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 support buoy for supporting subsea equipment, the buoy comprising: a hull; a generator unit contained within the hull; a utilities array contained within the hull; and an umbilical,
wherein the umbilical is adapted to provide services from the generator unit and the utilities array to the subsea equipment.

A support buoy for supporting subsea equipment, the buoy comprising: a hull; a generator unit contained within the hull; a utilities array contained within the hull; and an umbilical,
wherein the umbilical is adapted to provide services from the generator unit and the utilities array to the subsea equipment.

The invention is an apparatus unit that adjusts the dispersion from a compartment to an aqueous solution in response to an independent variable such as an environmental factor, in order to optimize seeding, marking, warning or treatment. The compartment enables any selection of solids, liquids or gasses to be contained and mixed when ready for dispersion. A preferred embodiment is a solar powered pump, self-contained within a buoy over a shallow tidal pool, for the purpose of distributing seeds for marine vegetation under ideal conditions for propagation. The unit provides for sensing and measurement of the environment, then adapting the dispersion for optimum effect.

Devices, buoys, kits, systems and methods for preventing small objects, such as but not limited to portable phones, money and keys from sinking in the water. A foam block buoy molded about a t-shaped plastic insert with an eyelet in a stem extending therefrom for attaching to a tether line. A phone foldable ring stand can be included with a peel and stick backing for being attached to a portable phone, that is attachable to the end of the tether line, wherein the float prevents the portable phone from sinking and becoming lost in water. A dry bag can be included to also be attachable to the tether line for keeping items from becoming wet and damaged. Additionally, a battery powered fishing lure, can be attached to the float or the line to allow the float buoy to be found in the dark.

Devices, buoys, kits, systems and methods for preventing small objects, such as but not limited to portable phones, money and keys from sinking in the water. A foam block buoy molded about a t-shaped plastic insert with an eyelet in a stem extending therefrom for attaching to a tether line. A phone foldable ring stand can be included with a peel and stick backing for being attached to a portable phone, that is attachable to the end of the tether line, wherein the float prevents the portable phone from sinking and becoming lost in water. A dry bag can be included to also be attachable to the tether line for keeping items from becoming wet and damaged. Additionally, a battery powered fishing lure, can be attached to the float or the line to allow the float buoy to be found in the dark.

A long-endurance self-powered ocean buoy includes a buoy body, a power generation device and a gas bag base; the power generation device is mounted at a lower end of the gas bag base and includes a housing, a first power generation assembly, a second power generation assembly and a storage battery; the first power generation assembly includes a plurality of mutually-communicated gas chambers, hydraulic bags and control integration units. The lowest gas chamber is filled with a volatile working medium which can generate gas pressure by volatilization to drive power generation fans in turbines on a vent pipe communicating adjacent gas chambers for power generation. The second power generation assembly includes a plurality of temperature difference energy modules with one end surrounded by a phase change material and the other end in contact with the housing, so as to increase the power generation efficiency.

A long-endurance self-powered ocean buoy includes a buoy body, a power generation device and a gas bag base; the power generation device is mounted at a lower end of the gas bag base and includes a housing, a first power generation assembly, a second power generation assembly and a storage battery; the first power generation assembly includes a plurality of mutually-communicated gas chambers, hydraulic bags and control integration units. The lowest gas chamber is filled with a volatile working medium which can generate gas pressure by volatilization to drive power generation fans in turbines on a vent pipe communicating adjacent gas chambers for power generation. The second power generation assembly includes a plurality of temperature difference energy modules with one end surrounded by a phase change material and the other end in contact with the housing, so as to increase the power generation efficiency.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a water pumping system. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a solar electric powered, siphon-capable water pumping systems specifically configured for use in rooftop and other applications having similar need and conditions. Advantageously, a water pumping system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is configured to prevent pooling of water in low-lying areas of a roof and thereby limits the potential for damage to the roof and underlying structure that could otherwise result from such pooling of the water.