A submersible buoy adapted to be attached to a submersible object via a line is disclosed with a central body having a first end and a second end axially spaced apart, the central body adapted to have the line wound therearound. A first and a second floater units are connected to the ends of the central body and have a first buoyancy and a second buoyancy being of a value relative to the first buoyancy such that a total buoyancy force exerted on the submersible buoy, at equilibrium when submerged, is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the buoy. A line release mechanism includes a line retention device operable between a closed position and a released position, retaining the line to prevent unwinding of the line, and releasing the line to allow the line to unwind, the line release mechanism being operatively linked to a controller unit controllable remotely for remote actuation of the line release mechanism.

A magnetic release mechanism for use with underwater fishing equipment includes a base plate having a slot for receiving a buckle, and a recess for receiving a release plate. A permanent magnet positioned proximate the recess generates a first magnetic field for magnetically coupling the release plate to the base plate. An electromagnetic coil positioned proximate the permanent magnet is configured to selectively generate a second magnetic field when energized. A magnetic field sensor is positioned proximate the recess. A controller is operatively coupled to the magnetic field sensor. The controller may be configured to monitor the magnetic field sensor to detect the presence of a third magnetic field and, in response to detecting the presence of a third magnetic field, output a signal indicating that the release plate is magnetically secured within the recess.

A system is for monitoring subsea parameters and is deployable in a water column. The system has: a tether to be moored to a seabed; a variable buoyancy member; one or more sensor units for sensing one or more subsea parameters; and a control unit. The control unit has a communication member for receiving data from the sensor unit(s) and for transmitting the data wirelessly to a remote recipient. The variable buoyancy member is adapted to move the communication member between a submerged position and a surface position for the wireless transmittal of data. The control unit is adapted to control the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy member. A non-variable buoyancy member is connected at an upper portion of the tether. The submerged position of the communication member is below the position of the non-variable buoyancy member. A method is for monitoring subsea parameters.

A system is for monitoring subsea parameters and is deployable in a water column. The system has: a tether to be moored to a seabed; a variable buoyancy member; one or more sensor units for sensing one or more subsea parameters; and a control unit. The control unit has a communication member for receiving data from the sensor unit(s) and for transmitting the data wirelessly to a remote recipient. The variable buoyancy member is adapted to move the communication member between a submerged position and a surface position for the wireless transmittal of data. The control unit is adapted to control the buoyancy of the variable buoyancy member. A non-variable buoyancy member is connected at an upper portion of the tether. The submerged position of the communication member is below the position of the non-variable buoyancy member. A method is for monitoring subsea parameters.

A system and method for sending instrument data from a sub-surface activity, such as data collection by one or more sensors, to another location, e.g., a satellite, a ground-based location, a vessel, etc., with minimal time exposure and minimal visibility of any system components at the water surface. Exemplary embodiments include a motorized payout-and-retrieval system or device, an air injection device, and a water-level sensor with automation control that together can be used to move a vessel, connected to an antenna, from a position in the water column in which the antenna is below the surface to a higher position in which the antenna is at or above the surface for data transmission.

A system and method for sending instrument data from a sub-surface activity, such as data collection by one or more sensors, to another location, e.g., a satellite, a ground-based location, a vessel, etc., with minimal time exposure and minimal visibility of any system components at the water surface. Exemplary embodiments include a motorized payout-and-retrieval system or device, an air injection device, and a water-level sensor with automation control that together can be used to move a vessel, connected to an antenna, from a position in the water column in which the antenna is below the surface to a higher position in which the antenna is at or above the surface for data transmission.

The invention is a system comprising an electrically controlled valve and subsystems that convert sound to electrical signals such that they can be compared to stored control signatures, and when a match occurs, convey a commensurate control signal to the valve. The valve also contains sensors for its state as well as pressure. That data is converted to sound signals and conveyed to remote sound-to-electric transducers. The invention permits remote control of underwater systems without wires that could include control, valve-state, valve pressure, depth, and location.

Power generating equipment includes a support structure adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water having a surface above the bed; and a buoyant power generating apparatus having positive buoyancy releasably connectable to the support structure, the power generating apparatus being adapted to be released from the support structure and to make controlled free ascent to the surface of the water following such release.

Power generating equipment includes a support structure adapted to be disposed on the bed of a body of water having a surface above the bed; and a buoyant power generating apparatus having positive buoyancy releasably connectable to the support structure, the power generating apparatus being adapted to be released from the support structure and to make controlled free ascent to the surface of the water following such release.

A signal buoy (1) for retrieval of submerged objects, the signal buoy line's cross section has an aspect ratio greater than two and two tenths to one and preferably greater than four to one. In some aspect the signal buoy line includes conductors so as to permit communicating with submerged objects. In other aspects, the present disclosure teaches a combination of a signal buoy and a buoyant fiber mooring rope storage structure for storing submerged in a body of water and above a seabed or other bottom of the body of water a fiber mooring rope for future retrieval.