AU2006201951A1 - Fire suppression unit - Google Patents

Fire suppression unit Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2006201951A1
AU2006201951A1 AU2006201951A AU2006201951A AU2006201951A1 AU 2006201951 A1 AU2006201951 A1 AU 2006201951A1 AU 2006201951 A AU2006201951 A AU 2006201951A AU 2006201951 A AU2006201951 A AU 2006201951A AU 2006201951 A1 AU2006201951 A1 AU 2006201951A1
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
fire suppression
helicopter
suppression unit
cannon
cannons
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
AU2006201951A
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HUSFE Pty Ltd
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HUSFE Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2005902348A external-priority patent/AU2005902348A0/en
Application filed by HUSFE Pty Ltd filed Critical HUSFE Pty Ltd
Priority to AU2006201951A priority Critical patent/AU2006201951A1/en
Publication of AU2006201951A1 publication Critical patent/AU2006201951A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)

Description

AUSTRALIA
PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Husfe Pty Ltd ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys 255 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: Fire suppression unit The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM\2006\speciHUSFE\9 May_12663741 Fire Suppression Unil.doc FIRE SUPPRESSION UNIT Technical Field [001] The present invention relates to a helicopter based fire suppression unit and its method of use, and in particular, to a fire suppression unit adapted to hold water, or other fire suppression suitable fluids or materials, that can be projected under pressure towards a particular area from an airborne position via a cannon or series of cannons.
Background Art [002] Difficulties in fighting fires, for example bushfires, using ground-based personnel and/or equipment are well known. The terrain, wind, heat, access to a fire-front, etc., can all hamper the ability to control and/or extinguish a fire from the ground.
[003] Being able to quickly reach a fire, or a position in front of an advancing fire, significantly improves the ability to control the fire. It is presently known to use helicopters in fighting fires, especially in inaccessible areas such as bushland or forests. It is also known to use a helicopter to assist fighting fires in high-rise buildings as it can be problematic for firefighting equipment to be located near the fire when occurring in upper floors.
[004] US Patent No. 4,090,567 discloses a firefighting helicopter having a nozzle boom near the rear of the helicopter that can be used to break windows in buildings and project water to the locus of a fire.
[005] US Patent No. 2002/0125016 discloses an aerial fire suppression system used in conjunction with a helicopter. A fire hose supplies a helicopter with a constant flow of water. This enables a method of fighting a forest fire from the air without having to leave to refill water from a water reservoir. An aerial water dispenser sprays water in a narrow or wide defined area.
P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM\206speciHUSFE9 May_1266374 I_Fire Suppression Unit.doc -2- [006] US Patent No. 6,003,782 discloses an aerial spray system which can be attached to the undersurface of a helicopter for spraying ground level targets while the helicopter is airborne. A fixed array of spray nozzles facilitates spraying of a rectangular area corresponding to a helicopter's flight path.
[007] US Patent No. 3,897,829 discloses an airborne fire suppression unit adapted for installation on a helicopter. The fire suppression unit comprises a fluid reservoir tank mountable on the floor within the helicopter body, and a boom assembly having a nozzle that extends laterally from the helicopter. A pump assists to direct fluid from the tank to the nozzle for fire-fighting purposes.
[008] There is a need to provide an improved helicopter based fire suppression unit which overcomes or at least ameliorates problems inherent in the prior art.
[009] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
Disclosure of Invention [009a] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire suppression unit adapted to be removably attached to a helicopter, the fire suppression unit in use being in an airborne position to assist in controlling and/or extinguishing fires, the fire suppression unit including: one or more water cannons adapted to be fed with water by gravity or pressure, the or each cannon having a nozzle which is adjustable in direction and/or velocity by a cannon controller, the or each cannon being mounted on a side of the helicopter; the fire suppression unit also including a tank or reservoir disposed above or below the cannons or nozzles to facilitate feeding of fire fighting fluid to the cannons to provide a self-contained airborne fire suppression unit.
[010] The fire suppression unit can be used from an airborne position to assist in controlling and/or extinguishing fires, for example bushfires, in all types of terrain. The P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM2006\spccHUSFE\9 May_1 2663741 Fire Suppression Unit.doc -3fire suppression unit, when mounted on or attached to a helicopter, can also be used to fight other types of fires, for example fires occurring in houses, factories, highways, airports, high-rise buildings, etc.
[011] Preferably, in a particular form of the present invention, the fire suppression unit is operated by one or more persons in radio contact with the helicopter operator and/or a ground control crew.
[012] In accordance with a specific embodiment, provided by way of example only, the fire suppression unit includes a pressurised water cannon or cannons, each with an adjustable nozzle, forming a self-contained unit which can be attached to a helicopter, for example a Sky Crane helicopter. The fire suppression unit also includes a tank or reservoir of fire fighting fluid, for example water, foam or other suitable liquids or materials. The fire suppression unit may be embodied as a unit having multiple cannons operated by multiple persons, or as a smaller unit with a single cannon and smaller tank or reservoir so as to be operable from smaller helicopters.
[013] Preferably, the fire suppression unit is adapted to be attached to a helicopter so that when the helicopter is airborne the pressurised water cannons can be directed by an operator so that a stream of fire suppression fluid, for example water, can easily be directed to a particular location, without necessarily having to position or align the helicopter itself.
A cannon can be rotated so that pressurised water, under the influence of gravity, can be directed towards a preferred position to assist in controlling/suppressing a fire.
[014] In other particular, but non-limiting forms, the present invention further provides that operators of the cannons are secured in seats that are adapted to swivel or rotate to allow the operator to easily view various directions. Motorised pumps can be used to force the fire suppression liquid, for example water, from a tank or reservoir to a cannon as a pressurised liquid. The storage tank or reservoir can be provided with baffles to regulate the passage of fluid through inlets/outlets to a cannon or cannons. A retractable hose reel can also be provided that can be extended from the fire suppression unit so that the storage tank or reservoir can be refilled from a water body when the helicopter is airborne.
P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM\2006\specHUSFE\9 May_12663741_Fire Suppression Unit.doc -4- [014a] According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fire suppression helicopter which includes a fire suppression unit attached to the helicopter, the fire suppression helicopter in use being in an airborne position to assist in controlling and/or extinguishing fires, the fire suppression helicopter including: a helicopter; one or more water cannons adapted to be fed by water or gravity, the or each cannon having a nozzle which is adjustable in direction and/or velocity by a cannon controller, the or each cannon being mounted on a side of the helicopter; the fire suppression unit also including a tank or reservoir disposed above or below the cannons to facilitate feeding of fire fighting fluid to the cannons to provide a self-contained airborne fire suppression unit.
In one embodiment, at least part of the reservoir is disposed at a base of the helicopter so that the reservoir may act as a heat shield or insulation for crew and machine. The suppression units are interchangeable by virtue of their self-contained nature leading to rapid change-outs and to fit all helicopter types. A frame may be provided to mount the reservoir, so the reservoir or reservoir and cannon assembly may be changed out quickly.
The reservoir may be in two parts one lower tank and one higher tank so as to provide gravity feed to cannons and insulation and insulation to crew.
Brief Description of Figures [015] The present invention should become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only, of a preferred but non-limiting embodiment thereof described in connection with the accompanying figures.
[016] Fig. 1. illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention showing a two person helicopter based fire suppression unit.
[017] Fig. 2 illustrates a particular embodiment of the invention showing a one person helicopter based fire suppression unit.
P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM\2006\speciHUSFE\9 Mayl _1266374 _Fire Suppression Unit.doc Modes for Carrying Out the Invention [018] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of the present invention. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an embodiment of the present invention, like references numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the figures.
[019] Water is the main product used to control or extinguish fires and the present embodiment will be described for use with water, however, it should be appreciated that other fire suppression fluids or materials could be utilised. Referring to Fig. 1, fire suppression unit 1 is a self-contained unit adapted to be mounted on or attached to a helicopter 2. For example, the helicopter 2 may be a Sky Crane helicopter. The fire suppression unit 1 includes one or more cannons 3 operated by one or more operators 4.
Operators 4 may be trained personnel that are harnessed in seats which are able to swivel, operators 4 can also be in radio contact with the helicopter pilot and/or ground personnel.
Cannons 3 are also preferably provided with an adjustable nozzle 5 that alters the flow of water from cannon 3, with nozzle 5 able to be adjusted by operator 4.
[020] Fire suppression unit 1 also includes a water storage tank reservoir) 6 that holds a volume of water. Retractable hose 7 can also be provided so that water storage tank 6 can be refilled when the helicopter is airborne. This is achieved by lowering hose, and pump 7, being provided on a hose reel 8, into a body of water so that a pump can create a pressure differential and thereby extract water from the water body and into water storage tank 6 via hose 7. Hose reel 8 can be motorised so that an operator 4 or the helicopter pilot can automatically extend and/or retract hose 7, and/or let down hose and pump system.
[021] Fire suppression unit 1 additionally includes one or more motorised pumps 9 that act to force water from storage tank 6 to one or more cannons 3 so that pressurised water is expelled from nozzle 5. Motorised pumps 9 may be an electric start diesel motor pump with mesh screening 10 on intake to pump 9.
P:\WPDOCS\GXS\LNM\2006\specRHUSFE\9 May_12663741_Fire Supprcssion Unit.doe -6- [022] Although two water cannons 3 are illustrated, it should be appreciated that any number of water cannons 3 may be provided in the fire suppression unit 1. Additionally fire suppression unit 1 could be provided on both sides of helicopter 2, or alternatively attached below helicopter body.
[023] The fire suppression unit 1 is preferably a self-contained portable unit which can be secured to helicopter 2 after being winched into position by helicopter 2. Alternatively, fire suppression unit 1 could be fitted to helicopter 2 on the ground by turntables and then each corner locked down.
[024] Referring to Fig. 2, a single person fire suppression unit 21 is illustrated. Unit 21 can be fitted inside or underneath a smaller helicopter 22. Single person fire suppression unit 21 includes a single cannon 23 operated by a single operator 24. Cannon 23 can be provided with nozzle 25 that can focus or expand a pressurised water stream being forced from cannon 23. Unit 21 includes water storage tank 26 that can be winched into position after filling with water, for example from a ground based water reservoir. Fluid pump 29 can be used to retrieve water from water storage tank 26 and supply pressurised water to cannon 23. Pump 29 may be powered by a diesel motor and can be located either inside or underneath helicopter 22.
[025] Cannons 3 or 23 are mechanically supported to be rotatable by operator 4 or 24.
The field of rotation of water cannon 3 or 23 could be mechanically limited so that cannon 3 or 23 cannot direct a pressurised water stream too close to helicopter 2 or 22 which may compromise the safety of persons in the helicopter should a pressurised stream contact the helicopter or blades.
[026] By having fire suppression unit 1 or 21 removably attachable to helicopter 2 or 22 allows unit 1 or 21 to be stored at various locations, for example where fires are typically known or expected to occur. This may allow a variety of helicopters, for example a general purpose helicopter which may be in the vicinity and not being a dedicated firefighting helicopter, to assist in controlling or suppressing a fire. Also, if units 1 or 21 P:AWPDOCS\GXS\LNM\2006\spcciHUSFE\9 Mny_12663741_Fire Suppression Unit.doc -7break down it can be replaced at the same location, as they are transportable, trailer type units.
[027] In use, it may be preferable for two or more helicopters 2 to follow each other so that the first helicopter can largely suppress a fire whilst the second helicopter, if required can extinguish missed or reignited fires. The control of the cannon and/or nozzle and/or water pressure may be achieved by electronic, hydraulic or mechanical means.
[028] The invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
[029] Although a preferred embodiment has been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (9)

1. A fire suppression unit adapted to be removably attached to a helicopter, the fire suppression unit in use being in an airborne position to assist in controlling and/or extinguishing fires, the fire suppression unit including: one or more water cannons adapted to be fed with water by gravity or pressure, the or each cannon having a nozzle which is adjustable in direction and/or velocity by a cannon controller, the or each cannon being mounted on a side of the helicopter; the fire suppression unit also including a tank or reservoir disposed above or below the cannons or nozzles to facilitate feeding of fire fighting fluid to the cannons to provide a self-contained airborne fire suppression unit.
2. A fire suppression unit in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cannon controller includes a controller chair which swivels and/or rotates so as to align the operator's line of vision with a line of spray from the nozzle, the controller chairs being adapted to secure cannon operators to the chairs with belts.
3. A fire suppression unit in accordance with claim 1 or 2 wherein motorised pumps are provided so as to provide additional pressure to the nozzles and reach to the spray, as well as facilitating a tank position on the helicopter lower than the cannons or nozzles.
4. A fire suppression unit in accordance with any previous claim wherein the storage tank or reservoir is provided with baffles for increased stability of the helicopter and to regulate the passage of fluid through inlets/outlets to a cannon or cannons.
5. A fire suppression unit in accordance with any previous claim wherein a retractable hose reel or let-down pump/hose is provided that can be extended from the fire suppression unit so that the storage tank or reservoir can be refilled from a water body when the helicopter is airborne. P:\WPDOCS\GXSkLNM\2OO6\speci\HUSFE9 May_12663741_Fire Suppression Unit.doc -9-
6. A fire suppression unit in accordance with any previous claim wherein stops are provided to limit the field of rotation of the or each cannon so that the or each cannon cannot direct a water stream too close or into to an adjacent helicopter or within the helicopter to which the fire suppression unit is attached.
7. A fire suppression helicopter which includes a fire suppression unit attached to the helicopter, the fire suppression helicopter in use being in an airborne position to assist in controlling and/or extinguishing fires, the fire suppression helicopter including: a helicopter; one or more pressurised or gravity-fed water cannons, the or each cannon having a nozzle which is adjustable in direction and/or velocity by a cannon controller, the or each cannon being mounted on a side of the helicopter; the fire suppression unit also including a tank or reservoir disposed above the cannons to facilitate feeding of fire fighting fluid to the cannons to provide a self-contained airborne fire suppression unit.
8. A fire suppression unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
9. A fire suppression helicopter substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings. DATED this 10 th day of May, 2006 HUSFE PTY LTD By its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE
AU2006201951A 2005-05-10 2006-05-10 Fire suppression unit Abandoned AU2006201951A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2006201951A AU2006201951A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-05-10 Fire suppression unit

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2005902348A AU2005902348A0 (en) 2005-05-10 Helicopter based fire suppression unit
AU2005902348 2005-05-10
AU2006201951A AU2006201951A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-05-10 Fire suppression unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2006201951A1 true AU2006201951A1 (en) 2006-11-30

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AU2006201951A Abandoned AU2006201951A1 (en) 2005-05-10 2006-05-10 Fire suppression unit

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115337584A (en) * 2022-07-05 2022-11-15 高邮市振祥消防装备有限公司 Fire water monitor with frame shooting adjusting device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115337584A (en) * 2022-07-05 2022-11-15 高邮市振祥消防装备有限公司 Fire water monitor with frame shooting adjusting device

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MK24 Application lapsed reg. 22.2e(2) - failure to pay response fee