Abstract: A novel aerial boom system for use atop a vehicle and having linear movement sensors associated with hydraulic cylinders for moving lower and upper booms such that a microprocessor associated with the system can determine the instantaneous position of each boom and coordinate movement of the booms with respect to each other and with the vehicle to prevent undesired contact and to gradually decelerate boom movement as the boom approaches its limits to avoid shock from sudden stop of boom movement. When the novel system is used with a fire fighting vehicle, two variably spaced, independently controllable, fluid discharge nozzles can be used to fight one or two separate and distinct fires simultaneously. A piercing nozzle can be associated with the outer end of the upper boom that is independently controllable in both the vertical plane and in the horizontal direction to enable piercing of a wall independent of boom movement to assist penetration.

Abstract: A forward-mounted fluid-dispensing boom on a fire-fighting vehicle that can move between a retracted position and a fully extended position directly in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A coupling for a fire hydrant-fire hose connection includes a first coupling member attached to the fire hydrant and a second coupling member attached to the fire hose wherein both the first and second coupling use a Storz connector. A butterfly valve is mounted within the first coupling to prevent access to the interior of the hydrant and a readily removable cover is placed over the first coupling member to shield the member when the hydrant is not in use.