Abstract: Devices, buoys, kits, systems and methods for preventing small objects, such as but not limited to portable phones, money and keys from sinking in the water. A foam block buoy molded about a t-shaped plastic insert with an eyelet in a stem extending therefrom for attaching to a tether line. A phone foldable ring stand can be included with a peel and stick backing for being attached to a portable phone, that is attachable to the end of the tether line, wherein the float prevents the portable phone from sinking and becoming lost in water. A dry bag can be included to also be attachable to the tether line for keeping items from becoming wet and damaged. Additionally, a battery powered fishing lure, can be attached to the float or the line to allow the float buoy to be found in the dark.

Abstract: The invention relates to a buoy comprising a buoyant, plastic core component, and a plurality of detachable flotation components that support and surround the core component. The buoy is preferably more than 2.5 metres diameter, but the diameter of the core component is preferably less than or equal to 2.35 metres diameter. This facilitates transport in a single shipping container. A novel tie bar assembly and novel lifting/mooring mounts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A buoy includes a surface unit comprising a sealed tank comprising an inflatable bag, a tubular wall of axis z and a bottom, the tubular wall and the bottom delimiting a volume referred to as the inner volume, the surface unit comprising at least one cartridge enclosing a compressed gas that can be released in such a way as to inflate the inflatable bag such that it functions as a float in an operational configuration of the buoy, and the sealed tank comprises a projecting container protruding from the bottom and extending out from the inner volume, from the bottom.

Abstract: A buoyage for emergency communication and a corresponding rescue method are provided. The buoyage for emergency communication includes: a positioning device, a buoyancy block, a plurality of compression springs, an optical fiber, a reel, a frame, an optical fiber slip ring, a pure iron disk, an optical fiber connector and an oil-filled electromagnet, wherein the positioning device is fixed on a top portion of the buoyancy block, and is configured to emit a position signal of itself when the buoyage returns to a surface of water; the buoyancy block is provided above the frame, wherein the compression springs are provided between the buoyancy block and the frame; the pure iron disk is fixedly on a center of a bottom portion of the buoyancy block. The oil-filled electromagnet is adsorbed to the pure iron disk after being energized to limit a vertical displacement of the buoyancy block.

Abstract: A pinless connector for subsea data communications comprises contactless connectivity data transmitter coupler, comprising one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data transmitters, and contactless connectivity data receiver coupler, comprising one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data receivers, which can allow for rapid collection and/or download data from subsea vehicles or sensors without having to plug in an external connector or physically remove the data recorder from the unit. Typically, these are operative at a low power level, e.g. less than or around 50 milliwatts, at an extremely high data transfer rate or around 5 GBits/second. The connectors may be incorporated into a subsea system comprising two subsea devices. A slip ring system may similarly comprise one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data transmitters and one or more first solid state contactless connectivity data receivers.

Abstract: An energy-accumulation apparatus includes a variable-buoyancy assembly configured to be selectively buoyant in a body of water. The energy-accumulation apparatus also includes a delivery assembly coupled to the variable-buoyancy assembly. The delivery assembly is configured to deliver the variable-buoyancy assembly within the body of water between a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Infrared imaging systems and methods disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more embodiments, provide for detecting petroleum in an infrared image. The detection involves the evaluation of local background model likelihoods in light of extracted pixel features as well as the evaluation of a global outlier model in light of extracted pixel features. Those pixels having a low likelihood for both their local background model as well as the outlier model are identified as corresponding to oil-contaminated water within the infrared image.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the radio communication apparatus has a printed-wiring board, an electronic element, a first electrode, a second electrode, an antenna, and a molded member. The first electrode is conductor-connected to the printed-wiring board. The second electrode has the same size as the first electrode, is disposed parallel to the first electrode, and capacitively coupled to the first electrode. The molded member buries the printed-wiring board, the electronic element, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the antenna.

Abstract: A safety buoy (100) for use in a rip current area (35) having a rip current comprises a bow section (110) and a stern section (120). The bow section (110) is streamlined and the stern section (120) has a deck area. The safety buoy (100) is advantageously moored in the rip current area (35) so that the streamlined bow faces generally seaward towards incoming swell conditions, while the deck area at the stern section (120) faces generally shoreward and provides a surface for a distressed bather caught in an outgoing rip current.

Abstract: A new wind resisting electricity generator that floats offshore supported by buoyancy-providing used tires filled with waterproof foam. Electricity is generated through water turbines, uniformly rotated using waves and under water currents, and through directional wind turbines. Used tires are mounted on a mechanical and electrical utilities structure and a wind energy structure to interrupt wind flow near water surfaces in onshore directed weather. Dummy floats that provide protection from floating debris for the water turbines and direct waves to the upper turbine blades are alternated with generator floats in a line offshore and are held together with connecting chains and recycled tires mounted on the connecting chains.

Abstract: A floating mounting base for a vertical support for use in water includes a base housing defining an interior chamber having an opening at a top of the base housing for maintaining a weighting material below a surface of the water to maintain the vertical support in a substantially vertical position. The base housing further defines a support chamber for supporting the vertical support in the substantially vertical position. A lid encloses the interior chamber from an external environment. The lid defines an opening aligned with the support chamber enables the vertical support to be inserted through the lid and into the support chamber. A bottom of the circular base housing is insertable within an opening of a float ring and one of the base housing or the lid defines a surface for engaging the float ring and preventing the float ring from moving past the lid.

Abstract: A float attachment device for providing buoyancy to a waterproof camera or other object of interest includes a buoyant body, adapted to be fastened directly to a housing of the object of interest, and a lanyard adapted to be connected at a first end to the buoyant body and at a second end to a surfboard or other anchor body. An attachment layer, such as double-sided tape, can be used to fasten the buoyant body to the object of interest. The lanyard may include two separable but reconnectable tether line sections. The buoyant body can be made from closed cell flotation foam with a flexible vinyl coating.

Abstract: Described here are compositions, methods and apparatus for biological and physical geoengineering. A vertical spar buoy or spar buoy network is provided. The buoys or array of buoys are designed to resist wave motion while supporting an analytical platform at a depth such that particulate flux of fixed carbon is indicative of sequestration in the ocean's depths for one hundred years or more. Sedimentary deadfall through the 100-Year Horizon is measured to validate the flux of fixed carbon. Issuance of validated carbon sequestration certificates and monetization and trading of those certificates are described. Also provided are compositions and methods for increasing bioactive surface area and nutrient levels so as to promote carbon sequestration. Regeneration of carbon dioxide in the mesopelagic water column is reduced by providing complex habitat in the photic zone, thus ensuring higher complexity of trophic levels and sedimentary deadfall having larger particulate size.

Abstract: A safety buoy (100) for use in a rip current area (35) having a rip current comprises a bow section (110) and a stern section (120). The bow section (110) is streamlined and the stern section (120) has a deck area. The safety buoy (100) is advantageously moored in the rip current area (35) so that the streamlined bow faces generally seaward towards incoming swell conditions, while the deck area at the stern section (120) faces generally shoreward and provides a surface for a distressed bather caught in an outgoing rip current.

Abstract: A floating mounting base for a vertical support for use in water includes a base housing defining an interior chamber having an opening at a top of the base housing for maintaining a weighting material below a surface of the water to maintain the vertical support in a substantially vertical position. The base housing further defines a support chamber for supporting the vertical support in the substantially vertical position. A lid encloses the interior chamber from an external environment. The lid defines an opening aligned with the support chamber enables the vertical support to be inserted through the lid and into the support chamber. A bottom of the circular base housing is insertable within an opening of a float ring and one of the base housing or the lid defines a surface for engaging the float ring and preventing the float ring from moving past the lid.

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: 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: A floating technical hollow body (1), in particular for covering open liquid areas, comprises a shell, which is formed by at least two interconnected shell parts (1A, 1B), which at least comprises one opening (2.2) for filling the shell interior with liquid, and in which at least a fluid-in particular an air-tight inner hollow body (4; 4?) is arranged.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the passing of a participant of an aquatic event by a water-based timing point including an RFID tag associated with the participant, an aquatic based RFID tag reading point having one or more aquatic tag reading assemblies placed in the water, each aquatic tag reading assembly having one or more RFID tag readers mounted thereon at a position above the surface of the water on an aquatic tag reader mounting assembly, the aquatic tag reader mounting assembly having a portion below the surface of the water and including at least one float system and at least one stabilization system.

Abstract: A mooring buoy for use in water having a lower portion with a substantially cylindrical outer surface and a bottom surface with a female stacking indent and an upper portion having a radiused outer surface and a male stacking ridge so two such mooring buoys can be stacked and sit atop each other when the mooring buoys rest on a planar surface. Handles can be formed in the lower portion.

Abstract: Described here are compositions, methods and apparatus for biological and physical geoengineering. Disclosed are inorganic particles, prill, pucks, or floats for dispersal on a body of water. These compositions are found to A) increase yields for pelagic aquaculture, B) increase carbon sequestration, and C) provide immediate relief from global warming by directly increasing surface albedo, reducing sea surface temperatures, and indirectly by increasing cloud nucleation activity. A vertical spar buoy or spar buoy network is provided. The buoys or array of buoys are designed to resist wave motion while supporting an analytical platform below the 100-Year Horizon. Sedimentary deadfall through the 100-Year Horizon is measured and flux of fixed carbon is reported and validated. Issuance of validated carbon sequestration certificates and monetization and trading of those certificates are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a floating platform suitable for supporting a motorized fowl decoy upon a post attached to the-platform. The floating platform comprises a rectangular-shaped solid base portion having a vertically-mounted post attached to the top surface of the platform. Hingedly attached to each long side of the base is a foldable wing frame, each wing frame being a quadrilateral assembly of two longitudinal members and two lateral members, connected by four 90-degree elbows. The longitudinal member of each wing frame is pivotally attached to each long side of the base. The base and each wing are further enclosed in lightweight material to ensure buoyancy of the entire floating platform. The device is easily transportable by pivoting the wing frames upward and carrying the device in the manner of a briefcase.

Abstract: A buoy has a first piece with a first cavity defined by a first wall and a first open end of the first piece; a second piece having a second cavity defined by a second wall, a second open end and a second close end which is opposite to the second open end; and a separation piece to separate the first cavity and the second cavity so as to form two separated watertight compartments.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to a device which enables oceanographic surface buoy mooring systems to detect and monitor underwater noise at most sea state and weather conditions. In particular, the systems and methods described herein provide mooring systems that can support a hydrophone or other underwater listening devices connected to a surface buoy located at a deep sea position. As will be more fully described below, the mooring includes an expandable tether cable/hose that reduces noise generated underwater when the buoy moves in response to wave and weather.

Abstract: This invention relates to a GPS navigation system comprised of a submerged vessel having a navigation processor associated via buoyant cable with a buoy having a GPS device; wherein the cable contains: a data link between the vessel and the GPS device; and a location device for the determination of the location of the cable to the vessel; and wherein the processor computes a GPS position relative to the vessel. The invention also relates to a navigation process comprising the steps of: attaching a cable between a buoy and a submerged vessel; providing a GPS data relative to the buoy and cable location data over the cable to the submerged vessel; and using the GPS position of the buoy and location data to compute the GPS position of the submerged vessel.

Abstract: A float attachment device for providing buoyancy to a waterproof camera or other object of interest includes a buoyant body, adapted to be fastened directly to a housing of the object of interest, and a lanyard adapted to be connected at a first end to the buoyant body and at a second end to a surfboard or other anchor body. An attachment layer, such as double-sided tape, can be used to fasten the buoyant body to the object of interest. The lanyard may include two separable but reconnectable tether line sections. The buoyant body can be made from closed cell flotation foam with a flexible vinyl coating.

Abstract: A system for acquiring data in an offshore environment comprises an elongate composite tension member having a longitudinal axis, an upper end, and a lower end. In addition, the system comprises a buoyancy module coupled to the upper end of the composite tension member and configured to apply a tensile load to the tension member. Further, the system comprises a base coupled to the lower end of the composite tension member. The base is configured to secure the tension member to the sea floor. Still further, the system comprises a plurality of composite stringers coupled to the buoyant module and disposed about the tension member. Moreover, the system comprises a plurality of instrumentation systems configured to measure environmental or geological data. The instrumentation systems are coupled to the stringers.

Abstract: Buoy for marine surveys. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are a buoy including an elongated main body and a mast system coupled to the elongated main body. The mast system includes: a forward mast; an aft mast; a spanning portion coupled between a distal end of the forward mast and a distal end of the aft mast; and an aperture defined at least in part by the main body, forward mast, aft mast, and spanning portion. The buoy is configured to float in water such that the water level intersects the forward mast and aft mast, the elongated body is submerged, and the spanning portion resides above the water level.

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: A method of controlling a watercraft is disclosed which comprises actuating a reverse gate operator, sensing a speed of the watercraft, controlling a thrust generated by a jet propulsion system differently depending on whether the speed of the watercraft is above or below a predetermine watercraft speed when the reverse gate operator is actuated, and moving the reverse gate to a position in which the reverse gate redirects a jet of water expelled from the jet propulsion system in response to the actuation of the reverse gate operator. A watercraft implementing the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Floats having a buoyant portion and a chamber portion hold liquid within their chambers above the interface of the surrounding body of liquid and gas which creates a downward force which stabilizes the float. If the liquid is water, the float holds water in the inner chamber which is disposed above the waterline of the body of water in which the float is suspended. The elevated water exerts a downward force that acts against rocking, swaying, and other destabilizing forces.

Abstract: A security barrier system includes a security barrier unit including a first panel group, a second panel group, a connecting member for connecting the first panel group and the second panel group. The first and second panel groups are disposed substantially in parallel and face each other. Each of the first and second panel groups includes one or more sub-panel groups, each of which includes barrier panels arranged in line, intermediate members each disposed between adjacent barrier panels, rope tubes and ropes. Each barrier panel has a front face, a rear face and side faces and has channels passing through from one side face to another side face. The rope tubes are disposed in the channels, respectively, so that the rope tubes pass through the barrier panels and the intermediate members. The barrier panels and the intermediate members are connected by the ropes disposed in the rope tubes.

Abstract: Provided is a floater for marine hose, which can be easily formed into an annular shape conformable even to marine hoses having variations in the circularity of their cross-section or to marine hoses of different outside diameters. A belt-like floater 1 is formed by rotatably connecting together, by using connection pins 7a, float blocks 2 equal to the number corresponding to the outside diameter of a marine hose 10. A fitting groove is formed on the inner side of the belt-like floater 1. The groove is placed along the outer surface of the marine hose 10 while being fitted onto a location collar 11 projected on the outer surface of the marine hose 10. Then, the end portions of the floater are coupled together by an end coupling member 7b. Thus, the floater 1 is fitted in annular shape onto the marine hose 10.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a safety flotation buoy system. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a buoy system comprising a designation member and a buoyancy structure coupled to the designation member. The designation member may include a cylindrically shaped flexible rubber region and a lengthwise opening. The opening may be oriented substantially normal to the water surface. The lengthwise orientation of the buoyancy structure may be aligned with the opening of the designation member. The buoyancy structure may be configured to be submerged below the designation member and the water surface so as to enable the formation of an air bubble within an internal region of the designation member.

Abstract: For protecting surface floating wave energy converters (WEC's) against surface turbulence, the WEC's are removed from the water surface. For reducing the force required, the WEC's include a hollow member having an apertured outer wall. In the case where the WEC is to be lifted out of the water, the hollow member is normally submerged and full of water, and, during its lifting, water drains through the wall apertures thereby reducing the weight of the member and reducing the force required to lift it. In the case where the WEC is to be submerged, the hollow member is normally empty of water but fills with water through the wall apertures as the member is pulled beneath the surface. The weight of the water reduces the force required to submerge the member.

Abstract: A blanket of many floats of like configuration and each incorporating a polygonal parametrical rims housing a plurality of radial spokes configured to, in alternate axial relationship, form cells closed at the respective one ends and opening axially at their respective opposite ends. The system of the present of invention includes plumbing with a series of water jets for generating a current to flow fluid in a controlled fashion from and to a storage tank to selectively deploy and retrieve the floats.

Abstract: An anchor retrieval system for manually retrieving a submerged anchor without requiring heavy pulling includes an anchor retrieval apparatus generally in the form of a clip formed from cylindrical stainless steel fabricated into a unique shape the permits the device to be quickly connected to an anchor line by a simple sliding motion. The clip is further adapted by the attachment of a buoyant member, such as a buoy, to provide a buoyant lifting force. Once the clip is connected to the anchor line anchor retrieval system is tossed into the water and travels down the anchor line as the boat motors away from the buoy until the buoyant force lifts the anchor from the sea floor, whereafter the anchor line is manually drawn in to the boat as the anchor is buoyantly suspended near the surface.

Abstract: A boom mooring system for anchoring containment booms over extended periods and in varying sea conditions. The system generally includes a buoy having a frame, a buoyancy member mounted thereto, connecting plates located on first and second ends of the frame for connecting containment booms, and an anchor secured to the frame for mooring the buoy. The frame evenly distributes stresses caused from securely anchoring the containment boom in a dynamic sea environment. The anchor may be secured to the frame in various manners, such as via a pipe movably extending through the frame or an elongated member, such as a rope, cable, etc. secured to the frame or pin of the frame. Various signaling devices may extend from the buoy, such as lights, flags, etc. to designate presence of the buoys and containment boom and/or to designate openings in the containment boom to allow passage of spill response vessels.

Abstract: A float (1) comprising a hollow pneumatically pressurisable ovoid shell (5) is provided with a damping plate (12) extending laterally outwardly around the shell (5) for damping vertical upward and downward movement of the float in water during stormy conditions, thereby minimising the effect of the buoyant upward propulsion force acting on the float when the float is submerged in stormy conditions. A keel (18) extends downwardly from the float (5) for minimising rolling movement of the float (1). A pair of coupling plates (22) extending from front and rear ends (19,20) of the shell (5) facilitate coupling of the float (1) between a pair of spaced apart tethering ropes used in mussel growing. A plurality of the floats (1) may be secured between a pair of spaced apart tethering ropes at spaced apart intervals along the tethering ropes for supporting the tethering ropes so that crop ropes impregnated with mussel spawn may be suspended from the tethering ropes for growing mussels.

Abstract: A portable dry ice holding container for cooling water contained in an existing swimming pool may include a buoyant cartridge with open first end and closed second end. A lid may be removably connected to the first end to form a cavity between the first and second ends. A unitary outer surface may extend between the ends, preferably having apertures formed therein for permitting water to ingress and egress the cavity. A handle may be penetrated through the outer surface, traversing the cavity with opposed ends remaining situated exterior. Dry ice may be removably seated inside the cavity and may interact with and lower the temperature of the water. A mechanism may agitate the water inside the cavity through linear reciprocation of the handle to increase a flow rate through the cavity. Such a mechanism may include a plurality of curvilinear blades rotatably coupled to the handle within the cavity.

Abstract: Described here are compositions, methods and apparatus for biological and physical geoengineering. Disclosed are inorganic particles, prill, pucks, or floats for dispersal on a body of water, the compositions having several properties: 1) positive buoyancy, 2) a sustained-release matrix for delivery of iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, molybdenum, manganese, cobalt, boron, selenium, vanadium, chromium, nickel, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, preferably as a combination thereof, at biologically efficacious levels, and synergically, 3) a light-reflective surface for increasing planetary albedo when dispersed over large surfaces. These compositions are found to A) increase yields for pelagic aquaculture, B) increase carbon sequestration, and C) provide immediate relief from global warming by directly increasing surface albedo and indirectly by increasing cloud nucleation activity.

Abstract: A float (1) comprising a hollow pneumatically pressurisable ovoid shell (5) is provided with a damping plate (12) extending laterally outwardly around the shell (5) for damping vertical upward and downward movement of the float in water during stormy conditions, thereby minimizing the effect of the buoyant upward propulsion force acting on the float when the float is submerged in stormy conditions. A keel (18) extends downwardly from the float (5) for minimizing rolling movement of the float (1). A pair of coupling plates (22) extending from front and rear ends (19,20) of the shell (5) facilitate coupling of the float (1) between a pair of spaced apart tethering ropes used in mussel growing. A plurality of the floats (1) may be secured between a pair of spaced apart tethering ropes at spaced apart intervals along the tethering ropes for supporting the tethering ropes so that crop ropes impregnated with mussel spawn may be suspended from the tethering ropes for growing mussels.

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 buoy that is adapted to resist entanglement with a trawler net that may be dragged over the anchor and buoy. The buoy may have an indentation on the body of the buoy that causes the buoy to pivot as a trawler net pulls the tether down and slides across the buoy. A lead-in ramp surface increases in thickness from the lower end to a transition area spaced from the lower end. A reorienting ramp surface extends from the transition area to the side of the housing that tips the buoy to a generally horizontal orientation as the object traverses the reorienting ramp surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention describe a float for use with a running gear entanglement system (RGES) deployed on water, in addition to an improved system and method for using an RGES deployed in water. The floats lock securely onto the RGES mainline rope. The floats may be stacked for additional buoyancy or to allow for multiple RGES ropes in the same deployment. The floats are designed to permit the RGES to be retrieved/stored on and deployed from a reel. The floats may be constructed of any color and may also be luminescent. The floats may be ballasted to assist in anchoring the RGES.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method directed to a variable buoyancy gas-can buoyancy module or buoy having a flexible barrier between a variable volume gas chamber in the gas-can hull and water in the hull. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a variable buoyancy module for a Self Supporting Riser (SSR) wherein the tension in the SSR may be increased/decreased by increasing/decreasing the variable volume of a chamber formed by a flexible liner that provides a barrier between the variable volume gas chamber in the gas-can hull and water.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include an apparatus for water sampling and analysis, the apparatus comprising: (a) a device for water sampling at a plurality of depths comprising a hosepipe and a plurality of internal independent pipes with a plurality of sampling inlets at a plurality of water depths, and (b) a pumping system to pump a sample of water collected using the device for water sampling at a plurality of depths to an isolated module for analysis. According to one embodiment, the apparatus is an autonomous multi-parametric buoy with capabilities for multi-depth water sampling, self-maintenance, monitoring, data collection, transmission, and analysis.

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

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods of monitoring a target aquatic organism are disclosed herein. In various aspects, the apparatus may include support media that supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and a buoy adapted to float upon a water surface. The water surface may define a waterline with respect to the buoy, and the buoy may cooperate with the support media such that a waterline position of the waterline is generally indicative of a weight of the support media. The methods, in various aspects, may include the steps of positioning a support media in an aqueous environment, the support media supports the growth of a target aquatic organism, and determining a waterline position defined by a water surface with respect to a buoy, the waterline indicating a weight of the support media.

Abstract: A buoyant water heating device that may be used in a natural setting, such as a pond or lake, or in a man-made water-containing apparatus, such as a pool or water-treatment lagoon. The device comprises a water-filled, generally cylindrical anchor member coupled to a hollow, generally annular base member, and may he used alone or in combination with multiple other devices to create a free-floating blanket on the surface of the water. The device absorbs solar energy to heat water external to the device, and also provides a layer of thermal insulation between the water and the air above the device.