Abstract: A firefighting nozzle comprises an elongated barrel having a inlet opening at one end for engaging a source of fluid under pressure and a discharge opening at an opposite end for engaging a discharge element for dispensing the fluid under pressure. A valve arrangement includes a slide valve element slidably mounted within the barrel for reciprocating movement along the length of the barrel to adjust the flow of fluid through the barrel. The nozzle includes a pistol grip trigger assembly mounted on the barrel that includes a segment gear pivotably for engaging a toothed surface of the slide valve element so that rotation of the segment gear causes reciprocation of the slide valve element. A four-bar linkage arrangement is incorporated between a manually actuated trigger to translate depressing the trigger to controllable reciprocation of the slide valve element.

Abstract: A new haptic flow indicator has a spinner that is mounted for rotation and provides a discernable haptic feedback to a firefighter when liquid flow through the indicator falls in a selected range.

Abstract: A portable remote controlled fire-fighting valve has a central chamber in a main valve body, an inlet that connects to a hydrant, an outlet that connects to a fire hose, a valve mechanism that has a seating surface that seats against part of the device to open and close a flow channel through the central chamber, and a remote controller that enables an operator to selectively open and close the flow channel. The valve mechanism uses a piston that is mounted for axial movement within the central chamber. The piston has an annular wall that slides against an outer edge of a lateral chamber surface that is fixed in position within the main valve body. A spring biases the piston to the closed position. In the open position, water from the inlet flows around the piston, over its peripheral surface, to the outlet. A pressure chamber is formed between a lateral surface that is fixed in position within the valve body and a movable interior surface on the piston.

Abstract: A portable remote controlled fire-fighting valve has a central chamber in a main valve body, an inlet that connects to a hydrant, an outlet that connects to a fire hose, a valve mechanism that has a seating surface that seats against part of the device to open and close a flow channel through the central chamber, and a remote controller that enables an operator to selectively open and close the flow channel. The valve mechanism uses a piston that is mounted for axial movement within the central chamber. The piston has an annular wall that slides against an outer edge of a lateral chamber surface that is fixed in position within the main valve body. A spring biases the piston to the closed position. In the open position, water from the inlet flows around the piston, over its peripheral surface, to the outlet. A pressure chamber is formed between a lateral surface that is fixed in position within the valve body and a movable interior surface on the piston.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing couplings or fittings to the ends of hose of the type that has a smooth cylindrical interior and a spiral-reinforcing bead in conjunction with a more flexible hose body. The present invention relates to a segmented binding strip that is molded or cast in a generally opened or flat condition and is subsequently wrapped around the hose thus forming a generally cylindrical shape to fit the circumference of the hose when installed. Each segment is relatively rigid but is articulated or hinged to adjacent segments with a thinner hinge section allowing the entire binding strip to be bent in a circular form as it is wrapped around the hose. Once wrapped around the hose the binding strip is secured or bound to retain the coupling or fitting to the hose.

Abstract: An eductor assembly includes an inlet connectable to a high pressure water source useful in firefighting, an outlet connectable to a fire hose and/or nozzle, and a venturi therebetween. An additive inlet communicates with the venturi so that a chemical additive, such as a foam concentrate, is educed into the output stream. A check valve is positioned at the additive inlet to open under venturi flow conditions and remain closed otherwise. An actuator is provided that holds the check valve in its open position while water flows through the eductor assembly under non-venturi conditions to produce a back flow through the additive inlet and ultimately through the additive fluid circuit, including the additive metering valve components. A return element may be disposed within the eductor body to return the check valve to its closed position when the back flow ceases.

Abstract: The invention is an improvement in a disc and a handle for the receiver section of a fire fighting nozzle. Together, this disc and handle facilitate the opening and closing of a fire nozzle assembly, for permitting and preventing, respectively, the discharge of fire extinguishing fluids from that nozzle. The improvement of the present invention results from the use of a one-piece disc with generally resilient arms, and from the use of a plastic handle with a generally oblong shaped slot.

Abstract: A fire fighting monitor includes a stationary element and a rotating element for directing a water stream at variable trajectories. Electrical components, such as drive motors, are mounted on the rotating element and are connected to electrical sources remote from the monitor. A wire management system is provided for the monitor that protects the electrical wiring while accommodating relative rotation between the stationary and rotating elements of the monitor. In one embodiment, the wire management system includes a two-piece wiring skirt with a first portion connected to the stationary element and a second portion connected to the rotating element. The two portions define a circumferential channel and associated openings for passage of a wiring cable. The cable incorporates a 180° bend within the channel that travels around the channel as the cable coils and un-coils within the channels of the two portions.

Abstract: A firefighting segmented monitor for redirecting a trajectory of a pressurized fluid discharge towards a target comprises a flowpath with minimum convolutions. The monitor flowpath comprises in series a stationary segment and three rotating segments including a lower segment, a middle segment and an upper segment connected in series each of which comprises a predetermined curvature. The lower segment swivels in one axis about the stationary segment. A nonorthogonal swivel is arranged on each end of the middle segment at the interfaces with the lower segment and the upper segment, and the swiveling of the middle and upper segments are synchronized with a single rotary input to produce an approximately planar elevational motion of the fluid discharge end of the monitor.

Abstract: A telescoping waterway for adjusting the height of a firefighting monitor is disclosed. The telescoping waterway includes a hollow outer tube, a hollow inner tube within the hollow outer tube, and an actuator that moves the hollow inner tube relative to the hollow outer tube, wherein the hollow inner tube can be maintained in at least one intermediate position between a retracted position and a fully extended position.

Abstract: A dry sectional gate valve having a swiveling intake elbow and shot pin assembly for selectively locking the elbow into a fixed position. A shot pin extends from a pull-knob through the flange of the elbow into one of a plurality of spaced-apart detent slots or holes around the perimeter of the valve body. The elbow can be swiveled thereby allowing a connecting fire hose to be positioned to minimize kinks and avoid obstacles thereby bringing water freely into the valve. The shot pin can be used to selectively lock the elbow in a desired position facilitating connection and disconnection of mating fire hose couplings or the shot pin can be set to allow the elbow to rotate freely enabling the hose to reach its most relaxed position when charged.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for use by firefighters and emergency personnel. The tool including a spanner wrench claw for turning firefighting hose connections, a wrench slot for turning natural gas valves, a glass-breaking spike, an open slot cutter for cutting seat belts and the like, and a foldable handle having an end shaped to be used as a pry bar. The tool may also be a spring-loaded glass breaker with a safety shield and another tool such as a seat belt cutter.

Abstract: An intake relief valve comprises a bronze sectional gate positioned within the valve chamber adjacent to an outlet section of the valve. A quick attachment coupler of the valve connects the outlet section typically to a pumper fire truck, and a hose from a hydrant or draft source connects to an opposite inlet section of the valve. When the valve is closed and the hose is disconnected from the valve with the valve connected to the pumper fire truck, there is no water remaining in the valve chamber. Any residual water is released by a pit drainage outlet on the bottom wall of the valve. Not having water stored in the valve eliminates corrosion problems within the valve, when the valve is connected to the pumper fire truck.

Abstract: A firefighting monitor having an acceleration sensitive shut off valve that responds to acceleration of the monitor to reduce water flow through the monitor. The acceleration sensitive shut off valve is self-contained and requires no contact with an external surface or device. The valve closing speed may be modulated by a dampener device that slows the rate at which the valve closes to avoid damage from water hammer.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool for use by firefighters and emergency personnel. The tool including a spanner wrench claw for turning firefighting hose connections, a wrench slot for turning natural gas valves, a glass-breaking spike, an open slot cutter for cutting seat belts and the like, and a foldable handle having an end shaped to be used as a pry bar.

Abstract: A pivoting joint with a ball and socket joined by trunnions for use in fluid conduits, particularly firefighting devices such as portable monitors and the like. The pivoting joint can be used on an inlet of the device to provide a pivoting motion for one or more inlet hoses, and/or on the outlet of the device to direct the discharge in one or more directions. An optional one-way brake can be used to limit unintended movement about one or more axis of motion.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a portable kit for use in fighting fires, and includes a portable tank forming a reservoir for a liquid additive. A handle extends adjacent an upper side of the tank and is fastened to the tank, the tank and the reservoir being sized to be carried by a person holding said handle. At least one accessory is provided and the tank has at least one storage recess formed in its outer surface, the recess being shaped to receive and store the accessory. A liquid flow passage having an inlet end coupling and an outlet end coupling is also fastened to the tank, and the flow path may be formed through the handle. The inlet end coupling is connectable to a supply of liquid under pressure, and the outlet end coupling and the accessory are shaped to be coupled together.

Abstract: A firefighting nozzle has a low-turbulence liquid flow channel that is directed outwardly by a baffle. Surrounding the flow channel is an annular concentrate chamber. The concentrate chamber leads from a concentrate inlet to a concentrate entry port on a rearward wall opposed to the baffle. Liquid flowing past the baffle draws concentrate through the concentrate entry port into the flow. The concentrate and liquid subsequently mix to produce fire-fighting foam.

Abstract: A pivoting joint with a ball and socket joined by trunnions for use in fluid conduits, particularly firefighting devices such as portable monitors and the like. The pivoting joint can be used on an inlet of the device to provide a pivoting motion for one or more inlet hoses, and/or on the outlet of the device to direct the discharge in one or more directions. An optional one-way brake can be used to limit unintended movement about one or more axis of motion.