Abstract: A fire fighting vehicle provides the capability to access obstructed areas, to quickly connect to fire water sources, to discharge large amounts of water and/or foam to fight major industrial fires, and to be capable of repositioning while fighting these fires. The vehicle is adapted from a boom truck chassis and mounts a large flow rate capability fire monitor in a position to provide maximum orientation flexibility.

Abstract: A fire fighting apparatus includes a vehicle, a first fluid tank supported on the vehicle, a second fluid tank supported on the vehicle at a different location than the first fluid tank, a pipe connecting the first fluid tank to the second fluid tank for causing a flow of a liquid between the first and second fluid tanks, a conduit extending from the first and second fluid tanks for passing the liquid in the tanks exterior of the vehicle, and a pump connected to the conduit for passing the liquid under pressure through the conduit. The vehicle is an all-terrain vehicle. A foam concentrate tank is connected to the conduit and positioned on the vehicle generally adjacent one of the first and second fluid tanks. The foam concentrate tank has a line extending to and communicating with the conduit. The conduit includes a first hose extending from the conduit and connected to a spray boom and a second hose extending from the conduit and connected to a spray gun.

Abstract: A fire truck having a flat bed includes a conveyor system for loading a number of interchangeable firefighting modules onto the bed. The conveyor system comprises a frame carrying a number of rollers or casters which allow the units to be easily slid on and off the bed. A pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the roller frame to engage or disengage the flat bottoms of the firefighting modules. Among the various modules disclosed are a hose module having fold-down chutes which lay the hose out alongside the truck as the truck moves ahead, and a tank module, which is coupled by quick-connect hoses to the intake and discharge lines of a pump carried in the truck bed. The intake and discharge lines of the pump may double as chassis rails for the truck. Also disclosed is a ladder carrier device which pivots downwardly and rearwardly to let the ladder slide down under its own weight after a sufficient length of the ladder has been pulled.

Abstract: A system for supplying compressed air and foam solution to produce a fire stream comprising an aerated foam includes a motionless mixer having an in-line chamber wherein the air and foam solution are mixed thoroughly in a short distance with a minimal pressure drop to produce an effective firefighting foam.

Abstract: A system supplies compressed air and foam to produce a fire stream comprising an aerated foam. The system includes a fire pump, an air compressor, a mixer, and a controller for automatically maintaining a desired ratio of air and water delivered from the mixer to a fire stream delivery device. An electronic control unit is arranged to sense both the flow rate of the water delivered by the fire pump and the air flow rate delivered by the air compressor, and modulates an air pressure signal used to vary the flow of air to the inlet of the air compressor so as to hold the air flow rate and the water flow rate at the desired ratio.

Abstract: An aerial boom system for a fire-fighting vehicle which has a hollow piercing nozzle on the outer end thereof for passing through the wall of a structure such as an aircraft fuselage to the interior of the structure where a fire-retardant material may be injected. The nozzle may pierce the fuselage from a remote distance because of the extensible boom. It has thereon a torque limiter to protect the nozzle assembly when forces are applied to the nozzle assembly in a direction transverse to the piercing direction.

Abstract: A system for supplying compressed air and foam to produce a first stream comprising an aerated foam is disclosed. The system includes a fire pump, an air compressor, a venturi, and a control for automatically maintaining a desired ratio of air and water delivered from the venturi to a fire stream delivery device.

Abstract: A mobile robot is provided with a fluid conduit which is connected to an on board fluid-responsive turbine. An on board electric generator and/or hydraulic pump is connected to the mechanical output of the turbine such that power for the robot is generated when the turbine rotates due to the flow of fluid through the conduit. The fluid may then be expelled through a nozzle and used as an extinguishant, a propellant or a coolant.

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: An aerial lift for use with a vehicle for positioning the nozzle on the outer end of an upper boom coupled at its inner end to the outer end of a lower boom with selectively raising and lowering the lower boom in a plane from and above the horizontal and rotating the lower boom about a vertical axis, and independently articulating the upper boom about its inner end with respect to the lower boom such that the upper boom is selectively movable above and below the horizontal plane.

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.

Abstract: A fire-fighting system including a tractor and tanks mounted on the tractor at different elevations. The tanks are filled with water and during dispensing of the water during fire-fighting the tanks are emptied in order from the top-most down.

Abstract: An improvement is attained in a cable communication system of the type having communication line incorporated in the interior of a water supply hose which comprises, in combination, signal transmission cable incorporated extending in the interior of the water supply hose for the communication between a water injection nozzle and a fire-engine; a leading end coupling adapter for leading the signal transmission cable incorporated in the water supply hose to the outside for the connection to a communication exchange disposed on the part of the water injection nozzle for communication with the fire-engine and/or a transmitter for the control of the current amount of water to be supplied; and a communication exchange for mutual communication with the water injection nozzle and/or a water supply controller for the control of the current amount of water to be supplied to the nozzle disposed on the part of the fire engine to be connected operative to the signal transmission cable.

Abstract: A fire hose containing an electrical wire therein for transmitting signals. Terminals for connecting cable ways are mounted at both ends of the wire. Therefore, when one hose containing the wire is connected to another similar hose, terminals are also connected to terminals in another hose so as to make a single cable way. The use of such a hose enables a fireman holding a nozzle of the hose to control a pump located apart from the nozzle.

Abstract: An attachment for a rubber-tired skidder vehicles which is releasably and supportably mountable to the skidder. The attachment comprises a tank which includes a water tank compartment for storing water and a drive tank compartment for storing a hydraulic motor and a pump operable from the motor. Coupling hoses are provided for coupling the hydraulic motor to a hydraulic power supply of the skidder. The attachment further includes a discharge hose, a suction hose and first and second valves such that the tank may be selectively operated to: (1) pump water from the water tank compartment through the discharge hose; (2) pump water from the suction hose to the water tank compartment; or (3) pump water from the suction hose to the discharge hose.

Abstract: This invention discloses a firefighting track driven apparatus for use in rugged terrain. A crawler track driven tractor vehicle pushes a front platform vehicle and pulls a rear platform vehicle. The front platform vehicle travels on steerable crawler tracks, and is equipped with communication device, directionally controlled lamp system and a water cannon for spraying a fire extinguishing substance. The water cannon is mounted on a telescoping and rotating boom, and has a swiveling nozzle, for accurately aiming the fire extinguishing substance to burning material in difficult places such as treetops. The front platform vehicle has a cab which protects an operator, who operates the boom and cannon and steers the tracks. A reeled firehose arrangement feeds the cannon, and may be lengthened with extension sections to accommodate the telescoping boom.

Abstract: A service vehicle comprises a chassis frame, a driver's cab and two side walls defining an equipment compartment on the chassis frame. The equipment compartment comprises equipment modules mounted in the range of each one of the side walls and holding service equipment, and the equipment modules may be guidingly displaced with respect to the vehicle for ready access thereto.

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: A fire fighting monitor apparatus has a casing having at least one fluid inlet thereinto and a plurality of fluid outlets therefrom. The casing has a rotatable joint formed therein for rotating 360.degree. all of the fluid outlets together. A circular ball joint swiveling nozzle is mounted on each fluid outlet for directing fluid for the outlet separately so that each nozzle can be separately controlled for direction and spray pattern for a plurality of water streams controlled by one fireman simultaneously. Each outlet can have dual swivels each rotating on a ball joint to provide greater flexibility in directing each nozzle. Outlets can also supply separate water hoses if desired. Additional reducing adapters are connected to nozzle outlets for using a variety of nozzle sizes.

Abstract: A portable fire fighting apparatus has a plurality of tanks containing a variety of fire fighting agents, a piping arrangement for selectively connecting the tanks to respective discharge nozzles, and a central control panel which is provided with a plurality of control valves and elements for selectively controlling the discharge of the fire extinguishing agents through the nozzles. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has three tanks containing water, a chemical fire extinguishing agent, and a foam concentrate, respectively. Water only or a water/foam concentrate mixture is controllably discharged through a first nozzle, while the chemical fire extinguishing agent may be separately or simultaneously discharged through a second nozzle. A piping arrangement for purging the nozzles following discharge is provided and is controllable from the central control panel. The apparatus may be adapted for mounting on a truck, a forklift, or other vehicle.

Abstract: A fire truck comprises an uninterrupted chassis frame carrying a driver's cab and supported on four driving axles arranged in 8.times.8 configuration and driven independently. The driving axles support the chassis frame via pressure fluid springs at opposite sides of the vehicle, the forward and rearward pairs of axles and associated springs defining forward and rearward undercarriages and the chassis carrying quenching agent tanks, a quenching agent pump, and a driving engine. The fluid pressure springs at one side of the vehicle are connected via a pressure fluid supply system and a load compensator system to the springs at the opposite side. An automatic transmission is positioned between the forward and rearward undercarriages and the driving axles are individually coupled thereto. The automatic transmission is coupled to the driving engine which is situated in the chassis frame above the rear undercarriage.

Abstract: A monitor which is for directing fluid flow from a fire truck pumper and which includes a spring biased latch pin securing the monitor to either a portable or permanent mount having a circumferential swivel bearing.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular fire fighting apparatus which may be quickly and easily mounted onto an ordinary pickup truck, and conveniently operated by the vehicle driver from the cab of the vehicle. The module generally includes a pump coupled to an engine for pumping a fire-retardant liquid, a control means for regulating the amount of liquid pumped, and a reservoir tank fluidly connected to the pump. The frame of the apparatus both unitizes the pump, engine and tank, and positions the engine and pump controls within the reach of the operator when the operator is in the cab of the vehicle. The invention further includes a tank level indicator including a transparent conduit and an elongated float engaged onto a guide rod in the tank for providing a visual display of the tank level which is positioned so that it may be observed through the rear-view mirror of the truck.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a fire hose to a fire hydrant and for facilitating remote operation of the hydrant actuator stem. A water supply module containing a length of conduit is coupled between a hydrant port and a fire hose. An articulated boom supports an upper motor assembly coupled to the actuator stem of the hydrant. A remote transmitter can be used to broadcast control signals to the water supply module to operate the motor assembly. The motor assembly rotates the actuator stem of the hydrant between fully closed and fully open positions. The apparatus frees a fire fighter normally stationed at the hydrant, permitting the fire fighter to engage in the initial fire fighting activities at the scene of a fire.

Abstract: A control panel for the operator's control station of a fire fighting apparatus of the type including a body defining an outwardly opening side recess is provided. The control panel supports various gauges, switches and other operating controls and has a plurality of openings formed therein through which water inlet and outlet couplings as well as valve controlling operators project. An elongated upstanding support member is disposed adjacent and extends along a generally straight side marginal portion of the recess and is mounted from the body for guided limited lateral outward and inward shifting relative to the body along a path which generally parallels the direction in which the recess opens. The control panel includes a marginal edge portion corresponding to the side marginal portion of the recess and the panel marginal edge portion is hingedly supported from the support member for angular displacement relative thereto about an axis generally paralleling the support member.

Abstract: A liquid-projecting monitor of the spherical head type has its head sealing against a housing which defines together with the head a chamber from which liquid is lead into a passage in the head and then to a nozzle coupled to the head. The head is borne by a horizontal axle for pivotal movement relative to the housing so as to adjust the angular elevation or depression of the nozzle. A center body extends transversely across the interior of the head to enclose the axle and is so shaped, together with the internal surface of the head, that the cross-sectional area of the passage within the head available for liquid flow is maintained at least approximately constant throughout its length, so as to minimize the pressure drop in the liquid flow which passes through the head.

Abstract: A compact and highly mobile fire-fighting vehicle is disclosed which is capable of entering buildings through doorways and being maneuvered through corridors to the location of the fire. The vehicle carries fire extinguishing materials thereon and a spray device for spraying such materials. The vehicle can be battery operated directly by an operator or by an electronic remote control device provided on the chassis. A plurality of vehicles of the present invention can be effectively utilized to surround and isolate a fire.

Abstract: In a mobile liquid supply tank, such as a water tank for use as fire fighting apparatus, a hollow tank is provided with at least one fill neck and an overflow relief valve on the upper surface portion of the tank. A pressure fill valve is also provided near the lower portion of the tank for emptying or filling the tank. Each fill neck includes a buoyant float disposed within the tank that seals the fill neck when the tank is substantially filled with liquid. The overflow valve, adapted to open when the pressure within the tank exceeds a predetermined value, is preferably located in a recessed portion of the tank. A drain pipe extends from that recessed portion through the tank and exits from the bottom of the tank to discharge liquid overflow away from the forward path of the rear traction wheels of the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A lower boom is pivotally mounted on a turntable and moved upwardly and downwardly by a hydraulic cylinder, the lower end of which may be pivoted on the same pivot shaft as that on which a pair of links are pivoted. The outer ends of the links are pivotally connected to the lower end of a knee joint, preferably formed of heavy plate and attached to the inner end of an upper boom, while the outer end of the lower boom is pivotally attached to the knee joint above the links. An extensible boom, hydraulically moved inwardly and outwardly of the upper boom, may carry a workman's basket and/or a hydraulic nozzle, as for extinguishing fires.

Abstract: A firefighting vehicle comprises a pick-up truck of the type having an open bed, a housing mounted to the floor within the bed and having a plurality of compartments, a tower pivotally mounted to the top of the housing, a rigid conduit pivotally mounted to the top of the housing and extending within and supported by the tower, and a plurality of stabilizing outriggers for stabilizing the truck during operation of the firefighting equipment. The rigid conduit terminates in a nozzle at an upper end and includes a swivel connector proximate the housing to permit rotation of the nozzle to permit water spray to the left or right of the vehicle. When pivoted to a horizontal position, the base of the tower is exposed so that lights mounted on the base shine rearwardly of the truck.

Abstract: A liquid-projecting monitor of the spherical head type has its head sealing against a housing which defines together with the head a chamber from which liquid is lead into a passage in the head and then to a nozzle coupled to the head. The head is borne by a horizontal axle for pivotal movement relative to the housing so as to adjust the angular elevation or depression of the nozzle. A center body extends transversely across the interior of the head to enclose the axle and is so shaped, together with the internal surface of the head, that the cross-sectional area of the passage within the head available for liquid flow is maintained at least approximately constant throughout its length, so as to minimize the pressure drop in the liquid flow which passes through the head.

Abstract: A fire fighting supply system which is self-contained and provides regulated flows of air and water. The air atomizes the water upon passage through a plurality of atomizing nozzles. Atomized water droplets conveyed in a fog or mist provide a more effective fire extinguishing agent.

Abstract: A pump assembly for use in fire fighting service is constructed of a single stage main pump and a two stage booster pump connected in series with the discharge of the main pump being connected to a first high flow rate fire fighting application and to the inlet of the booster pump and the discharge of the booster pump being connected to a second low flow high pressure fire fighting application. The impellers for both the main pump and the booster pump are mounted on a common rotating shaft so as to be driven thereby. A flow restriction and conduit means is provided to reduce the pressure on the booster pump seal. A by-pass conduit is arranged to conduct flow from the discharge of the booster pump back to the inlet of the main pump so that whenever the main pump is operated there will be flow through the booster pump to prevent overheating thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing smoke from an enclosure characterized by a truck transporting a suction-blower unit that can suck or blow the smoke from an enclosure. Respective first and second conduits are connected alternatively and optionally with the suction and discharge side of the suction-blower unit for removing the smoke. Aperture engaging mechanism is connected at the free end of the first conduit. The second conduit has an adjustable head for pointing its opening in any direction. An inert gas injection mechanism is provided in conjunction with the suction-blower unit for replacing the smoke with an inert gas to squelch combustion. Also disclosed are specific preferred construction elements.

Abstract: New foam fire extinguishing unit for incorporation into rescue cars is described. It consists of a container which contains a liquid adapted to be used for foam production without adding further ingredients. To the container a device is connected which feeds the fire extinguishing liquid under pressure from the container to a hand-held foam generating nozzle. The device may comprise a motor driven pump or an air pressure device. The foam fire extinguishing unit may be a mixture of water and "Light Water". The new foam fire extinguishing unit can also be used as a stationary unit in work shops and warehouses.

Abstract: A pump assembly for use in fire fighting service is constructed of a single stage main pump and a two stage booster pump connected in series with the discharge of the main pump being connected to a first high flow rate fire fighting application and to the inlet of the booster pump and the discharge of the booster pump being connected to a second low flow high pressure fire fighting application. The impellers for both the main pump and the booster pump are mounted on a common rotating shaft so as to be driven thereby. A flow restriction and conduit means is provided to reduce the pressure on the booster pump seal. A by-pass conduit is arranged to conduct flow from the discharge of the booster pump back to the inlet of the main pump so that whenever the main pump is operated there will be flow through the booster pump to prevent overheating thereof.

Abstract: Fire fighting system for communication and control of fire fighting equipment, such as maintaining the pressure and providing various warnings of different situations which may arise which cause a decrease in the fire fighting capability of the apparatus and personnel. A transceiver is provided with an audible tone output to serve as a warning device for the nozzle men. An improved clutch drive system automatically operates the control valves thereby eliminating the need for stop switches on the various valves.

Abstract: A vehicle for traveling alongside a burning airplane, on an airport runway, while pumping fire extinguishing fluid on the burning engines, wings or fuselage, is an elongated tank trailer with multiple rear wheel axles and a forward end supported on, and moved by a motorized tractor.The trailer includes a 5000 gallon water tank, foam tanks, a built-in motor and pump, foam spreader bars and an elevatable water tower.The trailer can pump from the nozzle of the elevated tower while advancing at the speed of the plane and includes mobile outrigger means to prevent overturning.

Abstract: A safety interlock system for a fire truck pump throttle control. The fire truck has a transfer box which is coupled through an automatic transmission to the engine. The transfer box is manually shiftable from a first mode in which it operatively connects the engine with the fire truck wheels, to a second mode in which it operatively connects the engine with the pump. The fire truck has a throttle control remote from the cab to vary the engine speed when the engine is driving the pump. The present invention provides a mechanism which senses the mode of the transfer box and locks the remote throttle control when the transfer box is in its first mode so that the engine speed is not inadvertently advanced from the position remote from the cab while the engine is coupled to the wheels of the truck.

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 mechanical linkage for moving an oxygen bottle disposed in a horizontal position at a first location on a fire engine to a vertical position at a second location. The linkage permits pivoting the oxygen bottle horizontally from the first location to the second and then pivoting the oxygen bottle vertically from the horizontal position to the vertical position.

Abstract: A gate valve is threadedly attached to an influent port of a motorized pump of a vehicular fire engine at all times. Thus it is not necessary to stop the pump, remove a cap and connect a water supply hose to the influent port. Instead the supply hose is connected to the gate valve, the valve is purged of air, and then opened to connect the new source without air hammer, or flow interruption. A pressure relief valve on the suction side of the gate, relieves pump pressure whether the gate is open or closed.

Abstract: A modular fire-fighting unit can be used on the ground as an individual fire piece connected to a water source such as a hydrant, for producing foam or as a nurse unit to other fire apparatus, or it can be quickly mounted on, or demounted from, a portable source of water such as a 5,000 gallon tank truck, for producing foam to extinguish runway fires. The module includes a protein tank, an AFFF tank, an inflexible connection to a source of water, mixing valves and a motor driven pump so that foam may be dispersed from either a turret gun or an airport spreader bar.

Abstract: A fire fighting turret including three 90.degree. elbows arranged seriatim with swivel joints where the two end elbows are connected to the central elbow attached to a second turret in such a manner that reaction forces create no problem and the field of aiming is affected very little.

Abstract: The speed of an engine driven pump is sensed and compared with the desired maximum operating speed to detect overspeed. The discharge of the pump is controlled by a variable flow rate controller. When an overspeed condition exists, a command signal is sent to the discharge controller to reduce flow by a discrete decrement. The control signal is blocked after activating the controller for a preselected time interval. During the blocking interval the engine speed is maintained substantially at the operating speed by cyclical reduction of the power input thereto.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering constant water flow rates to the fire hose of a pumper truck at each of a plurality of selectable flow rate settings including the steps of transmitting a digital signal corresponding to a particular fire hose and pumper truck, receiving and decoding the digital signal, activating a multi-position valve in response to the decoded signal to set a particular valve position, and maintaining a constant flow rate to the fire hose by automatically varying the valve position in response to changes in the output pressure of the pump and pressure drop in the fire hose.