Abstract: The present invention disclosed a paddle, which includes a blade and a hollow lower shaft that connects to the blade. The hollow lower shaft is capable of receiving a rod and an upper shaft capable of entering and moving within said lower shaft; with one end of the upper shaft connected to the rod and able to move simultaneously with the upper shaft within the lower shaft. Wherein, the material of the rod within the hollow lower shaft is different from that of the hollow lower shaft, and the paddle is less likely to break instantaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device suitable for detection of and warning against tsunamis. The device is located in the water at sea. The device includes a vessel, a sensor for measuring a physical quantity of the surrounding water, a control unit inside the vessel and operatively connected to the sensor, and a communication element including a transmitter for communicating with an external receiver that the predetermined condition relating to the physical quantity is fulfilled. The device further includes a ballast tank inside the vessel. The interior of the ballast tank is connected to the outside of the vessel. A pump pumps water from the ballast tank to outside the vessel. The overall density of the device exceeds the density of the surrounding water when the ballast tank is filled, and is less than the density of the surrounding water when the ballast tank is empty of water.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system including a buoyant body, an electrically conductive member, and a tether. The tether electrically isolates the buoyant body from the enclosure.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy device has an inner region and an outer cavity. The outer cavity extends at least partially around the inner region and is adapted to contain fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, the relative proportions of which can be varied to vary buoyancy. The inner region provides an advantageous location for equipment, while the outer cavity provides a significant volume for achieving a wide range of buoyancy adjustments.

Abstract: A method for controlling charge accumulation on a mobile platform in a tank containing a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least an electrical power supply and a charge accumulation control system. The power supplied from the electrical power supply to one or more electrical power consumers associated with the mobile platform adds an electrical charge to the mobile platform. The charge accumulation control system controls an accumulation of the electrical charge on the mobile platform by one of: (i) reducing the supplied power and preventing an increase in the supplied power later while the mobile platform is inside the tank, and (ii) disengaging the electrical power consumer(s) from the supplied power and preventing a reengagement of the supplied power with the electrical power consumer(s) later while the mobile platform is inside the tank.

Abstract: An unloading type sinking rescue device of a subsea mining vehicle and a use method thereof are provided. The unloading type sinking rescue device includes an assembly support, an unloading system, an ejection system and a control system. The assembly support is box-shaped, fixed to a subsea mining vehicle, and provided with a plurality of enclosed cavities. The unloading system includes a counterweight, a counterweight cable, a counterweight fixing bracket and a counterweight recovery cavity. The ejection system includes an anchor, an ejection cavity, an anchor cable, an anchor recovery shaft, a pulley, a spring and a boosting device. The control system controls the operation of the unloading system and the ejection system. The use method includes: (1) unloading; (2) ejection; (3) recovery of a part of counterweights; (4) recovery of the anchor; and (5) recovery of remaining counterweights.

Abstract: A method of retrieving a mobile platform from a tank having a hatch and at least partially filled with a non-conductive, energetic substance includes configuring the mobile platform to include at least a retrieval system disposed at least partially on an enclosure. The retrieval system includes at least: a primary tether connected to a buoyant body and to the enclosure, and a secondary tether connected to the buoyant body and to the enclosure. The method further includes: predetermining a buoyant body retrieval zone within the tank, and positioning a released buoyant body within the buoyant body retrieval zone by using the primary tether. The method also includes retrieving the primary tether by using the buoyant body; using the primary tether to release the secondary tether; and inserting a retrieval member through the hatch to retrieve the buoyant body, the primary tether, and/or the secondary tether.

Abstract: There is provided a fuel tank including: a tank main body that stores fuel at an interior and has a pair of wall portions that face one another; and a supporting pillar that spans between the pair of wall portions, wherein the supporting pillar includes a shaft portion that is disposed with an axial direction thereof being a direction in which the pair of wall portions face one another, a pair of flange portions that extend-out toward a radial direction outer side of the shaft portion from axial direction both end portions of the shaft portion, and that are joined to the pair of wall portions, and plural ribs that are formed at a periphery of the shaft portion, and that span between the shaft portion and the pair of flange portions, and that have weak portions that are weakened locally.

Abstract: A hand grip designed to be used in or near water that may be connected to either an image capturing device or the case that holds the image capturing device. The hand grip has a main body with a first end and a second end and a mounting piece located on at least one of the first end or the second end of the main body that allows for attachment of image capturing devices. The hand grip is adapted to float in water to provide angles and views of photographs from an image capturing device connected to the mounting piece while in the water.

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 memorial buoy is provided to carry the cremains of a beloved family member, friend, or pet in a water-tight buoy assembly that can be moored near the edge of a body of water adjacent a waterside dwelling to present a memorial of the decedent.

Abstract: In various embodiments a variable buoyancy profiling float is disclosed. The variable buoyancy profiling float may comprise a spherical glass housing comprising a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere. The first and second hemispheres may be coupled by a partial vacuum within the spherical glass housing. A buoyancy system may be located at least partially within the spherical glass housing. The buoyancy system may be configured to provide variable buoyancy control to the variable buoyancy profiling float. A sensor bundle may be mounted to the spherical glass housing and may be configured to measure at least one environmental parameter.

Abstract: A floatation device is disclosed that comprises a container 10 containing a liquefied gas, a gas chamber (60, FIG. 2) and a remotely operable device 29. The remotely operable device is switchable between a closed state in which fluid communication between the container and the gas chamber is prevented, and an open state in which fluid communication between the container and the gas chamber is enabled and vaporization of the liquefied gas charges the gas chamber with gas. The liquefied gas may be liquid nitrogen and the container may be heat insulated with an insulating vacuum cavity. A buoyancy unit (40, FIG. 2) which comprises a rigid enclosure (42, FIG. 2) defining an interior volume and a flexible diaphragm (55, FIG. 2) that partitions the interior volume into first and second chambers is also 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: The present invention provides for a novel, but simply structured life-saving diving buoy that protects human lives by indicating presence of divers in a certain area while providing a dry storage compartment to store life-saving equipment useful to mark a submerged scuba diver's location while providing a dry compartment to store emergency and/or lifesaving equipment for when the diver comes to the surface and is far away from his boat.

Abstract: A freeze resistant buoy system includes a tail-tube buoy having a thermally insulated section disposed predominantly above a waterline, and a thermo-siphon disposed predominantly below the waterline.

Abstract: A rescue flotation buoy integrated with a pressurized containment and dispensing device containing a pressurized repellent for sharks. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a well-known shark repellent, is one such material that could be utilized. The repellent material can be dispensed more than one time by the use of a valve connected to the containment and dispensing device. The integration of a rescue flotation buoy and a shark repellent will allow rescue personnel to repel sharks when saving a victim of a shark attack. The purpose is to expose the predator to an immediate high concentration of the appropriate repellent, thereby diverting the predator from its attack. Subsequent applications of the shark repellent can also be performed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for a self orienting floating apparatus which utilizes an external magnetic field to maintain a constant orientation, and specifically relates to a plain form hydrometer, a floating thermometer, and a thermohydrometer that continuously display a graduated scale in an operator pre-determined direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to pressure-proof glass bodies (3) composed of two half-spheres (1,2) comprising or not a cylindrical intermediate part (10) and having complementary surfaces (4) which are brought into contact with each other, whereby the outer surfaces of a formed seam are even and flat. The glass elements are assembled in a non detachable way by gluing them together with a curable glue which is applied to said complementary surfaces. A glued seam (6) which is formed, for example, by a light or heat-curable glue, can be covered with a permanently elastic sealing material and then with a band and/or tape. The inventive glass bodies are characterized in that they are simple to manufacture and safe to operate when they are used in the oceanographic field.

Abstract: Pressure-resistant glass body (3) comprising two hemispheres (1, 2), with or without a cylindrical intermediate element (10), with matching surfaces (4) which are brought into contact with one another, with the result that the outer surfaces are smooth and flush at a seam, the glass parts being connected to one another in a non-releasable manner at said matching surfaces (4) by adhesive bonding using a curing adhesive. The adhesive-bonding seam (6), which is produced for example by a light-curing or heat-curing adhesive, may be covered by a permanently elastic sealing compound and then by a tape. The glass bodies according to the invention are distinguished by straightforward production and a high level of operational reliability for oceanographic use.

Abstract: A flotation unit, for example a table, for use within water such as a swimming pool has a sufficient size and weight to be self-stable without requiring any external stabilization such as weights or extensions. The flotation unit may have an upper portion having one or more holding spaces therein and a lower portion that is substantially solid. The flotation unit may alternatively have a hollow interior. The flotation unit may include a sunshade, cup holders or electronic equipment within the holding spaces. The flotation unit is readily carried and transported.

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

Abstract: An emergency positioning indication radio buoy used in case of emergency by being thrown into the sea from a ship. This radio buoy comprises a transmitting unit for generating a high frequency signal of a predetermined frequency, a battery for supplying the power to the transmitting unit, a switch which is normally breaking the power supply circuit from the battery to the transmitting unit and operates automatically or is operated by hand to make the circuit when the buoy is used, and an antenna for radiating the high frequency signal from the transmitting unit into the air, and is characterized by that at least the crystal resonator of said transmitter unit is put in a heat insulating container which is enclosed with a vacuum or a heat insulating material and that an antifreezing solution, oil or other appropriate material is filled in the heat insulating container.

Abstract: A timing buoy comprising a flotation buoy having an outer shell. A switch in communication with the outer shell and activatable in response to forcible contacts to the shell. A timing device responsive to the switch to start and stop a timing sequence in response to a forcible contact to the shell of the buoy. An embodiment of the invention may also include a transmitter and receiver to start and stop a remote timing device in response to contacts on the shell of the buoy which actuate the switch. The invention may also include a method for timing a watercraft event by positioning the inventive apparatus in the path of the watercraft and enabling the watercraft to strike the buoy to start and stop the timing sequence of the timing device.

Abstract: A variable buoyancy buoy includes a shell and expansion apparatus. The two are combined in a manner to provide a watertight structure with an internal region wherein a constant pressure is maintained that is substantially equal to the pressure at a predetermined depth below the water surface. At depths above the predetermined depth the internal pressure is greater than the external water pressure. This differential pressure causes the buoy to expand, thereby increasing its buoyancy.

Abstract: An interment vessel is designed to be capable of transoceanic travel. A body for the vessel is buoyant and self-righting. The vessel has a sail disposed diagonally across its upper surface, relative to a keel along the bottom, providing propulsion under power of prevailing winds. Crematory ashes can be placed in the body of the vessel, either into an opening in the body which is thereafter sealed, or into a sealable container or urn arranged to be carried by the vessel. A provision to store and display a removable reward can be provided as an incentive for a finder of the vessel to return the vessel or the container/urn to the decedent's family or the like. Instructions can be provided, for example detailing the address and mentioning a further reward.

Abstract: A floating sound system for use in a swimming pool or the like has a radio, tape player, power supply, and controls. The power supply unit nests within a toroidal float, being attached thereto by straps. The radio and associated components are located in a domed housing resting upon the float. The sound system is built to disassemble into these three subassemblies. The resultant sound system floats stably in water, and, due to speaker cones arranged parallel to the water surface, projects sound very effectively.

Abstract: A surface unit for a sonobuoy or similar device is disclosed and includes a variable volume sealed chamber and an arrangement including a pressurized carbon dioxide cartridge within the sealed chamber which, when energized, releases the carbon dioxide and increases the chamber volume from a collapsed volume to an expanded significantly greater volume. Electronic circuitry including radio transmitter circuitry is included within the sealed chamber along with a radio transmitter antenna which is within the sealed chamber and coupled to the radio transmitter circuitry. Expansion of the float sealed chamber functions to erect the antenna preparatory to transmission. The variable volume sealed chamber is formed of a semi-rigid plastic cup having a generally cylindrical corrugated sidewall portion, a closed end describing one of the chamber ends and a rigid base member sealed to the cup sidewall portion remote from the closed end and describing the other of the chamber ends.

Abstract: A tote bag made of cloth having a compartment at the bottom holding a block of buoyant material for flotation of the bag, the compartment having an opening for insertion of the block with a slide fastener for closing the opening, the block being rigid and holding the bottom of the bag flat, the bag being adapted to float with the compartment generally upright one way or the other and having distress signals on the bottom of the compartment arranged so that a signal is upright and visible above water whichever way the compartment is disposed.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a radio distress beacon (1) comprises a split casing (4) which is bouyant and which is normally held together and to the deck of a vessel by a harness (7). If the vessel should sink the harness is released, the casing rises to the water surface and springs (20) overcome the hydrostatic pressure at shallow depths and force the halves of the casing apart, so releasing the beacon.

Abstract: A combined buoy and anchor device for fishermen comprises a buoy body with a hollow interior and having its upper and closeable by a lid, a reel rotatably mounted in the buoy body and to which is secured the inner end of a cable, and an anchor connected to an outer end of the cable. The anchor includes a shank and a plate detachable from the shank, the plate and the lid having interengaging formations so that the plate can be retained in place on the lid. The buoy preferably includes a generally cylindrical upper portion surrounding the hollow interior, and a reel-containing lower portion separated from the upper portion by a wall. The hollow interior of the buoy can be used for holding bait or tackle.

Abstract: A marine unit for location on the sea bed has a cylindrical body and legs which are connected to the body by a pivot adjacent one end of the body. Each leg has a toothed member which engages a common worm driven by a motor. The legs are connected by webs of net. The body and nets nest within the legs for storage, the legs are partly opened for the descent, and are opened fully when the unit reaches the sea bottom to support the unit with its axis approximately vertical.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.

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: A generalized drifting oceanographic sensor (GDOS) is cast adrift in the oceanographic environment along a pre-programmed depth schedule. A variable buoyancy housing has one or more external oceanographic sensors and an external acoustic telemetry transducer. Signal processing electronics are contained internal to the housing together with an electric power pack and multiplexer. The data from the sensors are processed, multiplexed and transmitted by the acoustic transducer. Additional data are obtained from azimuthal correlation by two or more fixed acoustic receivers.

Abstract: A trawl resistant sensor mount which is resistant to trawler damage and to psetting. A sensor is held by a strong net which anchors the sensor to an anchor. A float having a streamlined shape encases the sensor and maintains it upright. An electromechanical cable of sufficient weight to bury itself in the seafloor is attached to the sensor by an underwater connector, and is mechanically terminated to the anchor.

Abstract: A system which can be set up in emergencies to moor an offloading vessel and transfer oil between it and a seabed pipeline, as to remove oil from a grounded tanker or to deliver fuel to the shore under hostile or emergency conditions. The system includes a barge containing a fluid swivel as well as a mooring buoy and buoy-holding chain. The barge can be towed to a desired location and pipes and hoses connected to the fluid swivel, and the barge then can be sunk to the seabed. Upon sinking, the barge is already connected to the seabed pipeline and to hoses that extend from the barge to the sea surface to connect to an offloading vessel, as well as being connected through a chain to a buoy floating at the sea surface which has a hawser for mooring the vessel. A vessel can be utilized to tow out the seabed pipeline, to facilitate installation of the pipeline as to enable connection of the pipeline to the fluid swivel on the barge prior to sinking the barge.