Abstract: An apparatus and method for releasing pressure and draining a high pressure water system includes a valve comprising a valve body having an inner cavity for water to flow therethrough, an inlet opening and an outlet opening in fluid connection with the inner cavity, a valve seat assembly comprising a first biasing member exerting a force against a valve plunger cooperating with a seal to thereby substantially close the valve at or above a predetermined system pressure, and an override comprising a manual activator having a second biasing member and a cooperating member positioned to transmit to said valve seat assembly a force applied by an operator, to thereby manually open the valve when pressure exceeds the predetermined system pressure.

Abstract: A fire truck characterized by its reduced operating noise level and improved drive train includes a frame having front and rear regions. An occupant cab is mounted upon the frame front region, and the engine is located at the rear region having a transmission associated therewith. A gear box mounted upon the frame intermediate the front and rear regions includes a close coupled fire pump attached thereto and the gear box includes an input shaft directly connected to the engine transmission. An output shaft of the gear box is directly connected to the differential associated with the vehicle rear wheels, and shifting means within the gear box selectively connects the engine and transmission to the differential or the fire pump. The fire pump gear box eliminates an intermediary transfer case and provides significant cost and weight advantages as well as eliminating the need for special power transmitting components.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a vehicle frame particularly suitable for use with fire truck aerial apparatus wherein the frame comprises a torque box highly resistant to twisting and deformation. The frame is of a box configuration, fully enclosed, wherein the bottom surface is inwardly recessed to provide clearance for the vehicle driveshaft, and to provide rigidity and resistance to twisting, internal K-bracing plates are welded to the lateral and bottom frame portions.

Abstract: A pumping system for fire fighting vehicles wherein a pair of power take-off units mounted on the vehicle transmission engages with a drive gear within the transmission to separately drive water pumps. The power take-offs are each provided with a clutch wherein selective independent and simultaneous pump operation is possible, and it is also possible to operate one or both of the pumps while the vehicle is moving wherein a "pump and roll" capacity is achieved. The vehicle includes a water storage tank selectively communicating with an inlet manifold communicating with the pump inlets, and an outlet manifold receives the pumps' discharge. The manifolds are provided with hose fittings at each vehicle lateral side, and the two pump system of the invention is readily installable in medium size vehicles.

Abstract: A basic unit of construction for use in playground equipment and the like, in which timbers are to be interconnected with tubes of smaller diameter. Each timber is cross bored and counter bored at each side to give recesses with substantially flat and parallel bottoms, and beneficial compression is applied to the posts by means which may also serve to grip the tubes, and which are sized to fit the bottoms of the recesses rather than the cross bores, thus improving the transfer of force from the tube to the timber and minimizing any splitting effect exercised on the timbers. The invention includes a special fitting for applying this principle where timbers are to be connected directly to one another either in parallel or in orthogonal relationship.