Abstract: A rotary control for controlling an electromechanical device includes a body adapted to mount to a surface and an outer ring pivotally connected to the body. The outer ring has an outer perimeter with a generally undulating profile having peaks and valleys, and has an outer face with a plurality of protrusions extending from the outer face, with the protrusions substantially corresponding with the peaks. The rotary control also includes a sensor adapted to sense rotation of the outer ring and output a signal corresponding to the rotation, and a control adapted to receive the signal and control the electromechanical device in response to the rotation of the outer ring.

Abstract: A water controlling kit is connected to the fluid system, of a fire truck for example, used for pumping water to one or more fire hoses. The kit has a water level gauge, a signaling element and a control valve and is adapted to maintain the pressure at the inlet of the pump of the fire truck within a preselected range of about 1.5 to about 3 psi. during discharge from the pump and pressure fluctuations of the pressurized water supply supplying water to the fire truck reservoir.

Abstract: Adapters and methods are provided for utilization on a powered two armed rescue tool for opening metal doors. The adapter has a first end portion of general “U” configuration which is hooked over a door. The adapter is connected to one arm of the powered rescue tool and the other arm is positioned in contact with the frame of the door. The powered rescue tool is then actuated which causes the arms to separate and force the door open.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a pump driven by an engine are disclosed, including adjusting and measuring a speed of the engine with a controller electrically coupled to the engine, the controller having encoded therein a computer-readable method of controlling a pump; receiving a first discharge pressure at a first engine speed from a discharge pressure sensor coupled to a discharge line of the pump, and a second discharge pressure at a second engine speed from the discharge pressure sensor; determining a pump constant and an intake pressure in response to the first and second engine speeds; determining a maximum engine speed in response to the pump constant, the intake pressure, and a desired discharge pressure; and, limiting the engine speed to the maximum engine speed.

Abstract: A search line rescue system for use by rescue personnel to facilitate a safe search and rescue mission through an area of low to zero visibility is disclosed. The search line rescue system comprises a search rope having a first end configured to be attachable to a fixed point at an entry point, a central portion with at least one distance marker and a second end. The system further comprises a search device handle with a leading end and a trailing end wherein the search device handle is slidably coupled to the search rope. The search device handle comprises a rigid body, an automatic lock mechanism coupled to the rigid body wherein the automatic lock mechanism comprises a manual lock mechanism release, and at least one tag line attachment anchor. At least one locking directional indicator is securely coupled to the search rope at a desired location, and is configured to releasably engage with the automatic lock search mechanism of the search device handle.

Abstract: A bridle system for a hose has apparatus for connecting the system to a hose, a loop for securing the apparatus and associated hose to a fire truck for example and a loop for assisting in unloading the hose from the truck.

Abstract: The operation of a generator and the loads placed on the generator are controlled in response to measuring the loads and generator operating parameters and controllably altering the operating conditions in response to comparison of the measurements to respective set points.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for restraining an individual in the cargo area of a vehicle. Such restraints can be utilized to protect medical technicians in ambulances, fire rescue trucks and other emergency vehicles. The apparatus is constructed so that the user can control the amount of restraint on his various body movements while he medically treats a patient.

Abstract: A mechanical cleaning system for transparent material has a separate element on each side of the transparent material and adjacent one another. At least one of the elements is a magnet and the other element is a metal. At least one of the elements has a cleaning material between its respective element and the transparent material. Movement of one of the elements moves the other element and cleans a surface of the transparent material. In the preferred embodiment where cleaning material is on both of the elements, both of the opposed surfaces of the transparent material are simultaneously cleaned by urging one of the elements across the transparent material.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention has a handle connected to first and second spaced apart spray tubes which are rotatable for passing fluid sprays toward one another or in a common direction outwardly from the apparatus. The handle is connectable to a pressurized fluid source. The apparatus is adapted to decontaminate or clean articles passed between the spray bars and clean articles adjacent the apparatus.

Abstract: A focused floodlight is designed to provide uniform illumination throughout an emergency scene including a work area and an action area. The floodlight includes a light line and a reflector specially configured so that half the light illuminates the work area and half the light illuminates the action area. The reflector has four sections, each of which is shaped to reflect impinging light rays in a desired direction. Each of the four sections comprises a multitude of minute, individually aimed reflector elements which are designed so that the flux increases progressively as distance from the floodlight increases.

Abstract: A multiplexing system is provided for controlling and monitoring all the electrical functions of a vehicle. The system includes a switch control unit which receives inputs from various sources and converts the inputs into digital signals which are decoded in a microprocessor. The decoded signals are then sent to a power distribution unit, which sends out, shuts off, increases or decreases the power to different parts of the vehicle as needed.

Abstract: A high-temperature warning indicator is provided for attachment to a firefighter's helmet. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicator is in the form of a dual-color LED mounted in the tip of a highly insulated, lightweight housing. A microprocessor located within the housing and coupled to a temperature sensor activates the light, changes it from solid to flashing modes, and changes the color of the light as various temperature/time thresholds are reached. A clamp or similar mounting device is provided for securing the device to the brim of the firefighter's helmet.

Abstract: A system for controlling the pressure output of an engine-driven centrifugal fire pump includes a discharge pressure sensor mounted in the discharge line of the pump. A governor varies the RPM of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. An electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates simultaneously with the governor to provide improved pressure control in overpressure situations.

Abstract: A firefighting nozzle includes a nozzle body having a having a centrally formed jet orifice at its outlet end. An annular fog spray opening concentrically surrounds the jet orifice. A jet control valve is provided for allowing selective variation of the diameter of the solid stream emitted from the jet orifice. A fog control valve is provided for selectively varying the intensity of the discharge from the fog spray opening. The jet control valve and the fog control valve are operable independently of and simultaneously with one another, so that either a variable diameter solid stream or a variable fog cone, or both, can be produced at once. Various remote control arrangements are available for actuating the jet and fog control valves. Foam injection systems are provided for inducing a foam concentrate at a low-pressure point within the nozzle.

Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.

Abstract: A firefighting nozzle includes a nozzle body having a having a centrally formed jet orifice at its outlet end. An annular fog spray opening concentrically surrounds the jet orifice. A jet control valve is provided for allowing selective variation of the diameter of the solid stream emitted from the jet orifice. A fog control valve is provided for selectively varying the intensity of the discharge from the fog spray opening. The jet control valve and the fog control valve are operable independently of and simultaneously with one another, so that either a variable diameter solid stream or a variable fog cone, or both, can be produced at once. Various remote control arrangements are available for actuating the jet and fog control valves.

Abstract: An air tank bracket comprises a pair of resilient, C-shaped clips projecting from an elongate, vertically mounted backplate. A footplate for supporting the neck of an air tank extends from the bottom end of the back plate. A horizontally extending cross bar is secured proximate the upper end of the backplate. An arm, preferably of resilient material, is mounted for pivoting movement at each end of the cross bar. Friction pads or the like are provided to maintain the arms in a raised position once they have been lifted. The free end of each arm includes a slit for receiving one of the shoulder straps of the air tank. When the arms are lifted, the shoulder straps are held in a ready-to-wear position.

Abstract: A firefighting nozzle includes a nozzle body having a having a centrally formed jet orifice at its outlet end. An annular fog spray opening concentrically surrounds the jet orifice. A jet control valve activated by a trigger is provided for allowing selective variation of the diameter of the solid stream emitted from the jet orifice. A fog control valve activated by a twist handle is provided for selectively varying the intensity of the discharge from the fog spray opening. The jet control valve and the fog control valve are operable independently of and simultaneously with one another, so that either a variable diameter solid stream or a variable fog cone, or both, can be produced at once.