Abstract: The fishing rod retrieving and salvaging device comprises a balloon, a CO2 cartridge, a valve, an activation sensor, a strobe, a recovery cable, and a housing. The fishing rod retrieving and salvaging device may be coupled to a protected item to prevent the protected item from becoming lost over water. As non-limiting examples, the protected item may be a fishing rod that may be dropped overboard from a boat. The fishing rod retrieving and salvaging device may inflate the balloon if the protected item is exposed to the water so that the protected item is prevented from sinking. In some embodiments, the fishing rod retrieving and salvaging device may attempt to send positional information to a smart phone to aid in locating the protected item.

Abstract: A buoy, comprising a body, an inflatable bladder, a bladder cover, a pressure vessel, a variable-volume, gas-filled chamber, a controller, a compressor, and a ballast. The bladder cover surrounds the inflatable bladder. When the inflatable bladder is deflated, the bladder cover is configured to compress the inflatable bladder so as to conform to an exterior contour of the body. The variable-volume, gas-filled chamber provides passive, variable buoyancy to the buoy. The controller is configured to control a transfer of compressible gas between the inflatable bladder and the first pressure vessel. The compressor is configured to remove gas from the inflatable bladder, compress the removed gas, and introduce the compressed gas to the first pressure vessel for storage. The ballast maintains a substantially vertical orientation of the buoy when the buoy is in water.

Abstract: A life saving dan buoy for marine saving is revealed. The life saving dan buoy includes a strip-shaped first air bag, a second air bag disposed on a lower part of the first air bag, at least one inflation valve arranged at the first air bag and/or the second air bag for filling gas into an air chamber and allowing the first and the second air bags to expand and float over the water, and a weight. The first air bag and the second air are communicating with each other to form the air chamber. The second air bag includes an open space area that allows a user's body to get through. The weight is connected to a lower part of the first air bag so that the first air bag is standing vertically in the sea while the second air bag is floated over the sea.

Abstract: An attachment device for attachment to a membrane without puncturing the membrane. It comprises two interengaging parts (10, 12) and an O-ring (50) held by the interengaging parts (10, 12) when the device is in use. The interengaging parts (10, 12) are movable relative to one another from a position in which they are able to receive the O-ring (50) to a position in which they trap the O-ring (50). As a result, when the device is attached to a membrane (52), the interengaging parts (10, 12) can be located on one side of the membrane (52) with the O-ring (50) on the other side of the membrane (52) adjacent to the interengaging parts (10, 12), and the O-ring (50) can be slipped over at least one of the interengaging parts (10, 12) with the membrane (52) extending between the O-ring (50) and at least one of the interengaging parts (10, 12).

Abstract: A device which will act efficiently as a float for any article (e.g. keys, mobile telephone, wallet) attached thereto when dropped into water comprises an inflatable bag (14) of substantially waterproof and air impervious material, a container (12) of compressed gas, and trigger means (16,30,32) associated with the container (12) and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container (12) and allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (14). The trigger means comprises a valve (16) mounted on the container (12) and connecting the container to the inflatable bag (14), retainer means (30) operative to hold the valve (16) in a closed condition, and water reactive means (32) which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means (30) and allow the valve to open. The water reactive means may comprise a band of material (32), at least part of which is water reactive.

Abstract: The present invention is an inflatable rescue marker comprising a cylindrical hollow housing having a lid, a puncture plate, an inflatable bladder and a length of line connecting the bladder to the housing. The lid is hingably affixed to one end of the housing. The puncture plate is affixed within the housing below the lid and comprises a pierce needle positioned at the center with the sharp end exposed on the lower surface of the plate. The puncture plate also has a threaded cylindrical skirt depending from the lower surface about the sharp end of the pierce needle able to receive a pressurized gas canister for inflating the bladder. The inflatable bladder is positioned on the upper surface of the puncture plate with its open end removably affixed to the other end of the pierce needle. A length of line connects the bladder to the housing.

Abstract: A device which will act efficiently as a float for any article (e.g. keys, mobile telephone, wallet) attached thereto when dropped into water comprises an inflatable bag (14) of substantially waterproof and air impervious material, a container (12) of compressed gas, and trigger means (16,30,32) associated with the container (12) and operable upon immersion of the device in water to open the container (12) and allow gas from the container (14) to inflate the bag (14). The trigger means comprises a valve (16) mounted on the container (12) and connecting the container to the inflatable bag (14), retainer means (30) operative to hold the valve (16) in a closed condition, and water reactive means (32) which, upon contact with water, serves to release the retainer means (30) and allow the valve to open. The water reactive means may comprise a band of material (32), at least part of which is water reactive.

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 relates to an instrument for marking and environmental monitoring in regatta courses. Incorporated by inflatable pneumatic platform and modular mast, foldable and transportable in compact packing of reduced size. It is intended to simultaneously define the area of conducting such nautical trials, at the same time as the environmental conditions thereof are characterized, in both meteorological and oceanographic terms. The system comprises an inflatable pneumatic float (1) and a support structure—mast—(2), which serves to hold the meteorological (3) and oceanographic (6) instrumentation, as well as the group of elements intended for communications (4), electromechanical components (5) and anchorage system (7). The marked modular level and reduced weight thereof, allow handling from craft of reduced cargo-carrying capacity without the help of additional infrastructures, which has a close relationship with the degree of variability in the regatta courses when competitions are under way.

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: 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: An inflatable dive float is provided with a supported flag that is collapsible to a small size for ease of handling and storage. The dive float includes a novel buoyancy element formed of a durable flexible cover and lightweight replaceable bladder provided by a conventional balloon. The cover is configured to allow easy replacement of the bladder. A collapsible frame internal to the cover provides rigid support for a flag pole and connection to a rigid counterweight staff. The internal frame element is held in place, during use, by the pressure of the inflated bladder. Deflation of the bladder allows collapsing of the frame element and the cover which provides a greatly reduced geometry for storage and handling after use. Both the flag pole and counterweight staff are preferably collapsible as well to reduce storage dimensions.

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: A mark for sailboat racing having three inflatable elongated tubes joined closely at one common end so that when inflated, a mutual repelling force is developed at the common end causing the outboard ends of the elongated tubes to move away from each other. Lines join the outboard ends of the tubes so that their movement is limited to forming a tetrahedron. The outboard ends of the elongated tubes can be pushed together and constrained for transportation and storage.

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: A surface marker buoy apparatus is provided for use in diving and in particular for use in assisting a diver during his ascent. The apparatus includes an inflatable buoy which can be inflated when required to float and can be folded or rolled up when deflated. The buoy is secured to an anchoring device which defines a filling conduit for the buoy. The conduit has an ingress at one end and at its other end defines an aperture with a rim. A reel is provided which has a locking device that can be set to oppose rotation of the reel. A line, such as a conventional decompression line, is wound around the reel and attached directly or indirectly to the inflatable buoy at its free end. Preferably, the locking device is operated by a finger-catch deployed to unlock the reel by the diver using only one hand.

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: A floating target for naval gunfire. The target includes an inflatable buoyant superstructure with a drogue chute attached to the periphery of the bottom of the superstructure. The drogue chute, when in use is well underwater. The drogue chute is an open flexible structure with a bottom end weighted with ballast to deploy it, and with ports through its side to permit water to flow into and out of it. A line is attached to the bottom of the drogue chute to enable the target to be tipped and the drogue chute drained of water. A float can be attached to the free end of the line to facilitate recovery, or the line itself may be buoyant.

Abstract: A drilling unit comprises a floating drilling rig, a subsea wellhead, and a riser connecting the subsea drilling rig with the subsea wellhead. A floatation collar encircles the riser so as to reduce deck load on the floating drilling rig. The floatation collar comprises a hollow fabric body filled with gas. The floatation collar has a longitudinal axia and is formed from a sidewall body having a longitudinally extending slit extending through the sidewall body. The slit enables the floatation collar to be transversely mounted onto the marine riser.

Abstract: A drilling unit comprises a floating drilling rig, a subsea wellhead, and a riser connecting the subsea drilling rig with the subsea wellhead. A floatation collar encircles the riser so as to reduce deck load on the floating drilling rig. The floatation collar comprises a hollow fabric body filled with gas. The floatation collar has a longitudinal axis and is formed from a sidewall body having a longitudinally extending slit extending through the sidewall body. The slit enables the floatation collar to be transversely mounted onto the marine riser.

Abstract: A lightweight inflatable marker buoy system is resistant to deflation and sinking if punctured. This device will most likely be used by a diver while underwater, but could be air delivered or dropped over the side of a boat and be activated by a timer or on command by electronic or acoustic means. A pair of chemical injector/cartridges each contains pressurized gas and a different chemical compound of a binary chemical compound for producing foam. A housing mounts the pair of chemical injector/cartridges on it and has a chamber to mix the pressurized gas and different compounds of the binary chemical compound to produce the foam. A balloon or flexible, compliant bag coupled to the housing receives the foam, is inflated by the pressurized gas and the foam, and is maintained in an inflated condition as the foam hardens. This lightweight portable buoy can be used as a temporary marker by authorities when an obstruction to navigation is found or when permanent buoys are moved or destroyed after a storm.

Abstract: An inflatable flag buoy for divers including a buoyant seat and a flag body in the form of two air chambers separated by a transparent interface. The buoyant seat is further divided into an upper air chamber and a lower water chamber that are not communicable with one another. Water filled in the water chamber always keeps the whole flag buoy in an upright position while air filled in the air chamber always keeps the flag buoy afloat on a water surface. A flashlight may be held in a space below said transparent interface and surrounded by said buoyant seat. The flag body includes communicable post portion and flag portion that is centered at a top of the post portion. Light given out by the flashlight passes through the transparent interface and the post portion to project onto and lighten the flag portion to produce good warning effect in the night. Pockets and recesses are provided on the post portion and the buoyant seat for conveniently holding miscellaneous articles, beverage bottles, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety stop anchor including a buoy distantly connected to a diver via a fixing rope. Before the diver returns to the surface, the buoy helps the diver to easily and relaxedly stay at the required safety decompression stop or stops to avoid the caisson disease. A buoyancy control valve is provided on the buoy so that heavy loads can be more easily carried underwater by a neutral buoyancy and to ascend to the water surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to air-launched buoys intended to be launched from a flying aircraft. It consists, in a buoy the body of which is small and has neither flaps nor inflation opening, in making the connection between the balloon which makes the buoy buoyant and the body leaktight and in placing on the lower part of this balloon a beak of triangular shape allowing air to be caught as the buoy falls towards the water. An opening is made in the wall of the balloon below the beak to allow the air thus caught to enter this balloon in order to inflate it. A non-return valve makes it possible to keep the balloon inflated. It makes it possible to improve the inflation of the balloon and limit the speed at which the buoy falls.

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: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for identifying a down diver in distress comprising activating automatic inflation means to inflate a tube, activating automatic signal means, to provide sensory indication of a diver in distress, releasing the tube and the signal means away from a diver's body, allowing the tube and the signal means to float to the surface of the water and signalling for help with the signal means.

Abstract: Submarine (6) devices consisting of cavity to hold sand and an inflatable air bladder (10) are located beneath and connected to floating buoys (2). The weight of the sand when put inside the cavity is enough to sink buoy (2) until submarine (6) sits on the bottom of a lake or river. When bladders (10) are inflated by air supplied by an air compressor or a portable air tank, and distributed through a network of polyethylene tubing. They create enough buoyancy to offset the downward pull of the sand, thus allowing the buoys (2) to float back to the surface of the water.

Abstract: A floating antenna system which can be deployed and retrieved by an underwater diver is equipped with a pressure proof radome atop an elongated support stalk carrying a lobed, inverted pyramidoidal flotation collar below the radome which can be folded and wrapped transversely around the support stalk like an umbrella when deflated. The air supply for inflation is carried in a pressurized canister inside the support stalk. The collar is inflated via an inflation line from the canister controlled be a manually operated pushbutton valve. The antenna inside the radome is connected to a long tether cable which can be connected to a separate receiver or transmitter below the surface. The tether cable can be manipulated to control deployment and retrieval of the floating antenna.

Abstract: A buoy is provided for storing a line connected to an underwater object, having a hollow casing formed of resilient plastics material and having two side portions each with bearings. A reel for carrying the line has shaft portions rotatable in the bearings. The reel is a buoyant hollow body also formed of flexible plastics material and is provided with a fluid inlet for inflation from an axially collapsed state, in which the reel and its shaft portions can be fitted between the side portions, to an inflated state wherein the shaft portions are rotatably held in the bearings.

Abstract: A marker buoy, typically for use by divers, includes a lighter-than-water flotation component, such as a bladder (17) which can be inflated when the buoy is required to float and deflated when it is not required to float, so that the diver can easily dive with the deflated buoy and inflate it at depth, when required. A reel (19) of line (25) carried by the buoy is arranged to dispense the line therefrom when the tension in the line exceeds a chosen value.

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 recovery system for decelerating/stabilizing and protecting space vehicles, boosters, astronauts, equipment and like payloads, including a paracanopy defined by a frusto-conical flexible uninflated skin forming a decelerator/stabilizer surface having a small inflated torus at it leading end and a larger trailing torus at its trailing end with an inflated annular protective sheath therebetween protecting the payload housed therein, duct means between the toruses and the annular sheath for forming a fluidically rigidified frame, and the fluidically rigidified frame maintaining the flexible skin in taut though uninflated condition during entry and recovery, The paracanopy further can include an inflated buoyant section for recovery at sea, and depending upon the payload to be recovered, the paracanopy can be deployed as a single structure from one end of the payload or from opposite ends of the payload as two separate cooperative structures.

Abstract: A non-rigid, gas inflatable airfoil having a bulbous inflatable forward body and three spaced-apart rearwardly extending inflatable tails. The tails are attached to the rearward portion of the body and form with the body a single inflatable chamber. The central tail is yieldably biased into an upwardly inclined position, and a pair of sheets extend between the tails. The airfoil has a generally delta shape and provides a positive lift when exposed to wind. The airfoil is connected to a single tie down line by a single attachment member and swivel attached to a central portion of the underside of the body. The body and tails have sufficient interior gas containing volume that when filled with a lighter-than-air gas will offset the weight of the airfoil. The bulbous body contains enough lighter-than-air gas that the airfoil assumes a vertical orientation with the body above the tail when in the water or in the air without wind.

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: An automatic rescue apparatus for deploying a flotation device. The unit can be mounted vertically on the rail of a vessel or horizontally on the deck. The rescue apparatus has a life ring, a launcher housing containing a radio receiver and a trigger device and incorporating a life ring launching arm, a housing containing a collapsed inflatable marker buoy and a CO.sub.2 inflation assembly, and a portable battery-powered transmitter worn by an individual on a vessel. Ejection and resulting inflation of the marker buoy as well as simultaneous deployment of the life ring are actuated by a radio signal received from the transmitter worn by the overboard person.

Abstract: An apparatus for the stable support of a structure, such as an antenna, in a fluid medium, such as the ocean. A flotation bag supporting an antenna is stabilized by the following features, which can be used individually or in combination. A partially submerged ribbon fence supported by a submerged damper skirt dissipates the kinetic energy of the flotation bag caused by the movement of the ocean and water that encroaches upon the bag. A flexible connection between the bag and the payload enables the bag and the payload to undergo limited motion without affecting each other. Thus, the bag's motion is decoupled and totally independent of the payload. The housing which supports the payload has a flooded chamber, lowering the center of mass of the apparatus. The bottom of the flotation bag is inwardly arched, moving the bouyancy away from the center of the bottom of the bag, enhancing stability and allowing the bag to float lower in the ocean, keeping the damper skirt submerged. The payload includes an r.f.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving an ocean bottom seismometer deployed to a subsea location is disclosed wherein inflatable flexible housings are attached to cylindrical cannisters having detecting and recording equipment along with identical inflation apparatus.

Abstract: A floating platform for supporting articles in a swimming pool or other body of water. The platform has a toroidal outer chamber filled with air, a toroidal middle chamber filled with water, and a toroidal inner chamber filled with air. An article supporting member that may take the form of one or more upstanding hollow columns projects upwardly from the inner chamber. The article supporting member in one embodiment is in fluid communication with the inner chamber but in a second embodiment it is not. In either embodiment, a decorative article such as an inflated flamingo, dolphin or other work of art may be in fluid communication with the support member or members. The weight of the water in the middle chamber provides a stable foundation to maintain the supported article in an upright disposition, and the pressure of the air in the inner and outer chambers maintains the water in the middle chamber in an evenly distributed disposition.

Abstract: A balloon distress marker wherein the balloon has, in a wall thereof, a small compartment interiorly of the balloon and accessible through an aperture in the wall of the balloon for retaining an article therein. The compartment is substantially smaller than the volumne of the balloon and is useable for interconnecting balloons in series or inserting a flashlight therein to illuminate the balloon. A coupling for interconnecting balloons is preferably a small balloon in itself which can be inflated when in the compartment. A two-part balloon wherein the two parts are interconnected by a narrow neck portion rendering the marker useable as a life preserver. A rescue kit consisting of a casing having a removable top that can be illuminated by flashlights in the cap. Located within the container is a cylinder containing lighter-than-air gas for inflating the balloon.

Abstract: A flotation device including an inflatable member, a compressed gas source including a container therefor with a port therein, a seal normally sealing the port, a body member having a bore extending therethrough, a connection member connecting the port of the compressed gas container to the body member adjacent the bore and in registration therewith, a piston member positioned in the bore and movable therein between a first position engaging the seal closing the port in the compressed gas container and a second position spaced from the seal, the piston member having a member thereon capable of rupturing the seal closing the port in the compressed gas container in the first position thereof, an outlet port through the body portion communicating the bore with an inlet opening of the inflatable member when the piston member is in the second position thereof, a piston engaging member positioned on the body member and movable between one position wherein the piston engaging member retains the piston member in the

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 device for automatically raising fish traps, crayfish pots, nets and the like comprises a tank containing pressurized gas connected through a control valve to an inflatable bladder. A control unit including a receiver and a solenoid driver is operable to open the valve, causing bladder inflation, when activated by a signal transmitted through the water or a timing mechanism. The control unit and valve are located within a watertight compartment of a housing connected to the tank. A pair of substantially flat frame members interconnect the housing to the tank. The frame members are mutually orthogonal and include identical cutouts defining a spherical inflation region. The bladder is positioned in the inflation region by upper and lower mounting sleeves. The upper sleeve includes a deflation valve and lift ring to provide automatic bladder deflation as the ring is engaged by surface personnel to raise the device from the water.

Abstract: An inflatable buoy assembly includes a flotation receptacle (12), a propellant breech (14), and an equipment container (16). These three components are designed for telescoping engagement and packaging in a single housing (78). When deployed, the breech is suspended below the flotation receptacle. The equipment container, in turn, is suspended below the propellant breech. As propellant gases escape from the breech, they rise through the water in which the assembly is submersed and are captured in a cavity (26) at the bottom of the flotation receptacle. The gases then pass through apertures in the bottom of the receptacle and are captured within the gas bag (24) forming part of the flotation receptacle.

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: 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 automatic inflation system for use as an emergency locating system which is activated by the severance of an initiator wire which in turn begins the operation of a transmitter and a timer. Following a period of time as determined by the timer, a pair of electrically activated pyrotechnic thrusters are actuated and cause the rupture of seals on a pair of compressed gas storage cylinders which in turn results in the inflation of two sections of a twin mast, raising a radio antenna and radar reflective material. A radio transmitter is also activated at the start of the time delay with an emergency locating signal broadcast from the antenna, after the mast is raised. This system provides improved means of locating missing equipment when searched for by radio search, radar search, and/or visual search.

Abstract: An air launchable sonobuoy having two separate liquid chemicals which react pon mixing to form an expanded, rigid foam flotation device. Upon deployment in the air, windflaps release a preloaded plate within a submersible housing and urge the chemicals to mix and foam in an elastic envelope. After water impact, an orifice in the housing permits water to fill the voids at a rate sufficient to allow the housing to remain afloat until foaming and erection of an antenna within the envelope is complete. As the envelope expands, a latch releases it from the housing and permits the housing when flooded to sink to the desired depth determined by the payout length of a cable within the housing connected to the flotation device.

Abstract: An impact apparatus responsive to a time rate of change of velocity of a housing is used to activate a system. A specific application of the invention fixes the housing to an aircraft body with an inertial member movably contained within the housing and uses the relative movement between the housing and inertial member upon impact to inflate and elevate a balloon above the aircraft.

Abstract: The invention concerns the design of an oil containment boom suitable particularly for stowage on a reel. The boom in its inflated condition, is of "T" section having double buoyancy chambers and a central skirt member. The boom utilizes a tension wire in its lower skirt region and an air pressurizing hose in its upper skirt above the buoyancy chambers. The geometry of the panels making up the chambers is arranged, together with the joints, to give a substantially flat deflated form. The air pressurizing hose and the tension wire are of comparable diameter each being of larger diameter than the maximum thickness of the deflated boom whereby undesirable folding and puckering of the boom material when wound up is accommodated in the lateral space between the hose and the wire.