Patent ID: 7586809

Claim:
A data sensing and recording apparatus for deployment into a body of water defining a floor, said apparatus comprising: a sensor comprising: a body adapted to house sensor electronics; and a plurality of feet disposed on or adjacent to said body, each of said feet defining a projection adapted to enhance mechanical coupling of the sensor with a floor of a body of water; a recorder unit; and an articulated connector affixed at one end to the sensor and at an opposite end to the recorder unit, the articulated connector being configured to bend within a limited range of movement, wherein the limited range of movement defines bending to a maximum of 90°, and not more than 90°, wherein when the apparatus free-falls through the body of water and lands on the floor, limited bending of the articulated connector induces separation between the sensor and the recorder unit, and the articulated connector substantially vibrationally de-couples the sensor from the recorder unit.