Abstract: A method and system for aggregating objects within a computer system are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the method aggregates an enclosed object within an enclosing object. The enclosed object has an object management interface and an external interface, while the enclosing object has a controlling object management interface. The controlling object management interface and the external interface of the enclosed object have query function members for receiving an identifier of an interface and for returning a reference to the identified interface. A preferred embodiment creates an instance of an enclosing object and an object to be enclosed. In static aggregation, the controlling object management interface of the enclosing object knows in advance how to return an identifier to the external interface of the enclosed object. In dynamic aggregation, an object to be enclosed is added to the enclosing object after the enclosing object is instantiated.

Abstract: A computer method and system for passing a pointer to an interface from a server process to a client process. In a preferred embodiment, the server process instantiates an object that has multiple interfaces. The server process identifies an interface to pass to the client process and creates a stub object for receiving a request to invoke a function member of the interface and for invoking the requested function member upon receiving the request. The server process then sends an identifier of the stub to the client process. When the client process receives the identifier of the stub, it instantiates a proxy object for receiving requests to invoke a function member of the interface and for sending the request to the identified stub. The client process can then invoke the function members of the interface by invoking function members of the proxy object. The proxy object sends a request to the identified stub. The identified stub then invokes the corresponding function member of the interface.

Abstract: A split, annular hose clamp for clamping one end of a length of thin wall, high pressure, fire hose on the nipple, or insert, of a hose coupling has relatively blunt, alternate ribs and grooves opposite to, fitting and mating with similar ribs and grooves on the nipple and has a pair of machine screws each extending across the butt joint of a pair of one-piece, substantially idential halves in which the heads are within the confines of the head recesses so that there are no sharp protuberances to cut fire hose. The screw heads are socketed for turning and the clamp is of less diameter than the coupling.

Abstract: A gate valve is threadedly attached to an influent port of a motorized pump of a vehicular fire engine at all times. Thus it is not necessary to stop the pump, remove a cap and connect a water supply hose to the influent port. Instead the supply hose is connected to the gate valve, the valve is purged of air, and then opened to connect the new source without air hammer, or flow interruption. A pressure relief valve on the suction side of the gate, relieves pump pressure whether the gate is open or closed.

Abstract: A line relay valve has a valve body with a straight trunk which connects a movable pump to a fire extinguishing nozzle. When the hose lay is several thousand feet, causing severe pressure loss, a first angular branch of the trunk, with a gate valve, is connected to the influent side of a movable booster pump. A second angular branch is connected to the effluent side of the booster pump. Upon opening the gate valve, a clapper swings from first branch blocking position to trunk blocking position to interpose the booster into the system without air intake or water interruption.