Abstract: A sensor suspension system for use in an underwater environment comprises a sensor (e.g., vector sensor) and a framework comprising a plurality of support structures, and a plurality of compliant devices that suspend the sensor within an inner volume of the framework. The plurality of compliant devices facilitate a symmetrical sensing response of the sensor in three degrees of freedom when deployed in the underwater environment. The framework is moveable from a collapsed position to an expanded position. A plurality of sensor suspension systems can be tethered together into a sensor array by a deployment control system operable to release a buoyant device, tethered to the sensor suspension systems, that vertically positions the plurality of sensor suspension systems into the sensor array. The buoyant device can cause each framework to expand via pulling force through the tethers upon release of the buoyant device.

Abstract: A seismic survey system for recording seismic data underwater. The system includes first plural buoys configured to descend to a first predetermined depth (H1) in water, at least one buoy having a seismic receiver for recording the seismic data; a first vessel configured to launch the first plural buoys; and a first acoustic system attached to the first vessel and configured to detect a position of the at least one buoy while underwater. The at least one buoy is instructed to maintain the first predetermined depth (H1) underwater while recording the seismic data.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.

Abstract: A payload delivery unit for protecting and delivering a payload submerged in a submersion medium includes an unmanned buoy, a drop weight member, and a retention system. The buoy includes a container. The container includes a pressure-resistant shell defining a sealed containment chamber. The drop weight member is mounted on the shell and has a negative buoyancy with respect to the submersion medium. The retention system is operative to retain the drop weight member on the buoy and selectively release the drop weight member from the buoy.

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: A buoy (1) has a main body (5), and a moveable mass (2) positioned inside the main body. The buoy (1) may be tethered to a submarine vessel and used as a communications buoy. The buoy (1) may be configured for floating in a generally upright orientation at the water surface (7) in a position ready for communication, when the mass (2) is in a first position (FIG. 1a) in which the centre of mass is offset from the centre of buoyancy to improve stability in the water. The buoy (1) may be configured for being towed underwater at speed, when the mass (2) is in a second position (FIG. 1b), in which the centre of mass is closer to the centre of buoyancy, to improve towing stability in the water, thereby allowing the buoy (1) to be towed with its long axis substantially aligned with the direction of motion, thereby reducing wake/plume in the water.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for repelling geese include a solar-powered, photocell controlled flasher for disposition on a body of water or on land where geese inhabit. The method includes the steps of intermittently flashing a light into an area where geese sleep, and disturbing the geese from rest.

Abstract: A buoy system having a buoyant flotation reel 10 for retaining a length of anchor line 95 and for supporting a display pole is disclosed. The anchor line 95 includes an anchor weight 98 thereon and a reel insert 15 for placement within the interior of the buoyant flotation reel 10. The display pole 5 includes a pivot ball 20 thereon for mounting within a socket component 27 mounted on the reel insert 15 to enable the display pole 5 to move within the socket component 27 relative to the reel insert 15. A kit for the buoy system also is disclosed.

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 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 inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag. Additional embodiments for a dive marker are also shown.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag. Additional embodiments for a dive marker are also shown.

Abstract: An inflatable diver marker and collection bag is disclosed which can be utilized by a diver for collecting lobster, conch, etc., as well as providing for a diver location marker to boats and other water vehicles traveling in the vicinity of the diver. The dive marker/collection bag also provides for an individual ascent line for the diver. The inflatable dive marker/collection bag allows the diver to send the collected items to the surface without the diver having to surface. In one embodiment, the shape of at least the bottom half of the Collection bag is “bell” shaped to help prevent the collected items from escaping when additional items to the collection bag.

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 dive buoy/dry box assembly comprising a hollow canister-like main float assembly having a hinged latchable air-tight sealing lid, a collapsible marker flat and mast removably attached to the lid, a collapsible staff and ballast weight removably attached to the bottom of the float assembly and a buoy line storage reel detachably mounted surrounding the float assembly in a horizontal plane, the marker flat, mast ballast weight and staff all storable in said float assembly when collapsed.

Abstract: A deployable buoy having a nose cone and a tail section interconnected by a housing. The buoy comprises an outer shell and a canister with the outer shell axially moveable relative to the canister. An expansion chamber is provided between the outer shell and canister to produce and increase the axial length of the buoy and thereby increase the buoyancy of the buoy from a low buoyancy to a greater buoyancy and to orient and maintain the buoy in a substantially vertical orientation. The buoy is provided with a hot fluid generation source to melt a layer of ice and a nose cone ejection system to expose an antenna for the transmission of data to the central processing system.

Abstract: A method for reducing VIV is disclosed for a spar platform having a deck, a cylindrical hull having a buoyant tank assembly, a counterweight and an counterweight spacing structure. The overall aspect ratio of the hull is reduced by providing one or more abrupt changes in hull diameter below the waterline.

Abstract: An adjustable depth marker buoy for marking a spot beneath the surface of water. The buoy includes a float for floating on the surface of the water and a reel assembly disposed in the float. The bottom wall of the float has a weight depending therefrom that maintains an upright orientation for the buoy when it is in the water. The reel assembly includes a spool of anchor line, a non-threaded rod, a threaded rod, a nut assembly that threadably moves along the threaded rod and slidably along the non-threaded rod, and a pointer assembly that moves slidably along the non-threaded rod. When the spot is located, its depth is determined. The pointer assembly is then slide along the non-threaded rod, until its pointer points to depth scale indicia on the depth plate corresponding to the depth of the spot beneath the surface of the water.

Abstract: A ballast weight system for releasably attaching a ballast weight to an urwater vehicle is disclosed where the system comprises a ballast weight, a housing disposed about the ballast weight, a fairing connected to the ballast weight to facilitate a flush connection of the ballast weight to the underwater vehicle, and a bolt coupler where one end of the bolt receives a lanyard pin therethrough and the second end connects a spring loaded bolt connected to the ballast weight. A linear actuator is connected to the lanyard pin. The lanyard pin placed through the bolt maintains the spring loaded bolt in spring compression such that when the pin is removed, the spring compression propels the ballast weight away from the housing.

Abstract: A marker buoy includes a base with a post coupled to and extending theref, a line attached to the post and is wrapped about a portion thereof, and a float attached to the line and fitted over the wrapped portion of the post. When the marker buoy is deployed near the bottom of a body of water, the base sinks to the bottom and the float rises to the surface of the body of water causing the line to unwrap from the post. The line length is user set as a function of depth and speed of the surface current at the time of buoy placement and use.

Abstract: A combination inflatable dive flag and float that visually marks a position in a waterway where a diver is diving. The combination includes an inflatable, hollow, elongated, slender, vertically-oriented, and generally cylindrically-shaped mast tube, and a rectangular-shaped flag. The inflatable, hollow, elongated, slender, vertically-oriented, and generally cylindrically-shaped mast tube is upright extendable from the position in the waterway where the diver is diving and has an upper portion that terminates in a flat, closed, and horizontally-oriented upper end that extends out of the waterway, a lower portion that terminates in a flat, closed, and generally rectangular-shaped lower end that extends into the waterway, a generally cylindrically-shaped outer surface, and a deflated position, so that the combination inflatable dive flag and float can be deflated and rolled for transit and storage.

Abstract: A flexible envelope made of water-tight material, such as rubber or plastic, partially filled with water, having a bubble of air at its upper end, and a weight at or attached to its lower end, the envelope being shaped and decorated for visual effect, when in use floating submerged in a body of water so as to provide a recreational or informational object.

Abstract: A bobber for supporting a fishing line within a body of water. The inventive device includes a spherical floatation member having a hollow hemi-spherical weight secured to a lower end of the floatation member. A swivel and line clasp extend from a center of the weight for coupling to a fishing line to support the line within water.

Abstract: A diver awareness buoy for signaling the presence of scuba divers diving underwater within a general diving area including a base and an inflatable bladder having a main body. The main body has a humanoid configuration including a torso section and a head section simulating the upper body of a scuba diver present in water. The torso section includes torso indicia corresponding to the signal for signaling that a scuba diver is beneath the water surface. A ballast is carried by the inflatable bladder for maintaining the buoy in an upright floating position in water.

Abstract: A unitary structure which serves as a waterfowl decoy anchor having attached anchor line which structure is configured to be removably received for storage on the keel of a floatable waterfowl decoy.

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

Abstract: A buoyancy control system is disclosed for maintaining a buoyant vehicle at a controlled depth by jettisoning either a heavy liquid or a light liquid. The control system monitors the depth of the buoyant vehicle and determines the direction and magnitude of vertical velocity. If it exceeds the threshold velocity the system calculates how much fluid to jettison in order to decelerate the vehicle to a target velocity. The positive and negative threshold velocities are programmed for control of the average vertical velocity and for depth maintenance. First and second bladders contain heavy and light liquids, respectively. The bladders are subjected to ambient water pressure and are spring loaded and each is provided with an discharge valve. A pressure sensor monitors the vehicle depth and generates a depth signal. A computer derives a velocity signal from the depth signal and calculates the quantity of liquid which should be jettisoned.

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

Abstract: A marker buoy for temporary indication of various fishing positioning is provided to include buoyant structure to rotatably accommodate a spool therebetween, with the spool rotatably operative through a rotary tool to effect selective winding and unwinding of a support tether line mounting an anchor to the support tether line. A modification of the invention includes various marker flag structure and scent dispensing arrangements in association with the organization.

Abstract: A marker device for fishermen including a body or flotation portion made from a transparent, plastic bottle. A sheet of brightly colored fluorescent or retroreflective paper lines the inside of the bottle, making the marker highly visible. A threaded cap is secured to the core or bottom end of a spool, about which an anchor line is wound. The spool has upper and lower flanges, and the anchor line is secured to the upper flange. An anchor weight is secured to the free end of the anchor line, the anchor weight being a strip of malleable lead that may be formed to bend around the anchor line wound on the spool when not in use. Further, a counterweight is contained within the bottom portion of the spool opposite the bottle, causing the marker to stand upright in the water.

Abstract: Device for positioning a buoy body, comprising a ballast weight which in use is positioned under the buoy body and is provided with anchors, and a coupling connecting the ballast weight to the buoy body. The greatest horizontal cross sectional dimension of the buoy body is substantially less than the height of the buoy body. The buoy is spaced a substantial distance from the ballast weight. An elongated tubular member is secured to and extends upwardly from the ballast weight, the buoy body surrounding only the upper end of this tubular member. Swivel bearings interconnect the tubular member and the buoy body for relative rotation about an upright axis.

Abstract: An improved water flotation release device for locating the submerged position of ships that have sunk. The device comprises an improved release buoy that is self contained and communicating and a releasing system that leads to non-violent and reliable release from the sinking ship.

Abstract: An emergency position indicating radio beacon is controlled by an annular switch ring which rotates to ON, OFF, SET, and TEST positions. In the SET position, the buoy transmitter automatically turns on in response to removal of the buoy from a mounting bracket. A light and an audible alarm on the buoy are activated during buoy transmission to alert an operator to the transmission in order to avoid false alarms. The mounting bracket automatically releases and ejects the buoy in an emergency situation in response to ambient water pressure, or the buoy may be manually removed from the bracket for deployment.

Abstract: This invention is directed at a buoy which includes a body portion having a handle portion extending from one end and an engagement means extending from the other. The body portion of the buoy may be hollow and may be filled with flotation material. The handle portion may include teeth or annular ribs which are engagable by lock rings. The lock ring for engaging the teeth has an inwardly extending tab and the lock ring for engaging the annular ribs may have biased inner surfaces or inwardly extending tabs. The lock rings hold a second body portion in circumscribing relation to the handle portion.

Abstract: A buoy having a mainly circular upper surface and on this surface an auxiliary circular float body located at the center of this surface, the dimensions of the this upper surface and the auxiliary float body being such, that the buoy in rough water restores automatically its original position after it has been reversed and that wind forces create pressure deviations on this surface that compensate the tilting momentum exerted by the wind on the auxiliary float body itself and even the rest of the buoy.

Abstract: A pyramid constructed of upstanding inflatable beam members extending from an inflatable base upwardly to an apex. The inflatable base carries an integral sea anchor depending therefrom, comprising an inflatable cross tube carrying a centrally depending inflatable anchor tube with an achor weight positioned in the lowermost end portion thereof. The sea anchor includes a plurality of flood ports positioned in lower flat panels of flexible sheet material extending between the base and the end of the anchor tube to form a pyramidal surface enclosing the vertical anchor tube and weight. Upper flat panels of flexible sheet material extend between the upstanding inflatable beam to form a pyramidal surface. The upper panels include an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between the upper and lower panel portions. A solar still mechanism is positioned within the enclosure formed by the pyramidal surface.

Abstract: A pyramid constructed of upstanding inflatable beam members extending from an inflatable base upwardly to an apex. The inflatable base carries an integral sea anchor depending therefrom, comprising an inflatable cross tube carrying a depending inflatable anchor tube with an anchor weight positioned in the lowermost portion thereof. The sea anchor has a plurality of flood ports positioned in panels enclosing the vertical anchor tube and weight. Flat panels of flexible sheet material extend between the upstanding inflatable beams to form a pyramidal surface. The panels include an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between the upper and lower panel portions. A solar still mechanism is positioned within the enclosure formed by the pyramidal surface. Pockets are provided for survival gear on the exterior of the pyramidal surface.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a self-setting, illuminated buoy marker for anglers, made of a translucent material which is elongated in shape and has a bifurcated body of two end members connected to a narrow waist stem member. The marker has a lighting device inside of the buoy marker, which may be illuminated for night fishing and gives off a soft illumination which is only visible for limited distances so as not to spook the fish or to give away the angler's precise position. Attached to the buoy marker is an anchor line and an anchor assembly which unwinds and sets the buoy in a precise location that the angler selects and maintains the buoy in that position. When the buoy is in an operative position it is visible to the angler from any direction in both daylight and darkness, regardless of wind or wave conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a marker buoy useful to indicate the location of an underwater structure. The buoy is made from a material having a density less than water, including first and second elongated side members and a central portion therebetween. The central portion receives an elongated twine having a weight attached to its far end. Each side member has a stud extending away therefrom at opposing ends of the buoy. The buoy automatically rotates to dispense the twine when the buoy is placed on the surface of water, and is adapted to be manually rotated by manipulation of the studs to retract the twine.

Abstract: An emergency rescue assembly comprising a container attachable to a boat so as to overhang the water, with an automatically inflatable location or flotation device stored in the container. The container is readily opened by a pull on a release so that the device falls into the water and automatically inflates.

Abstract: The present invention is a floating highway unit which has a structure which facilitates both removal from linkage in a series of units forming the highway, provides for simple alignment of the units during assembly, and also allows vertical movement caused by tides and waves. Protection is provided for the highway by use of a partly floating barrier, for damping wave motion, thus substantially reducing the amount of absolute and relative movement of the floating highway units. Each of the floating units of the present invention is comprised of a generally rectangular horizontal pontoon including provisions for floatation of the pontoon, the pontoon having a centrally located horizontal tongue extending outwardly from a short side of the pontoon whereby the top surface of the tongue is an extension of the top surface of the pontoon. A recess is located in the opposite side of the pontoon having a shape for enclosing the tongue which matches the shape of the tongue.

Abstract: An improvement in buoyant marine devices, such as pyrotechnic markers, the displacement of which normally decreases during operation as a result of weight loss. The device is provided with a ballast means and means to enable the ballast compartment to fill progressively with water whereby, during operation, displacement of water by the marker is maintained to a degree which will ensure that the device remains in operative orientation. In this way, the problem of tilting by marine markers because of a gradual decrease in weight, to the point that the marker may be easily submerged by water and its operation thereby hampered, is significantly reduced.

Abstract: A marker bouy to positively mark positions on a water surface with respect to the bottom. The marker includes a generally hollow body with line wound around the approximate center thereof with a weight on the end of the line which will cause the marker to rotate when the marker is placed or thrown onto the water surface to cause the line to unwind from the marker. A line stop flange is provided on the marker to stop unwinding of the line when the weight strikes the bottom. This flange comes into effect when water partially fills the marker which will cause the marker to shift from a position of lying on the water surface to being erect within the water. When the marker is in the upright or erect position, the line is engaged by the line stop flange. When the marker is in this erect or upright position, one end will be above the surface of the water and therefore easily visible.

Abstract: A surface floating buoy has an antenna attached to a linkage system which pivots about the floating buoy. The linkage system is attached to a counterweight such that the antenna is maintained at a desired vertical position with respect to the surface of a body of water by pantographic action. The floating buoy contains a hollow cavity of sufficient size to hold the linkage system antenna and counterweight prior to deployment in a body of water. Upon deployment in the water, gravitational forces on the counterweight and linkage system cause the system to be deployed. The invention may also include a servo feedback system for more accurately positioning the antenna at its desired position.