A device comprises a spring and a sleeve. The spring is configured to form a closed loop. The spring is moveable between a coiled configuration when the spring is collapsed and an uncoiled configuration when the spring is expanded. The spring defines a circumference while in the uncoiled configuration. The spring is disposed within the sleeve.

An underwater utility line, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The underwater utility line can include an adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can also include a transmission line to transfer energy disposed in an interior of the adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can further include a gas source and a controller to control the gas provided by the gas source to alter the buoyancy of the adjustably buoyant tube.

An underwater utility line, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. The underwater utility line can include an adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can also include a transmission line to transfer energy disposed in an interior of the adjustably buoyant tube. The underwater utility line can further include a gas source and a controller to control the gas provided by the gas source to alter the buoyancy of the adjustably buoyant tube.

The invention relates to a device for the exploration of the ocean space, intended to be fixed to a boat, the exploration device comprising a support that is able to receive one or more users in a lying position, a deployment means, said deployment means making it possible to position the support in a given position under the water such that, when the support is in said given position under the water, said one or more users can lie down on the support, being partially immersed, and fixing means for maintaining the support in the given position under the water.

The invention relates to a device for the exploration of the ocean space, intended to be fixed to a boat, the exploration device comprising a support that is able to receive one or more users in a lying position, a deployment means, said deployment means making it possible to position the support in a given position under the water such that, when the support is in said given position under the water, said one or more users can lie down on the support, being partially immersed, and fixing means for maintaining the support in the given position under the water.

A variable buoyancy platform including a support frame having a plurality of bottom pontoons fixedly mounted to a bottom side thereof. Each bottom pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A plurality of top pontoons are fixedly mounted to a top side of the support frame. Each top pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a top pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A bottom air supply conduit system is connected to the at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port of each bottom pontoon. The bottom air supply conduit system includes at least an air supply valve for controlling air flow therethrough and a connector adapted for being connected to a pressurized air supply. At least a top pontoon air valve is connected to the at least a top pontoon air conduit port of each top pontoon. The at least a top pontoon air valve enables controlling ambient air flow therethrough.

A variable buoyancy platform including a support frame having a plurality of bottom pontoons fixedly mounted to a bottom side thereof. Each bottom pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A plurality of top pontoons are fixedly mounted to a top side of the support frame. Each top pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a top pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A bottom air supply conduit system is connected to the at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port of each bottom pontoon. The bottom air supply conduit system includes at least an air supply valve for controlling air flow therethrough and a connector adapted for being connected to a pressurized air supply. At least a top pontoon air valve is connected to the at least a top pontoon air conduit port of each top pontoon. The at least a top pontoon air valve enables controlling ambient air flow therethrough.

A variable buoyancy platform including a support frame having a plurality of bottom pontoons fixedly mounted to a bottom side thereof. Each bottom pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A plurality of top pontoons are fixedly mounted to a top side of the support frame. Each top pontoon includes at least an opening disposed in a bottom portion thereof and at least a top pontoon air conduit port disposed in a top portion thereof. A bottom air supply conduit system is connected to the at least a bottom pontoon air conduit port of each bottom pontoon. The bottom air supply conduit system includes at least an air supply valve for controlling air flow therethrough and a connector adapted for being connected to a pressurized air supply. At least a top pontoon air valve is connected to the at least a top pontoon air conduit port of each top pontoon. The at least a top pontoon air valve enables controlling ambient air flow therethrough.