US20080223659A1 - Hydraulic assist for the servicing of on-board fire suppression systems - Google Patents
Hydraulic assist for the servicing of on-board fire suppression systems Download PDFInfo
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- US20080223659A1 US20080223659A1 US11/583,759 US58375906A US2008223659A1 US 20080223659 A1 US20080223659 A1 US 20080223659A1 US 58375906 A US58375906 A US 58375906A US 2008223659 A1 US2008223659 A1 US 2008223659A1
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- equipment
- vehicle
- accordance
- servicing
- operational position
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C27/00—Fire-fighting land vehicles
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to fire suppression systems and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for maintaining fire suppression systems.
- Fire suppression systems that are installed on mobile platforms present a unique problem when servicing is required.
- Service may include, but not be limited to, recharge of agents, pressurizing cylinders, and hydro-testing of tanks.
- At least some known systems require maintenance personnel to climb onto the vehicle to conduct such service, using, for example, ladders, fold-down steps, both of which may be integral to the vehicle, or the use of external devices to allow access to the roof of the vehicle.
- ladders, fold-down steps both of which may be integral to the vehicle, or the use of external devices to allow access to the roof of the vehicle.
- Such approaches put personnel at risk of falling from vehicles, lifting heavy objects under elevated conditions, and otherwise placing personnel in awkward positions on unstable platforms. For example, personnel are required to climb on-board the platform to conduct recharge and refilling operations or other scheduled maintenance items.
- a lift system for translating equipment mounted on a vehicle between an operational position and a servicing position.
- the lift system includes a support frame fixedly mounted to the vehicle, a transport member slidably coupled to the support frame, and a lift platform coupled to the transport member wherein the lift platform is configured to support the equipment in the operational position and in the servicing position.
- a method for gaining access to equipment that is positioned remotely during operation includes operating the equipment in an operational position on a vehicle, moving the equipment to a servicing position on the vehicle to perform maintenance on the equipment wherein the servicing position provides greater access to the equipment than the operational position.
- a vehicle for transporting equipment includes an enclosure housing the equipment, a support frame fixedly mounted to the vehicle, a transport member slidably coupled to the support frame, and a lift platform coupled to the transport member wherein the lift platform is configured to support the equipment in an operational position and a servicing position.
- FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an exemplary vehicle, such as an emergency response vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a rear schematic view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a rear schematic view of another embodiment of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an exemplary vehicle 100 , such as an emergency response vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- vehicle 100 includes wheels 102 coupled to a frame 104 through a suspension system (not shown).
- Vehicle 100 also includes an occupant cab 106 and an equipment enclosure 108 for housing equipment, for example, fire-suppression equipment, such as a tank 110 , a tank 111 , and a pump 112 , which may be driven by an engine 114 housed in an engine compartment 116 .
- pump 112 may be driven by a portable engine 117 .
- Equipment enclosure 108 also includes lockers 118 for storing personnel protective equipment, consumable items and tools.
- vehicle may be used to refer to a self-powered apparatus that may travel through the air, water, and/or on or under the ground.
- vehicles may include vans, trucks, railcars, tracked vehicles, water craft and aircraft.
- vehicle also refers to un-powered conveyances that are normally pulled or towed, for example, trailers, carts, skids, barges, gliders and the like.
- Vehicle 100 also includes a lift assembly 120 that substantially reduces the need for personnel to climb on-board vehicle 100 to conduct maintenance activities.
- the fire-suppression equipment requiring service is typically located in a restricted access location, such that it is protected from the environment during transit and operation.
- vehicle 100 utilizes lift assembly 120 to position the fire-suppression equipment requiring service in a position outside of outer perimeter of enclosure 108 and/or outside an outer perimeter of vehicle 100 .
- Servicing can then be conducted from a stationary ground level servicing position.
- Such a servicing position is illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the servicing position significantly reduces the hazard associated with climbing on-board a vehicle to service the equipment.
- fire-suppression equipment refers to equipment primarily used for detecting, monitoring, and fighting a fire, or in conducting rescue operations.
- Lift assembly 120 is integrated into frame 104 and enclosure 108 of vehicle 100 .
- lift assembly 120 incorporates an outer steel channel 122 and inner steel tube 124 positioned along each side of vehicle 100 .
- Each of outer steel channel 122 and an inner steel tube 124 are lined with, for example, a relatively high density and ultra high molecular weight polypropylene to reduce frictional forces between outer steel channel 122 and an inner steel tube 124 during operation.
- the lined surfaces of outer channel 122 and inner tube 124 are in contact with each other throughout the operation of the lift and provide a low friction surface without additional moving parts, such as bearings or rollers.
- Drive unit 126 includes a single hydraulic ram including a cylinder and a piston that is hydraulically and/or pneumatically actuated.
- drive unit 126 includes a lead screw assembly.
- Lift assembly 120 is powered by a 12 volt DC hydraulic pump 128 and is operated by a bi-directional toggle switch 130 to raise or lower lift assembly 120 .
- Tank 111 is permanently mounted to a lift platform 132 for operational efficiency. Tank 111 is lowered to a servicing position at ground level for servicing and raised to an operational position on-board vehicle 100 .
- a locking mechanism 134 substantially prevents ram 126 from moving.
- Locking mechanism 134 is interlocked with an electrical system (not shown) on-board vehicle 100 and may be engaged manually or automatically.
- the locking mechanism 134 engages when the lift assembly 120 is in the fully retracted position, and operates to prevent lift assembly 120 from being lowered in the event that a rear enclosure door 136 is not fully open or the vehicle is not secure such that movement of the vehicle is substantially blocked.
- FIG. 2 is a rear schematic view of vehicle 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- Lift assembly 120 is illustrated in the operational position wherein tank 111 is fully housed in enclosure 108 such that door 136 may be closed by rolling door 136 down from its open position in direction 200 .
- FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of vehicle 100 .
- lift assembly 120 is oriented parallel to the ground (horizontal). Accordingly, lift assembly 120 is operable in both an inclined configuration (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a configuration that is parallel to the ground (shown in FIG. 3 ).
- tank 111 is housed in enclosure 108 with door 136 extended in a closed position, for example, during travel to the location of a fire or other emergency. After arrival at the emergency location, door 136 may be retracted to an open position exposing limited access to tank 111 to support operation of a fire suppression activity, for example. Such limited access may be desirable for monitoring tank 111 or operating valves and switches coupled to tank 111 .
- tank 111 is extended horizontally from the confines of enclosure 108 using lift assembly 120 .
- Lift assembly 120 is interlocked using switches coupled to 12 volt DC hydraulic pump 128 and toggle switch 130 to prevent operation of lift assembly 120 if door 136 is not fully retracted in the open position or if vehicle 100 is not fully secure. Additional interlocks may be employed depending on the particular configuration of vehicle 100 and the equipment.
- Tank 111 is extended by operating switch 130 , which aligns hydraulic valves to supply fluid to an extend side of ram 126 .
- Lift assembly 120 may be configured to be stopped in an intermediate position between fully retracted and fully extended positions. When the lift assembly is fully retracted, it may be locked in position using locking mechanism 134 .
- FIG. 4 is a rear schematic view of another embodiment of vehicle 100 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- lift assembly 120 is configured to extend a piece of equipment, such as pump 400 from within enclosure 108 at a side 402 of vehicle 100 to an accessible position substantially outside the perimeter of enclosure 108 and/or vehicle 100 .
- lift assembly 120 is configured to raise and lower pump 400 from a position within enclosure 108 to a position proximate ground level similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 .
- the above-described means for removing the hazards associated with servicing such equipment as fire suppression systems at elevation is a cost-effective and highly reliable system.
- the various embodiments of the present invention allows, for example, the fire suppression system to be relocated at ground level or in a position such that it is no longer necessary for personnel to either climb onto a vehicle or work in an isolated space. Accordingly, the lift system facilitates operation of for example, fire-fighting or rescue equipment in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is entitled to the benefit of, and claims priority to, provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/728,718, filed Oct. 20, 2005 and entitled “Hydraulic Assist For The Servicing Of On-Board Fire Suppression Systems,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- This invention generally relates to fire suppression systems and more particularly, to methods and apparatus for maintaining fire suppression systems.
- Fire suppression systems that are installed on mobile platforms present a unique problem when servicing is required. Service may include, but not be limited to, recharge of agents, pressurizing cylinders, and hydro-testing of tanks. At least some known systems require maintenance personnel to climb onto the vehicle to conduct such service, using, for example, ladders, fold-down steps, both of which may be integral to the vehicle, or the use of external devices to allow access to the roof of the vehicle. Such approaches put personnel at risk of falling from vehicles, lifting heavy objects under elevated conditions, and otherwise placing personnel in awkward positions on unstable platforms. For example, personnel are required to climb on-board the platform to conduct recharge and refilling operations or other scheduled maintenance items.
- Solutions to such problems have included the use of personnel protective equipment, most notably safety harnesses and the use of grab rails to provide support. In general, passive protection is applied to protect personnel while the fire suppression system is maintained in a fixed position. However, the standard practice has not eliminated the hazards associated with servicing on-board systems at elevation, but rather attempt to insure personnel are protected from injury using protective equipment.
- In one embodiment, a lift system for translating equipment mounted on a vehicle between an operational position and a servicing position is provided. The lift system includes a support frame fixedly mounted to the vehicle, a transport member slidably coupled to the support frame, and a lift platform coupled to the transport member wherein the lift platform is configured to support the equipment in the operational position and in the servicing position.
- In another embodiment, a method for gaining access to equipment that is positioned remotely during operation is provided. The method includes operating the equipment in an operational position on a vehicle, moving the equipment to a servicing position on the vehicle to perform maintenance on the equipment wherein the servicing position provides greater access to the equipment than the operational position.
- In yet another embodiment, a vehicle for transporting equipment includes an enclosure housing the equipment, a support frame fixedly mounted to the vehicle, a transport member slidably coupled to the support frame, and a lift platform coupled to the transport member wherein the lift platform is configured to support the equipment in an operational position and a servicing position.
-
FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of an exemplary vehicle, such as an emergency response vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a rear schematic view of the vehicle shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of another exemplary embodiment of the vehicle shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 4 is a rear schematic view of another embodiment of the vehicle shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of anexemplary vehicle 100, such as an emergency response vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment,vehicle 100 includeswheels 102 coupled to aframe 104 through a suspension system (not shown).Vehicle 100 also includes anoccupant cab 106 and anequipment enclosure 108 for housing equipment, for example, fire-suppression equipment, such as atank 110, atank 111, and apump 112, which may be driven by anengine 114 housed in anengine compartment 116. In an alternative embodiment,pump 112 may be driven by aportable engine 117.Equipment enclosure 108 also includeslockers 118 for storing personnel protective equipment, consumable items and tools. As described herein, the term “vehicle” may be used to refer to a self-powered apparatus that may travel through the air, water, and/or on or under the ground. For example, vehicles may include vans, trucks, railcars, tracked vehicles, water craft and aircraft. Additionally, “vehicle” also refers to un-powered conveyances that are normally pulled or towed, for example, trailers, carts, skids, barges, gliders and the like. -
Vehicle 100 also includes alift assembly 120 that substantially reduces the need for personnel to climb on-board vehicle 100 to conduct maintenance activities. In an operational condition, the fire-suppression equipment requiring service is typically located in a restricted access location, such that it is protected from the environment during transit and operation. In the exemplary embodiment,vehicle 100 utilizeslift assembly 120 to position the fire-suppression equipment requiring service in a position outside of outer perimeter ofenclosure 108 and/or outside an outer perimeter ofvehicle 100. Servicing can then be conducted from a stationary ground level servicing position. Such a servicing position is illustrated inFIG. 1 . The servicing position significantly reduces the hazard associated with climbing on-board a vehicle to service the equipment. In the servicing position, the equipment to be maintained is isolated from the vehicle and/or moved outside the confines of the vehicle, making it possible to service the equipment at ground level and/or free of encumbrances to access. As described herein, the phrase “fire-suppression equipment” refers to equipment primarily used for detecting, monitoring, and fighting a fire, or in conducting rescue operations. -
Lift assembly 120 is integrated intoframe 104 andenclosure 108 ofvehicle 100. In the exemplary embodiment,lift assembly 120 incorporates anouter steel channel 122 andinner steel tube 124 positioned along each side ofvehicle 100. Each ofouter steel channel 122 and aninner steel tube 124 are lined with, for example, a relatively high density and ultra high molecular weight polypropylene to reduce frictional forces betweenouter steel channel 122 and aninner steel tube 124 during operation. The lined surfaces ofouter channel 122 andinner tube 124 are in contact with each other throughout the operation of the lift and provide a low friction surface without additional moving parts, such as bearings or rollers.Inner tube 124 travels a distance of approximately 36 inches (914.4 mm) along the two tracks formed byouter steel channel 122 and aninner steel tube 124, utilizing adrive unit 126. In the exemplary embodiment,drive unit 126 includes a single hydraulic ram including a cylinder and a piston that is hydraulically and/or pneumatically actuated. In an alternative embodiment,drive unit 126 includes a lead screw assembly.Lift assembly 120 is powered by a 12 volt DChydraulic pump 128 and is operated by abi-directional toggle switch 130 to raise orlower lift assembly 120. Tank 111 is permanently mounted to alift platform 132 for operational efficiency.Tank 111 is lowered to a servicing position at ground level for servicing and raised to an operational position on-board vehicle 100. In the operational position, alocking mechanism 134 substantially preventsram 126 from moving.Locking mechanism 134 is interlocked with an electrical system (not shown) on-board vehicle 100 and may be engaged manually or automatically. Thelocking mechanism 134 engages when thelift assembly 120 is in the fully retracted position, and operates to preventlift assembly 120 from being lowered in the event that arear enclosure door 136 is not fully open or the vehicle is not secure such that movement of the vehicle is substantially blocked. -
FIG. 2 is a rear schematic view of vehicle 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ).Lift assembly 120 is illustrated in the operational position whereintank 111 is fully housed inenclosure 108 such thatdoor 136 may be closed by rollingdoor 136 down from its open position indirection 200. -
FIG. 3 is a side schematic view of an alternative exemplary embodiment ofvehicle 100. In an alternative embodiment,lift assembly 120 is oriented parallel to the ground (horizontal). Accordingly,lift assembly 120 is operable in both an inclined configuration (shown inFIG. 1 ) and a configuration that is parallel to the ground (shown inFIG. 3 ). - During operation of
vehicle 100,tank 111 is housed inenclosure 108 withdoor 136 extended in a closed position, for example, during travel to the location of a fire or other emergency. After arrival at the emergency location,door 136 may be retracted to an open position exposing limited access totank 111 to support operation of a fire suppression activity, for example. Such limited access may be desirable for monitoringtank 111 or operating valves and switches coupled totank 111. - During servicing, with
vehicle 100 secured or being disabled for movement,tank 111 is extended horizontally from the confines ofenclosure 108 usinglift assembly 120.Lift assembly 120 is interlocked using switches coupled to 12 volt DChydraulic pump 128 andtoggle switch 130 to prevent operation oflift assembly 120 ifdoor 136 is not fully retracted in the open position or ifvehicle 100 is not fully secure. Additional interlocks may be employed depending on the particular configuration ofvehicle 100 and the equipment.Tank 111 is extended by operatingswitch 130, which aligns hydraulic valves to supply fluid to an extend side ofram 126.Lift assembly 120 may be configured to be stopped in an intermediate position between fully retracted and fully extended positions. When the lift assembly is fully retracted, it may be locked in position usinglocking mechanism 134. -
FIG. 4 is a rear schematic view of another embodiment of vehicle 100 (shown inFIG. 1 ). In the exemplary embodiment,lift assembly 120 is configured to extend a piece of equipment, such aspump 400 from withinenclosure 108 at aside 402 ofvehicle 100 to an accessible position substantially outside the perimeter ofenclosure 108 and/orvehicle 100. In an alternative embodiment,lift assembly 120 is configured to raise andlower pump 400 from a position withinenclosure 108 to a position proximate ground level similar to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1 . - The above-described means for removing the hazards associated with servicing such equipment as fire suppression systems at elevation is a cost-effective and highly reliable system. The various embodiments of the present invention allows, for example, the fire suppression system to be relocated at ground level or in a position such that it is no longer necessary for personnel to either climb onto a vehicle or work in an isolated space. Accordingly, the lift system facilitates operation of for example, fire-fighting or rescue equipment in a cost-effective and reliable manner.
- While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/583,759 US20080223659A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-18 | Hydraulic assist for the servicing of on-board fire suppression systems |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US72871805P | 2005-10-20 | 2005-10-20 | |
US11/583,759 US20080223659A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-18 | Hydraulic assist for the servicing of on-board fire suppression systems |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/469,705 Continuation US20090226546A1 (en) | 2003-12-22 | 2009-05-21 | Compositions derived from portulaca oleracea l. and methods of using same for modulating blood glucose levels |
Publications (1)
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US20080223659A1 true US20080223659A1 (en) | 2008-09-18 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US11/583,759 Abandoned US20080223659A1 (en) | 2005-10-20 | 2006-10-18 | Hydraulic assist for the servicing of on-board fire suppression systems |
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Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3795329A (en) * | 1972-11-28 | 1974-03-05 | Diesel Equip | Foldable tailgates |
US5180275A (en) * | 1991-05-28 | 1993-01-19 | The Braun Corporation | Rotary bus lift with power stowable platform |
US5730572A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 1998-03-24 | Scheuren; Duane L. | Bale handling carrier |
US20070007053A1 (en) * | 2004-06-22 | 2007-01-11 | Abel Thomas E | Emergency utility vehicle |
-
2006
- 2006-10-18 US US11/583,759 patent/US20080223659A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3795329A (en) * | 1972-11-28 | 1974-03-05 | Diesel Equip | Foldable tailgates |
US5180275A (en) * | 1991-05-28 | 1993-01-19 | The Braun Corporation | Rotary bus lift with power stowable platform |
US5730572A (en) * | 1997-01-07 | 1998-03-24 | Scheuren; Duane L. | Bale handling carrier |
US20070007053A1 (en) * | 2004-06-22 | 2007-01-11 | Abel Thomas E | Emergency utility vehicle |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ANSUL, INCORPORATED, WISCONSIN Free format text: NUNC PRO TUNC ASSIGNMENT;ASSIGNORS:HANSEN, STEVEN W;QUINN, KEVIN J;REEL/FRAME:022555/0007 Effective date: 20061020 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ANSUL, LLC, FLORIDA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:ANSUL, INCORPORATED;REEL/FRAME:023411/0363 Effective date: 20090922 |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP, PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: MERGER;ASSIGNOR:ANSUL, LLC;REEL/FRAME:023743/0294 Effective date: 20091218 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |