Remotely actuated marker buoy

Abstract

The remotely actuated marker buoy is releasably tethered to, or immediately adjacent to, a maritime animal trap (e.g., crab trap, lobster pot, etc.) or other submerged object requiring recovery. The operator (fisherman, etc.) uses a transmitter to send a signal to a receiver at the trap to release the buoy when trap recovery is desired. The buoy is tethered to the trap, enabling the fisherman to sight the buoy when it rises to the surface and thus recover the trap by drawing up the tether. The transmitter may include an authentication code requirement to prevent another party from recovering the trap if the transmitter is stolen. The system may include a reply transmitter at the trap to provide a signal if the trap is empty and cancel the release of the buoy. The operator may override this recovery cancellation, if desired.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a continuation of my prior application Ser. No. 13 / 288,025, filed Nov. 2, 2011, now pending.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to devices and systems for locating geographical positions and objects, and particularly to a remotely actuated marker buoy for maritime use.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Commercial and other seamen often have need to place an object on the bottom of a body of water, or at least at some depth below the surface. An example of such is the placement of crab traps, lobster pots, and / or other marine animal traps (i.e., “fish traps”) on the bottom of a body of water. Conventionally, such traps are placed in what appears to be a likely location to make a catch, and left in place for a few days. The fisherman then returns to recover the trap and retrieve the catch (if any) therein.[0006]Traditionally, such traps are marked by floats tethered...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is about a marker buoy that can be remotely released from a fishing trap to make it easier to recover the trap. The buoy has a way to prevent unauthorized people from accessing the trap. If there is no catch in the trap, the buoy will not be released. This invention helps with fishing more efficiently and safely.

Problems solved by technology

Thus, even though another party may gain access to the transmitter, the transmitter cannot be used to recover the submerged trap without knowledge of the proper password or code.

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