A salvaging device, particularly for a personal device such as a smartphone dropped into a body of water. A housing has an opening and a gas cartridge. A triggering mechanism is further packed within the housing, which includes a lever arm. A main spring is above the lever arm cocking the lever arm in a downward position. A plunger is aligned with the gas cartridge. A water-soluble retainer abuts the lever, wherein upon the retainer dissolving in a water environment, the main spring recoils to thereby unload the plunger into the gas cartridge such that gas can exit the opening. A balloon is connected at the opening inflatable by the gas to thereby provide a buoyancy force to the handheld device upon inflation.

A floatation device includes a body transformable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. A stiffener assembly is movable between a first position and a second position. The stiffener assembly is biased into the second position. The stiffener assembly is operably coupled to the body such that movement of the stiffener assembly between the first position and the second position causes the body to transform between the retracted position and the extended position. During the transformation of the body between the retracted position and the extended position, a partial vacuum is created within the body to inflate the floatation device.

Buoyant sensor networks are described, comprising floating buoys with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities. The buoys can control their buoyancy and motion, and can organize communication in a distributed fashion. Some buoys may have tethered underwater vehicles with a smart spooling system that allows the vehicles to dive deep underwater while remaining in communication and connection with the buoys.

Buoyant sensor networks are described, comprising floating buoys with sensors and energy harvesting capabilities. The buoys can control their buoyancy and motion, and can organize communication in a distributed fashion. Some buoys may have tethered underwater vehicles with a smart spooling system that allows the vehicles to dive deep underwater while remaining in communication and connection with the buoys.

The present invention relates to a decompression buoy (1) comprising an inflatable bag (2) having a tubular portion (4) defining a an inside volume (12) and a longitudinal opening portion (6) with a first end (14) leading to the inside volume (12) and a second end (16) leading to the outside. The opening portion (6) thus enables gas to flow between the outside and the inside volume (12). The opening portion (6) includes a throat (18) of transverse dimension that is smaller than the transverse dimension of the first end (14), and the second end (16) is adapted to receive the end of a diving regulator.

The present invention relates to a decompression buoy (1) comprising an inflatable bag (2) having a tubular portion (4) defining a an inside volume (12) and a longitudinal opening portion (6) with a first end (14) leading to the inside volume (12) and a second end (16) leading to the outside. The opening portion (6) thus enables gas to flow between the outside and the inside volume (12). The opening portion (6) includes a throat (18) of transverse dimension that is smaller than the transverse dimension of the first end (14), and the second end (16) is adapted to receive the end of a diving regulator.

A water flotation device and floating audio devices are disclosed herein. In an example, a flotation apparatus for supporting a portable audio device on water includes an inflatable flotation device including at least one compartment configured to securely contain an audio device. The at least one compartment is configured to enable the audio device to be inserted and removed from the at least one compartment. The flotation apparatus also includes at least one air valve configured for inflating and deflating the inflatable flotation device and at least one connection point. The at least one connection point is configured to connect to at least one line that is configured to be connected to at least one anchor. The inflatable flotation device is configured to float on a surface of a body of water and securely contain the audio device in the at least one compartment.

A water flotation device and floating audio devices are disclosed herein. In an example, a flotation apparatus for supporting a portable audio device on water includes an inflatable flotation device including at least one compartment configured to securely contain an audio device. The at least one compartment is configured to enable the audio device to be inserted and removed from the at least one compartment. The flotation apparatus also includes at least one air valve configured for inflating and deflating the inflatable flotation device and at least one connection point. The at least one connection point is configured to connect to at least one line that is configured to be connected to at least one anchor. The inflatable flotation device is configured to float on a surface of a body of water and securely contain the audio device in the at least one compartment.

A method of measuring seismic signals generated by marine acoustic sources includes deploying at least one seismic sensor unit to a location on a floor of a body of water within a survey area, and recording seismic signals that include a real measured far field signature generated by a seismic source during a marine seismic survey. The method further includes automatically actuating a retrieval device to cause the at least one seismic sensor unit to rise to the surface, in response to expiration of the selected time period or an actuation signal from the surface, retrieving the at least one seismic sensor unit from the surface, and processing seismic data collected from the return signal. Processing including identifying a far field signature of the seismic source based on the signals detected by the seismic sensor, and designaturing the seismic data based on the far field signature.

An underwater object retrieval device for selective deployment to retrieve underwater objects includes an inflation unit that is configured to inflate upon command. A coupler is configured for coupling to an object to be placed underwater. A tether line has a first end, which is coupled to the inflation unit, and a second end, which is coupled to the coupler. A line storage unit is coupled to the tether line proximate to the second end. The line storage unit is positioned to house the tether line, such that the tether line is extensible from the line storage unit. The inflation unit is positioned to inflate upon user directed command, such that the inflation unit is buoyant. The tether line is extended from the line storage unit, such that the inflation unit reaches the water surface. The tether line is configured for retrieving the object to the surface.