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: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fires on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fi on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a fire extinguishing system for suppressing fi on cook stoves, fryers or other heating or heated devices with fire suppressant dispensed through nozzles is powered by batteries which provide current for both a detection circuit including a pair of heat sensors and control circuitry and current for a gas or electric house current shut-off. Preferably, the shut-off is operated acoustically upon sounding of an audible alarm which emits a signal to which the shut off is acoustically tuned. Preferably, the heat sensors are diodes but, in alterative embodiments may be thermistors or active temperature sensors. While a wireless link, such as an acoustical link, is preferred between the control circuitry and shut-off, a wired link may also be used. In order to facilitate mounting of both the heat sensors and nozzles, magnetic housings are utilized which retain studs extending from tees, 90 degree elbows or both.

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 extinguishing system for a residential cookstove or range includes a fire extinguisher mounted above a hood in a cabinet positioned over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher is connected by flexible hoses and/or adjustable pipes to a pair of nozzles within the hood to dispense fire suppressant over the cookstove or range. The fire extinguisher includes an operator normally biased to the operable position, but held in the inoperable position by a cable system having a plurality of fusible or reusable, heat-activated links distributed therein. The cable system is held in tension adjacent the inner periphery of the hood and includes a section of chain to facilitate installation. Upon the occurrence of a fire, at least one of the links separates, releasing the cable system and allowing the operator to move to the operating position whereby the fire extinguisher releases the fire suppressant.

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.

Abstract: A check valve includes a housing with an inlet, outlet, and a predetermined size cavity. A spherical valve element is supported on a slidable stem which is supported by a support shaped like the valve element with a spring interposed therebetween to urge the valve element into a closed condition. A locking mechanism enables locking of the valve element in a fully open, fully closed, or unlocked free floating condition. In another aspect, the valve included a bleeder conduit to the inlet side. The invention is also the valve in combination with a fire engine pumper.