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.

Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method, by which a gaseous chemical, e.g., hydrogen gas, can be retrieved by, stored within, and transported by, a low-cost autonomous vessel. The vessel is deployed, and operates, within a body of water. A submerged portion of the vessel is subjected to an ambient hydrostatic pressure that is used to compress the stored gases. A spar buoy that floats adjacent to a surface of the body of water regulates and stabilizes a depth of the submerged portion. A single pressure-tolerant chamber within the submerged portion is used to acquire gas from a gas provider and to equilibrate the pressure of the gas so acquired. The pressure-equilibrated and/or pressure-balanced gas is then drawn into a first gas storage tank through a venting of an approximately equal volume of another gas, e.g., air, from a second gas storage tank, resulting in a gas transfer at an approximately constant pressure. The processing and storage of acquired gases at pressures approximately equal to the ambient hydrostatic pressures permits the use of thin-walled tanks, and makes possible a low-cost gas acquisition, storage, and transportation, vessel.

Disclosed is an apparatus, system, and method, by which a gaseous chemical, e.g., hydrogen gas, can be retrieved by, stored within, and transported by, a low-cost autonomous vessel. The vessel is deployed, and operates, within a body of water. A submerged portion of the vessel is subjected to an ambient hydrostatic pressure that is used to compress the stored gases. A spar buoy that floats adjacent to a surface of the body of water regulates and stabilizes a depth of the submerged portion. A single pressure-tolerant chamber within the submerged portion is used to acquire gas from a gas provider and to equilibrate the pressure of the gas so acquired. The pressure-equilibrated and/or pressure-balanced gas is then drawn into a first gas storage tank through a venting of an approximately equal volume of another gas, e.g., air, from a second gas storage tank, resulting in a gas transfer at an approximately constant pressure. The processing and storage of acquired gases at pressures approximately equal to the ambient hydrostatic pressures permits the use of thin-walled tanks, and makes possible a low-cost gas acquisition, storage, and transportation, vessel.

A device having: a chamber having a gas inlet, a gas vent, and a liquid vent; and a float and a weight coupled to the chamber. The float has a lower density than the chamber. The weight has a higher density than the chamber. The aggregate density of the chamber, the float, and the weight is greater than the density of the chamber. The gas inlet, the gas vent, the liquid vent, the float, and the weight are positioned on the chamber such that: when the chamber is filled with and submerged in a liquid in which the chamber is neutrally-buoyant, the chamber is oriented to place the gas vent below the gas inlet; and when a gas is introduced through the gas inlet into the chamber that is filled with the liquid, the chamber pivots to raise the gas vent until a portion of the gas escapes from the chamber through only the gas vent.

The present invention relates to a decompression buoy (1) comprising an inflatable bag (2) having a main portion (4) defining a main inside volume (12) and a longitudinal opening portion (6) with a first end (14) leading to the main 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 main 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 main portion (4) defining a main inside volume (12) and a longitudinal opening portion (6) with a first end (14) leading to the main 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 main 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.

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.

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.