Abstract: A boom section includes a first, a second, a third, and a fourth fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer and a flex core layer. The first fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer has glass fibers in a vinyl ester matrix. The second fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the first composite material layer and has carbon fibers in an epoxy matrix. The flex core layer is disposed over the second composite material layer. The third fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the flex core layer and has aramid fibers in a vinyl ester matrix. The fourth fiber reinforced thermoset composite material layer is disposed over the third composite material layer and has glass fibers in a vinyl ester matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.

Abstract: An improved fire-fighting device designed to allow variable positioning of a quenching agent dispensing point. The fire-fighting device also allows high quenching agent flow rates. The device uses an articulable boom arrangement and solid pipeline to achieve these advantages.

Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a first boom section having a distal end and a proximal end. A second boom section includes a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the proximal end of the second boom section is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the first boom section. At least one of the boom sections is substantially formed from composite materials.

Abstract: The present invention is a boom system comprising a plurality of articulated boom sections. Each boom section has a longitudinal axis. A stiffening layer is attached to a surface of at least one of the boom sections, and extends within about ten degrees of parallel to the longitudinal axis of the boom section. The stiffening layer is formed of a fiber-reinforced composite material including a plurality of fibers and matrix material.

Abstract: The present invention is a concrete piping system comprising a pipeline. The pipeline includes an intake end, an output end, a liner resistant to concrete abrasion and a pressure tube of composite materials placed over the liner. A concrete pump is connected to the intake end of the pipeline.

Abstract: The invention is a placing boom comprising a plurality of boom sections connected together in an articulated arrangement. A pipeline is carried by the boom sections, wherein the pipeline is disposed inside at least one of the boom sections.

Abstract: An improved fire-fighting device designed to allow variable positioning of a quenching agent dispensing point. The fire-fighting device also allows high quenching agent flow rates. The device uses an articulable boom arrangement and solid pipeline to achieve these advantages.

Abstract: The invention is a placing boom comprising a plurality of boom sections connected together in an articulated arrangement. A pipeline is carried by the boom sections, wherein the pipeline is disposed inside at least one of the boom sections.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for controlling a materials handling system. The materials handling system preferably includes a feed system, a positive displacement pump and a disposal system. The feed system includes a material feeder, which in the preferred embodiment is a screw feeder driven by a drive, and a transition housing. The material feeder forces material through the transition housing to an inlet of the positive displacement pump. The control system includes a pressure sensor, located on the transition housing, connected to a computer. The computer is also connected to the drive of the screw feeder. During operation of the materials handling system, the pressure sensor senses a parameter indicative of material pressure within the transition housing and sends a signal to the computer representative of this parameter. The computer provides a control signal to the feed system to control operation of the materials handling system as a function of the sensed parameter.

Abstract: A valve, to control the injection of lubricant into a viscous material pump pipeline is disclosed. The valve is operated off a parameter of the viscous material pump such as hydraulic fluid pressure from one or both differential/popper teed lines for the pump. The preferred valve includes coaxial water and hydraulic oil spools on opposing ends of a rod, and two hydraulic signals are used to control water flow through two outlets, to properly feed water to two lubricant injectors. Inlets and outlets of the valve are all located along one surface, and an intermediate chamber is provided to receive any leakage past the rod seals.