Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a front axle coupled to the chassis, a rear axle coupled to the chassis, a torque box coupled to the chassis, a pedestal coupled to the torque box, a ladder assembly coupled to the pedestal, and a stability assembly. The torque box has a front end and a rear end. The pedestal is positioned between the front end and the rear end of the torque box. The stability assembly includes a housing coupled to the chassis and the front end of the torque box, a pair of outriggers received within the housing, and a downrigger coupled to the rear end of the torque box. The pair of outriggers is selectively extendable laterally outward in opposing directions. The downrigger is selectively extendable downward.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a cabin, a brake, a vehicle subsystem, and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive an indication that an operator is attempting to exit the cabin and automatically engage the brake in response to the indication to prevent movement of the vehicle. The vehicle subsystem remains operational while the brake is engaged.

Abstract: A water purifier for killing bacteria in water located in a confined area includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and a purification unit that kills the bacteria in the water. A first fluid path is located between the water inlet and the water outlet so that water flowing along the first fluid path flows from the water inlet to the water outlet without passing through the purification unit, and includes a constricted region that has a cross sectional area that is smaller than a cross sectional area of the water inlet. A second fluid path is located between the water inlet and the water outlet, and includes the purification unit, so that water flowing along the second fluid path flows through the purification unit as the water flows from the water inlet to the water outlet.

Abstract: A telephone handset that has a light bulb disposed on it has a special switch that allows the light to automatically illuminate upon using the phone. The switch changes from an open position to a closed one upon a change in the orientation of gravity. One embodiment of the switch includes a hollow chamber having two separate contact plates disposed at one end and a freely sliding conductive manner that comes into contact with the contacts upon picking up the phone. A second switch embodiment includes three parallel pins with a central one the pins having a hanging pivoting member that serves to contact one of the other pins upon a change in gravitational orientation. Also included is a removable socket member to facilitate replacement of the bulb.