Patent ID: 9168990
Filing Date: 2015-10-27
Classification: B63B,B63G,G01C

Abstract:
1. A variable buoyancy profiling float, comprising: a spherical glass housing comprising a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere, wherein the first and second hemispheres are coupled by a partial vacuum within the spherical glass housing; a buoyancy engine located at least partially within the spherical glass housing, the buoyancy engine configured to provide variable buoyancy control to the variable buoyancy profiling float, and wherein the buoyancy engine comprises a hydraulic buoyancy system and a pneumatic buoyancy system; and a sensor bundle configured to measure at least one environmental parameter; and wherein the partial vacuum within the spherical glass housing comprises an air supply for the pneumatic buoyancy system and the partial vacuum is configured to maintain a sufficient vacuum pressure to seal the first hemisphere and the second hemisphere of the spherical glass housing.