Underwater retrieval device and rewinding systems

An underwater retrieval system comprising:

• an underwater retrieval device comprising:
• an outer frame configured to be operatively connected to a buoyancy means;
• an inner frame rotatably mounted to the outer frame;
• and
• a shaft coupler accessible from an outside of the outer frame, the shaft coupler being configured to engage in rotation the inner frame within the outer frame;
• and
• a rewinding device comprising:
• a frame having an underwater retrieval device receiving section;
• a rotatable coupler configured to engage with the shaft coupler of the underwater retrieval device received in the underwater retrieval device receiving section of the frame;
• and
• an actuating means to rotate the rotatable coupler.

An underwater retrieval device comprising:

• an outer frame configured to be operatively connected to a buoyancy means;
• an inner frame rotatably mounted inside the outer frame, the inner frame being configured to receive a cable disposed around an outside thereof;
• a locking mechanism selectively configurable in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism comprising a locking lever pivotally connected to the outer frame and a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is engaged with the inner frame in the locked configuration of the locking mechanism and disengaged from the inner frame when in the unlocked configuration of the locking mechanism, the locking lever being biased away from the inner frame or the outer frame;
• and
• a controller including an external signal sensor and being operatively connected to the locking mechanism to selectively configure the locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration in response to an external signal received by the external signal sensor.

A method of retrieving an underwater instrument, the method comprising:

• deploying the underwater instrument with an underwater retrieval device, the underwater retrieval device comprising:
• a buoyancy means;
• a cable reel operatively connected to the buoyancy means;
• a locking mechanism configured to engage with the cable reel when in a locked configuration and disengage from the cable reel to move into an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism comprising:
• a locking lever in a pivotal relationship with and biased away from the cable reel;
• and a locking pin, wherein the locking pin is engaged with the cable reel in the locked configuration and disengaged from the cable reel when in the unlocked configuration;
• a release mechanism operatively connected to the locking mechanism;
• and
• a controller configured to receive an external signal from a boat unit, the controller being in data communication with the release mechanism and configured to send an unlocking signal to the release mechanism in response to the external signal, wherein the release mechanism is configured to disengage the locking mechanism from the cable reel when the unlocking signal is received from the controller;
• sending the external signal to the controller via the boat unit;
• and
• retrieving the underwater instrument via the underwater retrieval device.