Sustained release water marking device for search and rescue
OwnerCalvin Collinsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A device that can provide sustained release of a detectable marker into a surrounding body of water as well as methods of forming the device and methods of using the device. The devices and methods can be utilized to locate people or vessels, e.g., by search and rescue personnel, following the disabling of air or water vessels of any type or size on/in a body of water. The devices include multiple, separated layers that each include a detectable marker, e.g., a fluorescent dye. The dye-containing layers are separated from one another and sequentially released over a predetermined controlled period of time and as such the device can continue to release a detectable marker over an extended period of time into surrounding water.
Claims21
A device for providing sustained release of a detectable marker in a body of water comprising:
- a container;
- a first layer within the container, the first layer comprising a first detectable marker;
- a second layer within the container, the second layer comprising a second detectable marker admixed with a first buoyant, dissolvable matrix;
- and
- an intermediate layer separating the first and second layers, the intermediate layer comprising a first sub-layer and a second sub-layer, the first sub-layer comprising a water-absorbent material, the second sub-layer comprising an effervescent material that forms a gas upon contact with water.
A method for forming a water marking device comprising:
- forming a first layer in a container, the first layer comprising a first detectable marker admixed with a first buoyant, dissolvable matrix;
- forming a first sub-layer adjacent to the first layer, the first sub-layer comprising an effervescent material that forms a gas upon contact with water;
- forming a second sub-layer adjacent to the first sub-layer such that the first sub-layer is between the first layer and the second sub-layer, the second sub-layer comprising a water-absorbent material;
- and
- forming a second layer adjacent to the second sub-layer such that the first and second sub-layers are between the first and second layers, the second layer comprising a second detectable marker.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.