Abstract: A high temperature-resistant fire extinguishing robot, comprising: a high temperature-resistant robot chassis system and a high temperature-resistant turret system. The high temperature-resistant robot chassis system carries the high temperature-resistant turret system to perform movements and obstacle avoidance, provides the high temperature-resistant turret system with energy, and further comprises: a high temperature-resistant tract drive system, a thermal protection system, and a control and sensor system, the high temperature-resistant track drive system being arranged outside of the thermal protection system, and the control and sensor system being arranged within the thermal protection system.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle includes a chassis, a front axle, a rear axle, an engine, a battery system, an electromagnetic device, an accessory drive, and a controller. The accessory drive is positioned to receive a mechanical input from the engine and the electromagnetic device. The controller is configured to selectively engage a plurality of operational modes including a standby mode and a hybrid mode. According to the standby mode, the controller is configured to operate the electromagnetic device using stored energy stored in the battery system to drive the accessory drive with the engine off. According to the hybrid mode, the controller is configured to operate both the engine and the electromagnetic device.

Abstract: A control system for use with a fire-fighting device includes a remote component having a touch sensitive screen configured to receive a user-requested parameter of fluid and to display a plurality of indicators associated with the fire-fighting device. The control system also includes a base component including a programmable logic controller having predefined logic stored thereon. The base component automatically controls operation of the pump based on the predefined logic and the user-requested parameter of fluid. The remote component receives signals from the base component and presents, via the touch sensitive screen, at least one of a first of the plurality of indicators indicative of a water volume associated with a first water source stored at a fire fighting device, and a second of the plurality of indicators indicative of a water pressure associated with a second water source remote from the fire-fighting device.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing robotic service device is described for use with a robotic picking system grid. The fire extinguishing robotic service device is configured for driving to any location on the grid in order to extinguish a fire. The service device may also be provided with a camera sensor to locate the fire.

Abstract: A slow rate pumping system which includes a discharge line to receive a discharge flow of displacement fluid from a high rate pumper, a return line off of the discharge line to receive a return flow of displacement fluid, a slow rate diversion pumping line off of the discharge line for supplying a diversion flow of displacement fluid downhole, a return valve to control the return flow, and a diversion valve to control the downhole flow. A method of supplying a slow rate flow which includes receiving a main pumping flow through a return line at a pumping pressure, producing a differential pressure between the pumping pressure and a downhole pressure matching a differential setpoint, diverting a slow rate flow of fluid from the main flow using a diversion line off the return line prior to the return valve, and maintaining the differential pressure.

Abstract: A sensing device for a hydrant can include a housing defining a portion of an operating stem of the hydrant; a vein connected to the housing, the vein defining a channel; a sensor received within the channel of the vein; and an antenna in communication with the sensor and positioned within the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a floor plate defining a front and a back of the vehicle, wall sections to receive vehicle loading and transfer the vehicle loading to the floor plate, and a fluid delivery assembly supported by the floor plate. The fluid delivery assembly includes an intake manifold that resides at the back, an outlet that resides at the front, and a set of lateral conduits extending between the intake manifold and the outlet to laterally convey fluid entering the intake manifold from a fluid source to the outlet for delivery to a fluid target. Accordingly, the back may connect to the fluid source and the front may deliver the fluid thus keeping the vehicle sides and top available for other uses. Moreover, the low isolated placement of the fluid delivery assembly safeguards the fluid delivery assembly and provides a low center of gravity for vehicle stability.

Abstract: A wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting apparatus is provided in the form of a four-wheel or all-wheel drive pumper truck that merges the high-clearance and off road capability of a Type 3 wildland pumper truck with the functionality, exceptional handling, mobility and storage capacity of a Type 1 pumper truck. The truck can include a short front overhang chassis yielding a 20+ degree angle of approach and an optional 20+ degree angle of departure. The truck can include a compact water distribution system including a narrow discharge manifold plumbed to an engine PTO driven primary pump and optional portable secondary pump, which can operate during pump and roll firefighting procedures. The discharge manifold can be coupled to electronic valves operated via a control panel, and can be so narrow that it can contribute to shortening the truck's wheelbase.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a surface has a vehicle including an extensible boom. A multi-purpose hood is attached to the boom. The hood includes at least one nozzle for spraying a fluid through an outlet of the hood, the nozzle adapted for reciprocating, non-rotational movement in a generally linear direction relative to the opening in the hood. The multi-purpose hood may be adapted for rotating independently about three different axes, and may include a first actuator for controlling a roll of the hood, a second actuator for controlling a yaw of the hood, a third actuator for controlling a pitch of the hood, and a fourth actuator for controlling an extension of the boom and a second actuator for controlling a swing of the boom. The extensible boom may be connected to a telescoping conduit for communicating fluid along the boom to or from the multi-purpose hood. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of measuring a characteristic of a fluid inside a fluid distribution system includes receiving a fluid inside a channel of a vein of a stem of a hydrant; recording data corresponding to the characteristic of the fluid with a sensing device, the sensing device including: a housing; a vein in sealing contact with the housing, the vein defining a channel extending from a lower end of the vein to an upper end of the vein; a sensor facing the channel and in sealing contact with the vein; at least one battery in electrical communication with the sensor and positioned within the housing; and an antenna in electrical communication with the sensor; and transmitting the data to the antenna.

Abstract: A relatively small fire apparatus vehicle, which may have a single rear axle, is provided that includes a high-flow articulated water tower that delivers water at a rate of up to 1500 GPM (gallons per minute). The fire apparatus vehicle may include a turret support arrangement with a torque box that is supported from the vehicle chassis and that supports a turret at its turret base. A pair of outriggers is connected to at least two of the vehicle chassis, the torque box, and the turret base through a pair of outrigger mounts on opposite sides of the vehicle chassis.

Abstract: A field-configurable apparatus for different aerial applications is provided. The field-configurable apparatus attaches to an aerial boom on a mobile carrier. The apparatus can perform rapid semi-precise cutting of vegetation. Additionally, the apparatus can perform more precise trimming of one or more areas (e.g., limbs) and optionally use a limb clamp to prevent cut limbs/vegetation from arbitrarily falling on objects below the cutting area. Still further, the apparatus can have a grapple or similar device attached to the end of the boom for use in relocating debris or for loading debris. Other industrial applications are also possible (e.g., commercial water blasting, deicing of planes, etc.). In each configuration, the apparatus comprises one or more rotatable or pivoting couplings to allow for rotation about one or more axis and therefore allow precise manipulation of an aerial tool assembly from an operator in the vehicle or on the ground.

Abstract: This is a mobile vehicle with three basic eternal features a conical front, cylindrical body and ellipsoidal rear end. The vehicle will have stationary rear wheels and steerable front wheels. This design will allow the vehicle to enter a tornado safely and spray cold water through its outer nozzles into the tornado, reducing its energy and destructive power. This vehicle can become a tornado hunter. This vehicle can be used in fighting large fires on relatively level terrains, by creating a watery path-like barricade.

Abstract: An auxiliary distribution station is configured to be used in cooperation with a primary distribution station. The auxiliary distribution system includes a mobile vehicle, an auxiliary hose reel and auxiliary hose, a lift, a tank, a pump, an auxiliary meter, and a tank hose. The auxiliary hose is configured to be fluidly connected with a hose of the primary distribution station. The lift is configured to move and deploy the auxiliary hose reel from the mobile vehicle. The pump is operable to pump fluid from the tank, through the meter, and through the tank hose.

Abstract: A method for coding a hose appliance with a fire-fighting device is provided. The method includes providing a codable hose appliance on the fire-fighting device, where the hose appliance includes a unique identifier. The method further includes sensing the unique identifier with a sensor associated with a portion of the fire-fighting device, and coding, using a control module communicatively coupled to the sensor, the hose appliance to the portion of the fire-fighting device in response to the sensor sensing the unique identifier. Coding the hose appliance to the portion of the fire-fighting device enables the hose appliance to control fluid flow from the fire-fighting device.

Abstract: The disclosure includes embodiments for providing on-demand street lighting for a connected vehicle. In some embodiments, a method includes controlling an operation of a street light based on a lighting policy and a presence of a connected vehicle. In some embodiments, the street light is operated consistent with the lighting policy. In some embodiments, the presence of the connected vehicle is determined based on a receipt of a wireless message that is transmitted by the connected vehicle. In some embodiments, the lighting policy is operable to reduce an energy consumption of the street light while also providing illumination for the connected vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method suitable for improving the efficiency of a firefighting robot by managing a water supply in a hose coupled thereto is provided. The system includes a robot capable of self-propulsion. The robot is coupled to at least a first hose and is capable of receiving water through the first hose from a water source and discharging the water towards a fire to extinguish the fire. The system includes at least a first valve unit fluidically coupling the first hose to the water source, and means for controlling the robot and the first valve unit such that the first valve unit prevents the robot from receiving water from the water source and drains water from within the first hose when the robot maneuvers and provides water to the robot through the first hose from the water source when the robot is extinguishing the fire.

Abstract: A system for automatically setting up a truck-mounted pump driven by an engine for pumping operation, comprising a transmission control having a visual indicator and coupled to a transmission of the truck, a pump control having a visual indicator and coupled to the pump, a prime control having a visual indicator and coupled to a prime pump, a master system control switch operable to receive operator input, and a main controller in data communication with the transmission control, pump control, prime control, and the master system control switch, the main controller receiving an input from the master system control switch to initiate pump setup operation, and automatically transmitting alert signals to the visual indicators of the transmission control, pump control, and prime control to provide visual guidance to the operator in the proper sequence of steps to set up the pump for pumping operation.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a first storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a second storage area configured to receive a fire hose, a front cabin coupled to a front end of the chassis forward of the body assembly, a front axle coupled to the front end of the chassis, a tandem rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, a water tank coupled to the chassis, a pump coupled to the chassis, and a ladder assembly including a plurality of extensible ladder sections. The ladder assembly has a proximal end that is coupled to the chassis rearward of the front cabin and between the front axle and the tandem rear axle. The ladder assembly is extensible to provide a horizontal reach of at least 88 feet and a vertical reach of at least 95 feet.

Abstract: An auxiliary distribution station is configured to be used in cooperation with a primary distribution station. The auxiliary distribution system includes a mobile vehicle, an auxiliary hose reel and auxiliary hose, a lift, a tank, a pump, an auxiliary meter, and a tank hose. The auxiliary hose is configured to be fluidly connected with a hose of the primary distribution station. The lift is configured to move and deploy the auxiliary hose reel from the mobile vehicle. The pump is operable to pump fluid from the tank, through the meter, and through the tank hose.

Abstract: A mobile platform comprising: (a) one or more platforms to support one or more cartridges, (b) one or more compartments within the one or more platforms, (c) one or more vertical supports connected to the one or more platforms, (d) a plurality of wheels connected to a bottom of the one or more platforms, and (e) one or more recesses located in the one or more platforms to receive one or more support accessories, wherein the one or more compartments are shaped to receive the one or more cartridges so that the one or more cartridges are secured to the one or more platforms during movement.

Abstract: A low-impact and modular mobile fuel delivery apparatus is disclosed with a self-propelled unit, a pump unit, and a tank unit. The self-propelled unit is adapted to minimally impact the terrain over which it travels and includes a lift for carrying the pump unit and for moving the pump unit between first and second heights. The pump unit includes a pump for drawing fuel from the tank unit and for supplying fuel to a retractable fuel-delivery hose.

Abstract: Implementations are disclosed herein that relate to a firefighting system. An example provides a firefighting system comprising a conveyance configured to receive and elevate screened soil, a chute configured to receive the screened soil at an entry point, and a nozzle configured to emit the screened soil toward a fire site, the nozzle comprising an augmentation device configured to increase a flow speed of the screened soil.

Abstract: A device, a motor vehicle equipped with the device, a method, and a computer program product including program code to implement the method, for collision risk management pertaining to a vehicle including portions projecting outside a basic configuration of the vehicle, including determining a surrounding configuration as basis for collision risk determination, determining presence of portions projecting outside the basic configuration, determining if collision risk is present at the thus determined surrounding configuration and the thus determined total vehicle configuration, and for an operator of the vehicle indicating the thus determined collision risk.

Abstract: A tanker vehicle for distributing liquid on a surface includes a chassis that supports a tank for holding the liquid. A fluid pump discharges the liquid from the tank and is driven by a hydraulic motor. A hydraulic system delivers hydraulic fluid to the motor through a supply line and returns the fluid to a tank through a return line. A bypass circuit is disposed between the supply line and the return line, bypassing the motor. The bypass circuit includes a system for providing a combination soft start and soft stop of the hydraulic motor that is configured to enable hydraulic fluid to flow from the supply line through the bypass circuit to the return line at a start of the hydraulic system and to flow from the return line through the bypass circuit to the supply line at a shutdown of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A firefighting or rescue apparatus includes an extendable crosslay hose bed which facilitates access to the crosslay bed for loading and pulling flexible fire hose. The bed is mounted to a frame, generally behind the cab of the apparatus, which can be a fire truck. The bed includes a moveable tray extending laterally, across a width of the truck. The tray can be oriented generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the truck as well. The tray and/or an optional underlying support frame can be coupled to a power unit adapted to extend and retract the support frame and moveable tray from stored position to a deployed position. A control can be in communication with the power unit and operable by a user to control movement of the tray from the stored position to the deployed position.

Abstract: A combination mechanical/electrical valve actuator providing tactile feedback similar to a purely mechanical valve actuator is disclosed.

Abstract: A water spraying system includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, the pump including a pump inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a water source and a pump outlet providing water at an increased water pressure, a sprayer fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, the sprayer including a flow restriction valve, a trigger for operating the flow restriction valve, and a wireless transmitter configured to transmit a wireless start signal indicating release of the flow restriction valve, a wireless receiver, and a controller coupled to the wireless receiver, wherein the wireless receiver receives the wireless start signal from the wireless transmitter and in response the controller activates the pump by starting the engine.

Abstract: Machines and system for 3D printing are disclosed. One machine includes a machine frame having a plurality of ground engaging elements to facilitate movement of the machine frame, a telescoping boom pivotably coupled to the machine frame and configured to pivot along at least a horizontal plane, a material line coupled to the boom and configured to convey a material therethrough, a printhead coupled to the boom and in fluid communication with the material line to receive the material and to dispense the material, and a controller configured to receive 3D printing information and to convert the 3D printing information into positional coordinates of the printhead, wherein the controller is to cause movement of the boom to position the printhead based at least on the position coordinates.

Abstract: A mobile system and method of use thereof for containment of a fire event is provided in accordance with various embodiments of the current invention. The system herein designated “Rain Maker” is composed of a plurality of conduits with a manifold of fire nozzle connections in various configurations to discharge at extensive pressures specific fire suppressants. Each conduit can be operated individually, or connected to another conduit by a hose having a predetermined length forming a contiguous system thereby efficiently traversing large areas of land. The system can be operated either remotely as well as manually. An alternative embodiment can be installed in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Each system can be custom designed based on environmental engineering requirements and system application.

Abstract: A method for spraying an oil, such as an MSDS exempt vegetable oil, onto a material handling surface to impede material from adhering to the surface. The method includes spraying the oil from an elevated position. The elevated position can be a platform comprising an elevated section configured to support a human operator, and spray equipment can be used to spray the oil, the spray equipment including a container for containing the oil, a hydraulic pump fluidly coupled to the container, and a spray wand and hose fluidly coupled to the pump. The spray equipment can be mounted on the platform and configured to enable an operator to operate the spray wand from the elevated section of the platform.

Abstract: The application discloses a control system of a fire fighting truck for high-rise and super high-rise building firefighting, comprising: a command control equipment (2), a launch control equipment (3), a turret control apparatus (8), and a photoelectric detection equipment (9), wherein, the photoelectric detection equipment (9) comprises: an installing shell, a power supply, a white light zoom camera, an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder, and an integrated processing unit, wherein the white light zoom camera is connected to the installing shell via screws, the infrared camera is connected to the installing shell by using a screw, the laser rangefinder is connected to the installing shell by using a screw, the power supply interface of the white light zoom camera is connected to the power supply by using a wire, the power supply interface of the infrared camera is connected to the power supply by using a wire, the power supply interface of the laser rangefinder is connected to the power supply by using a wi

Abstract: The invention discloses a fire fighting truck applicable to high-rise and super high-rise building fire suppression, comprising a truck chassis (1), a command control equipment (2), an launch control equipment (3), an equipment compartment (4), an launching apparatus (5), an ejection device (6), a fire extinguishing bomb (7), a turret control apparatus (8) and a photoelectric detection equipment (9), wherein, the command control equipment (2) and the launch control equipment (3) are arranged in the co-pilot position of the cab of the truck chassis (1); the equipment compartment (4) is arranged behind the cab and is fixed on the truck chassis (1) with bolts; the launching apparatus (5) is arranged on the truck chassis (1) and is fixed with screws; the ejection device (6) is arranged and fixed on the launching apparatus (5); the fire extinguishing bomb (7) is arranged within the ejection device (6); the turret control apparatus (8) is distributed on the truck chassis and the launching apparatus for accomplishin

Abstract: A fire-fighting system includes a base component, a nozzle located remote from the base component, and a locator component mounted to the nozzle. The locator component is communicatively coupleable to the base component, and includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive signals from the base component, and a locator beacon including a visually-perceptible output device. The locator component is configured to activate the locator beacon in response to an activation signal received from the base component.

Abstract: The present application discloses a control method of a fire fighting truck for high-rise and super high-rise building firefighting, including: a command control equipment (2), a launch control equipment (3), a turret control apparatus (8), a photoelectric detection equipment (9), wherein the photoelectric detection equipment (9) comprises: an installing shell, a power supply, a white light zoom camera, an infrared camera, a laser rangefinder, and an integrated processing unit, the white light zoom camera is connected to the installing shell by a screw, the infrared camera is connected to the installing shell by a screw, the laser rangefinder is connected to the installing shell by a screw, a power supply interface of the white light zoom camera is connected to the power supply by a wire, a power supply interface of the infrared camera is connected to the power supply by a wire, a power supply interface of the laser rangefinder is connected to the power supply by a wire, a data interface of the white light zo

Abstract: A pump module mountable to a chassis of a fire truck includes a pump assembly having a water pump and plumbing connected to the water pump. A lower housing defines an enclosure that includes opposed exterior panels, opposed interior panels and a top opening defined by an upper perimeter. At least one of the exterior panels maintains a fluid connection to the plumbing of the pump assembly. At least one of the interior panels includes an interior opening to accommodate the chassis and a connection between the water pump and an engine. An upper housing defines a lower perimeter that can be positioned with respect to the upper perimeter of the lower housing. The upper housing transitions between a first, operating position wherein the lower perimeter engages the upper perimeter, and a second, open position wherein the lower perimeter is spaced apart from the upper perimeter.

Abstract: A new form of missile, for implantation of an actuator within a wall or building, is provided. In some aspects of the invention, the missile comprises an enclosed actuator, deployed upon successful implantation of the missile in a target wall. Preferably, the missile comprises stops and piercing grips to secure the missile within the target wall, and encourage the proper degree of penetration and a mounting position enabling the deployment of the actuator(s) comprised within the missile. In some embodiments, the actuator can be remotely actuated by control system and user commands.

Abstract: A fire extinguishing vehicle has at least one pan extending distally from a connection portion and forming a concave space within a middle portion, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls extend downwardly from opposite sides of the middle portion. The first and second side walls are shaped such that the middle portion slopes from a distal side where the side walls are longest to a proximal side where the side walls are shortest.

Abstract: A hose appliance is provided for use with a fire-fighting device. The hose appliance includes an inlet removably coupleable to a first hose and/or a first hose appliance, a first outlet removably coupleable to a second hose and/or a second hose appliance, a body extending between the inlet and the first outlet, and a control module including a transceiver configured to receive data from the fire-fighting device and to transmit data to the fire-fighting device to facilitate controlling the fire-fighting device.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is described for driver assistance systems in motor vehicles, having a radar sensor and a video camera, in which the radar sensor and the video camera are integrated into a common housing.

Abstract: A nozzle system is provided for use in a fire-fighting environment. The nozzle system includes a nozzle, and a remote component that is communicatively coupleable to a base component and that is associated with the nozzle. The remote component includes an indicator configured to provide a status signal associated with the nozzle system.

Abstract: A firefighting monitor system includes a monitor, a controller selectively generating signals to the monitor for controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configured to receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controller. The computer generates an output based on the input, and the output is transmitted to the controller for controlling the monitor or the controller in accordance with the output.

Abstract: The proposed invention is an indoor firefighting robot which has the capability to climb stairs and negotiate several types of floor materials inside buildings. it can withstand very high temperature up to 700 Celsius for as long as 60 minutes using multiple thermal insulation technique. It can communicate with trapped and injured persons inside the fire scene and can send back video and audio information describing the fire environment inside the building to the controller. It has also an insulated container at the rear with oxygen masks to help victims to breathe safely in the smoke environment in the early stage of the firefighting process. Several of these compact firefighting robots can be launched and can work together inside the room or multiple rooms under fire with assistance of remote control unit. The fire robot can avoid obstacles while trying to rescue injured victims.

Abstract: An integral tank frame for an emergency response vehicle is provided. The integral tank frame includes a tank mounted within an envelope of space of a ladder frame. The ladder frame has side rails that support the tank on either side thereof. The tank can be mounted to the side rails such that it extends across the top of the side rails, interior to the side rails, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fire hose coupling apparatus for self powered lighting of an area where a fire fighter is engaged in fires suppression with a fire hose, and for providing real time environmental data to fire fighters.

Abstract: A pump module mountable to a chassis of a fire truck includes a pump assembly having a water pump and plumbing connected to the water pump. A lower housing defines an enclosure that includes opposed exterior panels, opposed interior panels and a top opening defined by an upper perimeter. At least one of the exterior panels maintains a fluid connection to the plumbing of the pump assembly. At least one of the interior panels includes an interior opening to accommodate the chassis and a connection between the water pump and an engine. An upper housing defines a lower perimeter that can be positioned with respect to the upper perimeter of the lower housing. The upper housing transitions between a first, operating position wherein the lower perimeter engages the upper perimeter, and a second, open position wherein the lower perimeter is spaced apart from the upper perimeter.

Abstract: A surrogate foam test system for testing a foam distribution system of a fire fighting vehicle includes a water tank having an outlet coupled to a flush line and a foam storage tank having an outlet coupled to a foam feed line. The water tank provides water through the outlet and the foam storage tank provides a foam fire suppressant. The test system also includes a flush valve coupled to the flush line, where the flush line extends through the flush valve and into the foam feed line at a junction, and a foam valve coupled to the foam feed line before the junction, where the foam feed line extends through the foam valve and accepts the flush line the junction. A flow meter is coupled to the flush line between the flush valve and the junction, where the flow meter is configured to monitor a flow rate of the water within the flush line.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus which may be used to adjust flow of fluid or air in conjunction with a rack and pinion system. The device is able to rotate both vertically and horizontally via a mechanism that transforms axial movement into rotary movement. The device is useful in a range of circumstances where required specific and controllable rotary motion is required.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle includes a chassis, a front wheel assembly coupled to the chassis and having at least one front wheel defining an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the chassis when in a straight position, an operator cab positioned at a front portion of the chassis, and an engine supported by the chassis. The operator cab has a floor section extending laterally between a driver seat and a passenger seat at a position forward of the axis of rotation, and the floor section is substantially flat. The engine is disposed under the operator cab and at least partially rearward of the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A fueling control system for providing fuel from a vehicle to an aircraft, and a method of providing fuel from a fuel vehicle to an aircraft are disclosed herein. The fueling control system includes a pressure transducer for sensing back pressure in a fluid path to a fuel tank of an aircraft, and a digital controller coupled to the pressure transducer for receiving the back pressure in the fluid path and controlling fuel flow in the fluid path to the aircraft. The method includes the steps of sensing back pressure in a fluid path from the aircraft; receiving the sensed back pressure by a digital controller; and controlling fuel flow to the aircraft in the fluid path based on the sensed back pressure.