Abstract: A trap accessory for attachment to a marine trap that facilitates release of by-catch. A buoyant recovery buoy is operably attached to a trap frame secured to the marine trap. Components for operably attaching the recovery buoy to the trap frame include a latch and attachment components, of which at least one of these components is a Degradable Metal (DM). The DM maintains the integrity of the trap and trap accessory for a pre-determined time, typically 1 year or less. When one or more of the DM components are sufficiently degraded, the recovery buoy is released to open a slot through which animals can escape. A buoy line connected to the trap frame maintains connection between the marine trap and the recovery buoy, which assists in recovery of the marine trap.

Abstract: Equipment and methods that combine the use of wave powered vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs or drones). A UAV can be launched from a wave-powered vehicle, observe another vessel, and report the results of its observation to the wave-powered vehicle, and the wave-powered vehicle can report the results of the observation to a remote location. The UAV can land on water and can then be recovered by the wave-powered vehicle.

Abstract: A system for securing a submerged buoy including a signalling element floating on the surface and connected to the buoy by a link, said securing system being wherein it includes a reversible coupling device comprising an attachment member secured to the end of the link opposite the signalling element, a complementary attachment member rigidly connected to the buoy and capable of engaging with said attachment member in order to allow the link to be secured to or released from the buoy, a pressure sensor, a control unit associated with a timemeasurement unit, said control unit ordering said complementary attachment member to separate from said attachment member when a pressure variation, measured by associating said pressure sensor and said time-measurement unit, is higher than a set value.

Abstract: An underwater diving marker is disclosed which has a tube with at least one removable end. A strap element extends between the removable end and the housing and is folding or otherwise compressed to fit within the housing. The end cap has a positive buoyancy so it will float when separated from the housing even with being attached to the strap. The housing includes a weight element which insures that the housing has a negative buoyancy when separated from the end cap. The user removes the end cap and allows it to float up pulling the strap/tether, while the housing sinks to the sea floor, thereby providing an indicator flag to divers.

Abstract: A rescue assist device for use with a throwable personal floatation device is provided. The device includes a top handle member, a bottom member including a first coupling feature, and a first side member including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected with the top handle member, and wherein the second end is connected with the bottom member. The device also includes a second side member including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected with the top handle member, and wherein the second end is connected with the bottom member. Further, a first end of a retaining arm is pivotably connected with the first side member, and a second end of the retaining arm includes a second coupling feature that is configured for being releasably engaged with the first coupling feature.

Abstract: A water-activated bobber release device has a housing, a bobber assembly, a spool and a line, a bobbin assembly with a dissolvable tablet, a screw extending through a central hole in the bobber assembly and a center hole in the dissolvable tablet of the bobbin assembly, and a cap with an aperture and a valve between the aperture and the bobbin assembly. The screw engages the bobbin assembly and a threaded fastener to compress a spring. When the device is submerged in a body of water at a certain depth, the pressure opens the valve to allow water to enter. The water dissolves the tablet which collapses the bobbin assembly, and the spring forces the bobber away from the housing. Once released from the housing, the bobber is free to float to the surface of the water allowing for the retrieval of the submerged item attached to the housing.

Abstract: A retriever system for retrieving a marine equipment. The retriever system comprises a hollow body having a first opening, a cap adapted to close the first opening of the hollow body and adapted to be removed. A buoyancy assembly housed in the hollow body and adapted to exit the hollow body when the cap is removed. A linkage system maintains the buoyancy assembly linked to the hollow body of the retriever system. The buoyancy assembly comprises first inflatable element and a second inflatable element, and an inflating system configured to, when activated, inflate the first inflatable element, so as to enable exiting of at least the second inflatable element of the buoyancy assembly out of the hollow body. Said inflating system is configured to start or to continue inflating the second inflatable element when said second inflatable element is out of the hollow body.

Abstract: A float apparatus for preventing the loss of a bow accidentally dropped in a body of water, the apparatus including a hydrostatic valve, a camshaft, a plunger, a gas cartridge and a bladder, all of which are operatively coupled to one another by a valve frame contained within a housing. When a bow having the float apparatus attached thereto is submerged, the hydrostatic valve automatically rotates the camshaft when the float apparatus reaches a desired depth. As the camshaft rotates, it presses against the plunger causing it to pierce the gas cartridge thereby releasing a gas. The gas is then directed through the valve frame into the bladder thereby inflating the bladder and causing the bow to float.

Abstract: A water-activated bobber release device is used to retrieve a submerged item to which it is attached. The device has a housing, a spring, a bobber assembly having a bobber, a spool and a central hole, a bobbin assembly having a framework surrounding a center hole and a dissolvable tablet within the framework, a screw having a flared head engaging the framework and an elongated threaded section extending through the central hole and the center hole, and a fastener connected to the screw holding the spring in compression when the tablet is solidified. The device also has a line wrapped around the spool connecting the bobber assembly to the housing or the item. When submerged in water, the tablet dissolves, and the spring forces the screw's head through the bobbin assembly, thereby jettisoning the bobber assembly from the housing where it is free to float to the surface for retrieval.

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 water activated device having a lower casing with a cavity into which a spring is received, followed by a plunger and a bobbin. The lower casing attaches to an upper casing which houses a floatation member and includes a central aperture sized to allow the plunger to pass. The bobbin is sandwiched between the floatation member and the plunger. The floatation member defines a line holding dispensing spool such that one end of a line is attached to the spool and the opposite end of the line is attached to the device. The bobbin is the water sensitive trigger: when the water comes in contact with the bobbin, the bobbin starts to disintegrate losing its structural integrity, allowing force to enable the spring, forcing the plunger against the floatation member which discharges the floatation member from the upper casing. Once the floatation member is discharged, the floatation member floats to the water surface.

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: A retriever and location marker device created for but not limited to fishing rods. Invention is fastened to a fishing rod for precautionary measures in the unfortunate accident of rod being dropped overboard and/or becoming submerged. Device has minimal impact concerning balance and action of the rod. Device is mounted, incorporated, attached, or connected to rod handle. This device consists of a fastener with automatic extender, floatation device, water splash shield, and specialized water-soluble material which deteriorates upon submersion in water. Device is particularly created to facilitate the needs of fishermen but not limited to only fishing rods or fishermen. This device can be attached to other items where the same end result can be achieved.

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: 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 balloon to inflate, causing the object to float upon the surface where the user can then easily and safely retrieve it, through one of two mechanisms: first, a compressed gas is allowed to exit a canister and enter a balloon, second, one or more substances which, when mixed with water will produce bubbles are exposed to water and the balloon is filled with bubbles from the chemical reaction. There are a number of variable characteristics, including canister size and shape, 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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to support a plurality of objects such as keys with an inflatable apparatus when the inflatable apparatus is exposed to a body of water. In one embodiment, an inflatable apparatus provides an attachment member such as a key ring to attach objects such as keys to the inflatable apparatus. The inflatable apparatus is capable of inflating from a compact shape to an expanded shape upon contact with water. In the expanded shape, the inflatable apparatus provides sufficient buoyancy to support the objects coupled therewith and float the objects to the surface of the water for retrieval by a user. In situations where the weight of the object exceeds a buoyancy limit, the inflatable apparatus can extend a marker buoy to assist in the retrieval of the objects. In other embodiments, the inflatable apparatus includes a wireless transmit a wireless location signal.

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: 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 flotation device for causing an article to float if accidently dropped into water has protection from being triggered unless submerged. The flotation device includes a casing, a compressed gas cartridge, a pierce head biased by compression of a firing spring, at least one trigger, a dissolvable ring, and a balloon. The at least one trigger passes through, respectively, at least one trigger orifice formed in the casing. So long as a chamfered end of the at least one trigger is held by the dissolvable ring in abutment with a chamfered trigger groove in the pierce head, the pierce head is held against the biasing force of the biasing spring. A water control feature is characterized by a rim of an end cap being narrowly spaced from the casing, thereby forming a water passage therebetween. The width of the water passage between the end cap and the casing is such as to allow water to pass therethrough to the dissolvable ring only if under hydrostatic pressure of submergence.

Abstract: A marker-retriever mountable on a fishing rod, hand tool, or other article to be used near water, for marking and retrieving the submerged article should the article be dropped into water; the marker-retriever including, generally, a housing comprising a fixed housing member, a releasable housing member, and a wrapper partially enclosing the housing members to maintain cooperation therebetween, attaching means for securing the housing to the article, a buoy disposed within the housing, release means for releasing the buoy from the housing when the article is submerged, and a line connecting the buoy to the attaching means.

Abstract: A sonobuoy comprising: a sonobuoy body; a main cable having a proximal end secured to the body and a distal end; a spool on which the cable is wound from the distal end toward the proximal end; and release means securing the spool to the body, and operative in response to immersion in water to release the spool from the body.

Abstract: An improved buoyant pyrotechnic marine marker of the type comprising a water impermeable jacket enclosing a pyrotechnic candle, an ignition device for the candle consisting of a water actuable battery, a candle igniting squib electrically acutated by the battery and circuitry extending between the battery and the squib. The jacket has a gas emission hole for escape of the combustion gases produced by the candle when ignited. The improvement is characterized by a reversible arming mechanism comprising an open ended casing having walls, within which casing is seated a piston with walls slidably cooperating with those of the casing, for axial movement of the piston with respect to the casing. The casing and piston form a chamber adjacent the pyrotechnic candle within which the battery is seated. Guides are provided on confronting overlapping portions of the walls of the casing and piston to permit the piston to slide between an unarmed position and an armed position.

Abstract: A marking buoy includes a housing mounted on an article such as a fishing rod, a buoy wedged in the housing by a water-soluble material to prevent removal of the buoy through the open end of the housing until the buoy has been immersed in the water for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The device includes a tubular housing open at one end and closed at the other end by an adhesively attached cup-shaped cap. Within the closed end is a well having a bottom formed with a slot therein. Contained within the well is a water-soluble element, such as an aspirin tablet, which prevents a bobber from being discharged by a slightly compressed coil spring through the open end of the housing. A staple-like tongue on one end of the bobber interferingly engages the aspirin tablet until the tablet becomes dissolved by water entering the housing, as it does when the device is submerged. The bobber has a flange at the inner end from which the tongue projects, whereas the other end of the bobber is flared. Both of these ends are provided with angularly offset notches to facilitate the passage of water through the open end of the housing, through the slot, and into contact with the aspirin tablet.

Abstract: The device consists of first and second load-receiving members, a breakable member and a part-spherical washer received in a seat in the second load-receiving member. In use, a load is applied by way of a rod or bar passing centrally through the load-receiving members and the breakable member positioned therebetween, the rod or bar also passing through a central bore in the washer and being angularly movable because of the support provided by the seat. When a predetermined load is achieved, annular cutting surfaces on the load-receiving member cut the breakable member with a predominantly shear action to indicate that the load has been achieved. Fractured parts of fingers of the bearing member are retained between surfaces to be visible at the periphery of the device.

Abstract: Float release devices which are releasible from submerged articles in order to mark the location of the articles, which devices include in a first embodiment, a double pressure-actuated float attached to a bracket by means of a pair of pressure-actuated release mechanisms for releasing the float when the float and bracket are submerged. Straps attached to the bracket serve to secure the float to a non-floating article and a plug in the release mechanism facilitates equalization of pressure in the release mechanism housing. In another embodiment of the invention a single pressure-actuated release mechanism is provided in cooperation with a float and bracket, which bracket is located on the exterior of the article to be protected, such as a fishing rod. In an alternative design for protecting a fishing rod, the pressure-release mechanism is located in the fishing rod handle for release when the fishing rod falls overboard.

Abstract: A rod flotation device which is designed to locate a non-floating fishing rod, which rod flotation device is characterized by a shaped float provided with a centrally located neck having line wound thereon and one end of the line attached thereto, and a shaped bracket cooperating with the float and secured to the rod, with the opposite end of the line secured to the bracket. A water soluble pin and a plunger with a blade biased against the pin cooperate to retain one end of the float in the bracket, while the opposite end of the float is seated in a shaped ring retainer also attached to the bracket. When the pin softens due to the action of the water and is severed by the blade, the float is released from the bracket and floats to the surface as the line unwinds to provide a means for locating and retrieving the rod.