Abstract: A baffle located within a receptacle for liquid to control surging particularly suitable for use with firefighting vehicles having a water supply wherein the baffle is formed of polymeric intersecting longitudinal and transverse plate members having intermeshing slots and reinforcing inserts located in each plate member receive the end region of the intersecting plate member to support the end regions against deformation and displacement.

Abstract: A torque box chassis frame for firefighting vehicles or the like constituting a platform for extendible aerial ladders. The vehicle torque box chassis frame includes elongated lower and upper members significantly spaced from each other having rigid bracing structure interposed therebetween resulting in a rigid elongated box of significant rectangular cross section dimension. The torque box chassis frame rear end is defined by a rigid ladder turntable support including its own vertical rigid columns, and spaced outrigger support tubes for receiving hydraulic outrigger jacks are integrally defined on the torque box chassis frame to provide firm support of the torque box upon the ground eliminating the influence of the vehicle suspension system.

Abstract: A fire truck characterized by its reduced operating noise level and improved drive train includes a frame having front and rear regions. An occupant cab is mounted upon the frame front region, and the engine is located at the rear region having a transmission associated therewith. A gear box mounted upon the frame intermediate the front and rear regions includes a close coupled fire pump attached thereto and the gear box includes an input shaft directly connected to the engine transmission. An output shaft of the gear box is directly connected to the differential associated with the vehicle rear wheels, and shifting means within the gear box selectively connects the engine and transmission to the differential or the fire pump. The fire pump gear box eliminates an intermediary transfer case and provides significant cost and weight advantages as well as eliminating the need for special power transmitting components.

Abstract: A pumping system for fire fighting vehicles wherein a pair of power take-off units mounted on the vehicle transmission engages with a drive gear within the transmission to separately drive water pumps. The power take-offs are each provided with a clutch wherein selective independent and simultaneous pump operation is possible, and it is also possible to operate one or both of the pumps while the vehicle is moving wherein a "pump and roll" capacity is achieved. The vehicle includes a water storage tank selectively communicating with an inlet manifold communicating with the pump inlets, and an outlet manifold receives the pumps' discharge. The manifolds are provided with hose fittings at each vehicle lateral side, and the two pump system of the invention is readily installable in medium size vehicles.