Abstract: A suction inlet valve for fire truck pumpers has a male body portion and a female body portion, the portions defining a chamber therein. A cone-shaped valve element is connected to a valve stem which has a cam body thereon with a cam slot therein. The cam slot receives a projection from an operating shaft which projects out of the housing. The operating shaft has an operating handle thereon which is exposed to the environment and conducts heat from the chamber. If there is water in the chamber, there is an increased chance of water in the cam slot freezing disabling operation of the valve. To drain water away from the cam slot, a drain is provided in the male body portion for draining water from the chamber.

Abstract: A fire hydrant securing arrangement utilizes a magnetic detent to couple an outer body to a center post so that when a wrench with a permanent magnet is mated with the outer body, the magnetic detent connects the outer body to the center post. The center post has an end with a polygonal recess which complements the shape of the hydrant operating nut. The recess is within an insert that has a polygonal periphery engaged by a polygonal inner wall of the center post. The insert is interchangeable with other inserts having recesses of different sizes and configurations so that the securing arrangement is readily acceptable to fire hydrants having different operating nuts of different sizes.

Abstract: A fire hydrant security system for mounting on a standpipe of a fire hydrant wherein the hydrant has a mounting surface with holes therethrough and a bonnet mounted on the mounting surface, the bonnet surrounding a valve operating spindle assembly. The system includes a security gap which is surrounded by a protective collar spaced from the security cap to define an annular gap. An operating tool having a socket which fits into the gap and surrounds the security cap is used to couple the security cap to the valve operating spindle to open the fire hydrant. The protective collar is preferably made of forged ductile iron and is bolted to the fire hydrant by being bolted to a mounting surface on the standpipe or by being secured by bolts to the bonnet. The security cap is thus protected from blows by sledge hammers wielded by vandals and water thieves.

Abstract: A magnetic security device for preventing unauthorized opening of fire hydrant valves includes an inner cylindrical member which is fixed to a nut on the valve stem and an outer rotatable member which is coupled to the inner cylindrical member by a magnetizable element. The magnetizable element is attracted to move from an uncoupled to a coupling mode by a reaching permanent magnet integral with a special operating wrench. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an intermediate sleeve is provided which is coaxial with a nylon sleeve disposed around the outer surface of the inner cylindrical member. In addition, the inner cylindrical member has a knurled portion which engages the surface of a recess surrounding the valve operating nut so that if the outer operating member is tilted with respect to the inner operating member, the inner operating member binds with the wall of the recess, preventing rotation of the inner operating member and of the valve operating nut attached thereto.

Abstract: A suction inlet pump, useful with pumper firetrucks, has a floating valve element which is normally biased closed by a spring. The motion of the floating valve is also positively determined by a cam engaging a shaft extending from the floating valve element and aligned with the cam. The cam is moved from a first position that positively holds the floating valve element completely closed to a second position which allows the floating valve element to fully open. By selectively positioning the cam between the completely closed and fully opened positions, the amount of water entering the valve may be selected so that the valve functions properly for the particular use to which it is put. The suction inlet valve includes a lockable operating handle which is used to rotate and position the cam. An indicator on the exterior of the valve housing indicates the position of the cam.

Abstract: A fire hydrant cap and actuating tool for use therewith provide enhanced security for fire hydrants and increased safety when using the tool. The cap is forged of 8620 carbon steel; is provided with an internal steel lock washer of cadmium plate steel, and includes thereon a forged, external slip ring of 8620 carbon steel with lubrication between the slip ring and cap. The tool which is used in combination with the cap includes a gripper which fits under the slip ring to prevent the tool from slipping, a spanner wrench and a hexagonal socket with a screw for gripping rounded-off valve stems.