Abstract: The method of maintaining a first flow rate through a first valve in a fluid delivery system, the fluid delivery system including a and a plurality of fluid valves in fluid communication with the pump, and a controller controlling the pressure generated by the pump and the position of the plurality of valves. The method includes providing the first flow rate of a fluid pressurized by the pump through the first valve, receiving a request for a second flow rate of the fluid through a second valve, determining a predicted effect on the first flow rate based on the request, adjusting at least one of the position of the first valve and the pressure generated by the pump to maintain the first flow rate based on the predicted effect, and adjusting the position of the second valve to provide the second flow rate of the fluid through the second valve.

Abstract: A firefighting monitor that has a first section, a second section joined to the first section by a first pivot connection, and a plurality of ball bearings positioned in the first pivot connection between a pair of bearing seats. Wherein, the bearing seats define an arc of contact with each of the plurality of ball bearings, the center of the arc of contact defining a tangent angled with respect to a flow axis defined by the first pivot connection.

Abstract: A storage assembly includes an attachment system for securing an item to a surface. The attachment system includes a first mounting component fixed to the surface and a second mounting component fixed to the item and cooperating with the first component to detachably secure the item to the surface. A retention assembly associated with the first and second mounting components prevents accidental separation of the two components. The attachment system may also include a manipulation element coupled to one of the first and second retention elements and configured to facilitate intentional separation of the two mounting elements.

Abstract: A storage assembly includes an attachment system for securing an item to a surface. The attachment system includes a first mounting component fixed to the surface and a second mounting component fixed to the item and cooperating with the first component to detachably secure the item to the surface. A retention assembly associated with the first and second mounting components prevents accidental separation of the two components.

Abstract: A storage assembly includes a gear bag having a rigid mounting plate secured to its bottom wall, and a pair mounting rails for receiving the edges of the mounting plate. The mounting rails are designed to be mounted in spaced-apart relationship on a ceiling, wall, or floor of an emergency vehicle, and to receive the edges of the mounting plate. The gear bag defines at least one compartment sized and shaped to contain a personal safety item such as a helmet.

Abstract: A storage assembly includes a gear bag having a rigid mounting plate secured to its bottom wall, and a pair mounting rails for receiving the edges of the mounting plate. The mounting rails are designed to be mounted in spaced-apart relationship on a ceiling, wall, or floor of an emergency vehicle, and to receive the edges of the mounting plate. The gear bag defines at least one compartment sized and shaped to contain a personal safety item such as a helmet.

Abstract: A retractable closure for an opening in a vehicle includes a pleated panel and a pull cord assembly configured to move the panel from a retracted position to an extended position when pulled and to automatically return the panel to the retracted position when released. A first fastening assembly detachably secures an edge of the panel to the vehicle near a first edge of the opening, and a second fastening assembly is provided for detachably securing the opposite edge of the panel to the vehicle near a second edge of the opening opposite the first edge when the panel is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a drive motor operating a discharge valve installed in a conduit on a firefighting vehicle. The system includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of liquids flowing through the conduit, a flow sensor configured to measure a flow rate of liquids flowing through the conduit, a variable control switch operable to generate a variable control signal in response to manual activation, and a microcontroller operable to receive the pressure and flow rate, and generate a variable non-linear control signal operable to cause the drive motor to change the position of the discharge valve at a variable non-linear speed directly proportional to a distance of a current setting from a desired setting.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting up a truck-mounted pump driven by an engine for pumping operation, comprising a transmission control having a visual indicator and coupled to a transmission of the truck, a pump control having a visual indicator and coupled to the pump, a prime control having a visual indicator and coupled to a prime pump, a master system control switch operable to receive operator input, and a main controller in data communication with the transmission control, pump control, prime control, and the master system control switch, the main controller receiving an input from the master system control switch to initiate pump setup operation, and automatically transmitting alert signals to the visual indicators of the transmission control, pump control, and prime control to provide visual guidance to the operator in the proper sequence of steps to set up the pump for pumping operation.

Abstract: A combination loading system and hose bed for a firefighting vehicle includes a platform and an actuating mechanism configured to pivot the platform between a substantially vertical stowed position, a substantially horizontal position, and a downwardly angled position. The platform includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. When in the stowed position, the platform closes the substantially open rear end of the firefighting vehicle, and when in the substantially horizontal position, the platform can serve as a hose bed allowing firefighters to easily grab hose from a standing position. When in the downwardly angled position, the platform can serve as a ramp allowing the firefighters to wheel equipment on and off the vehicle. The platform may also be provided with a crane extension for lifting heavy objects.

Abstract: A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes an intake conduit joining a pump to either a pressurized or unpressurized liquid source, a wide-range flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the intake conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the intake conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the wide-range flow controller to maintain the pressure downstream of the wide-range flow controller at or below a predetermined desired value. In one embodiment of the invention, the wide-range flow controller is a branched portion of the intake conduit having a valve in each branch. In another embodiment of the invention, the flow controller is a gate valve having a stationary triangular blocking member projecting into the passage between the inlet and outlet ports of the valve.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning includes a primary pole, a grasping element supported on the upper end of the pole and configured to secure the pole to a surface, and a nozzle mount supported on the grasping element. The nozzle mount is configured to support a nozzle in a substantially horizontal position and to allow the nozzle to rotate about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the horizontal upper surface of the grasping element. The grasping element is in the form of a hook configured to fit over a window sill or similar structure.

Abstract: A safety cover for an automotive brake pedal includes a base member configured to overlay the upper surface of a brake pedal having a first lateral brake pedal edge facing a gas pedal, a second lateral brake pedal edge opposite the first lateral brake pedal edge, a first longitudinal brake pedal edge facing a driver's seat, and a second longitudinal brake pedal edge opposite the first longitudinal brake pedal edge. The base member has a first lateral cover outer edge, a second lateral cover outer edge, a first longitudinal cover outer edge, and a second longitudinal cover outer edge. When the cover is placed on the brake pedal, the first lateral cover outer edge is flush with the first lateral brake pedal edge, and the second lateral cover outer edge is disposed laterally outwardly of the second lateral brake pedal edge.

Abstract: A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes an intake conduit joining a pump to either a pressurized or unpressurized liquid source, a wide-range flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the intake conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the intake conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the wide-range flow controller to maintain the pressure downstream of the wide-range flow controller at or below a predetermined desired value. In one embodiment of the invention, the wide-range flow controller is a branched portion of the intake conduit having a valve in each branch. In another embodiment of the invention, the flow controller is a gate valve having a stationary triangular blocking member projecting into the passage between the inlet and outlet ports of the valve.

Abstract: A combination loading system and hose bed for a firefighting vehicle includes a platform and an actuating mechanism configured to pivot the platform between a substantially vertical stowed position, a substantially horizontal position, and a downwardly angled position. The platform includes a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall. When in the stowed position, the platform closes the substantially open rear end of the firefighting vehicle, and when in the substantially horizontal position, the platform can serve as a hose bed allowing firefighters to easily grab hose from a standing position. When in the downwardly angled position, the platform can serve as a ramp allowing the firefighters to wheel equipment on and off the vehicle. The platform may also be provided with a crane extension for lifting heavy objects.

Abstract: A pump intake pressure control apparatus includes a conduit joining a pump to either a pressurized or unpressurized liquid source, a flow controller configured to control the flow of liquid through the intake conduit, pressure sensors for detecting the pressure of the liquid in the intake conduit upstream and downstream of the flow controller, and an electronic master controller programmed to receive input from the pressure sensors and to actuate the flow controller to reduce the pressure downstream of the flow controller to a predetermined approximate value.

Abstract: Storage assemblies and bucket accessories for material-handling vehicles are provided. One assembly includes a tool tray mounted above the hood of a front-end loading tractor. The tool tray is supported by tray-supporting members that are secured to tubular implement holders provided along opposite sides of the tractor. The tubular implement holders are coupled to the front bumper of the tractor and extend rearwardly and upwardly at an oblique angle with respect to the front bumper so that they do not interfere with movement of the tractor bucket.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning includes a primary pole, a grasping element supported on the upper end of the pole and configured to secure the pole to a surface, and a nozzle mount supported on the grasping element. The nozzle mount is configured to support a nozzle in a substantially horizontal position and to allow the nozzle to rotate about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the horizontal upper surface of the grasping element. The grasping element is in the form of a hook configured to fit over a window sill or similar structure.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning includes a primary pole, a grasping element supported on the upper end of the pole and configured to secure the pole to a surface, and a nozzle mount supported on the grasping element. The nozzle mount is configured to support a nozzle in a substantially horizontal position, and may allow the nozzle to rotate and swivel. The grasping element may be in the form of a hook configured to fit over a window ledge or similar structure.