Abstract: A structurally supporting pallet article including a rectangular shaped body having a specified thickness and a plurality of downwardly extending support locations. A processor controlled receiver is incorporated into the body for providing at least one of tracking and identification of cargo supported upon said body. Visual identification of a selected pallet article is facilitated by the inclusion of illuminating elements. A second embodiment discloses a pallet having a three dimensional shaped body. A sensor is integrated into the body for determining when the body is immersed in a body of water. A plurality of bladders are supported within the body in first retracted positions and which, upon being triggered by the sensor, are deployed in outwardly expanded fashion through openings along the body. A propulsion and steerage mechanism is integrated into an underside of the body.

Abstract: A buoy split key (“BSD”) removal apparatus, system, and method are disclosed. The BSD utilizes a power screw to apply a steady and controllable compressive load onto the split key. The BSD applies a compressive force or load to the bitter ends of the split key in order to maximize the use of the moment on the split key. The spread and/or twisted split key is compressed by a compression assembly and compression power screw as supported by a compression frame. The compression assembly provides steady and controllable compression on a buoy split key. A compression power screw and extrusion power screw should be threaded in the opposite direction for maximum torque to remove the buoy split key. Once the split key is fully compressed by the compression assembly, the compressive load from the power screw and split key are then removed.

Abstract: An illustrative embodiment of an object locating apparatus includes a cartridge having a cartridge interior; a float in the cartridge interior; a float attachment line attached to the float and the cartridge; a water-dissolvable float retainer tablet retained in the cartridge interior; a cartridge cap in the cartridge interior; and a spring normally sandwiched and compressed between the cartridge cap and the float retainer tablet and adapted to expand and push the float from the container interior upon dissolving of the float from the retainer tablet.

Abstract: A device and method for recovering articles inadvertently submerged in a body of water are disclosed. The device comprises a housing attachable to the article, the housing defining a storage chamber with a storage chamber opening at one end. The storage chamber contains a buoyant flotation element held in the storage chamber by a water-activated release mechanism that permits the flotation element to move toward and through the storage chamber opening when the device is submerged in water. The flotation element remains connected to the housing by a connection mechanism. The device housing also may include a biasing mechanism configured to bias the flotation element toward the storage chamber opening. The method includes attaching the housing to the article to be retrieved, having the flotation element release from the housing and float to the surface of the water and following the connection mechanism from the flotation element to the housing.

Abstract: An anchor holds a variety of mooring system elements, including processor-controlled cable brakes, prior to deployment of the anchor. The anchor is configured to automatically deploy the elements of the mooring system into a desired underwater configuration. A method of deploying an ocean anchor includes controlling cable brakes and results in the elements of the mooring system being deployed into a desired underwater configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a universal financial product and enables to use it for managing money resources, e.g., sums being on a personal account. The housing of the pay card may be made of a precious or rare metal, bone, finewood; the elements of the features of a pay system and an issuing bank as well as those of protection and personalization are also made of the said materials, including precious stones, by engraving and inlaying. A place is provided for a standard electronic chip, which may be replaced. Periods of use of the pay card and the reliability of its level of protection against imitating and counterfeiting are increased.

Abstract: Herein known as REELBACK this device has been designed to retrieve lost items such due to separation from user, vessel, pier or persons such as fishing gear or other non-aquatic device. This device is of suitable materials containing herein a preloaded retrieval device, housed with a deployable flotation device, allowing recovery of fishing gear or non aquatic items such as binoculars, keys, rods with reels, dip-nets, etc. items lost at sea, lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a device which provides buoyancy to objects with negative buoyancy in water. The invention comprises a water-sensitive trigger which, when activated, causes a compressed gas to exit a canister and enter a balloon, which expands, thereby causing the object to float, in cases where the device is attached to an item on a boat, or rise to the surface, in cases where the device is attached to a sunken object. There are a number of variable characteristics, including canister size, trigger fuse length, balloon configuration, and housing material that allow a user tremendous flexibility in selecting a proper size of the invention for the user's intended purpose. Other iterations of the invention provide breathing air for underwater purposes and means of keeping cars, boats, airplanes, etc., floating when they fall into water.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy launch and retrieval system comprises an underwater platform, a launch/retrieval tube within the underwater platform, and a mechanism for ejecting and retrieving an inflatable buoy from the launch/retrieval tube. The ejection mechanism comprises a reel within the tube for unwinding a length of a tether attached to the buoy and a mechanism for introducing a high pressure gas into the tube.

Abstract: A self-mooring module. In particular, a self-mooring module that may be deployed by air, surface or underwater. The module includes a combination anchor/air brake, a buoy, and a mooring line. The module may also include a sensor module. The anchor, combination anchor/air brake and buoy may be used in combination as part of the module or may be used alone in different aspects. The anchor and combination anchor/air brake are foldable to conserve space. The buoy has reduced drag and increased stability versus regular buoys. The self-mooring module may also include an intelligent mooring line module that determines the amount of mooring line to be released for a particular mooring depth and does not release a substantive amount of extra or insufficient mooring line, thereby helping ensure proper placement of an sensor module. Other features include a release mechanism for releasing the anchor from the module and a mechanism for inflating the buoy.

Abstract: Safety swimwear with an automatically retractable buoy secured in a manner not interfering with play in and out of the water, the float providing no buoyancy for the child but having sufficient buoyancy to remain on the surface and thus serve as an aid in locating the child whenever the child is submerged. The connector for the float is a permanent part of the swimwear so as to determine the location of the float relative to the wearer and increase the likelihood of the use thereof. In some embodiments, the detachable buoy may take the form of a beach toy.

Abstract: A device for locating and possibly retrieving an object which has fallen into the water, such as, for example, a key, a bunch of keys, a mobile telephone, a pair of glasses, a piece of equipment or a person or an animal. The device has a holder that can be connected to the object and a float that is connected in a disconnectable manner to the holder. A connecting cord connects the holder to the float.

Abstract: A removably attachable device for achieving hand control of a foot control pedal for an electric trolling motor includes a mounting plate attachable to a side surface of the pedal, and a securing tube attached to the mounting plate. A telescopically adjustable tubular stanchion is held upright by the securing tube, and contains a hand grip at its uppermost extremity. An on/off electrical switch is located adjacent the hand grip. Electrical conductor wires extend from the on/off switch and through the stanchion, and join with an on/off electrical switch component of the control pedal.

Abstract: A subsea buoy for use in maneuvering a submerged object, the buoy comprising a buoyant body, a first frangible link for securing said buoy to the object, means for rupturing said first frangible link, a drogue secured to said buoyant body by a second frangible link and by means allowing said drogue to move on rupture of said second frangible link from a first configuration to a second configuration, where said drogue is spaced apart from said buoyant body, and a third frangible link extending between the object and said drogue.

Abstract: A retriever is provided for a marine seismic cable or other tool. The retriever first comprises a housing. Disposed within the housing is a canister for containing gas under pressure. An inflatable bag is fluidly connected to the gas canister within the housing. Gas is prohibited from exiting the gas canister and inflating the bag until hydrostatic pressure acting upon the retriever exceeds a designated amount. If the cable sinks to a certain depth within a water body, the corresponding hydrostatic pressure acting upon the cable will exceed the preset pressure level. An actuating mechanism is then actuated, causing gas to exit the gas canister and to inflate the inflatable bag. In one arrangement, a pop-open cover is provided on the housing. As the bag inflates, it acts to release the pop-open cover from the housing and to further inflate outside of the housing of the retriever. The inflated bag will cause the cable to be buoyantly lifted to the surface of the water body.

Abstract: An automatically retractable buoy secured to the trunk of a child in a manner not interfering with play in and out of the water, the buoy providing no buoyancy for the child but having sufficient buoyancy to remain on the surface and thus serve as an aid in locating the child whenever the child is submerged.

Abstract: A subsea buoy for use in manoeuvring a submerged object, the buoy comprising

Abstract: A water retrieval device that is attached to a valuable item to prevent that item from sinking and being lost in muddy or deep water. The device may be in the shape of a latex fish, which contains chemicals that react with the surrounding water that is drawn into the device. Once the device and the attached item are in the water, the device sinks and resurfaces to the top of the water with the reaction of the chemicals releasing carbon dioxide gas within the internal cavity of the device. The device then becomes more buoyant and brings the attached item to the surface of the water, thereby preventing the item from sinking further down into the water. The device can also be brightly covered and can protect a wide variety of items such as wallets, glasses and other valuables.

Abstract: An air-deliverable global positioning system (GPS) position marking device nd method involves the operations of providing an air-deliverable GPS position marking device, launching the device into flight through the air to a desired location, arming the device in response to launching the device into flight, firing a detonation mechanism contained in the device when the device is at the desired location after receipt of a magneto-inductive transmission so as to generate a predetermined pressure in an interior chamber of the device that causes ejection of a payload assembly from the interior chamber, initiates inflation of an inflatable flotation body of the payload assembly, and initiates communications between a GPS receiver and transmitter unit in the payload assembly and a remote station to determine the position of the position marking device at the desired location.

Abstract: A signal buoy is provided which is ejectable from a submarine vehicle. The buoy is also provided with an internal heat source that raises the temperature of a portion of the buoy to a magnitude sufficient to melt ice. The buoy is provided with sufficient buoyancy to cause it to rise upward through the water above a submarine vehicle and, eventually, to make contact with the undersurface of a body of ice. The attitude of the buoy is maintained in such a way that the internally generated heat causes the ice to melt and, in cooperation with the buoyancy of the buoy, moves the buoy upward through a hole melted in the ice. The buoy is provided with a means for transmitting a signal to a land based or airborne receiving station. Either one way or two way communication are possible, with two way communications being provided by a signal line connecting the buoy with the submarine vehicle.

Abstract: A non-turbulent, retractable pull-down eye assembly for use in hauling a yant test vehicle down to a release depth. The assembly is contained within the tail housing of the vehicle and is extended from the tail housing when the vehicle is to be hauled down. A hook and cable is attached through an eye in the extended portion of the assembly and the cable is winched to pull the vehicle below the surface. When the buoyant test vehicle reaches the prescribed depth, an acoustic signal is used to release the hook. The assembly is spring loaded within the tail housing such that, upon release from the hook, the extended portion retracts back into the tail housing as the vehicle rises to the surface. The exposed surface of the assembly when in the retracted position is shaped to conform to the shape of the buoyant test vehicle tail housing. The pull-down eye assembly thus retracted does not contribute to any turbulence around the tail housing during vehicle ascent.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for retaining an EPIRB or similar buoy on a ship comprises a housing with a support frame pivotally mounted in the housing. The lower part of the frame has a peg engaging a recess in the underside of an enlarged central part of the buoy to prevent forward or downward movement. An upper part of the housing overhangs the upper end of the buoy to prevent upward displacement. The frame is pivoted at its lower end and is retained in the housing against the action of a spring by a hydrostatic pressure release. When the mount is submerged, the hydrostatic pressure release allows the spring to displace the frame out of the housing so that the buoy can float free. The frame is in two parts held together by a locking pin so that, when the pin is released, the buoy can be removed without releasing the hydrostatic release mechanism.

Abstract: An emergency location marker system for capsized vessels is housed in an emergency location marker canister or container (10) secured by a bracket (22) to an exposed or outside surface of the vessel (60). An inflatable aerial location marker (40) is deflated and folded in the small space of the canister. The aerial location marker is formed to provide upon inflation a relatively large surface area flat configuration to blanket a sufficient area of the sea surface for high visibility. The high visibility sea surface area blanketing marker (40) is formed with at least one flexible joint (41) for responding flexibly to wave motion while adhering to the sea surface. The sea surface area marker may be in a flat circular configuration, for example six feet in diameter and formed with a high visibility color. Flexible joints (41) along intersecting diameters permit flexing of the flat circular configuration marker in response to waves from all directions.

Abstract: A buoy member includes a central cavity with a weighted bottom portion to maintain alignment of the buoy apparatus, and the buoy apparatus includes a transmitter operative upon the buoy being projected from an associated boat. The buoy apparatus is further arranged to include a visible signal member inflated upon actuation of switching interiorly of the buoy, as well as a signal light. A spool brake is arranged to provide for controlled descent of the control tether mounted to the associated boat or individual.

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: 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 instrumentation package and float are releasably joined to an anchor by connector that holds the float and anchor together until the anchor impacts the ocean bottom. Upon impact, the inertia of the float and package cause a connector shaft to continue downward motion so that an inwardly biased ball is displaced from a lateral opening in a coaxially located connector housing. After the ball clears the retainer hole and is displaced into a lateral bore in the shaft and after the downward inertial travel of the float and package have stopped, the float pulls the shaft free from the connector housing to suspend the package a predetermined distance below the float via a supporting lanyard. An anchoring lanyard is provided to hold the instrumentation package a predetermined length above the anchor so that it is located a set distance above the ocean bottom.

Abstract: An improved buoy which provides for internal storage of the line securing the buoy to the vessel, internal placement of a radio transmitter with power source and electrical switch, and a receptacle for attachment to the superstructure of a vessel.

Abstract: A torpedo recovery unit positionable within a torpedo casing having an opening for receiving the unit. The unit includes a body with an interior cavity having an open end mountable within the torpedo casing with the open end at the torpedo casing opening. The body is rigidly supported within the torpedo casing. A non-rigid, gas-inflatable airfoil is foldable within the body cavity for deployment therefrom upon inflation. A bottle containing pressurized helium is rigidly and removably attached to the body. A release valve on the bottle releases the pressurized gas on depression. A valve member is rigidly attached to the body. A first end portion extends through the body end wall and projects into the body cavity and has an inflation needle mounted thereof for inflation of the airfoil. A valve member has a second end portion positioned outside of the body and operatively engaging the release valve when the bottle is attached to the body.

Abstract: A securing arrangement so executed as to be tripped for release on actuation for the purpose of changing the state of an attached item of equipment. It is so executed as to secure the equipment by means of a loadable link (8) in a securing position. The equipment can be released by means of a tripping arrangement (36, 37, 42) by breaking the link by the actuation of an actuating arrangement (20, 32) by means of a specific factor such as a change in pressure. The link consists of a device which is capable of being cut through, such as a cable (8). The tripping arrangement comprises a blade (36, 37) provided with an edge so arranged as to be moved by the effect of the force of a tensioned spring (42) into a position in which the cable is cut through. The actuating arrangement (20, 32) is so arranged as to hold the blade in its first position by means of a locking arrangement (26), and as to release the blade so that it will adopt its second position upon actuation by means of said factor.

Abstract: A life buoy equipped with a radar responder adapted to transmit waves in response to radar waves from a searcher, the life buoy comprising a hull member of a rigid plastic hollow construction, the hull member water-tightly accommodating a receiving antenna, a receiver, a transmitting antenna, a transmitter and a battery in a vertical manner such that the center of gravity is located at a distance from and below the center of buoyancy, and the hull member having a downwardly converging shape from under the level of water at least up to the center of buoyancy.

Abstract: A shape-memory alloy initially configured to have engaging potential for a ance, guillotine or pin connected thereto is wrapped in a heating element powered by current from a water activated battery. When the alloy reaches a specific temperature it silently reverts to a predetermined shape. The reversion force is used to displace a lance to pierce a gas cylinder seal to allow inflation of a float and to cut a retaining loop or withdraw a pin to payout a preset length of hydrophone suspension cable.

Abstract: An aerial lift balloon and signalling components attached thereto are stored within a closure member held assembled with a breakaway housing to form a package storing an inflating device for the balloon. Removal of the closure member initiates inflation of the balloon and operation of the signalling components, while removal of an end cover of the package permits separation of the breakaway housing enabling the positioning of the inflating device by a flotation collar portion of the package for aerial launching of the balloon with the signalling components suspended therefrom.