Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle of the type having a system for introducing a liquid foam concentrate into a water delivery hose so that the percentage concentration of foamant in the mixture remains at a predetermined set value irrespective of variations in the water flow rate. The improvement provided involves the addition of an AutoStart feature whereby upon application of power to the foam control system, the system comes up in an on mode without the need for human intervention.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus comprising a container with two tanks therein, one holding a quantity of water and another holding a quantity of foaming agent, a pump operated by a gasoline engine, several hoses for directing a water/foam mixture at a fire and for refilling the water tank with water from a source, and a valve system for directing the water/foam mixture through two different hoses at the fire while water from a source is used either directly on the fire or for replacing water taken from the tank. The apparatus is held within a container mounted on casters so that it can be conveniently wheeled about. The unit is adapted for use in areas remote from fire departments.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus includes a frame supported by wheels and a sectioned ladder assembly mounted on the frame for movement between stored and raised positions. The sections of the ladder assembly extend and retract. A waterway on the ladder assembly includes a fluid inlet connection and a water outlet structure for directing pressurized fluid. A lock member is operable to connect the waterway and a top ladder section so that the water outlet structure moves with the top ladder section as the top ladder section extends and retracts and to disconnect the waterway from the top ladder section to enable the water outlet structure to remain substantially stationary with respect to an adjacent ladder section as the top section extends and retracts. A control mounted on the frame at a location remote from the ladder assembly controls the lock member.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for punching a piercing tool through a wall shell structure and for feeding fire-retardant medium to the object on fire. At the outermost end of the rescue boom (3), according to the invention, there is a piercing device (6) which comprises an elongated piercing tool (7) provided with at least one longitudinal channel for supplying the fire-retardant medium to the nozzles of the tool (7) and further to the object on fire. The piercing device (6) comprises an actuator for advancing the piercing tool (7) through the shell structure (8) by a longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle comprises a chassis mounted on a traction system for moving across broken ground. The vehicle includes a water tank connected to the chassis. A cutting device is mounted at a forward end of the chassis and extends in a forward direction away from the chassis. A first arm is pivotally mounted to the chassis, the first arm being capable of extending in a forward direction away from the chassis, the first arm terminating at a distal end in a grasping mechanism. A second arm is pivotally mounted to the chassis, the second arm terminating in a blower. The second arm supports a line interconnecting the water tank to the blower. The second arm is capable of extending the blower away from the chassis and pivoting the blower 180° about the chassis.

Abstract: A shoe for a hoofed animal, e.g. a horseshoe, is described which comprises a body made from a thermoplastic composition which comprises a matrix of a thermoplastic material which has a softening point of less than 100° C., such as a polycaprolactone. A method of shoeing a hoofed animal, such as a horse, is also described.

Abstract: A system for supplying a pre-determined ratio of liquid foam concentrate and water to a mixing device immediately upstream from a fire fighting nozzle. The system is electronically balanced by measuring pressure from a plurality of pressure signal sensors and transmitting said pressure signals to a controller unit. A foam additive pump is powered by a fixed displacement piston motor which in turn is electronically modulated independently of the level of operation of the water pump by a control system that is responsive both to the water pressure developed by the water pump and to the foam liquid concentrate pressure developed by the additive pump.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus comprising a container with two tanks therein, one holding a quantity of water and another holding a quantity of foaming agent, a pump operated by a gasoline engine, several hoses for directing a water/foam mixture at a fire and for refilling the water tank with water from a source, and a valve system for directing the water/foaming agent mixture through two different hoses at the fire while water from a source is used either directly on the fire or for replacing water taken from the tank. The apparatus is held within a container mounted on casters so that it can be conveniently wheeled about. The unit is adapted for use in areas remote from fire departments.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trailer which can be pulled by a conventional towing unit, e.g., a tractor, in particular with reference to its safe use at the scene of a fire, and also concerns improved use of the fire-fighting trailer.

Abstract: The invention is referring to the field of the art of fire-fighting vehicles, rescue vehicles and ambulances, proposing specifically the construction of a multi-functional vehicle which, with the properly disposed equipment and ergonomy, can combine and accomplish all three missions, that is, fire fighting, freeing and rescuing injured entrapped persons and subsquently transportation of these injured persons after, mainly, a car accident. According to the preferred embodiment this single multi-functional vehicle by itself replaces at least three vehicles—that is a fire fighting, a rescue vehicle and two ambulances, having as crew only three persons.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining a desired additive to water ration in a fire-fighting system including a water flow sensor configured to measure the water flow rate, a water pump, a hydraulic pump, a linear hydraulic cylinder driven by the hydraulic pump, an additive pump mechanically coupled to the linear hydraulic cylinder; and a pump displacement sensor configured to sense the position of the additive pump, the pump displacement sensor being in communication with the water flow sensor to maintain a pre-determined ratio of additive to water.

Abstract: An arrangement of equipment elements to facilitate the maintenance of a work vehicle. The work vehicle has a support structure with a power source mounted on an end of the support structure and a vehicle body mounted on the support structure and enveloping at least a portion of the power source. The arrangement comprises a center compartment located at the rear of the vehicle body and configured to allow access to the power source. A first compartment on one side of the center compartment contains wet equipment elements. A second compartment on another side of the center compartment contains dry equipment elements. Another embodiment of the arrangement of equipment elements to facilitate maintenance includes an additional compartment on a side of the work vehicle proximate to the rear of the work vehicle.

Abstract: A fire-fighting turret or monitor includes a curved pipe formed in three successive sections separated by swivelable joints. The first joint swivels about the axis of the first section; the second joint swivels about an axis disposed at an acute angle to the first axis; and the third section includes a corresponding bend so that the exit from the third section can be pointed anywhere within substantially a hemisphere.

Abstract: In a fire pump adapted to force out the water, which is pumped from a water source, from a nozzle provided at a front end portion of a delivery hose, a nozzle control unit 8 adapted to control the fire pump remotely is provided in the vicinity of the nozzle. The nozzle control unit 8 is connected to a body of the fire pump 1 by power source lines 33. On the nozzle control unit 8, a control instruction unit for instructing an operating mode of the pump 1, and a numerical value display unit for displaying the operation condition of the fire pump are provided. The transmitting and receiving of an operation control signal and a condition display signal are done between the pump 1 and nozzle control unit 8 by power line communication via the power source lines 33, whereby the operation condition of the pump 1 is feedback displayed in real time in response to a control operation of a nozzle operator.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: Fire fighting method and apparatus including pumping at least 2000 gpm water from large water reservoir toward an industrial hazard and adding, in an around-the-pump system, at least one water additive from a source to the pumped water through a fitting established on the suction side of the pump, the fitting in fluid communication between the reservoir outlet and the suction side.

Abstract: A turret control system and method for a fire fighting vehicle is disclosed. The turret control system includes one or more control modules, such as an envelope control module, turret targeting module, a turret pan module, a turret deploy module, a turret store module. The preferred turret control system also provides improved turret control flexibility and improved operator feedback.

Abstract: The conventional fire extinguishing method requires a considerable time for knock-down and needs various fire extinguishing systems. It is made possible to shorten the knock-down time to a considerable extent and to attain a marked reduction in the amount of water used during fire fighting and significant minimization of secondary disaster damage by fire-fighting water sprayed over areas other than the fire-stricken area with a simple system configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extinguishing a fire in a burning building includes a hollow, conically-shaped, hardened metallic device attached to an articulating arm of a boom. The device is provided with plural nozzles formed through its outer surface. The device is impelled from the arm articulating arm to impact and crash through the building adjacent the fire. Fire extinguishing fluids are supplied via the plural nozzles to extinguish the fire.

Abstract: A fire fighting unit to be installed and transported on a relatively small vehicle, comprising, in combination, frame structure sized for installation on a vehicle; fluid supply apparatus carried on the frame structure; and including a water supply tank, a fire fighting foam tank, a compressed gas source, fluid delivery lines from the tanks, and controls including pumps carried on the frame structure, for controlling fluid delivery via the lines, and in mixed condition to at least one fluid delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A system (10) for dousing a fire, such as a tunnel, includes a conduit (11) for delivering a fire extinguishing liquid and a trough (12) extending parallel to the conduit (11) for receiving liquid from the conduit (11). A carriage (27) is arranged to move on a track comprising an upper edge (19) of the trough (12) and the carriage (27) carries a pump having a nozzle (25), a video camera (33) and an inlet (26) each of which can be controlled robotically from a remote control station. The inlet (26) is deployed in the trough (12) to draw liquid from the trough (12). The system avoids complicated docking procedures for the pump.

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: 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: A mobile self-propelled vehicle for fighting fires incorporates an extensible, trainable evacuation tube which can be introduced into a burning building or other enclosed space to remove smoke and gases by means of a power exhaust fan. Fire extinguishing materials can be injected into the space through the same evacuation tube.

Abstract: A fire fighting unit to be installed and transported on a relatively small vehicle, comprising, in combination, frame structure sized for installation on a vehicle; fluid supply apparatus carried on the frame structure; and including a water supply tank, a fire fighting foam tank, a compressed gas source, fluid delivery lines from the tanks, and controls including pumps carried on the frame structure, for controlling fluid delivery via the lines, and in mixed condition to at least one fluid delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus includes a chassis that can be in the form of a trailer that supports a pedestal and an articulating boom with a submersible hydraulically driven pump at an end portion of the boom opposite the pedestal. A diesel engine mounted on the chassis powers both a hydraulic pump and a transfer pump. Water picked up by the submersible pump at the end of the boom is received on the chassis and then transferred under pressure to a fire fighting hose. A dual filter arrangement can be used to remove trash that is picked up by the submersible hydraulic pump. A hydraulic motor on the chassis can be used to operate the boom during unfolding and folding and to transfer hydraulic fluid to the submersible pump.

Abstract: A commercial truck body is described, with particular reference to a fire truck body. The truck body if formulated of a co-polymer material with certain strategic corners of the co-polymer material being formed by a single sheet of copolymer bent into the predetermined angle and extrusion welded on the interior portion of the corner. Other junctions of the copolymer material are formulated using traditional fusion, butt, and other joint techniques. In the fire truck application, the liquid storage tank can be integral with the copolymer truck body such that the copolymer truck body formulates both the exterior of the truck body and the liquid storage tank itself. The liquid storage tank can alternatively be a separately formulated copolymer tank also formed with bent corners and interior extrusion welds.

Abstract: A butterfly valve and associated controls for controlling the flow of water from a large diameter fire hose to the inlet of a fire pump is disclosed. The valve is installed between the suction tube and the suction tube extension of a midship mounted fire pump on a fire truck in a location such that the valve is positioned behind the pump operator panel. A pressure relief valve and an air bleed are mounted on the body of the valve.

Abstract: In accordance with a method for making at least one hole in roofs (1), walls, etcetera, in case of fire (2) in buildings or the like the hole or holes are produced by cutting, using a pressurised liquid (3) which while cutting is sprayed into the space (4) on fire in the shape of a jet (5) which rapidly evaporates and in doing so contributes to extinguishing the fire (2), the combustion gases (6) being vented through the cut hole or holes (25). In equipment (7) designed for the implementation of the method there is provided a source of pressurised medium (8) having an outlet for a pressurised liquid (3), a conduit (10), and a nozzle (11) having an inlet (12) and outlet (13).

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport apparatus which is attachable to a typical four wheel all terrain vehicle, popularly called an ATV. The apparatus comprises a rear tank, a forward tank, a pump, hoses and fittings connecting the tanks to each other and the pump, and a dispensing hose. The result is a relatively low profile apparatus when it is installed on a four wheel all terrain vehicle.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus comprising a container with two tanks therein, one holding a quantity of water and another holding a quantity of foaming agent, a pump operated by a gasoline engine, several hoses for directing a water/foam mixture at a fire and for refilling the water tank with water from a source, and a valve system for directing the water/foaming agent mixture through two different hoses at the fire while water from a source is used either directly on the fire or for replacing water taken from the tank. The apparatus is held within a container mounted on casters so that it can be conveniently wheeled about. The unit is adapted for use in areas remote from fire departments.

Abstract: A pivoting joint with a ball and socket joined by trunnions for use in fluid conduits, particularly firefighting devices such as portable monitors and the like. The pivoting joint can be used on an inlet of the device to provide a pivoting motion for one or more inlet hoses, and/or on the outlet of the device to direct the discharge in one or more directions. An optional one-way brake can be used to limit unintended movement about one or more axis of motion.

Abstract: A rough terrain, large water volume, track driven firefighting vehicle with tracked running gear for all terrain capability, having a large onboard water tank, a universal nozzle and heat shields cooled by a system of standoff sprinklers behind the shields, a forward spraying sprinkler and an operator's compartment having controls for operating the vehicle.

Abstract: A remote control vehicle comprising a body having a front end and a rear end and provided with first and second ground engageable propulsion means respectively disposed on opposite sides of the vehicle and in which the first and second propulsion means are driven by first and second transmission means respectively to permit the vehicle to be propelled and steered by driving the propulsion means on one side of the vehicle independently from the propulsion means on the other side of the vehicle, a boom assembly having carrying means for carrying an implement on the boom assembly, the boom assembly being mounted on the body for lifting movement between a raised position and a lowered position by a lifting means and wherein the ground engageable propulsion means and the lifting means of the boom assembly are operable by a receiver, of an electromagnetic signal, provided on the body.

Abstract: A method for fighting wildland and forest fire and a hitch assembly is described that allows a tank of fluid to be towed by a fire tractor to a fire location especially for the purpose of spraying and creating a foam fire break line. The hitch assembly attaches to a fire tractor and uses fifth wheel plate and kingpin coupling to releasably lockingly connect a continuous track vehicle to a tank in the configuration of an over-the-road semi trailer or to the drawbar eye of a tank in the configuration of an over-the-road A-train trailer.

Abstract: An emergency vehicle includes an extendable ladder and a compartment for storing a kit containing a source of light and a cable. When the vehicle arrives at the scene of an emergency, the ladder is partially extended, and the kit is removed from the compartment. The source of light is then suspended from the ladder, near the distal end of the ladder, and the cable is connected between the source of light and a source of power. The ladder is then extended and elevated. The method provides light in hard-to-reach places, regardless of whether the accident scene already is lighted. The kit preferably includes cable support hangers which aid in suspending the cable along the length of the ladder. When the emergency work is complete, the components of the kit may be removed and stored in the vehicle. In another embodiment, the kit includes a unitary frame which holds a generator and a plurality of lamps. The kit does not interfere with the operation of the vehicle, and substantially extends its capability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fire-fighting apparatus comprising a self-propelled, power-operated vehicle having interior surfaces defining a hose container receiving space, a hose container constructed and arranged to receive a length of hose therein, and a mounting assembly mounting the hose container on the vehicle for supported movement between (a) a retracted, hose containing position wherein the hose container is retracted within the hose container receiving space of the vehicle and (b) an extended, hose loading position wherein the hose container extends outwardly from the hose container receiving space.

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 firefighting vehicle can be transported to a fire, connected to a water supply hose, and maneuvered by remote or self-contained control to dispense water from the supply hose through a nozzle and onto the fire. The apparatus may be driven by a pair of independent, continuous tracks, and may include a video monitor to transmit real-time images to the operator to view the fire and control the apparatus. The nozzle and monitor may be mounted in a vertically rotatable turret portion, enabling water discharge from ground level to past vertical.

Abstract: A Fire Fighting System includes a vehicle with a plurality of mounted motors, a fire shield system, an emergency fire retardant discharge system, and a modular instrumentation assembly. The motors are equipped with a plurality of swinging cutting elements and severe duty fire whips. The fire shield system may include a series of flame and heat retardant coverings placed on all exposed parts of the system to prevent damage from exposure to extreme heat. The emergency fire retardant discharge system distributes chemical fire retardant in the event the fire comes too close to the system. The modular instrumentation system includes a series of video, radar, and infrared sensors which provide information of the fire environment to the operator of the system. In operation, the vehicle operator positions the system at the edge of a fire line and energizes the motors causing the cutting blade assembly and fire whips to begin rotating.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a new fire protection system for hotels, office buildings, industrial plants or whole communities. The unit which is to be protected is provided with an automatic fire fighting installation preferably operated by high pressure hydraulic accumulators, for initial fighting of a fire in order to at least suppress the fire. The fire is finally extinguished with the help of a fire truck with a water tank connectable via a high pressure pump (3) in the truck to the said fire fighting installation. The drive shaft of the pump is connected to the cardan shaft (6) of the truck engine (1) for utilizing the total power of the engine. The fire truck can be made small and the system, operating with a small amount of water, is in particular of advantage for warm regions with limited or scarce water resources.

Abstract: A siphon jet is attached to a dry hydrant which is in communication with a body of water to increase the flow of fluid to the dry hydrant and assist in overcoming the effects of atmospheric pressure and gravity in drawing the water. A pressurized fluid source can add fluid to the siphon assembly and this forces water from the body up the hydrant pipe. Also, the fluid from the pressurized fluid source can be added forward of a valve to fill the hydrant pipe which thus minimizes the duration of priming operations.

Abstract: An automatic levelling device for a fluid nozzle pivotally mounted on the outer end of an aerial boom such that, irrespective of the vertical position of the boom, the nozzle will remain in a horizontal plane. Either manually operated control of the fluid nozzle vertical position or automatic control that maintains the fluid nozzle in a horizontal plane can be selected by a switch.

Abstract: A mobile deicer is mounted on hydrostatically driven wheels mounted directly to the longitudinal frame without springs, thereby increasing the stability of the apparatus. Supported on the frame is the unique body which allows stand up access to the engine compartment, carries a larger volume of deicing fluid, provides a crew compartment shielded from the weather, and provides ready access to the operator compartment. Supported atop the body and aligned with the longitudinal of the frame is the main boom, which raises and lowers the operators compartment. The operators compartment is connected to the main boom by a parallelogram boom which maintains the platform supporting the operators compartment in the horizontal plane. Also mounted on the platform is a scissor boom extendible horizontally which carries a nozzle on its distal end, the nozzle being positionable under the operators control. The scissor boom may be inclined relative to the horizontal plane within preset limits.

Abstract: The machine constitutes a tracked type vehicle (1) able to adapt itself to the various terrain irregularities. It includes nozzles to project pressurized air (11) fed by compressors (8) placed upon the general machine chassis, including furthermore fire producing gas projection nozzles (12) that produce fire as the machine advances, so that said nozzles (11) and (12) direct air and fire in the desired direction in order to create a fire lane. The machine incorporates the means necessary to hook a trailer (19) carrying water tanks (21), fire extinguishing fluid tanks (22) and mixing tanks (23) to enable the projection of said components in case of emergency. Said machine is particularly designed to burn off land strips close and parallel to a fire front, so as to prevent it from spreading.

Abstract: A Fire Fighting System includes a vehicle with one or more mounted motors, a fire shield system, and an emergency fire retardant discharge system. The motors are equipped with cutting elements including cutting teeth, paddle teeth, and severe duty fire whips. The fire shield system may include a series of flame and heat retardant coverings placed on all exposed parts of the system to prevent damage from exposure to extreme heat. The emergency fire retardant discharge system distributes chemical fire retardant in the event the fire comes too close to the system. In operation, the vehicle operator positions the system at the edge of a fire line and energizes the motors causing the cutting elements and whips to begin rotating. Once rotating at full speed, the vehicle is advanced along the fire line with the cutting elements cutting and slashing the burning vegetation. Once cut, the burning vegetation is thrown aside by the severe-duty fire whips that rotate to throw the debris back towards the fire.

Abstract: A utility vehicle with emergency response modules. The emergency response vehicle consists of one of a number of small utility vehicles capable of traversing areas and facilities inaccessable to ordinary street vehicles, and one of a number of modules. A major feature of the invention is the manner in which emergency equipment has been provided in separate modules suited for response to particular emergencies such as fire, ambulance, rescue, or tactical operations by law enforcement personnel. A further feature is the interchangeability of one module for another. Another feature is that the modules may be installed on a number of appropriate small utility vehicles.

Abstract: A pump module for a fire truck includes a self-supporting frame structure of rigid frame members with pump mounting beams laterally spaced in accordance with the spacement of the truck chassis rails. The beams are located generally centrally of the frame structure, which fits with an open truck body chamber with the beams aligned with the rails. The beams include a pump mount plates to which the pump is physically attached. The chassis rails are provided with longitudinally spaced mounting plates secured to the sidewalls of the rails and the pump beams and have similarly spaced mounting plates. The plates are connected by vibration isolation mount units each of which includes a t-shaped rubber mount interposed between the mount plates with a head portion therebetween and a stem portion projecting through the chassis plate. Clamping bolts extend through rubber mount and the mount plate brackets, and compress the rubber mount to establish vibrating isolation of the module and thereby the pump.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which a liquid chemical foamant is introduced into the water stream in varying amounts so as to maintain a predetermined percentage mixture irrespective of variations in the water flow includes a motor-driven pump where the motor is controlled over a first speed range by pulse width modulating the drive to the motor and over a second speed range, producing intermittent motion, by burst width modulating the drive signal when it is operating at its minimum pulse width modulated duty cycle. Using this technique the range of available motor speeds is extended well beyond that which can be achieved using pulse width modulation of the motor drive signal alone.

Abstract: A system for supplying compressed air and foam to produce a fire stream comprising an aerated foam is disclosed. The system includes an air compressor driven from a split shaft gear box of the type provided on fire trucks.