An electronic timer-driven float release device that allows floats to be attached directly to crustacean pots, cages or fish traps and to release the floats when a predetermined date and time is reached. The float release device has wireless communication capability and the release date and time can be programmed using a software application on mobile phones or tablets.
The disclosed float release device allows floats that are tethered to crustacean pots, cages or fish traps to be directly attached to the crustacean pot, cage or fish trap via an electronic timer-driven release mechanism (Al) so that the floats (A2) are temporarily submerged with the pot, cage or trap (A3). When the pre-determined date and time is reached, the battery-operated electronic timer (B2) in the device transmits power to an electric actuator (B3) which applies force to a pivot (B8) to release the snap-shackle (B10) that connects the floats to the pot, cage or trap via a short length of rope (A4). When the release mechanism is opened, the buoyancy of the floats allows them to float back to the water's surface, pulling the longer length of rope (A5) that tethers the floats to the pot, cage or trap with them. The electronic timer in the device has wireless communication capability and is programmed through a software application installed on mobile devices such as mobile telephones or tablets. The soft
