| 摘要 |
A retrievable and submersible buoy (10) which is adapted to be retained below the surface of a mass of water, and to be subsequently released to allow ascent to the surface, while being tethered to an underwater mooring (22). The buoy comprises a body (16, 17) having positive buoyancy such that, when below the surface, the buoyancy urges the buoy towards the surface. The buoy also comprises a spool (19) capable of having at least a portion of the length of the tether (20) wound thereon, and a releasable holding mechanism (24, 28) capable of preventing the tether (20) from unwinding from the spool (19) while the buoy is restrained below the surface, while also being capable of allowing the tether (20) to unwind from the spool (19) at a predetermined time for ascent of the buoy to the surface. The buoy may then be retrieved from the surface, and if desired the underwater mooring (22) may be raised by raising the tether (20). |
