Abstract: An inflatable multifunctional downhole tool includes a body having an outer shell and a threaded connection at an axial end of the body, at least one pressurized container disposed inside the outer shell, the pressurized container containing compressed gas, a plurality of floatation chambers fluidly connected through connection lines to the at least one pressurized container, a dissolvable plug positioned along each of the connection lines between the floatation chambers and the at least one pressurized container, and a tool sub threadably connected to the threaded connection of the body.

Abstract: Fluid activated retrieval devices for retrieving an object from a fluidic medium are presented including: a hollow base having a cavity formed therein, where the hollow base includes, a port disposed along an outer surface of the hollow base, the port configured to provide passage of the fluidic medium to the cavity, a diaphragm disposed along the cavity and proximate to the port, and an anchor disposed along the cavity for securing a line; a deployable float housing removably attached with the hollow base, the deployable float housing having another cavity formed therein, where the deployable float housing includes, a buoyant chamber disposed along a distal end of the other cavity, a spool for receiving the line, the spool disposed within the second cavity and attached with the deployable float housing; and a reactant disposed in the cavities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flotation device for use in retrieving an object that is dropped in water. According to the invention the flotation device comprises attachment means and a holder that is resistant in regard of spray water and atmospheric humidity. The holder comprises an inflatable body of a substantially waterproof and air-impervious material, and gas-forming reagents within the inflatable body. The inflatable body is sealed off from the rest of the interior of the holder by means of a narrow seal. In the event of activation of the flotation device, water ingresses in the holder and through the seal and comes into contact with the gas-forming reagents. The formation of gas required for the exertion of a flotation or driving force occurs within the inflatable body itself. The formed gas inflates the inflatable body.

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: A dock module comprises an air-tight flotation chamber with a buoyant foam material positioned within an upper end thereof. The flotation chamber includes aperture positioned on its bottom end to permit water to enter the chamber and serve as a ballast. To float the dock module, compressed air is injected into the flotation chamber to increase the module's buoyancy and adjust its freeboard so that the buoyant foam is lifted completely above the water contained within the flotation chamber. If the air-tight flotation chamber fails, the buoyant foam will prevent the dock module from becoming submerged. Each module comprises a plurality of longitudinally and laterally extending tubes that can be used to attach the module to a like module using tubular couplers and tensioned cabling. Multiple modules can thus be joined in any desired configuration to yield a floating dock system having virtually any desired geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection to a rod and reel, comprised, in its preferred embodiment, of (1) an emergency flotation bladder, (2) a compact container in which said bladder is stowed, (3) connection means for connection of said container to the rod portion of a rod and reel, (4) monofilament line severing means for severing the line of the rod and reel to which the container is connected, and (5) means for automatically triggering monofilament line severing means and inflating said bladder when the article with attached container falls into water by some mishap or is otherwise immersed therein.

Abstract: The emergency location marker system carried by a vessel for marking a location on the water and signaling, especially for locating and rescuing an individual in the water, comprises a flotation and support structure with an advantageously collapsible self-erecting tower, location-indicating devices at least one of which is mounted on the top portion of the tower, a mechanical deploying and actuating assembly for launching and activating the emergency location marker system and an electrical supply and control system. The location-indicating devices may include audio sounders, a strobe light and a self-erecting passive reflector for light and radar mounted at the top portion of the collapsible self-erecting tower below the strobe light, a low frequency transmitter and an electrical and retracting cable connected to the top portion of the collapsible self-erecting antenna tower.

Abstract: A retriever for submerged objects is disclosed in which a cap is connected to a canister by a retrieval line, and the canister is in turn connected to an object by an anchoring line. When the object and attached canister are dropped into the water, the water dissolves a dissolvable seal over an aperture in the canister and water is permitted to flow into the interior of the canister and react with carbonate or carbide particles which evolve gas upon reacting with water. Before reaching the particles, however, the water must pass through a compressed cellulose sponge which assists in conveying water to the interior of the canister. The cellulose sponge also expands when damp to seal the aperture against the egress of the evolving gas. The bicarbonate or carbide particles are suspended in a desiccant to diminish the possibility that the water activatable particles will be slowly chemically reacted with atmospheric moisture prior to the time the canister is to be used.