Abstract: A cargo truck ramp load assist system comprises a hand truck engagement device disposed in a longitudinal slot in a cargo truck ramp, a first actuator coupled to the hook operable to effect displacement of the hand truck engagement device along the longitudinal slot in the ramp, a remote controller coupled to a hand truck and equipped with a first radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver coupled to the first actuator operable to receive directional/speed control signals from the remote controller, and the hand truck engagement device operable to engage the hand truck and the first actuator effecting displacement of the hand truck engagement device up and down the ramp in response to the directional/speed control signals to facilitate the hand truck going up and down the ramp.

Abstract: A fastener comprises a driver head, an elongated shank having an unthreaded section coupled to the driver head and a threaded section terminating in a blunt end thereof, and at least two elongated flutes formed in the elongated shank extending over the threaded section and at least a portion of the unthreaded section. The elongated flutes are substantially triangular in cross-section with a vertex and two asymmetrical legs, one leg forming a cutting element adapted for reaming and cutting a thread in an opening having a diameter less than a major thread diameter of the threaded section.

Abstract: A personnel platform for installation on a cargo truck comprises a mounting bracket securely fastened to a framing structure of the cargo truck beneath a personnel door, a platform deck mounted to a sliding mechanism securely fastened to the mounting bracket, wherein the platform deck is operable to be slidably configured in a stowed position beneath the cargo truck and a deployed position extending substantially horizontally beyond the cargo truck, and a latching mechanism operable to lock the platform deck in one of the stowed position and the deployed position. The platform further includes a guardrail accessory stowable under the platform deck, the guardrail accessory having first and second elongated members rotatably coupled together at one end.

Abstract: A lighting system for use with an emergency vehicle comprises at least one elongated lighting bar mounted to an exterior surface of the emergency vehicle, the lighting bar comprises a plurality of lighting elements operable to emit light, the at least one lighting bar operable to be placed in a first substantially horizontal lowered position and a second substantially vertical raised position, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one lighting bar and configured to receive user input and controllably place the at least one lighting bar in one of a raised and lowered positions in response to the user input, the controller further configurable to operate the plurality of lighting elements in a predetermined repeating on/off sequence involving increasing number of lit lighting elements and increasing light intensity over time.

Abstract: A dryer system for a firefighting ensemble comprising a housing having an air intake port and an air outlet port, a forced air assembly including a heater and a blower accommodated within the housing, a plurality of flexible porous hose segments coupled to the air outlet port operable to receive and conduct forced air therefrom, and the plurality of flexible porous hose segments are operable to conduct forced heated air into elements of the firefighting ensemble to speed drying.

Abstract: A firefighting apparatus comprising a controller, and a hydraulic pump driven by a power-take-off and operable to supply a hydraulic fluid under pressure. A water pumping subsystem is powered by the hydraulic fluid and operable to supply water under pressure to a conduit, wherein a flow rate of water is substantially regulated by controlling the hydraulic fluid input to the water pumping subsystem. A chemical foam subsystem is powered by the hydraulic fluid and operable to inject foam at a predetermined flow rate into the conduit, wherein the flow rate of the foam is substantially regulated by controlling the hydraulic fluid input to the chemical foam subsystem. An electrical power generator subsystem is powered by the hydraulic fluid and operable to generate electrical power, wherein the frequency and voltage of the generated power is substantially regulated by controlling the hydraulic fluid input to the electrical power generator subsystem.

Abstract: A personnel platform for installation on a cargo truck comprises a mounting bracket securely fastened to a framing structure of the cargo truck beneath a personnel door, a platform deck mounted to a sliding mechanism securely fastened to the mounting bracket, wherein the platform deck is operable to be slidably configured in a stowed position beneath the cargo truck and a deployed position extending substantially horizontally beyond the cargo truck, and a latching mechanism operable to lock the platform deck in one of the stowed position and the deployed position.

Abstract: A cargo truck ramp load assist system comprises a hand truck engagement device disposed in a longitudinal slot in a cargo truck ramp, a first actuator coupled to the hook operable to effect displacement of the hand truck engagement device along the longitudinal slot in the ramp, a remote controller coupled to a hand truck and equipped with a first radio transceiver, a second radio transceiver coupled to the first actuator operable to receive directional/speed control signals from the remote controller, and the hand truck engagement device operable to engage the hand truck and the first actuator effecting displacement of the hand truck engagement device up and down the ramp in response to the directional/speed control signals to facilitate the hand truck going up and down the ramp.

Abstract: A dryer system for a firefighting ensemble comprising a housing having an air intake port and an air outlet port, a forced air assembly including a heater and a blower accommodated within the housing, a plurality of flexible porous hose segments coupled to the air outlet port operable to receive and conduct forced air therefrom, and the plurality of flexible porous hose segments are operable to conduct forced heated air into elements of the firefighting ensemble to speed drying.

Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors adapted to measure the temperature at various locations on a firefighter's turnout gear and helmet, and operable to generate temperature measurements, a microcontroller configured to receive the temperature measurements from the plurality of temperature sensors, and to analyze the temperature measurements and determine the temperature status of the firefighter's environment, a visual interface in communication with the microcontroller and configured to provide a visual indication of the firefighter's temperature status, an audible alert device in communication with the microcontroller and configured to provide an audible alert of the firefighter's temperature status, and a command center configured to receive the temperature measurements and the temperature status from the microcontroller, and to display this information.

Abstract: A control system for driving a motor that operates a valve comprises an open control switch operable to generate a first input signal in response to manual activation, a close control switch operable to generate a second input signal in response to manual activation, and a feather control switch operable to generate a third input signal in response to manual activation. The system further comprises a microcontroller operable to generate a feathered control signal in response to receiving a third signal and one of a first and second input signals substantially simultaneously, the feathered control signal operable to cause the drive motor to change the setting of the discharge valve at a feathered speed.

Abstract: A water supply control system for use with a fire hydrant comprises a four-way valve assembly having a first inlet port for coupling to a nozzle of the fire hydrant via a fire hose, the four-way valve assembly operable to selectively open and close the inlet and outlet ports according to an operating mode of the four-way valve assembly, a stable and sturdy platform substantially supporting the weight of the four-way valve assembly, a flexible tether strap secured to the platform at a first end and having a fastener at a second end for releasably coupling to the fire hydrant, a status indicator mounted on the four-way valve assembly operable to provide a visual indication of the operation mode of the four-way valve assembly, and a scene light mounted on the four-way assembly operable to provide high-intensity illumination.

Abstract: A control system comprises a central controller adapted to receive user input and commands, and in communication with a plurality of remote sensors adapted to detect various vehicular parameters: water pressure, water level, water flow rate, engine speed, pump speed, etc., and firefighter parameters: air tank level, air flow rate, body temperature, respiration rate, O2 saturation level, ambient temperature, and presence of hazardous chemicals and radiation. The system further comprises a plurality of remote actuators adapted to receive commands from the central controller and automatically carry out an operation in response to the received command. A wireless communication subsystem is adapted to receive and transmit sensed parameters from the plurality of remote sensors to the central controller, and transmit user input and commands from the central controller to the plurality of remote actuators. A central display screen is adapted to present sensed parameters and warnings.

Abstract: A lighting system for use with an emergency vehicle comprising at least one lighting bar mounted to an exterior surface of the emergency vehicle, the lighting bar comprises a plurality of lighting elements operable to emit light, the at least one lighting bar operable to be placed in a first substantially horizontal lowered position and a second substantially vertical raised position, and a controller electrically coupled to the at least one lighting bar and configured to receive user input and controllably place the at least one lighting bar in one of a raised and lowered positions in response to the user input.

Abstract: A bulkhead assembly is provided for dividing a storage compartment into two or more sub-compartments. The bulkhead includes a peripheral seal member mounted at an edge of the bulkhead assembly for engagement with interior surfaces defining at least a portion of the storage compartment. Seals are constructed and configured so as to be reversible to provide a second sealing surface to replace the first sealing surface when it becomes worn or ineffective. The seals may be mounted to the panel assembly via mechanical fasteners permitting easy reversal of the seal members.