US Patent 7456551 - Submersible marine microsensor module

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7456551.html

Most sensors used in underwater exploration can be bulky and have limited maneuverability and sample size requirements. This patent based on a collaboration between the University of Florida and the University of Arkansas teaches using piezoelectric microsensors to facilitate miniaturize of the exploration equipment in use. Claim 1 reads:

1. A submersible marine micro-sensor module comprising:

a main body housing an intelligence module;

at least one piezoelectric shaker coupled to the main body;

a communication port coupled to the main body and in communication with the intelligence module;

at least one marine micro-sensor coupled to the main body and in communication with the intelligence module; and

a battery module to supply power to the intelligence module, the piezoelectric shaker, the communication port and the at least one micro marine-sensor.