Abstract: A tower includes a foot welded to each leg of a lattice section of the tower, each foot having an aperture; an inner gusset welded to each foot and the respective leg, the inner gusset extends toward an inner edge of the respective foot; and an outer gusset welded to each foot, the outer gusset extends toward the aperture of the respective foot.

Abstract: A sprayer includes a spray nozzle, a blower and a sprayer housing. The sprayer housing is configured to contain a liquid. The spray nozzle and the sprayer housing are connected. The spray nozzle is configured to spray the liquid out from the sprayer housing. The blower is fixedly connected with the spray nozzle, and the spray nozzle is connected to the sprayer housing through the blower. The blower is rotatable with respect to the sprayer housing so as to adjust the angle of the blower with respect to the sprayer housing, thereby enabling the angle of the spray nozzle to be adjusted with respect to the sprayer housing. The angle of the spray nozzle with respect to the sprayer housing is adjustable, so the spray nozzle is capable of ejecting the liquid at different angles with respect to the sprayer housing without moving the sprayer.

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 high-flow articulated water tower includes a water splitter that divides a water flow from a pump system into a pair of water flow path segments delivered through a pair of lower tower arm water pipes. The water flow path segments may be recombined in a water stem knuckle at a joint between the lower tower arm and an upper tower arm of the articulated water tower that is delivered as a combined flow through an upper tower arm water pipe and out a delivery nozzle.

Abstract: An article contains an elbow having at least two sections that arc hingcdly attached to one another by means of a hinging joint so that the first section can move in a plane with respect to the second section, wherein the sections define a passageway through which a dispensing straw can extend where the passageway extends all the way through the two sections and perpendicularly through the hinging joint attaching them. The article can include a bendable dispensing straw extending through the passageway of the elbow.

Abstract: A fire apparatus includes a chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis, 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, at least one rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis, and a ladder assembly including at least one extensible ladder section. 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 at least one rear axle. The ladder assembly is operable through a sweep angle greater than fifteen degrees while at a depression angle greater than eight degrees.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning includes a primary pole, a grasping element supported on the upper end of the pole and configured to secure the pole to a surface, and a nozzle mount supported on the grasping element. The nozzle mount is configured to support a nozzle in a substantially horizontal position and to allow the nozzle to rotate about a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the horizontal upper surface of the grasping element. The grasping element is in the form of a hook configured to fit over a window sill or similar structure.

Abstract: An elevatable platform system for mounting on a vehicle having an elevatable platform elevatable by a collapsible support structure. The support structure is adapted to move the elevatable platform between a lowered position in which the elevatable platform is positioned at a height proximate to or below the height of the vehicle and an elevated position in which the elevatable platform is elevated above the vehicle. Support legs integrated into the support structure can be deployed from the support structure when the elevatable platform is elevated to further stabilize the elevated platform.

Abstract: A nozzle positioning includes a primary pole, a grasping element supported on the upper end of the pole and configured to secure the pole to a surface, and a nozzle mount supported on the grasping element. The nozzle mount is configured to support a nozzle in a substantially horizontal position, and may allow the nozzle to rotate and swivel. The grasping element may be in the form of a hook configured to fit over a window ledge or similar structure.

Abstract: A fall protection device, characterized by a module (12) with an adapter (16) for detachably attaching the module (22) at the tip of an aerial apparatus, the module comprising a plurality of ropes (36), each rope extending from an individual fall arresting device received within the module.

Abstract: A system for decontaminating an enclosed area includes a reservoir containing a disinfectant solution therein. One or more pumps are in fluid communication with the reservoir. One or more ports are operatively connected to the reservoir or operatively connected to an enclosed area to be decontaminated or operatively connected to the reservoir and to an enclosed area to be decontaminated. One or more connector assemblies are removably attachable to the one or more ports to provide fluid flow communication between the disinfectant solution source and the enclosure to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A vegetation control system for use with chemically-based treatments includes at least one distribution apparatus and at least one reservoir mounted onto a mobile unit. Routed within a passageway or passageways in the distribution apparatus are one or more conduits. These conduits are configured to route the chemically-based treatment from the reservoir through the passageway(s) to an end of the distribution apparatus, having one or more nozzles. The vegetation control system may be used by an operator to target specific branches and other specified areas of vegetation for treatment. The distribution apparatus is mounted onto the mobile unit for application of the treatment in various areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanical firefighting device optimized to limit injury to firefighting personnel and to minimize damage to property by suppressing flashover in a structural compartment fire by venting superheated gases and smoke from the compartment, as well facilitating the rapid emergency egress of firefighters from the compartment.

Abstract: A quint configuration fire apparatus includes a chassis, a pump and a water tank coupled to the chassis, a body assembly coupled to the chassis and having a storage area configured to receive a ground ladder and a fire hose, a ladder assembly including a plurality of extensible ladder sections, the ladder assembly coupled to the chassis with a turntable, a single front axle coupled to a front end of the chassis, and a single rear axle coupled to a rear end of the chassis. The ladder assembly is extensible to provide a horizontal reach of at least 100 feet and a vertical height of at least 105 feet. The turntable includes a work platform coupled to a subfloor assembly such that a loaded weight of the quint configuration fire apparatus is supportable by the single front axle and the single rear axle.

Abstract: A system and method remotely mechanically controls the direction of fluid flow from a firefighting monitor. For example, a control handle mounted in the cabin of a vehicle can be operably mechanically coupled to a pivotable firefighting monitor mounted outside the vehicle (e.g., near the front) by an arrangement of cables. The handle and cables are arranged such that horizontal pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding horizontal pivot of the firefighting monitor, and vertical pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding vertical pivot of the firefighting monitor. The direct mechanical link between the handle and firefighting monitor ensures a rapid and reliable control over the monitor direction and orientation, while providing an intuitive and user friendly operational modality.

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: The roof-mounted remotely controlled firefighting tower is disposed on the top of the roof of a building and is controlled by a wireless, remote control device. Atop the tower there is a receiver that receives command signals from the remote control device. The firefighting apparatus includes a control set that has electrical and electronic circuits inside and is in operable communication with a motor and gear train engaging a telescoping mast to raise and lower the mast according to wirelessly transmitted commands from a user. A high pressure pump extracts water and foam from a tank and sends it to a distribution vessel on top of the mast. An inverted sprinkler dish distributes the foam and water under pressure to top and sides of the building via the connected sprinklers and water booms.

Abstract: A small lift vehicle with an articulating boom can maneuver into very small spaces in front of, alongside or behind burning buildings, especially residences. The lift vehicle can quickly deploy with deployable outriggers capable of multi-directional status for support. The boom can support a basket that can have a water cannon. The boom can be controlled by a fireman in the boom itself, and can move into the right position to put water on the seat of a fire. The boom can be equipped with a waterproof camera and/or a thermal imaging system, a hydraulic chainsaw, a gas monitor, a piercing nozzle, a stick chainsaw, and a protective heat curtain. The preferred base has 4-wheel drive and steering for maneuvering on any type of terrain including snow.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for dispensing extinguishing liquids such as water, mixtures of water and foam, gas, powder or similar, comprising at least one telescopic column (1, 10, 11), fitted with a series of concentric tubular elements (101, 110, 111?), extending one out of the other and comprising a fixed lower tubular element (101?) and an upper tubular element (101?) fitted with support elements (4, 7) of a monitor (5) dispensing extinguishing liquids; such telescopic column is suitable for being positioned on any fire fighting vehicle, on boats, on carts, on the ground or in another needed position.

Abstract: A fog or mist generating nozzle assembly produces a swirling fog pattern having a forward thrust component that permits an operator, stationed safely at a remote location relative to a fire source, to exercise directional control and positioning of a relatively large mist cloud on or about the fire source. The discharge nozzle includes a cylindrical bearing member and a cylindrical rotor member with multiple water discharge orifices that extend at a forward projection angle ? relative to the nozzle axis. A pair of fog producing nozzles are configured with counter-rotating rotors, producing counter-rotating clouds that merge along a common vortex. This generates a composite mist cloud having a magnified forward thrust component, enabling remote directional control of the mist cloud.

Abstract: A system for use in a multi-story building is provided. The system may include a pipe apparatus having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is coupled to a supply of fluid and the outlet directs the fluid. The system may include a frame assembly for supporting the pipe apparatus and enabling the inlet of the pipe apparatus to couple to the supply of fluid at a first floor of the building and enabling the outlet to deliver fluid to a higher floor of the building relative to the first floor. The system may include an electrically controlled fluid delivery device mounted at said outlet and in fluid communication with the pipe apparatus. The system may include a power supply having a power source located remotely from said electrically controlled fluid delivery device and supported by the frame assembly.

Abstract: A fire-fighting monitor includes a housing, a nozzle coupler, and a pivot joint coupler comprising an internal passageway and a pivot member. The pivot member is pivotally mounted to the housing at the outlet of the housing. The nozzle coupler is mounted to the pivot joint coupler wherein the internal passageway of the pivot joint coupler is in communication with the internal passageways of the housing and the nozzle coupler, wherein the weight at the nozzle coupler generates a gravitational moment about the pivot axis. In addition, the nozzle coupler has a central axis defining a reference line, which is offset from the first pivot axis wherein a reaction force generated by fluid flowing through the nozzle coupler generates a moment about the first pivot axis in a direction opposed from said gravitational moment.

Abstract: A fire fighting monitor includes a stationary element and a rotating element for directing a water stream at variable trajectories. Electrical components, such as drive motors, are mounted on the rotating element and are connected to electrical sources remote from the monitor. A wire management system is provided for the monitor that protects the electrical wiring while accommodating relative rotation between the stationary and rotating elements of the monitor. In one embodiment, the wire management system includes a two-piece wiring skirt with a first portion connected to the stationary element and a second portion connected to the rotating element. The two portions define a circumferential channel and associated openings for passage of a wiring cable. The cable incorporates a 180° bend within the channel that travels around the channel as the cable coils and un-coils within the channels of the two portions.

Abstract: An fire-fighting system for arresting a fire in a flammable or combustible liquid storage vessel comprising a portable discharging apparatus and a portable installation apparatus. The portable discharging apparatus receives a fire-fighting agent from a supply hose and applies the fire-fighting agent to arrest a fire in a storage vessel. The portable discharging apparatus can be attached to a distal end of the portable installation apparatus so that the portable discharging apparatus can be mounted on a storage vessel. Furthermore, a plurality of portable discharging apparatuses can be mounted on a single storage vessel, using the same portable installation apparatus, to provide a large amount or a variety of fire-fighting agents or to provide fire-fighting agents at a specific location on the storage vessel. The portable installation apparatus can be extended to a variety of lengths so that it can mount a portable discharging apparatus on a variety differently sized storage vessels.

Abstract: An operator-directed system for suppressing fire within a remote, outdoor, industrial installation has: (a) a means for capturing at a prescribed frequency video images of the remote area, (b) a means of transmitting these images to the operator's location which is some distance from the remote location, (c) a means, adapted to utilize these transmitted images, for detecting fire within the remote area, (d) a means located at the remote location for discharging a fire suppressant over the area, and (e) a means, located at the operator's location and utilizing the transmitted images, for allowing the operator to control the flow and direction of the discharging of the fire suppressant in the remote area.

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 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 closed water-container storing device with the water inlet/outlet, comprising a water storing bag container for storing water, a water inlet for the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, a water outlet for outflow of water within water storing bag container, and a float device for the control of stop/start operation of the inflow of water from outside source to said water storing bag container, when the water within said water storing bag container has reached a predetermined level.

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 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 monitor apparatus has a casing having a main inlet pipe for receiving water under pressure from a water source and a plurality of outlet arms extending from the inlet pie. Each of the outlet arms has an elbow formed therein. The casing has a main rotary joint formed therein for rotating the casing and the plurality of outlet arms. Each outlet arm has an outlet arm rotary joint therein positioned between the main inlet pipe and the outlet arm elbow for rotating a portion of each casing outlet arm. A swiveling nozzle is coupled to each outlet arm for directing water from each outlet arm separately. Each swiveling nozzle has a ball joint having a passageway therethrough and having a threaded collar thereover for tightening the swiveled nozzle into any outlet position desired. The main rotary joint has an annular rack gear engaging a worm gear having a handle thereon for rotating the main inlet pipe and the plurality of outlet nozzles.

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: 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: 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: Control apparatus for selectively generating and converting control input information into controlling output for position and movement of controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes a fluid discharge device comprising a nozzle disposed for vertical and horizontal movement.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fire supervising system and a fire extinguishing target determining method in the water discharging and fire extinguishing operation. The system and method of the present invention is characterized by dividing a fire supervisory region into a matrix pattern to set a pluraity of sections; identifying the section corresponding to a position of a fire from the positional information of the fire starting within the supervisory region which has been output from a fire sensor; and selecting a water discharging target for a water discharging nozzle based on a priority order which has been preliminarily set for the respective sections or selecting the water discharging nozzle in charge, optimum for the fire extinguishing operation which has been set preliminarily for the respective sections.

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 fire monitor formed by an outer tube that communicates with a water inlet and a coaxial inner tube connected to an outlet nozzle. Water flows from the inlet into the outer tube, and then around a semitoroidal bend formed by a baffle plate and a fairing into the inner tube for discharge through the outlet nozzle. The fairing is provided on the inner surface of the inner tube and the baffle plate has a curved periphery with an inner, continuous flat surface. The semi-toroidal bend minimizes turbulence in the water flow. Swivels are provided to permit horizontal and vertical adjustment of the direction of discharged water.

Abstract: Turret for moving a fire fighting nozzle in an oscillation mode and in an elevation selecting movement. The turret having a separate controllable double-acting pneumatic cylinder for each movement, operated by pressured air.

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 fire-fighting cannon nozzle assembly comprisees first and second feed conduits which become coaxial in a rotary sleeve assembly and extend through a body assembly and also through a swivel joint assembly for simultaneous projection of two fire-fighting agents. The rotary sleeve assembly provides for rotary movement of the body assembly about a vertical axis and the swivel joint assembly provides for rotary movement of the discharge nozzles about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A fire-fighting cannon nozzle assembly comprising two discharge conduits arranged coaxially at a first rotary pivotal position for rotating the assembly about a vertical axis, and which each have a second pivot position along their length where they are not coaxial, for pivotal movement of the discharge ends of the discharge conduits about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: A spraying device for a fire hose is provided with a bulb having a large inlet in one side and a plurality of small outlets in another side, the inlet being connected to the top end of a fire hose by way of a broad pipe, the outlets being connected to a plurality of annular nozzles by way of narrow pipes respectively in a manner that each narrow pipe is in the normal relation to the bulb wall, so as to convert the velocity head of water into pressure head through the bulb and deliver water through the nozzles a long distance in spray form.

Abstract: Apparatus for fighting fires including a plurality of nozzles mounted on an aerial ladder and supplied with water under pressure which is directed onto the fire. Each of the nozzles is controlled from a remote position in a manner such that the direction of the water and the intensity of the water being discharged can be altered as desired.

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: A high pressure monitor includes an outlet body with a transverse passage, which extends through the body to form two inlets of the outlet body, and a second passage, which is in communication with the transverse passage and extends through the outlet body to form an outlet. The monitor further includes first and second bodies, with the outlet body mounted between the first and second bodies. Each of the first and second bodies has a transverse passage, which are in fluid communication with the inlets of the outlet body. A first swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the first body. A second swivel joint is provided between the outlet body and the second body. Further, each of the swivel joints comprises a pressure balanced hydraulic fitting with seals and bearings, wherein the seals and bearings are oriented to reduce the axial pressure on the bearings from fluid flowing through the monitor.