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.

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.

Disclosed is a sonobuoy that houses at least one unmanned vehicle that may be launched from the sonobuoy. The sonobuoy may include a canister, a parachute, an unmanned vehicle, and a launch mechanism. The parachute may be disposed within an interior cavity of the canister proximate to a first end of the canister. The unmanned vehicle may be disposed within the interior cavity of the canister proximate to a second end of the canister. The launch mechanism may be disposed within the interior cavity of the canister and operatively coupled to the unmanned vehicle. The launch mechanism may be configured to launch the unmanned vehicle from the canister. The sonobuoy may further include a launch deployment mechanism that may be configured to orient the canister with respect to a surface after the sonobuoy impacts the surface in order to facilitate the launch of the unmanned vehicle.

Disclosed is a sonobuoy that houses at least one unmanned vehicle that may be launched from the sonobuoy. The sonobuoy may include a canister, a parachute, an unmanned vehicle, and a launch mechanism. The parachute may be disposed within an interior cavity of the canister proximate to a first end of the canister. The unmanned vehicle may be disposed within the interior cavity of the canister proximate to a second end of the canister. The launch mechanism may be disposed within the interior cavity of the canister and operatively coupled to the unmanned vehicle. The launch mechanism may be configured to launch the unmanned vehicle from the canister. The sonobuoy may further include a launch deployment mechanism that may be configured to orient the canister with respect to a surface after the sonobuoy impacts the surface in order to facilitate the launch of the unmanned vehicle.

An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.

An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.

A method of providing buoyancy to a subsea structure such as a pipeline bundle comprises attaching to the structure a rigid elongate buoyancy tube that defines a floodable envelope. The envelope is arranged to contain a mass of buoyant macrospheres. Multiple openings penetrate a tubular wall of the buoyancy tube, in fluid communication with a void that extends between the macrospheres inside the tube. The void floods via the openings when the buoyancy tube is submerged, whereupon the macrospheres apply buoyant upthrust to the surrounding buoyancy tube and hence to the subsea structure to which the tube is rigidly attached.

An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.

An apparatus includes a structure comprising a predetermined breakable region and a mechanical actuator disposed at or proximate the predetermined breakable region. The mechanical actuator comprises an impact member coupled to a spring arrangement, and a restraint member operably coupled to the spring arrangement. A trigger source is operably coupled to an electrical power source. The trigger source, in response to receiving current from the electrical power source, is configured to release or break the restraint member so as to allow the spring arrangement to forcibly move the impact member into contact with, and break, the predetermined breakable region.

A subsea fluid storage system comprises: a seabed foundation; a tensile member such as a pipe or a wire extending upwardly from the foundation; and a subsea buoy applying buoyant upthrust to support the tensile member in an upright orientation. At least one fluid storage container is disposed between the foundation and the buoy. The or each container may be disposed around the tensile member, for example with the tensile member extending through the container. The container has at least one inlet or outlet for fluid communication with a source or a consumer of fluid to be stored in the container.