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.
#$%^&*AU2018101580A420181129.pdf#####ABSTRACT 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 waters 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 software application allows the release date and time for the device to be set, the recording of the latitude and longitude where a device is deployed and displaying the location of deployed devices relative to the users location on a map.1/2 DRAWINGS A2 A6 A5 A4 A1 A7 A3 Figure 1
