Connected to the computer, a proprietary-designed variable-buoyant device ("Profiler") and a sensor package of your choice collects data at preprogrammed depths along the water column. Data from these probes attached to the Profiler are transmitted to the embedded processor unit through a specially designed underwater cable.

R.U.S.S. can be customized to meet virtually ANY sensor needs. Commercially available sensors and multisensor probes from manufacturers like Greenspan, Sea-Bird, Wet Labs, Li-Cor, YSI, Hydrolab, Horiba, etc.

Data from other optional sensors such as air temperature, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, positioning device -GPS-, and power cell condition (voltage) are also acquired and stored by the processor unit.

Remotely accessed by wireless communication, users can program the unit for automatic operation, storage, and periodic downloading of data at any desired time.  The CPU unit receives, process, and stores data at pre-selected intervals. Data is then remotely downloaded when the land-base station contacts the unit or, if selected, when the unit contacts the land-station. If this latter approach is selected, the unit will call the base station at a selected time of the day/week/month.

A suite of high-efficiency solar panels charge sealed power batteries (OSHA approved for closed environments) maintaining power storage capacity.  The system includes on-board and end-user software (land base station and field operation).
 

How these systems work:

           Following are the steps occurring within R.U.S.S.. This series of steps occurs many times per
           second providing constant control of the underwater multisensor probe location by the surface unit:

                  1.The Pressure Sensor in the multisensor probe sends depth data to the on-board
                     computer (OBC).
                  2.The OBC compares current depth (CD) to desired programmed depth (PD).
                  3.The OBC modifies buoyancy of the profiler - Depth is constantly monitored and
                     velocity of the profiler calculated to achieve the PD in the shortest possible time.
                  4.When CD equals PD, the OBC waits for the sensors to reach equilibrium.
                  5.Once equilibrium is reached, the data is acquired by the OBC and stored in the
                     battery-backed static memory (SRAM).