Abstract: A novel aerial boom system for use atop a vehicle and having linear movement sensors associated with hydraulic cylinders for moving lower and upper booms such that a microprocessor associated with the system can determine the instantaneous position of each boom and coordinate movement of the booms with respect to each other and with the vehicle to prevent undesired contact and to gradually decelerate boom movement as the boom approaches its limits to avoid shock from sudden stop of boom movement. When the novel system is used with a fire fighting vehicle, two variably spaced, independently controllable, fluid discharge nozzles can be used to fight one or two separate and distinct fires simultaneously. A piercing nozzle can be associated with the outer end of the upper boom that is independently controllable in both the vertical plane and in the horizontal direction to enable piercing of a wall independent of boom movement to assist penetration.

Abstract: A management system for controlling the dispensing of a fire fighting agent from a container in which a control device is used to select a desired rate of discharge of a fire fighting retarding agent from a container. The system includes a display in visual proximity to a user of the control device for visually indicating the selected flow rate of the fire retarding agent from the container. In addition, the system includes a visual display for indicating the time remaining, preferably in minutes and seconds, for the fire retarding agent in the container to be substantially completely expended. Alternatively, a synthesized voice may announce the time remaining at predetermined intervals such as every 5 seconds. Finally, a visual display, preferably in the form of a bar graph, gives the real time physical level of the fire retarding agent remaining in the container at any given time.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a residential cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood in a cabinet positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected by flexible hoses and/or adjustable pipes to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable system having a plurality of fusible or reusable, heat-activated links distributed therein. The cable system is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood and includes a section of chain to facilitate installation. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable system and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.

Abstract: A suction inlet pump, useful with pumper firetrucks, has a floating valve element which is normally biased closed by a spring. The motion of the floating valve is also positively determined by a cam engaging a shaft extending from the floating valve element and aligned with the cam. The cam is moved from a first position that positively holds the floating valve element completely closed to a second position which allows the floating valve element to fully open. By selectively positioning the cam between the completely closed and fully opened positions, the amount of water entering the valve may be selected so that the valve functions properly for the particular use to which it is put. The suction inlet valve includes a lockable operating handle which is used to rotate and position the cam. An indicator on the exterior of the valve housing indicates the position of the cam.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing system for a residential cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood in a cabinet positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected by flexible hoses and/or adjustable pipes to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable system having a plurality of fusible or reusable, heat-activated links distributed therein. The cable system is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood and includes a section of chain to facilitate installation. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable system and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.