Low or no disturbance sampling can be accomplished such as through a single-platform aquatic species and habitat sampling system with data integration and rapid processing capabilities that can address the need for sampling at variable depths over varied habitats, along with the simultaneous collection of linked physical and biological data. The platform may be based on a 24-36 foot boat, and may include a net mouth opener brace for an adjustable concentrator net and smaller drift net which may be attached to an adjustable sample chamber, perhaps containing variable mesh capture nets as well as cameras, water sampling equipment, and water quality sensors integrated with a fish finder, GPS, and other monitoring and data recording equipment. The depth of the net mouth opener brace and sample chamber may be adjustable using a depth control.

Structures, systems and methods are disclosed for navigating a vessel, typically through the waterways of a single urban region (e.g., San Francisco Bay), that can be used as a floating structure for residences or offices, for independent parties. Also disclosed are structures, systems and methods for navigating such a vessel that minimize energy use while satisfying the logistical needs of parties using the vessel, as well as satisfying laws that restrict the movement and location of navigable structures. Also disclosed are structures, systems and methods for navigating such a vessel that satisfy laws that regulate the environmental impact of a such vessel, and that ensures the safety and health of people using this vessel.

Structures, systems and methods are disclosed for navigating a vessel, typically through the waterways of a single urban region (e.g., San Francisco Bay), that can be used as a floating structure for residences or offices, for independent parties. Also disclosed are structures, systems and methods for navigating such a vessel that minimize energy use while satisfying the logistical needs of parties using the vessel, as well as satisfying laws that restrict the movement and location of navigable structures. Also disclosed are structures, systems and methods for navigating such a vessel that satisfy laws that regulate the environmental impact of a such vessel, and that ensures the safety and health of people using this vessel.

A lifting device for lifting and holding a small watercraft in a fixed position and that includes a support structure and a lifting mechanism. The support structure supports the lifting mechanism in a body of water, usually with some form of flotation device. The lifting mechanism is movable between a raised position that holds the watercraft steady and in a fixed position and a lowered position in which the watercraft is floating in the water. A handle bar assembly allows a user to maneuver the lifting mechanism between the positions.

A lifting device for lifting and holding a small watercraft in a fixed position and that includes a support structure and a lifting mechanism. The support structure supports the lifting mechanism in a body of water, usually with some form of flotation device. The lifting mechanism is movable between a raised position that holds the watercraft steady and in a fixed position and a lowered position in which the watercraft is floating in the water. A handle bar assembly allows a user to maneuver the lifting mechanism between the positions.

A water-propelled or water-powered unmanned aerial vehicle including a base configured to carry a payload, and at least one nozzle attached thereto. The at least one nozzle is configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid from a source located remotely from the vehicle. The vehicle includes a control system configured to alter or otherwise selectively dictate the flow of fluid through the at least one nozzle and/or the orientation of the at least one nozzle with respect to the base in response to a received control signal for providing controlled unmanned vehicle flight.

A water-propelled or water-powered unmanned aerial vehicle including a base configured to carry a payload, and at least one nozzle attached thereto. The at least one nozzle is configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid from a source located remotely from the vehicle. The vehicle includes a control system configured to alter or otherwise selectively dictate the flow of fluid through the at least one nozzle and/or the orientation of the at least one nozzle with respect to the base in response to a received control signal for providing controlled unmanned vehicle flight.

A pneumatically controlled shellfish aquaculture apparatus is provided. A frame has containers for holding shellfish secured to the top side of the frame and tanks secured to the bottom side of the frame. Each tank has an air supply line connected to the tank and an opening on the bottom side of the tank. Each air supply line is connected to a manifold for controlling airflow to the tanks. Air is used to displace water in the tanks by pushing the water out of the openings in the bottom of the tanks in order to float the frame. To submerge the frame, the tanks are depressurized to allow water to displace the air in the tanks. When floating, the tanks lift the frame and the containers out of the water to allow air desiccation in order to prevent bio-fouling of the equipment and shellfish.

The present invention relates to a lifting device for lifting an upper part of a sea platform, the sea platform comprising a support structure and a top side, the lifting device being constructed to be positioned on a lifting vessel, the lifting device comprising: a base frame constructed to rest on the lifting vessel, at least one console frame connected to the base frame via a flexible connection system, a suspension system connected to the console frame and comprising a leg connector, wherein the suspension system is constructed to allow freedom of movement of the leg connector relative to the console frame, wherein the flexible connection system forms a flexible connection between the console frame and the base frame and allows a predetermined movement of the console frame.

A rapid water ambulance for transport of patients, comprising a sick bay solidly constrained to a structure of the water ambulance and support apparatus (10) for a stretcher, the support apparatus (10) comprises: a support column (20), a carriage (30) slidable along the column (20) in the direction of the axis (A) thereof, a support plane (11) for a stretcher, borne projectingly by the carriage (30) and solidly constrained thereto, a damped suspension device (33), constrained to the carriage (30) and to the column (20), which supports the support plane (11) at an operating height, wherein the axis (A) of the support column (20) is inclined with respect to the perpendicular direction to a floor (P) plane of the sick bay and lies in a vertical plane parallel to the motion direction of the water ambulance.