A device useful in training marine mammals is disclosed as having an inflatable bladder which, when inflated, increases the hydrodynamic drag and buoyancy of the marine mammal. The device is characterized by having an inactive position having low hydrodynamic drag and negative buoyancy and an activated position which has a relatively high hydrodynamic drag and positive buoyancy. A source of gas under pressure, for example a gas cartridge, is connected so as to inflate the bladder means upon a predetermined interval of exposure to salt water. The inflation of the bladder is controlled by a water soluble washer which restrains a spring loaded plunger from penetrating the gas filled cartridge.
A recovery system for attaching a line to an underwater object includes a cially worn tool holder adapted to be carried by an underwater mammal which supports a surface engaging tool at the forward end thereof. A signalling mechanism is also included to be actuated on attachment of a tool to an underwater object.
An acquatic retrieval apparatus is provided which includes a flotation bag, gas pressure bottle which is associated with the flotation bag for inflating the bag, a puncturing device connected to the pressure bottle for puncturing the bottle to let the pressurized gas into the bag, a timer connected to the puncturing device for activating the puncturing device so as to puncture the bottle after a predetermined time, and an on-off switch adapted to be connected to a power source for applying power to the timer when the switch is turned on.
A weight belt for maintaining the vertical orientation of a fish which has been rapidly taken from a significant depth and placed in shallow water without time to adjust the amount of air in its air bladder. The belt is placed around the fish between the dorsal fin and the pectoral fins, and has weights at the underside of the fish to maintain its vertical orientation by gravity.
A harness for towing a sea mammal includes a first strap which extends around the body of the mammal at a point between the head and tail of the mammal. A second strap is secured to the first strap and extends along the port side of the mammal to a point forward of the mammal's head. A third strap is secured to the first strap and extends along the starboard side of the mammal to a point forward of the mammal's head. A fourth strap is secured to the second and third straps and extends between the straps and below the head of the mammal, whereby towing the mammal with the mammal's head in an elevated position may be accomplished by pulling the second and third straps.
