimensioned to allow undersized crab or lobsters to escape from the interior chamber, is provided at a side of the trap and at the bottom of the trap. The frame includes an top peripheral frame portion and finger grip openings at the underside of the trap frame. The one-way inlet gate has first and second sets of spaced apart pins, each set being pivotable independently of the other between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A catching device for which a user can trap a fish in a body of water, wherein said catching device is generally comprised of a first side wall, a second side wall, a top, a bottom, an entrance opening and an exit opening. First side wall, second side wall, top and bottom form a frame which has a hollow interior. Entrance opening and exit opening form conduits between the body of water and the interior of the excluding device. The width of entrance opening is equal to the width of exit opening. Entrance opening and exit opening are surrounded by two excluding bars attached to two excluding plates such that the excluding plates define the maximum expandable width of entrance opening and exit opening. The maximum expandable width of entrance opening is greater than the maximum expandable width of exit opening. A plurality of ballast chambers are attached to the present device.

Abstract: A hay feeder allows a horse to eat from the feeder at a controlled speed in order to help prevent choke as well as overeating. The feeder uses a receptacle that has one or more guide posts extending between a closed bottom and an open top. A plate has first openings that each receive a respective post in order to allow the plate to slide up and down within the receptacle, the plate also having a series of second openings. Hay is placed into the receptacle and the plate is positioned on top of the hay. The horse eats the hay through the series of second openings and the plate gravitationally falls with the depleting stock of hay guided downwardly along the posts.

Abstract: A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a box-like fish-trap (1) comprising a frame, which is foldable, involved by a net, characterised in that it consists of: A metallic upper body (2), which floats; A metallic lower body (3); Flexible cables (4) to fix the upper body (2) to the lower body (3); Flexible side nets which connect the lower body (3) to the upper body (2); Frames (6, 7) that hold the nets of the fish entrance openings (5) and which are arranged so as to let the fish come in but make it difficult for it to get out; and One bottom (16) formed by a frame and net fixed in an articulated manner to one of the tops of the lower body and closed at the opposite top, which will make it possible to collect the captured fish.

Abstract: A crustacean trap that includes a collapsible frame assembly surrounded by a collapsible net body. The frame assembly includes a lower collar perpendicularly aligned and attached to a hollow mast. The mast extends upward from the lower collar and slides through an upper collar. Pivotally attached to the upper collar are four radially aligned upper legs. Pivotally coupled to the lower end of each upper leg is a lower leg that is vertically aligned under the upper leg. Each lower leg extends inward and pivotally connects to the lower collar. The upper and lower collars are aligned and registered so when the mast is extended downward through the upper collar, the upper collar and the lower collar separate thereby forcing each upper leg diagonally downward from the upper collar and forcing each lower leg horizontally outward from the lower collar.

Abstract: Fish-breeding apparatus (10), which comprises a frame, supporting one or a plurality of breeding cages (11) and provided with hollow buoyancy elements (17), and at least one device for controlling the buoyancy of the apparatus by filling, totally or partially, the buoyancy elements with water and emptying them of the water, totally or partially, whenever desired. The buoyancy elements are emptied of water by replacing the water with air. The buoyancy elements are such that when they are empty of water to a predetermined extent, the entire apparatus floats, even when it is fully charged. The frame has depending legs (17), so that even in its lowermost position the bottoms of the breeding cage will be spaced from the sea bed.

Abstract: A fish cage having one or more air-tight buoyancy rings (1) being entirely or partially hollow, with water valves (20) for inlet and outlet of water, and air valves (3) for injection and outlet of air, and preferably with closing shot plates (2) in the buoyancy ring (1). The novel feature according to the invention is that at least one or more of the air valves (3), and preferably also the water valves (20) are arranged inside of the buoyancy ring (1) so that the air valves (3) and water valves (20) are protected from external mechanical influence.

Abstract: An aquaculture cage including a buoyant upper support for disposition at the surface of a water body; a side wall having an upper edge secured to said upper support so as to project below the surface of the water body, the side wall being formed with a plurality of vertically contractible, non-buoyant panels having vertically adjacent edges joined to form an enclosure and each of the joined vertical edges defining a plurality of vertically spaced apart loops; and an elongated connector element extending through the loops of the adjacent edges so as to secure together the panels. Also included is a bottom wall joined to the side wall to close the bottom of the enclosure.

Abstract: A cleaning system that utilizes an organic cleaning solvent and pressurized fluid solvent is disclosed. The system has no conventional evaporative hot air drying cycle. Instead, the system utilizes the solubility of the organic solvent in pressurized fluid solvent as well as the physical properties of pressurized fluid solvent. After an organic solvent cleaning cycle, the solvent is extracted from the textiles at high speed in a rotating drum in the same way conventional solvents are extracted from textiles in conventional evaporative hot air dry cleaning machines. Instead of proceeding to a conventional drying cycle, the extracted textiles are then immersed in pressurized fluid solvent to extract the residual organic solvent from the textiles. This is possible because the organic solvent is soluble in pressurized fluid solvent. After the textiles are immersed in pressurized fluid solvent, pressurized fluid solvent is pumped from the drum.

Abstract: A fish trap habitat system including fish trap habitats which are movable to varying ocean depths and ocean floor locations. The fish trap habitats include a frame of interconnected hollow frame members, and a screen attached to the frame to form a fish trap enclosure. Portals are formed through the fish trap enclosure. The fish trap habitat can include an artificial reef within the fish trap enclosure. The frame can include a pontoon, a removable holding tank, and accept wheels for travel on dry land. In one form, the fish trap habitat is raised and lowered by a hollow cable fluidly connected to the frame and capable of injecting air into the hollow frame members. In another form, a propulsion system is attached to the frame of the first fish trap habitat. In yet another form, the fish trap habitat includes a structural framework forming a multi-level structure.

Abstract: A sea trap (20) includes a first jaw (22) which cooperates with a second jaw (24). Jaws (22) and (24) are connected to a base (30), and the jaws (22) and (24), and the base (30) are covered with an animal-retaining enveloping material (26) such as netting. Jaws (22) and (24) are biased by springs (32) and (34) to a closed animal-retaining state. The sea trap (20) is placed in an open animal-receiving state and a trigger mechanism (28) is armed. An animal (500) activates the trigger mechanism (28) thereby causing the sea trap (20) to rapidly close to the animal-retaining state and capturing the animal (500) within the enveloping material (26). In a preferred embodiment sea trap (20) is used in a body of water (502) to trap marine animals (500). In this embodiment a float (50) provides a visual indication that sea trap (20) has been closed and an animal (500) captured.

Abstract: An entrance gate for a marine animal trap includes an elongate hinge member and multiple finger-like bails pivotally mounted to the hinge member in spaced-apart relation along the length of the hinge member. A mounting surface of the hinge member is positioned adjacent an entrance frame of the trap and has a generally concave shape that is adapted to fit the contour of the interior face of the entrance frame. The hinge member is removably mounted to the entrance frame using wire or plastic ties. A pivot end of each bail of the entrance gate is rotatably or pivotally supported within a guide space of the hinge member. The bails extend through notches formed in the hinge member opposite the mounting surface. The notches allow the bails to pivot inwardly from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the bails span between the top and bottom portions of the entrance opening.

Abstract: An extruded plastic one way obstruction gate assembly for use in the lobster fishing industry. A three fingered rotatable tine assembly attachable to an existing circular hoop of the conventional lobster pot or trap. A curved multi-tine gate assures low frontage obstruction to a lobster by providing an opening located between the bottom of the gate tines and the lower portion of a circular hoop off a lobster trap. A bridge is securable to the hoop and the tine assembly snaps in place on the bridge. This tine assembly easily swings upward and is shaped with a void that provides an alternate escape for undersized lobsters while containing the legal size lobster catch within the trap.

Abstract: An aquaculture system including an upper support for disposition at the surface of a water body of an aquaculture farm; a cage having a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion, the side wall portion having an upper edge secured to the upper support so as to project below the surface of the water body and the side wall portion being formed out of vertically contractible, non-buoyant mesh; and a lower support disposed between a bottom edge of the side wall portion and an outer edge of the bottom wall portion.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a buoyancy device for the self-controlled maintenance of desired vertical upright orientation of a marine structure during its descent and settlement onto a water bed floor. The device includes a chamber for enclosing a volume of air, the chamber defined by an arrangement of walls. Those chamber walls include a first or upper portion and a second or lower portion. The device has ports arranged in the walls in upper portion of the chamber, to permit entry of water and/or escape of air from the chamber during any descent of the device as it descends in a water environment attached to a marine structure. A port with an engagable plug is movably arranged in the lower portion of the chamber, to prevent entry of water through the drain opening during descent, and to permit drainage of water from the chamber during ascent of the marine structure from the water.

Abstract: A Fish and Crustacean Trap Escape Vent System, consisting of an inexpensive conical-shaped escape vent with minimal water current noise or resistance, which presents a diminishing perspective to fish and crustaceans in the trap, secured to the trap with Coded, Corrosive-Release Fasteners of different diameters, thereby allowing for easy recognition by fishermen and enforcement authorities of which diameter of fastener is in use. Coding means includes offsets, crimps or color-coating imparted to different Fasteners. If the trap is lost or unrecovered for a predetermined time, the Coded Corrosive-Release Fasteners completely disintegrate and allow the Escape Vent to detach from the trap and allow any trapped fish and crustaceans to escape the trap. The unrecovered trap is now theoretically prevented from further fishing. The Escape Vent remains attached to the trap by conventional hog rings, and can be reused if and when the trap is recovered.

Abstract: A fishing net assembly that includes two resilient members perpendicularly disposed with respect to each other and having substantially the same dimensions. Two interconnecting cables tense the ends of the resilient members in an arcuate position defining a plane below the point of intersection of the resilient members where a junction assembly is mounted to rigidly keep the resilient members in place. The net is mounted to the cables and defines a sac with one opening through which the crustaceans enter attracted by a bait mounted to underside of the junction assembly. The cables tension the resilient members providing an obstacle to the crustaceans entering the trap. A leader line is attached to the upperside of the junction assembly.

Abstract: A crab trap is described that is movable between an erect condition and a collapsed condition. The crab trap includes top and bottom panels each with a plurality of edges. A pair of opposing side panels are pivotally and hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the edges of the bottom panel. A pair of opposing end panels are also pivotally and hingedly connected to a corresponding one of the edges of the bottom panel. Each of the panels is comprised of a mesh material. Each of the upper edges of the end panels is releasably secured against a corresponding one of the edges of the top panel. The side panels are pivotally movable between a closed position wherein the side panels extend substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom panels and an open position wherein the side panels extend substantially parallel to the top and bottom panels when the crab trap is in the erect condition.

Abstract: A collapsible bait trap for fisherman comprised of an annular top and bottom panel, each with a peripheral edge and a flexible net paneling joining the top and bottom panels. The invention utilizes a novel shape composed of a multi-cylindrical configuration. The sides of the cylindrical chambers, where they join together, form a funnel through which the fish enter the invention. This improved trap advantageously has a multi-cylindrical configuration which substantially reduces the possibilities for the fish to escape or to injure themselves, thus substantially increasing the total efficiency of capture. Once sufficient bait fish are captured, the invention may be relocated for use as a decoy to stimulate and attract game fish. The captured fish will be excited and resonate their fear by making noises and grunts, creating vibrations that attract the predators pursued by the fisherman.

Abstract: A device for use with a conventional crab trap comprising an audio transducer encased in a material to make it look like bait, placed in the crab trap and connected to an amplifier and speaker to enable the fisherman to monitor the trap for signs that the crab has entered the trap and spring the trap at the correct time.

Abstract: A shelter for crustaceans adapted to convert to a trap to facilitate harvesting. The shelter is a rectangular structure with a sound- and light-impervious and end walls, and a corrugated metal roof. The side of the structure are constituted by hinged doors pivotable from a horizontal position allowing access to the interior of the shelter to a vertical position closing such access. The movement from open to closed position is effected by cables having one end attached to the door and the other end to a marker float via a main cable.

Abstract: A fish cage system, which includes a fish cage having one or more cables connected to it. The fish cage and cable(s) have a combined buoyancy which is such that at least a portion of the fish cage is normally located at or above the water surface. The cable(s) are connected to a sinker whose weight is sufficient to overcome the combined buoyancy of the fish cage cable(s). The sinker is also connected to a second cable which is connected to a buoy. The buoy contains a winch for alternately shortening and lengthening the effective length of the second cable so as to alternately allow said fish cage to float or to submerge.

Abstract: A wire trap or animal cage having walls which are attached together by crimped clips at spaced locations between the adjacent walls of the trap or cage. The clips have markings thereon to indicate ownership of the trap. The marks may be put on the clips as they are clinched together around the wires, or the marks may be put on the clips before the clips are crimped around the wires.

Abstract: A device that prevents female and juvenile crabs from becoming stuck in the upper portions of a crab trap is disclosed. In crab traps using angled tunnels, the upper portions of the trap provide a place for the young crab to hide from the larger males. Once in this area, however, the crab are difficult to remove. Many are often killed or injured during removal. To prevent this problem, a formed perforated shield is attached in the wedge-shaped area formed between the inside of the tunnel and the top of a crab trap. Two types of shields are disclosed. The first is an angled shield that conforms to the shape of the upper tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield fits into this wedge-shaped area to provide a smooth surface that makes it impossible for the crabs to find a place to secure a hold. The second device is simply a perforated, flat shield that fits across the space formed by the tunnel and the top of the trap. The shield has contoured ends to conform to the exact space being blocked.

Abstract: A material for making marine structure comprises a rubber composition. The rubber composition contains a metal salt of .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated fatty acid and is vulcanized in a mold into a predetermined configuration. The strength of the rubber composition is anisotropic and in particular its elastic modulus is anisotropic. The direction in which the strength of the rubber composition is high is set in the direction in which stress is applied by waves. Thus, the marine-structural material is resistant to waves and tide. The rubber composition contains short fibers which are oriented in a certain direction to increase the anisotropy of the rubber composition.

Abstract: A crab trap is provided having an open configuration prior to trapping a crab and into which a crab can crawl to retrieve bait placed therein, the trap also having a closed configuration for trapping a crab therein. The trap has a generally rectangular frame assembly comprising a base frame having two hollow bottom side connecting tubes and two hollow bottom end connecting tubes connected at their corners by corner elbow connectors. A plurality of hollow vertical corner posts is inserted in the corner elbow connectors and is three dimensionally perpendicular to the rectangular frame. The vertical corner posts each have a longitudinal opening extending from the lower end of the vertical corner post to the approximate center point of the vertical corner post along the length of the vertical corner post. The bottom side connecting tubes, bottom end connecting tubes and vertical corner posts all contain a plurality of openings to permit water to flow through.

Abstract: A trap for catching marine life species having a bottom member, a guide member attached to the bottom member, a top enclosure slideably received on the guide member wherein the top enclosure is guided between a closed position and in contact with the bottom member to an open position spaced form and above the bottom member. The top enclosure includes a frame and mesh members removably attached to the frame whereby different mesh sizes can be inserted as required. The frame can be collapsible and flexible. Further, a buoyancy member can be positioned at a lower end of the top enclosure permitting the trap to be used in shallow water.

Abstract: A shooting mechanism for depositing a fish trap into a body of water including a U-shaped main support frame (60) pivoted to a fishing vessel so as to extend outwardly from the vessel over the water. Two support gates (62, 63) are hinged for movement about a longitudinal direction so that the gates (62, 63) provide a support platform for the fishing trap, the two support gates (62, 63) hinging to their retracted positions simultaneously to allow the fishing trap to fall downwardly between the support gates (62, 63) and into the water. Also disclosed is a fish trap including a generally rectangular rigid base (10); a rigid front wall frame (14) which has a pivotal connection (14a) to the base (10) so as to be collapsible to lie generally flat upon the base (10); a back wall frame (15) with a pivotal connection (35) to the base (10) at a rear pivot position enabling the back wall frame (15) to be pivotally movable to an erected position.

Abstract: In an entrance gate apparatus for a crab, shellfish, or other animal trap; said apparatus is adapted to be attached to a wall of said trap, and means are provided for selectively adjusting the size of the opening of said entrance gate to prevent animals of a larger than desired size from entering said trap. An adjustable divider mechanism provides means for selectively reducing the size of the opening of the entrance gate. A flexible finger assembly is provided to allow entrance to, while preventing exit from, the trap. The apparatus is preferably constructed of light weight and durable tubular and other molded plastic components.

Abstract: An aquatic animal trap is provided, comprising a center enclosed cell having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein; and at least three radially spaced outer enclosed cells, each of the outer cells having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein and connected to the center cell via a radial passageway.

Abstract: A crab trap having a bottom, top, and side walls substantially encloses a crab-trapping interior. An entryway is provided in a side wall and includes an upwardly and inwardly sloped ramp terminating at an inner edge which is spaced between the top and bottom walls. The side wall has a portion terminating at the lower edge which is spaced outwardly from and below said ramp's inner edge at the entryway such that crabs entering the trap will not be obstructed or deterred in any way but crabs seeking to exit the trap will be provided with an alternative platform within the trap, rather than exiting down the entryway ramp.

Abstract: An aquatic animal trap is provided, comprising a center enclosed cell having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein; and at least three radially spaced outer enclosed cells, each of the outer cells having a bottom and mesh sides having at least one entrance passageway formed therein and connected to the center cell via a radial passageway.

Abstract: A crab cage assembly includes a cage unit that has several one-way openings defined therethrough so that a crab can enter the cage but will not be able to exit that cage once inside. The one-way openings are formed by cantilever wires that extend into the cage. A signal system is activated when a captured crab pulls on a bait-like element located in the cage, and signals a crabber that a crab has been captured. The signal system includes either a bell or a special transmitter that emits a signal characteristic of the particular cage assembly so that a crabber working several cages will know which cage contains a crab.

Abstract: A device for protecting bait impaled on a spike within a lobster trap or the like. The device comprises a flat body having a centrally disposed spike-receiving aperture for seating the device on the spike above the bait when impaled thereon. A plurality of protector spikes with sharpened points are secured to the body, the spikes downwardly and outwardly oriented about the body when seated on the spike. The device is particularly well-suited to deter seals from stealing the bait from within the trap.

Abstract: Trap head for a lattice-work lobster trap case provides a pair of opposed openings in opposite sides of the case, a funnel-like net within the case interconnects the openings and provides a continuous lobster passage between them, the net decreasing in diameter with distance from the openings with its minimum diameter midway between the openings. An opening from the minimum diameter portion of the net into the interior of the case permits entrance of a lobster.

Abstract: A crab trap (10) is provided having a frame including a multi-sided bottom frame portion (12), a larger, equal-sided top frame portion (14) spaced thereabove, and generally diagonal frame members (16) connecting the top and bottom frame portions. A door opening (36) is provided adjacent at least one side of the bottom frame portion (12). Barrier walls are secured to the frame to define an enclosure which is normally closed. The barrier walls include a bottom barrier wall (24) and an inwardly opening flap door (38) which normally closes the door opening (36). The flap door has a top (40) which is connected to the trap (10) and a lower edge (42) which is normally continuous with the bottom barrier (24). The flap door (38) is resiliently bendable inwardly so that a crap (44) seeking to enter the trap (10) can lift the flap door (38) and crawl into the trap (10) below the flap door (38) and onto the bottom barrier wall (24).

Abstract: An inflatable float with timer and pressure controls to enable underwater gear to be automatically lifted off the sea bed at intervals and moved to a new location. The gas for inflating the float may be generated by chemical means or galvanic action.

Abstract: A trap suitable for capturing a marine animal in open water without harming the captured animal is disclosed. The trap includes a pen having top and bottom ends. A portion of the bottom of the pen includes a flotation element which is sufficiently buoyant to support a substantial percentage of the pen above the water line. The pen further includes a top rim which has an interior opening large enough to receive the captured animal. The platform is slidably coupled to the pen. The platform serves as a flotation device that is suitably buoyant to support the weight of the animal sought. A trap door within the platform is designed to release when an animal climbs thereon. When the trap door is actuated the pen is released from the platform and rises vertically relative to the platform to capture the animal.

Abstract: In fish traps of the type that are lowered into and left in the water, an improvement comprising automatic baiter apparatus for obtaining live bait fish in the trap after the trap is lowered into the water while inflicting an injury on the live bait fish. In a preferred embodiment for trapping crabs, the automatic baiter apparatus comprises a plurality of molded plastic flexible fingers secured to a rigid frame to form a converging passageway into the trap when the rigid frame is attached to a similar frame on the wall of the trap. A means for injuring the bait fish is provided by a cutting implement attached to one of the flexible fingers such that the cutting implement will penetrate the stomach of the bait fish as it passes through the converging passageway and is gripped by the flexible fingers as they are deflected and spread apart by the body of the bait fish.