Abstract: A method of suppressing a naturally occurring event that requires heat to sustain itself, comprises the steps of generating artificial snow in the vicinity of the event and introducing the snow into the event to melt therein. One application of this method is extinguishing a fire by generating artificial snow in the vicinity of the fire and introducing the snow into the fire to melt therein. For example a fire boat or truck may carry on a movable structure a snowmaking machine for generating artificial snow and projecting the snow in a desired direction. In another example, a sprinkler system may be modified to spray artificial snow.

Abstract: A self-misting, thermally and structurally fortified, water powered vehicle is provided as well as methods for its use in extinguishing and suppressing various types of fires.

Abstract: A system for a firefighting vehicle including a single compressor, driven by the engine of the firefighting vehicle, which generates a compressed fluid supply for operation of both the compressed air foam system and air brakes of the firefighting vehicle. The system can include a fluid storage tank that receives compressed fluid generated by the compressor. The storage tank can be in fluid communication with a dryer and a foaming system. The dryer dries a portion of the compressed fluid and supplies the dry fluid to one or more brake system tanks, which further provide a fluid supply to one or more air brakes of the vehicle to provide a braking force to stop the vehicle. An optionally undried portion of the fluid in the fluid storage tank can be in communication with a conduit which is further in communication with a foam supply and a liquid supply which mix with the compressed fluid to create a compressed fluid foam firefighting material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a single vehicle that has both full fire fighting capability in the form of a pumper in permanent combination with full medical rescue and transport capability. Provided is a transport pumper of conventional design having a crew cab with four entrances, a large capacity fire pump, a tank containing a quantity of water, another tank containing a quantity of foam, a substantial length and diameter of fire hose, ground ladders, a side controlled pump operator's panel, and all other necessary equipment to be in substantial compliance with NFPA Standard 1901. Permanently provided on the same chassis as the pumper is an ambulance or rescue transport including rear entry double doors for patients, a rear dump capability, two supine patients on stretchers carrying capabilities, air conditioning, a side entrance door and all necessary equipment be in substantial compliance with federal standard KKK-A-1822E for a rescue transport.

Abstract: The present invention concerns embodiments of a portable fluid-transporting system for mounting on a land-driven vehicle, such as a loader, and methods for their use. In an illustrated embodiment, a fluid-transporting device includes at least one fluid container, or tank, that is mountable to and completely removable from a vehicle. The container is configured to be carried by the vehicle such that at least a portion of the container is supported in front of the forward end of the vehicle. In particular embodiments, the container is generally U-shaped and includes a forward-container portion and first and second side-container portions extending from respective ends of the forward-container portion.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for discharging a fire retardant material. A container element may be connected to a pressurized gas source controllable to pressurize the container element and to flow a gas and fire retardant material mixture through a discharge conduit. A discharge device may be connected at an inlet to the discharge conduit. The discharge device may have an inlet duct attached to an inlet end of an expansion section. The expansion section may be connected to an inlet end of an outlet duct having an outlet nozzle. A diffuser may be disposed in the inlet duct and an upstream portion and may be attached in the upstream portion. The diffuser may have a nose element attached by a diffuser shaft to a base element with a rotor element having multiple vanes rotatably attached to the diffuser shaft intermediate the nose and base elements.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material such as a hazardous material or a fire from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: A system which is sufficiently compact and portable to be moved via skid support platform to a multi-wheel diesel-powered host containing active pump and roll capability with front and rear active hydraulics, such as a Bobcat Toolcat Turbo 5600. The system contains a water tank, generally 150 gallons, as well as built in foam tank. The system is wholly powered by the hydraulic system of the host vehicle powering a hydraulic motor on the system. The system hydraulic motor turns a serpentine belt at sufficient RPM's to power a water pump, air compressor and the compressed air foam system (CAFS) module. Using solely the power provided by the hydraulic motor, water is drawn from the tank, either used alone or mixed with foam at the percentage inputted by the user. Compressed air is added and the air alone, water alone or water/foam mixture is routed via adjustable valve to either the 1 inch firefighters hose or the rigid waterway ending in an adjustable, movable nozzle attached to the cab roof of the host.

Abstract: Delivery of pelletized carbon dioxide (dry ice) to a target material from a distance, by projection, spraying, or aerial dropping the pelletized carbon dioxide onto the target material using gravity. Delivery may be made by a mobile apparatus. The types of target material with which the present invention is designed to apply may include, e.g., hydrocarbon material, hazardous material, burning material, and the like. The carbon dioxide may be pelletized to diameters in a size range of about 3 mm to 100 mm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing chamber for producing compressed air foam in fire extinguishing devices. The mixing chamber has a compressed air inlet, an extinguishing agent inlet and a compressed air foam outlet. The contour of the mixing chamber tapers towards the compressed air foam outlet. The invention also includes a fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing device includes an extinguishing agent container, a connecting device for connecting a source of compressed air to a mixing chamber of the kind described above.

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 rpms of the engine in response to pressure changes detected by the discharge pressure sensor. If the pressure in the system is higher than the desired output pressure when the engine is running at its idle speed an electronically controlled hydraulic relief valve responsive to the discharge pressure sensor operates to relieve the excess pressure in over pressure situations. If the pressure in the system is lower than the desired output pressure when the relief valve is fully closed, the engine speed is increased.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: A compact mobile fire attack vehicle detachably mounted to an emergency vehicle. The compact mobile fire attack vehicle is intended to be mountable to the rear end of a fire truck. In response to an emergency call, the mobile fire attack vehicle can be quickly disengaged and deployed to the fire. Likewise, after the emergency has been mitigated, the mobile fire attack vehicle can be quickly and conveniently be re-mounted to the fire truck.

Abstract: A vehicular firefighting system includes a vehicle, a boom pivotally coupled to the vehicle about a horizontal axis and a nozzle pivotally coupled to the boom. In one embodiment, the system includes a linkage having a first end coupled to the nozzle and a second end coupled to the vehicle such that the linkage maintains an orientation of the nozzle as the boom pivots about the horizontal axis. In another embodiment, the boom forms at least one fluid conduit in fluid communication with the nozzle so as to deliver firefighting agent to the nozzle.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle having a dual pressure pump system includes a fluid supply, a first pump stage coupled to the fluid supply and configured to pump fluid at a first pressure, a second pump stage coupled to the first pump stage and configured to pump fluid at a second pressure, the second pressure being substantially different from the first pressure, a fluid manipulator; and a valving arrangement coupling the first pump stage and the second pump stage to the fluid manipulator, the valving arrangement being selectively adjustable between a first position forming a first fluid path and a second position forming a second fluid path, wherein the first fluid path provides the fluid to the fluid manipulator at a first output pressure and the second fluid path provides fluid to the fluid manipulator at a second output pressure.

Abstract: A firefighting system for use on a firefighting truck includes a telescoping support frame, a telescoping arm connected to the telescoping support frame, a water pipe extension to extend the telescoping arm, and a spinning nozzle positioned at an end of the water pipe extension.

Abstract: A boom adapted for use on a fire fighting vehicle or a rescue vehicle includes an elongated boom having an outer housing. A second, inner body, forming an enclosed channel for water flow is contained within the outer housing. A plurality of connecting fins (for example, four) connect the interior of the outer housing with the exterior of the inner body, the space between the exterior of the inner body and the interior of the outer housing being divided by the fins into several generally independent channels within which elongated electrical control line members and hydraulic lines can be contained and protected. The boom may end at a workhead. The workhead may include a water monitor, water handline connections, a bank of lights, hydraulic fittings, pneumatic fittings, a lifting point and/or other emergency or rescue equipment. The boom may be pivotally mounted to a fire fighting vehicle such as a pumper engine, for example, on a turntable.

Abstract: A vehicle storage system for a vehicle includes an inclined guide configured to be coupled to a vehicle and a storage structure coupled to the guide and configured to move along the guide while maintaining a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A system for a firefighting vehicle including a single compressor, driven by the engine of the firefighting vehicle, which generates a compressed fluid supply for operation of both the compressed air foam system and air brakes of the firefighting vehicle. The system can include a fluid storage tank that receives compressed fluid generated by the compressor. The storage tank can be in fluid communication with a dryer and a foaming system. The dryer dries a portion of the compressed fluid and supplies the dry fluid to one or more brake system tanks, which further provide a fluid supply to one or more air brakes of the vehicle to provide a braking force to stop the vehicle. An optionally undried portion of the fluid in the fluid storage tank can be in communication with a conduit which is further in communication with a foam supply and a liquid supply which mix with the compressed fluid to create a compressed fluid foam firefighting material.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: An improved firefighting vehicle of a type supporting a pump system (e.g., a fire pump system) is provided. The firefighting vehicle generally includes a chassis and an operator cab. The operator cab is movable (e.g.; tiltable, etc.) relative to the chassis between a transit position and a service position. The firefighting vehicle also includes a fire pump system supported by the chassis at least partially under a rear portion of the operator cab. Positioning the fire pump system in such a location may advantageously allow for a vehicle with improved maneuverability or handling, reduced overall length, reduced overall height, additional capacity for storage, and/or with a fire pump system that is relatively convenient to service.

Abstract: A docking station module for fluidly connecting a mobile irrigation apparatus to a stationary hydrant water supply valve mounted on a water supply pipe, the module comprising a hydrant valve actuator resiliently suspended from a frame for floating movement in at least three mutually substantially perpendicular directions relative to the hydrant water supply valve.

Abstract: A turret is configured to be rotationally coupled to a vehicle which includes a first apparatus that is immovably coupled to the vehicle. The turret comprises a second apparatus coupled to the turret. The second apparatus is configured to be rotationally coupled to the first apparatus. The turret further comprises a turret controller which uses feedback control to control rotation of the turret relative to the vehicle. The turret further comprises a position sensor coupled to the second apparatus. The position sensor being configured to provide information related to the position of the turret to the turret controller. The turret is configured to engage the first apparatus to rotate the turret relative to the vehicle.

Abstract: A remotely operably vehicle includes a body defining a cavity therebeneath and further includes a mechanism for remotely propelling the vehicle during operating conditions and a mechanism for remotely discharging fluids outwardly from the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a mechanism for remotely discharging fire retardant in a concentrated path outwardly and away from the vehicle. The fire retardant discharging mechanism includes a powder reservoir isolated from the central water reservoir. The vehicle further includes a video surveillance mechanism for remotely capturing images surrounding the target zone such that the operator can monitor the target zone from a safe and remote location. A central processing unit bears software instructions for causing the vehicle to perform a series of predetermined operations.

Abstract: A vehicle is described herein which includes a first communication network, a second communications network and a router which is used to facilitate communication between the first and second networks.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle includes a frame, a fluid pump, and a body having a compartment. In one embodiment, a drive line of the pump passes through a transverse cross member of the frame. In another embodiment, the body includes opposite side sections sandwiching the pump therebetween. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a pumphouse module in which the body is mounted so as to move in unison with the body relative to the frame. In another embodiment, the vehicle includes a control panel operably coupled to the pump and extending through an opening in the compartment. In another embodiment, the compartment includes a wall having a C-shaped bulkhead.

Abstract: A truck, in particular a fire-fighting utility vehicle. The vehicle has a structure mounted on a chassis frame with a driver's cab pivotable about a horizontal axis extending transversely to the travel direction. A crew and/or equipment cab is also mounted on the chassis frame communicating with the driver's cab via a releasable connecting mechanism forming a passageway. Independently of the driver's cab and the crew and/or equipment cab, a utility structure is mounted on the chassis frame having built-in fixtures for storing tools and equipment and optionally having extinguisher units consisting of at least a tank, extinguisher pump, etc. and mounting devices are provided at entry and/or operating openings in transverse and/or longitudinal side walls of the structure.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor for directing the flow of fluid from a fluid source includes a base, which is adapted to connect to a fluid source, and a monitor housing. The monitor housing includes an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet releasably mounted on the base and for receiving fluid through the base. The outlet is in fluid communication with the inlet for discharging fluid from the housing. A rotatable connection is provided between the inlet and the base. The inlet is rotatable about the base at the rotatable connection about a first axis. A drive mechanism is associated with the rotatable connection for rotating the inlet about the base at the rotatable connection. The monitor further includes a control system for selectively actuating the drive mechanism and includes a receiver for receiving an input signal from a transmitter remote from the monitor. The control system actuates the drive mechanism in response to the receiver receiving the input signal.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

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: An articulated fire truck (T) has an extendible and retractable boom (11) mounted on the truck and extendible to a height above the ground where a fire is burning within a building (B). A drill assembly (1) is affixed to the end of the boom for drilling through a sidewall of the building into the building's interior. The drill assembly is maneuverable to drill straight through the sidewall as well as up and down and sideways so to provide an opening into the interior of the building sufficiently large that a nozzle attached to the drill assembly can readily spray water or a fire retardant material into the interior to extinguish the fire. The drill assembly has drill bits (100) located completely about the circumference of the drill assembly to facilitate up-and-down and side-to-side cutting to more quickly penetrate into the building's interior.

Abstract: An fire-fighting system for arresting a fire in a flammable or combustible liquid storage vessel comprising a portable discharging apparatus and a portable installation apparatus. The portable discharging apparatus receives a fire-fighting agent from a supply hose and applies the fire-fighting agent to arrest a fire in a storage vessel. The portable discharging apparatus can be attached to a distal end of the portable installation apparatus so that the portable discharging apparatus can be mounted on a storage vessel. Furthermore, a plurality of portable discharging apparatuses can be mounted on a single storage vessel, using the same portable installation apparatus, to provide a large amount or a variety of fire-fighting agents or to provide fire-fighting agents at a specific location on the storage vessel. The portable installation apparatus can be extended to a variety of lengths so that it can mount a portable discharging apparatus on a variety differently sized storage vessels.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle includes a turret and a turret controller. The turret includes a base which is coupled to the vehicle, and the turret is configured to rotate relative to the vehicle at the base. The turret controller is configured to use feedback control to control the movement of the turret from a first position where the turret is positioned at a first angle of rotation at the base to a second position where the turret is positioned at a second angle of rotation at the base, where the first and second angles are different.

Abstract: A test system (10) for testing a fire suppression system (100) for a determination of a flow ratio of at least two different constituents (2, 4) where the fire suppression system (100) is of a type that mixes the flow of the at least two constituents (2, 4) for distribution whereby only one of the two constituents (2, 4), is required for testing of the flow ratio, the system (10) comprising a control box (14), a first constituent flow meter system (16) and a second constituent line flow meter system (18), wherein the first constituent (2) is directed through the first constituent flow meter system (16), the first constituent (2) is directed through the second constituent line flow meter system (18), each flow meter system (16, 18) detecting a flow rate therein, and the control box (14) compares the flow rates of the first constituent (2) through each flow meter system (16, 18), and indicates the flow rate ratio had the second constituent (4) been directed through the second constituent line flow meter system

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 method for subduing a fire (70) is disclosed. This method is performed by operating a jet turbine (20), having an exhaust (22), to direct the exhaust (22) into a moving front of the fire (72), generally against the movement of the front of the fire (72). A retardant (30), preferably dust, is directed from a supply tank (40) into the exhaust (22), through a pressurized conduit (42). Alternately, dust or other material (32) is lifted from the land around the fire (70) and blown into the fire (70), extinguishing the fire (70) or decreasing its intensity. To completely extinguish the fire (70), it may be necessary to further douse the fire with either or both water and a second retardant.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle having a boom system includes a working assembly attached to an end portion of the boom system. The working assembly comprises a frame pivotally mounted at a midpoint of the frame to the end portion of the boom. The frame carries a mechanical actuator that is connected to a tool capable of piercing an exterior of a structure when the mechanical actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A small emergency response vehicle having a wedge-shaped nose and triangular wheel base for improved accessibility to emergency sites previously inaccessible to conventional fire fighting vehicles. A main overhead tank and two modular auxiliary tanks provide 2400 liters of storage for water and/or surfactants. The front wheel provides a 360 degree turning radius. The vehicle can be air-lifted and air-dropped with a helicopter via attachment points on the heavy steel frame. An enclosed cab has a fire and impact resistant glass windshields and an air supply to the driver as well as to occupants in the tank compartment, when the tank is removed. A nozzle assembly is mounted on the nose of the vehicle to distribute the fire suppression materials.

Abstract: A radio controlled liquid monitor, capable of rotation about a vertical axis through an infinite arc is disclosed. A rotatable body is rotatably mounted onto a base element for rotation about a vertical axis, and a discharge elbow is rotatably mounted on the rotatable body for rotation about a horizontal axis. A horizontal drive unit and a vertical drive unit operate on gears on the rotatable body and the elbow, to enable the rotatable body to rotate about a vertical axis, and the discharge elbow to rotate about a horizontal axis. A control module is attached to the rotatable body which receives radio control commands from an operator via a portable transmitter apparatus or a fixed transmitter apparatus. The control module and drive unit receive electrical power and control signals through a rotating connector positioned within the base element and rotatable body so that the control module and drive units receive electrical power and control signals regardless of the rotational position of the rotatable body.

Abstract: A compressed air/foam fire fighting system which is sufficiently compact to be carried on the bed of a pick-up truck includes a water tank, a pump for providing water at substantial pressure to a water conduit, an engine for driving the pump, a foam reservoir including a bladder tank connected to the pump, an air compressor, an engine for driving the air compressor, a differential pressure valve connected in the water conduit, a metering valve adjustable to supply a desired proportion of foam concentrate to water connected across the differential pressure valve, an air valve for controlling the amount of air from said compressor, and an air injection venturi for mixing air into a water/foam concentrate. A two-way valve connected between the tank and the pump is movable between a first position where water is pumped from the water tank and a second or suction position where water is drawn from an outside tank or other source.

Abstract: A turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: A protective firefighting vehicle comprising a chassis conceived for heavy loads, a driving gear for rough terrain and a tank mounted on the chassis for receiving liquids such as water or fire-extinguishing agents or the like. The tank is divided in at least two chambers via at least one bulkhead-like partition. Provision is made in this connection that at least one of the chambers of the tank can be sealed off in a liquid-tight manner against at least one other chamber of the tank in order to permit the transport of persons in the at least one sealable chamber.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which multiple water discharge lines each have associated with them a foam concentrate delivery line where each of the foam concentrate delivery lines are supplied from a foam concentrate tank by way of a positive displacement pump having the capability of having its flow rate adjusted. Each of the water discharge lines includes a flow meter as do all of the foam concentrate delivery lines. The foam concentrate delivery lines also include a valve whose orifice size is electrically controlled. Associated with each of the foam concentrate delivery lines is a microprocessor-based line controller module that receives inputs from the flow meters in the water discharge lines and the flow meters in the foam concentrate delivery lines whereby the proportion of foam concentrate to water in the separate water discharge lines can be set at predetermined values.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing arrangement and skid pan for use with a fire fighting vehicle, with the vehicle defining an under-vehicle volume. The fluid dispensing arrangement comprises a fluid source, a nozzle support coupled to the vehicle and movable within at least a part of the under-vehicle volume. A nozzle assembly is supported by the nozzle support and is in fluid communication with a fluid source. An actuator is coupled to the nozzle support to move the nozzle support within at least a part of the under-vehicle volume.

Abstract: A fire sprinkler system assembled as a complete package 13D-13R-U.L. listed components including a fire pump/motor, electric controller, pipe fittings, manifold assembly, ball valve, flow switch, pressure switch, pressure gauge, and check valve, all mounted on a frame attached to a high density polyethelene base. The invention also uses optional water storage tanks.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for transporting and delivering highly effective, breathable fire fighting inert gases to a fire zone, whereby the normally inert gas is transported to the fire in liquid or compressed form.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for relatively moveable pipe sections in a fluid delivery system, said assembly comprising a main body (12) adapted to be connected to one end of one pipe section, the main body having in a generally radially extending annular face, a coaxial seat (16), to receive a first, generally annular bearing member (17), and a coaxial groove (18) to receive an annular seal member (19), an annular center swivel section (21) adapted to be connected to one end of a second pipe section and having on one generally radially extending face, a coaxial seat (22) to engage said first bearing member and having a second coaxial seat (23) on an opposed generally radially extending face to receive a second annular bearing member (24), said swivel section including an annular, axially extending boss (28) extending away from said main body with the opposed generally radially extending face extending radially outwardly from said boss, and a bearing end cap (26) adapted to engage around said second pipe section and be

Abstract: An improved fire-fighting device designed to allow variable positioning of a quenching agent dispensing point. The fire-fighting device also allows high quenching agent flow rates. The device uses an articulable boom arrangement and solid pipeline to achieve these advantages.

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.