WO2012061878A2

WO2012061878A2 - A fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina

Info

Publication number: WO2012061878A2
Application number: PCT/AU2011/001437
Authority: WO
Inventors: Danny Walsham
Original assignee: Marina Fire Prevention Systems Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2010-11-11
Filing date: 2011-11-09
Publication date: 2012-05-18
Also published as: WO2012061878A3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina having one or more equipped mooring structures. The system comprises one or more water outlets located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures, wherein each of the one or more water outlets are adapted for projecting water in at least one direction. The system further comprises one or more water delivery channels connecting the one or more water outlets to at least one source of water, and one or more pumps being in fluid communication with the one or more water delivery channels and being adapted to pump water from the at least one source of water to the one or more water outlets. In one embodiment, the one or more pumps are one or more submersible pumps located within at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures and submersed in the at least one source of water, and at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures is a pylon.

Description

A FIRE MONITORING AND EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM FOR A MARINA

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to hazard management systems and in particular to a fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in marinas and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background

The risk of fires occurring in marinas, wharves, harbours and so forth, is a natural danger for any marine vessel. However, this risk is compounded when the difficulty of quickly isolating boats is taken into consideration. As a result of typically limited fire monitoring systems on marinas, fires can go undetected for a significant amount of time. Furthermore, a fire occurring on one marine vessel often spreads to adjacent marine vessels or mooring structures such as piers or jetties, due to the close proximity of the vessels and structures, substantially increasing the amount of damage which occurs as a result of the fire. The impact of a fire is further compounded by the fact that where the marine vessels are motor powered marine vessels these are likely to contain fuel in the form of flammable liquids thereby constituting a potentially high volatile situation.

One of the main problems associated with such fires on marinas is the large amount of time required to become aware of a fire and to raise a corresponding alarm to respond to the fire. This can result in extensive damage and spread to other areas.

Existing fire emergency procedures on marinas require a series of complicated protocols including notifications of the marina management and other relevant authorities, and deployment of personnel for a number of roles. These procedures are generally coordinated by one or more senior personnel at the site of the marina. In such emergency situations, the one or more senior personnel may experience difficulties dealing with the high stress nature of the situation and fail to execute one or more of the procedures properly, or at all.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Substitute Sheet

(Rule 26) RO/AU Summary

The invention seeks to provide a fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, a fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina having one or more equipped mooring structures is provided, comprising: one or more water outlets located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures, each of the one or more water outlets being adapted for projecting water in at least one direction.

Advantageously, the fire monitoring system is automated.

Advantageously, the fire extinguishing system is automated.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures are enabled, in use, to project water towards the fire.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets are enabled for projecting water in the direction of one or more fires located in different directions within the marina.

Preferably, the system further comprises one or more water delivery channels connecting the one or more water outlets to at least one source of water to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the one or more water outlets in use.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets can receive water from at least one source of water by virtue of the one or more water delivery channels.

Preferably, each of the one or more water outlets comprises at least one water nozzle for projecting water therefrom, the at least one water nozzle being orientable at an angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure.

Advantageously, the at least one water nozzle of each of the one or more water outlets can be oriented in the direction of a fire.

Preferably, the at least one water nozzle is configurable between a fan spray configuration in which water is projected across a wider angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure and a jet spray configuration in which water is projected across a narrower angle. Advantageously, the fan spray configuration enables water to be projected across a wider area. This is beneficial as the water projected from the one or more water outlets with water nozzles in this configuration overlaps to form a curtain of water for extinguishing a fire.

Advantageously, this configuration allows fewer water outlets to be installed.

Advantageously, the jet spray configuration enables water to be projected across a narrower area. This is beneficial in the case of small fires as the water from the one or more water outlets can be projected directly at the fire.

Preferably, the one or more water outlets are configurable between a low position in which the height of the one or more water outlets relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure is low and a high position in which the height of the one or more water outlets relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure is high.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets configurable to the low position facilitate the projecting of water at a fire located on small marine vessels.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets configurable to the high position facilitate the projecting of water at a fire located on large marine vessels.

Advantageously, the one or more water outlets configurable to the low position prevent the one or more water outlets, when not in use, from obstructing passersby.

Preferably, the system further comprises one or more covers, each cover corresponding to one of the one or more water outlets and being adapted to cover the corresponding water outlet, each cover being configurable between a closed position in which the cover conceals the water outlet and an open position in which the water outlet is revealed.

Advantageously, the one or more covers configurable to the closed position reduce the risk of structural hazards, such as, for example, passersby tripping over the one or more water outlets when not in use.

Advantageously, the one or more covers configurable to the open position enables the one or more water outlets to be configurable to the low position and the high position when in use.

Preferably, the system further comprises at least one valve being located in at least one of the one or more water delivery channels, the at least one valve being configurable between a closed position to prevent water being fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the corresponding one or more water outlets and at least one open position to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the corresponding one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the at least one valve is locatable at any point in at least one of the one or more water delivery channels.

Advantageously, the at least one valve configurable to the closed position prevents projection of water from the one or more water outlets when not in use.

Advantageously, the at least one valve configurable to the at least one open position enables projection of water from the one or more water outlets when in use.

Preferably, the at least one source of water is at least two sources of water comprising a first source of water and a second source of water, the first source of water being a pumped source of water and the second source of water being a mains water supply.

Advantageously, water to the one or more water outlets can be supplied from more than one source.

Preferably, the system further comprises one or more pumps being in fluid communication with the one or more water delivery channels and being adapted to pump water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the one or more pumps enable the pumped source of water to be pumped to the one or more water outlets.

Preferably, the one or more pumps are one or more submersible pumps.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are able to efficiently communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are easily maintained and require less frequent maintenance. Therefore, the one or more submersible pumps are more economical to use.

Advantageously, there is a reduced risk of cavitation during use of the one or more submersible pumps. Therefore, the one or more submersible pumps have a reduced risk of breakage or failure.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are easily replaceable. Beneficially, the one or more submersible pumps that are broken or damaged can be simply replaced with new and working submersible pumps. Preferably, the one or more submersible pumps are located within at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures and submersed in the pumped source of water.

Advantageously, the location of the one or more submersible pumps reduces the risk of structural hazards and therefore insures that the marina is a safer environment. Furthermore, there is a reduced need for additional space in the marina to accommodate the one or more submersible pumps.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are hidden within the one or more equipped mooring structures such that the marina remains aesthetically pleasing.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are submersed in the pumped source of water such that the one or more submersible pumps are able to operate in an effective manner.

Preferably, the at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures is a pylon.

Advantageously, the one or more submersible pumps are able to be located within the pylon without compromising the structural integrity of the marina.

Preferably, the at least one open position is at least two open positions comprising a first open position and a second open position, the first open position enabling water to be fluidly communicated from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets and the second open position enabling water to be fluidly communicated from the mains water supply to the one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the at least one valve configurable to the first open position enables projection of water from the pumped source of water.

Advantageously, the at least one valve configurable to the second open position enables projection of water from the mains water supply source of water.

Preferably, the system further comprises an electronic control unit adapted to selectively actuate the one or more pumps to fluidly communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to actuate the one or more pumps to fluidly communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to selectively actuate the one or more pumps as desired by a user. Preferably, the system further comprises one or more fire sensors, each of the one or more fire sensors being coupled to the electronic control unit and operable to send the electronic control unit a warning signal in response to detecting the presence of smoke or fire.

Preferably, the one or more fire sensors are further operable to detect one or more of the following:

(i) the location of a fire;

(ii) the temperature of a fire;

(iii) the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures;

(iv) the temperature of a boat moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures.

Advantageously, the one or more fire sensors are enabled to operatively communicate with the electronic control unit.

Advantageously, the one or more fire sensors are enabled to detect the presence of smoke or fire in the marina.

Advantageously, the one or more fire sensors are enabled to detect the condition of the one or more equipped mooring structures in the marina.

Advantageously, the one or more fire sensors are enabled to detect the condition of a boat moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures in the marina.

Advantageously, the one or more fire sensors are configured to send the electronic control unit a warning signal in response to detecting smoke or fire.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises a first operative connection for communicating a cover operative signal to the one or more water outlets to operably control the position of the one or more covers between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to configure the one or more covers between the open position and the closed position.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises a second operative connection for communicating a first valve operative signal to the at least one valve to operably control the position of the at least one valve between the closed position and the first open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors. Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to configure the at least one valve between the closed position and the first open position to enable projection of water from the pumped source of water.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises a third operative connection for communicating a pump operative signal to the one or more pumps to actuate the one or more pumps in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to actuate the one or more pumps in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises a fourth operative connection for communicating a second valve operative signal to operably control the position of the at least one valve between the closed position and the second open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to configure the at least one valve between the closed position and the second open position to enable to enable the mains water supply source of water to be directed to the one or more water outlets.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises a communication device to automatically send a warning message to a receiving device in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit has a communication device that is enabled to automatically send a warning message in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors after detecting smoke or fire.

Preferably, the electronic control unit further comprises an electronic display for displaying a plurality of information to a user in response to receiving from the one or more fire sensors the warning signal, wherein the plurality of information includes one or more of the following:

(i) the presence of smoke;

(ii) the presence of a fire

(iii) the location of a fire;

(iv) the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures; and (v) the temperature of a boat moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to display information pertaining to the presence of smoke or fire in the marina.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to display information pertaining to the condition of the one or more equipped mooring structures in the marina.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is enabled to display information pertaining to a boat moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures in the marina.

Preferably, the system further comprises one or more wind sensors, each of the one or more wind sensors being coupled to the electronic control unit, and being operable to measure wind speed at the marina.

Advantageously, the electronic control unit is able to measure the wind speed at the marina.

Preferably, the electronic control unit controls the pressure at which the one or more pumps fluidly communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets in accordance with the wind speed.

Advantageously, water can be projected from the one or more water outlets at a faster or slower rate depending on the wind speed at the marina.

Preferably, the one or more water delivery channels are fixedly attached to the one or more equipped mooring structures.

Advantageously, the attachment of the one or more water delivery channels to the one or more equipped mooring structures reduces the need to construct auxiliary points of fixation for the one or more water delivery channels at a location other than the one or more equipped mooring structures.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, a preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a plan view of an automated fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina having one or more equipped mooring structures in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one of the one or more equipped mooring structures of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the automated fire monitoring and extinguishing system of Fig. 1 ; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of the marina having a submersible pump within a pylon.

Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in Fig. 1, there is provided a fire monitoring and extinguishing system 10 for a marina 15 having one or more equipped mooring structures 20 and comprising one or more water outlets 25 located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, wherein each of the one or more water outlets 25 is adapted for projecting water (not shown) in at least one direction.

In this embodiment, the fire monitoring system 10 is automated, negating the need for human intervention in both the detection of a fire and actuation of the extinguishing system 10. The fire monitoring system 10 is such that monitoring of the marina 15 is continuous and adapted to respond to a fire rather than simply being adapted to alert, for example, fire fighting authorities. Accordingly, the fire extinguishing system 10 is automated, negating the need for human intervention in both the detection of a fire and actuation of the extinguishing system 10. The fire extinguishing system 10 is such that extinguishing of the fire in the marina 15 can be performed quickly upon detection of a fire, minimising the time in which the fire is able to spread and/or intensify.

The one or more equipped mooring structures 20 may be, for example, one or more docks, piers, jetties, quays or wharfs. It will be appreciated, however, that the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 are not limited to the examples described and that other types of equipped mooring structures are possible. Accordingly, the marina 15 may be, for example, a harbour, boatyard, port, Bandar or shipyard. It will further be appreciated, however, that the marina 15 is not limited to the examples described and that other types of marina 15 are possible.

The one or more water outlets 25 are connected to each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 by one or more structural joints which facilitate the projection of water from the one or more water outlets 25 in at least one direction. For example, the one or more water outlets 25 may be connected to each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 by virtue of at least a ball-and-socket joint, a slidable joint and/or other joints, in addition to structural fixation means designed to fix the one or more water outlets 25 in their respective positions on the one or more equipped mooring structures 20.

The one or more water outlets 25 located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 are enabled, in use, to project water towards the fire without having to introduce an external fire fighting system such as fire fighting authorities, thereby saving valuable time in tackling the blaze. It will be appreciated that once the fire fighting authorities arrive on the scene, the extinguishing system 10 can operate effectively in conjunction with the fire fighting authorities to bring the blaze under control.

In this embodiment, with the one or more water outlets 25 being adapted to project water in at least one direction, when extinguishing a fire, one of the one or more water outlets 25 may be directed to project water towards one area of the fire whilst at least another of the one or more water outlets 25 may be directed to project water towards another area of the same fire. Additionally, while one of the one or more water outlets 25 may be directed to project water towards the area of the fire, at least another of the one or more water outlets 25 may be directed to project water towards one or more other fires which may have started. Furthermore, the one or more water outlets 25 may be directed to project water towards the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, or one or more boats 1000 located in close proximity to the fire to prevent these from catching alight. Alternatively, after the fire has been substantially extinguished, the one or more water outlets 25 may continue to project water towards the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 and one or more boats 100 in order to lower their respective temperatures and to reduce the chances of an additional fire igniting. Furthermore, the one or more water outlets 25 being adapted to project water in at least one direction are enabled to extinguish one or more fires, the one or more fires located in different directions within the marina. For example, if the fire spreads from being a relatively small fire to becoming a relatively large fire, or alternatively, develops into one or more separate fires, each of the one or more water outlets 25 is adapted to alter the direction in which water is projected, such that water can be directed specifically at the fire or fires that need it the most. The boat 1000 may be any type of marine vessel, such as, for example, a ship, a ferry, a yacht, a motorboat, a jet ski, a pontoon, a rowboat, a canoe. It will be appreciated, however, that the boat 1000 is not limited to the examples described and that other types of boats are possible.

The system 10 further comprises one or more water delivery channels 30 connecting the one or more water outlets 25 to at least one source of water 35 to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water 35 to the one or more water outlets 25 in use. By employing one or more water delivery channels 30 such as water pipes, water can be fluidly communicated over long distances to the one or more water outlets 25. It will be appreciated however, that the at least one source of water 35 is ideally a relatively nearby source of water 35 thereby reducing the length and number of water delivery channels 30 required to be constructed. For example, the at least one source of water 35 can be the water in the marina 15, or alternatively, another body of water located outside of the marina 15. For safety and aesthetic reasons, the one or more water delivery channels 30 will ideally be located under the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. In a preferred arrangement, and as shown as dashed lines in Figs. 1 and 2, the one or more water delivery channels 30 are fixedly attached to the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, the one or more water delivery channels 30 being located under the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 of the marina 15, and being in fluid communication with the corresponding one or more water outlets 25 associated with that equipped mooring structure 20. By locating the one or more water delivery channels 30 beneath the equipped mooring structures 20 means that they are out of sight as well as out of the general path of the public.

The one or more water outlets 25 and the one or more water delivery channels 30 are constructed from one or more materials suitable for withstanding the high water pressures which may arise in use. Furthermore, the connection between the one or more water delivery channels 30 and the one or more water outlets 25 comprises at least a first watertight seal (not shown) to prevent leakage of water from the corresponding connection. Accordingly, the corresponding connections between the one or more water delivery channels 30 and the at least one source of water 35 also comprise at least a second watertight seal (shown) to prevent leakage of water therefrom. It will be appreciated that the one or more materials employed in the construction of the one or more water outlets 25 and the one or more water delivery channels 30 and the first and second watertight seals will be resistant to or at least suitably treated to resist or delay corrosion caused by seawater.

Referring specifically to Fig. 2, each of the one or more water outlets 25 comprises at least one water nozzle 40 for projecting water therefrom, the at least one water nozzle 40 being orientable at an angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 such that the at least one water nozzle 40 can be oriented in the direction of the fire. The angle of the at least one water nozzle 40 relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 may be between -45 and 315 degrees about a base horizontal plane of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. In this case, the at least one water nozzle 40 can pivot about the base horizontal plane to project water at different heights relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. In addition, the angle of the at least one water nozzle 40 relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 may be between 1 and 360 degrees about a central upright axis perpendicular to the base horizontal plane of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. In this case, the at least one water nozzle 40 can rotate about the central upright axis to project water at different angles in the base horizontal plane relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. In both cases, it will be appreciated that the at least one water nozzle 40 is connected to the corresponding water outlet 25 by virtue of a rotatable joint including, but not limited to, a ball-and-socket joint, thereby enabling freedom of rotation about at least two axes.

Referring specifically to Fig. 1, the one or more water outlets 25 may be located on a corresponding one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 having boats 1000 moored either side, or located on a equipped mooring structure 20 in which there is only one side capable of mooring a boat 1000 or boats 1000. In the first case, the one or more water outlets 25 are required to project water in the direction of the boats 1000 either side of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20, while in the second case, water need only be projected from the corresponding water outlets 25 in the direction of the side of the equipped mooring structure 20 where the boat 1000 or boats 1000 are moored.

It will be appreciated that the one or more water outlets 25 may be configured in any number of ways to project water in the direction of any boat 1000 in at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 that is on fire. For example, the one or more water outlets 25 may be fixedly mounted to the corresponding equipped structure 20 such that only the at least one water nozzle 40 associated with the water outlet 25 is orientable relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. Alternatively, the one or more water outlets 25, rather than the at least one water nozzle 40 associated with the corresponding water outlet 25, may be configured to rotate about a central upright axis perpendicular to the base horizontal plane of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 such that water can projected in the direction the water nozzle 40 is facing. The orientation of the one or more water outlets 25 and/or the at least one water nozzle 40 relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 may be either manually or automatically adjustable.

The at least one water nozzle 40 is configurable between a fan spray configuration (not shown) in which water is projected across a wider angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 and a jet spray configuration (not shown) in which water is projected across a narrower angle. In this arrangement, the at least one water nozzle 40 can be adjusted in cross-sectional area in the direction of water flow to project water in a desired configuration, be it over a wide area or over a long distance. It will be appreciated therefore, that the diameter or hydraulic diameter of the cross-section may reduce, for example, at a linear rate with distance along the direction of water flow. The reduction of cross-sectional area of the at least one water nozzle 40 in the direction of water flow therefore increases the velocity of water flowing out of the at least one water nozzle 40, thereby increasing the propulsive thrust. It will be appreciated that the fan spray configuration would be beneficial in the case of large fires or multiple small fires as the water projected from the one or more water outlets 25 having water nozzles 40 in this configuration overlaps to form a curtain of water for extinguishing a fire and for eliminating the spread of fire. The fan spray configuration may have differently shaped cross-sections when viewed from the direction in which the water is projected from the at least one water nozzle 40. For example, a rectangular cross-section of the at least one water nozzle 40 projects water onto a corresponding rectangular area, a linear cross-section of the at least one water nozzle 40 projects water onto a corresponding line and a circular cross-section of the at least one water nozzle 40 projects water onto a corresponding circular area.

It will be appreciated that the jet spray configuration would be beneficial in the case of small fires as the water projected from the one or more water outlets 25 having water nozzles 40 in this configuration can be pointed directly at the fire. The jet spray configuration has a generally circular cross-section when viewed from the direction in which the water is projected. The cross-section of the jet spray configuration is smaller than the cross-section of the fan spray configuration. Therefore, the propulsive thrust of water in the jet spray configuration is generally greater than in the fan spray configuration enabling the water to be projected over a greater distance. It will be appreciated that each water nozzle 40 is manually or automatically configurable between the fan spray configuration and the jet spray configuration.

The one or more water outlets 25 are configurable between a low position (not shown) in which the height of the one or more water outlets 25 relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 is low and a high position (not shown) in which the height of the one or more water outlets 25 relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 is high. The manner by which the height of the one or more water outlets 25 is adjustable may be achieved in any number of ways. For example, the one or more water outlets 25 may be configurable between the low position and the high position by virtue of a complementary screw thread engagement (not shown). In this example, each water outlet 25 comprising either an internal or external screw thread at its base is adapted for complementary mating with a corresponding external or internal screw thread, respectively, located within the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. Each water outlet 25 is therefore configurable between the low position and the high position by rotating each water outlet 25 about an upright axis of the screw thread in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction. In another example, each of the one or more water outlets 25 may simply comprise a stem (not shown) portion depending from the corresponding water outlet 25 and adapted to locate and be slidingly received within the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20, the stem portion comprising one or more position settings along its length and the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 comprising an engaging portion (not shown) to engage within one of the one or more position settings, such that the corresponding water outlet 25 can achieve an appropriate position setting within the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20 according to the desired height. The one or more water outlets 25 configurable to the low position facilitate the projecting of water at a fire located on, for example, small marine vessels or towards a fire which is in relatively close proximity to the respective water outlet 25. Conversely, the one or more water outlets 25 configurable to the high position facilitate the projecting of water at a fire located on, for example, large marine vessels or towards a fire which is at a relatively large distance from the respective water outlet 25.

The one or more water outlets 25 may also be configurable to a further low position (not shown) to prevent the one or more water outlets 25, when not in use, from being protuberances, thereby obstructing passersby. In one embodiment, a top surface of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 comprises one or more apertures (not shown) corresponding to the one or more water outlets 25 located thereon, each aperture being adapted to receive substantially therein, the respective water outlet 25. In this arrangement, the water outlets 25 can be lowered beneath the top surface of the equipped mooring structure 20 or at least low enough to not cause an obstruction. It will be appreciated that each of the one or more water outlets 25 can be manually or automatically configurable between the low position and the high position and the various position settings therebetween.

The system 10 further comprises one or more covers 45 (not shown), each cover 45 corresponding to one of the one or more water outlets 25 and being adapted to cover the corresponding water outlet 25, each cover 45 being configurable between a closed position (not shown) in which the cover 45 conceals the water outlet 25 and an open position (not shown) in which the water outlet 25 is revealed. It will be appreciated that each of the one or more covers 45 can be adapted to cover the corresponding water outlet 25 in a number of ways. In one embodiment, each of the one or more covers 45 may be slidably mounted relative to the surface of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20, each cover 45 being slidable between the closed position and the open position. In this arrangement, the one or more water outlets 25 can be lowered into the aperture in the corresponding one or equipped mooring structures 20 as described above, such that they are beneath the top surface of the equipped mooring structure 20, the cover 45 then slides over the water outlet 25 to conceal it when the cover 45 is in the closed position. Ideally, the cover 45 in the closed position is substantially flush with the top surface of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. In the open position, it will be appreciated that each cover 45 will be slidably received within the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20, ideally beneath the top surface, to reveal the water outlet 25. In an alternative embodiment, each of the one or more covers 45 may be hingedly attached to the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20, and ideally hingedly attached to the top surface, such that the cover 45 is pivotable about the hinged attachment (not shown) between the closed position and the open position. The one or more covers 45 configurable to the closed position reduce the risk of structural hazards, such as, for example, passersby tripping over the one or more water outlets 25 when not in use. Furthermore, each cover 45 concealing the corresponding water outlet 25 ensures an aesthetically pleasing view. Ideally, the cover 45, in the closed position, is of a shape and size such that it completely covers the corresponding water outlet 25. In this arrangement, foreign matter is precluded from undue contact with the corresponding water outlet 25, thereby limiting the chance of wear due to, for example, corrosion. Furthermore, each cover 45 is preferably of a colour and texture aesthetically similar to that of the corresponding equipped mooring structure 20. Conversely, the one or more covers 45 configurable to the open position enables the one or more water outlets 25 to be configurable to the low position and the high position when in use. When in the open position, each cover 45 does not encumber the movement of the corresponding water outlet 25 in its operation to project water towards the fire. It will be appreciated that each cover 45 can be manually or automatically configurable between the closed position and the open position.

The system 10 further comprises at least one valve 50 being located in at least one of the one or more water delivery channels 30, the at least one valve 50 being configurable between a closed position (not shown) to prevent water being fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water 35 to the corresponding one or more water outlets 25 and at least one open position (not shown) to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water 35 to the corresponding one or more water outlets 25. The at least one valve 50 can be either a return valve or a non-return valve, and is locatable at any point in at least one of the one or more water delivery channels 30. The at least one valve 50 may be any type of valve, including, but not limited to: a ball valve, a choke valve, a gate valve or a globe valve. The at least one valve 50 configurable to the closed position prevents projection of water from the one or more water outlets 25 when not in use. Conversely, the at least one valve 50 configurable to the at least one open position enables projection of water from the one or more water outlets 25 when in use.

The at least one source of water 35 is at least two sources of water comprising a first source of water and a second source of water, the first source of water being a pumped source of water 36 and the second source of water 37 being a mains water supply. In this respect, water to the one or more water outlets 25 can be supplied from more than one source. In this embodiment, the pumped source of water 36 is water from the marina 15, the flow of which is as indicated by arrow 36 in Fig. 1. In other embodiments, the pumped source of water 36 may be sourced from another nearby body of water. The second source of water 37 is ideally sourced from one or more land-based localities in close proximity to the marina 15 the flow of which is as indicated by arrow 37 in Fig. 1. Alternatively, the second source of water 37 is an irrigation water supply.

The system 10 further comprises one or more pumps 55, 57 being in fluid communication with the one or more water delivery channels 30 and being adapted to pump water from the pumped source of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25. The one or more pumps 55, 57 enable the pumped source of water 36 to be pumped to the one or more water outlets 25. It will be appreciated that the one or more pumps 55, 57 may be any type of suitable pump used for pumping water, including, but not limited to, any one of the following: a positive displacement type pump, buoyancy type pump, impulse type pump, velocity type pump, gravity type pump or steam type pump. Furthermore, the one or more pumps 55, 57 are adapted to pump water at a pressure which is sufficiently high such that the pressure of water projected from the water outlets 25 is able to reach at least a fire located in proximity to the equipped mooring structure 20 upon which the water outlet 25 is located and with enough propulsive thrust to effectively extinguish the fire.

As shown in Fig. 1, the one or more pumps 55, 57 are two pumps 55, 57, a main pump 55 and an auxiliary pump 57. It will be appreciated that the auxiliary pump 57 can be employed in the event the main pump 55 is offline, for example, when undergoing maintenance or repair. Alternatively, the auxiliary pump 57 can be brought online in conjunction with the main pump 55 in the event, for example, additional pressure is required.

Referring to Fig. 4, in another embodiment, the system 10 further comprises a submersible pump 58. Although it is shown in Fig. 4 that there is only a single submersible pump 58, it will be appreciated that there may be one or more submersible pumps. In this embodiment, at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 is a pylon 59 that is hollow. The pylon 59 may be used to provide structural integrity to the marina 15, however, in this embodiment, the pylon 59 is not used for structural purposes and is simply a replica. A bottom portion of the pylon 59 is submerged in the pumped source of water 36 and comprises one or more apertures such that water can fluidly communicate to within the pylon 59. The submersible pump 58 is located within the bottom portion of the pylon 59 such that the submersible pump 58 is also submersed in the pumped source of water 36. As the submersible pump 58 is within the pylon 59, the submersible pump 58 is hidden such that there is a reduced risk of structural hazards for passersby and there is a reduced need for additional space in the marina 15 to accommodate the submersible pump 58. It will also be appreciated that the marina 15 may be more aesthetically pleasing as the submersible pump 58 is hidden from view. The submersible pump 58 is fluidly connected to the one or more water delivery channels 30 and is able to efficiently communicate water from the pumped source of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25. The submersible pump 58 is easily maintainable and requires less frequent maintenance and therefore is economical to use. Also, the submersible pump 58 has a reduced risk of cavitation during use and therefore reduces the risk of breakage or failure. Furthermore, the submersible pump 58 is easily replaceable such that if the submersible pump 58 breaks, it can be replaced with a new and working submersible pump quickly and conveniently.

For the valve 50, the at least one open position is at least two open positions comprising a first open position and a second open position, the first open position enabling water to be fiuidly communicated from the pumped source of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25 and the second open position enabling water to be fiuidly communicated from the mains water supply 37 to the one or more water outlets 25. The valve 50 is, for example, a three-way ball valve having either an L- or T-shaped port. Actuation of the at least one valve between the closed position, the first open position and the second open position may be executed by turning, for example, a handle connected to the L- or T-shaped port. The at least one valve 50 configurable to the first open position enables the projection of water from the pumped source of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25. Conversely, the at least one valve 50 configurable to the second open position enables projection of water from the mains water supply source of water 37 to the one more water outlets 25. It will be appreciated that the at least one valve 50 can be manually or automatically configurable between the closed position and the first open position or second open position.

As shown in Fig. 3, the system 10 further comprises an electronic control unit 60 adapted to selectively actuate the one or more pumps 55, 57 to fiuidly communicate water from the pumped source of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25. The electronic control unit 60 is ideally located in the vicinity of the marina 15, and preferably in a location that is readily accessible by authorised persons in the event of an emergency. The electronic control unit 60 can be, but is not limited to: an electronic control panel, an electronic switchboard, a desktop personal computer (PC) or workstation.

The electronic control unit 60 is powered by a power source (not shown), the power source being any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply, one or more batteries, a renewable power source such as solar power, wind power, wave power, and tidal power. Furthermore, the power source is connected to the electronic control unit 60 by an electrical connection. The electronic control unit 60 is, for example, a microcontroller unit enabled to selectively actuate the one or more pumps 55, 57 as desired by a user. The electronic control unit 60 being adapted to selectively actuate the one or more pumps 55, 57 can selectively actuate one or both of the one or more pumps 55, 57 when required. As described above, this can be in situations where, for example, the main pump 55 is offline and the auxiliary pump 57 can be brought online in its place, or alternatively, where both pumps 55, 57 are required in the event that additional water pressure is required.

The system 10 further comprises one or more fire sensors 65, each of the one or more fire sensors 65 being coupled to the electronic control unit 60 and operable to detect one or more of the following: (i) the presence of smoke; (ii) the presence of a fire; (iii) the location of a fire; (iv) the temperature of a fire; (v) the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20; (vi) the temperature of a boat 1000 moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. The one or more fire sensors 65 are further operable to send the electronic control unit 60 a warning signal in response to detecting the presence of smoke or fire. As shown in Fig. 3, the one or more fire sensors 65 are enabled to operatively communicate with the electronic control unit 60. The one or more fire sensors 65 are interfaced directly to the electronic control unit 60 by a wired electrical connection 70, the electrical connection 70 being adapted to facilitate the receiving of the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 in response to detecting smoke or fire. Alternatively, the one or more fire sensors 65 are adapted for wirelessly communicating the warning signal to the electronic control unit 60. It will be appreciated that wireless communication may be achieved using any suitable wireless protocol, including, but not limited to: IEEE 802.11. It will also be appreciated that power to the one or more fire sensors 65 may be any suitable source of electrical power including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: a mains power supply, one or more batteries, a renewable power source such as solar power, wind power, wave power, tidal power. The one or more fire sensors 65 are located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, with each fire sensor 65 being located in relative close proximity to a corresponding water outlet 25. It will be appreciated that the one or more fire sensors 65 are suitably distributed along each of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 to ensure the best possible coverage for the detection of smoke or fire. The one or more fire sensors 65 are attached to the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, such that the fire sensors 65 are enabled for detection of smoke and fire over a wide range. Further, the fire sensors 65 are adapted for both short range detection and long range detection, the short range detection being of generally a range as short as the immediate vicinity surrounding each equipped mooring structure 20 and the long range detection being of generally a range as long as the longest boat 1000 that is able to be moored at the marina 15. The means of detection of smoke by the one or more fire sensors 65 is radiation emission such as alpha, beta or gamma irradiation in close proximity to each fire sensor 65, while the means of detection of fire by the one or more fire sensors 65 includes radiation emission. The one or more fire sensors 65 are also enabled to detect the condition of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 in the marina 15 as well as the condition of a boat 1000 or boats 1000 moored at one of the one or equipped mooring structures 20 in the marina 15. Each fire sensor 65 is configured to send the warning signal if the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 or boat 1000 is above the predetermined temperature threshold value. In a preferred embodiment, the choice of temperature fire sensor 65 is an infrared or laser thermometer capable of facilitating temperature measurements over distance.

The electronic control unit 60 further comprises a first operative connection 75 for communicating a cover operative signal (not shown) to the one or more water outlets 25 to operably control the position of the one or more covers 45 between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 upon detecting smoke or fire. The first operative connection 75 is preferably a first electrical connection between the electronic control unit 60 and each of the one or more water outlets 25, the first electrical connection being adapted to communicate the cover operative signal. Alternatively, the first operative connection 75 may be a first wireless connection (not shown) between the electronic control unit 60 and each of the one or more water outlets 25, the first wireless connection being, for example, a wireless connection using one of the following radio frequencies, microwave or infrared.

The electronic control unit 60 further comprises a second operative connection 80 for communicating a first valve operative signal to the at least one valve 50 to operably control the position of the at least one valve 50 between the closed position and the first open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 upon detecting smoke or fire. The second operative connection 80 is preferably a second electrical connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the at least one valve 50, the second electrical connection being adapted to communicate the first valve operative signal to the at least one valve 50 Alternatively, the second operative connection 80 may be a second wireless connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the at least one valve 50, the second wireless connection using, for example, one of the following radio frequencies, microwave or infrared. The electronic control unit 60 is thus enabled to configure the at least one valve 50 between the closed position and the first open position. The first valve operative signal may be adapted to be automatically sent by the electronic control unit 60 upon receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 in response to the detecting smoke or fire.

The electronic control unit 60 further comprises a third operative connection 85 for communicating a pump operative signal to the one or more pumps 55, 57 to actuate the one or more pumps 55, 57 in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65. The third operative connection 85 is preferably a third electrical connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the one or more pumps 55, 57, the third electrical connection adapted to communicate the pump operative signal. Alternatively, the third operative connection 85 may be a third wireless connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the one or more pumps 55, 57, the third wireless connection using, for example, one of the following radio frequencies, microwave or infrared. The electronic control unit 60 is enabled to actuate the one or more pumps 55, 57 in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65. The pump operative signal may be adapted to be automatically sent by the electronic control unit 60 upon receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 in response to detecting smoke or fire.

The electronic control unit 60 further comprises a fourth operative connection 90 for communicating a second valve operative signal to operably control the position of the at least one valve 50 between the closed position and the second open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 upon detecting smoke or fire. The fourth operative connection 90 is preferably a fourth electrical connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the at least one valve 50, the fourth electrical connection adapted to communicate the second valve operative signal. Alternatively, the fourth operative connection 90 may be a fourth wireless connection between the electronic control unit 60 and the at least one valve 50, the fourth wireless connection using, for example, one of the following radio frequencies, microwave or infrared. The electronic control unit 60 is therefore enabled to configure the at least one valve 50 between the closed position and the second open position to enable the mains water supply source of water to be directed to the one or more water outlets 25. The second valve operative signal may be adapted to be automatically sent by the electronic control unit 60 upon receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 in response to the detecting smoke or fire.

As shown in Fig. 3, the electronic control unit 60 further comprises a communication device 100 to automatically send a warning message to a receiving device 105 in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors 65 upon detecting smoke or fire. The communication device 100 is adapted to send the warning message to the receiving device 105 via a wired or wireless connection, generally given the reference numeral 110. The receiving device 105 may be any suitable device for receiving the warning message sent from the communication device 100. In one embodiment, the receiving device 105 is a visual warning device, including, but not limited to: a warning light (not shown), a visual display device (not shown). In this respect, the warning message is a visual warning message such as a flashing light. In another embodiment, the receiving device 105 is an audible warning device (not shown), including, but not limited to: a loudspeaker, a siren. In this case, the warning message is an audible warning message such as a pre-recorded message and/or any other form of distress signal.

In a preferred embodiment, the warning message is communicated from the communication device 100 to the receiving device 105, the receiving device 105 being one or more receiving devices 105, by virtue of any one of a number of communication means including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: an email, a phone call (landline, internet phone, mobile phone), a short message service (SMS) or text messaging or voice over internet protocol (VOIP). The one or more receiving devices 105 may therefore include, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following: a telephone, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager. In this embodiment, the one or more receiving devices 105 belong to authorised persons, including, but not limited to, any one of the following: the owner of the marina 15, the registered owner(s) of the boats 1000 moored in the marina 15, fire fighting authorities.

The electronic control unit 60 further comprises an electronic display 115 for displaying a plurality of information to a user in response to receiving from the one or more fire sensors 65 the warning signal, wherein the plurality of information includes one or more of the following: (i) the presence of smoke; (ii) the presence of a fire; (iii) the location of a fire; (iv) the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20; and (v) the temperature of a boat 1000 moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. The electronic display 115 ideally displays the plurality of information in a format and layout understood by the user, the user being an authorised person including, but not limited to, any one of the following: the owner of the marina 15, the registered owner(s) of the boats 1000 moored in the marina 15, fire fighting authorities. For example, the electronic control unit 60 is enabled to display on the electronic display 115, being an LCD screen or monitor, information pertaining to the presence of smoke in the marina 15 by displaying at least the word 'SMOKE' and/or an image representative of smoke. Accordingly, the electronic control unit 60 is enabled to display information on the electronic display 115 pertaining to the presence of fire in the marina 15 by displaying at least the word 'FIRE', an image representative of fire, text describing the location of the fire and/or a map representative of the location of the fire. The electronic control unit 60 is also enabled to display information on the electronic display 115 pertaining to the condition of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 in the marina 15 by displaying at least the temperature of the one or equipped mooring structures, text representative of the location of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 and/or a map representative of the location of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 having a temperature above the predetermined temperature threshold value. Furthermore, the electronic control unit 60 is enabled to display information on the electronic display 115 pertaining to a boat 1000 moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 in the marina 15 by displaying at least the temperature of the boat 1000, text representative of the location of the boat 1000 and/or a map representative of the location of the boat 1000 having a temperature above the predetermined temperature threshold value.

In other embodiments, the electronic control unit 60 may be a panel having a plurality of LEDs (not shown) representative of different elements associated with the marina 15. For example, the LEDs may be organised on the panel according to the positions of the different elements on the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. In this example, LEDs could be used to represent the positions of the one or more water outlets 25, the positions of the one or more fire sensors 65, the positions of the one or more boats 1000 that may be located in the marina 15 at that particular time. Such that in the event of a fire, the LEDs associated with the corresponding water outlets 25, fire sensors 65 and boats 1000 in proximity to the fire will illuminate such that a user of the panel can quickly identify the location and scale of the fire.

Access to the panel may be restricted to one or more authorised persons. However, it will be appreciated that public access may also be allowed in situations where none of the above identified authorised persons are nearby. Public access may be achieved by installing a breakable glass panel unit into the panel that once broken, activates the communication device 100 to automatically send the warning message to the receiving device 105 to alert the relevant persons. The broken glass panel may also provide access to one or more emergency buttons (not shown) for triggering one or more emergency procedures. For example, one of the one or more emergency buttons once activated, may automatically activate the one or more water outlets 25 on one or more of the equipped mooring structures 20 to project water in the direction of the fire. The choice of which of the water outlets 25 to activate may simply be by groups of equipped mooring structures 20 in proximity to the fire. Alternatively, all of the one or more water outlets 25 may be activated. It will be appreciated that once the authorised persons arrive on the scene, any of the activated water outlets 25 can be deactivated in order to increase water pressure to those activated water outlets 25 that need it the most.

The one or more water delivery channels 30 are fixedly attached to the one or more mooring structures 20. The one or more water delivery channels 30 may be fixedly attached substantially underneath, and/or within, the one or equipped mooring structures. This enables the one or more water delivery channels 30 to remain substantially out of sight as well as out of the general path of the public.

Furthermore, the attachment of the one or more water delivery channels 30 to the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 reduces the need to construct auxiliary points of fixation for the one or more water delivery channels 30 at a location other than the one or more equipped mooring structures 20. This reduces the costs and infrastructure required for construction of the one or more water delivery channels 30.

In the preferred embodiment, and as shown in Fig. 1 , the one or more water delivery channels 30 are a main water delivery channel 30 and one or more auxiliary delivery channels, generally given the reference numeral 30a to 3 Oh. The at least one valve 50 is a main valve 50 located in the main water delivery channel 30 and each of the one or more auxiliary water delivery channels 30a to 30h comprises a valve, generally given reference numeral 50a to 50h. In the event of a fire at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures 20, water to the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 not affected by the fire can be isolated at the corresponding valve 50a to 5 Oh such that water can be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water 35 to the corresponding one or more water outlets 25 on the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 in the vicinity of the fire.

The fire monitoring and extinguishing system 10 further comprises one or more pressure sensors (not shown) located at one or more pressure monitoring stations (not shown) within the system 10, and the electronic control unit 60 further comprises one or more pressure gauges (not shown), each pressure gauge being in operative connection with a corresponding one of the one or more pressure gauges for indicating the water pressure at a corresponding one of the one or more pressure monitoring stations. It will be appreciated that the one or more pressure monitoring stations are strategically located within the fire monitoring and extinguishing system 10. For example, the one or more pressure monitoring stations are ideally located before and after the main valve 50, and before and after each of the other valves 50a to 5 Oh.

The fire monitoring and extinguishing system 10 further comprises one or more wind sensors (not shown). Each of the one or more wind sensors is coupled to the electronic control unit 60 and operable to measure wind speed at the marina 15. The one or more wind sensors are located on the one or more equipped mooring structures 20 and are strategically dispersed from each other. In this embodiment, each of the one or more wind sensors comprises an electrical generator and a propeller attached to a shaft of the electrical generator such that as the wind blows through the propeller, the shaft is rotated and an electrical current is generated. It will be appreciated that, depending on the speed of the wind, the electrical generator will generate different magnitudes of current. For example, the faster the wind speed, the higher the magnitude of current and the slower the wind speed, the lower the magnitude of current. The electronic control unit 60 is further operable to control the pressure at which the one or more pumps 55, 57 fluidly communicates water from the pumped sourced of water 36 to the one or more water outlets 25 in accordance with the magnitude of current generated by the electric generators of the one or more wind sensors. Therefore, when the wind speed is high, the electronic control unit 60 is able to increase the pressure and thus water can be projected from the one or more water outlets 25 at a faster rate. Beneficially, water can be projected with reduced risk of the trajectory of the water being affected and distorted by the wind. Alternatively, when the wind speed is low, the electronic control unit 60 is able to decrease the pressure and thus water can be projected from the one or more water outlets 25 at a slower rate. Beneficially, water can be projected with reduced need to heavily power the one or more pumps 55, 57 and thus at a more economical rate.

The fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina having one or more equipped mooring structures provides a number of advantages, including:

1. Early detection of smoke or fire and its whereabouts affording persons in the vicinity of the smoke or fire time to evacuate the marina.

2. Automatic and immediate extinguishing of the fire upon detection thereby reducing the spread of fire prior to the arrival of fire fighting authorities. 3. A reduction in the number of unauthorized persons on the one or more equipped mooring structures thereby enabling the firefighting authorities to perform their duties more efficiently.

Interpretation

Wireless:

The invention may be embodied using devices conforming to other network standards and for other applications, including, for example other WLAN standards and other wireless standards. Applications that can be accommodated include IEEE 802.11 wireless LANs and links, and wireless Ethernet.

In the context of this document, the term "wireless" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a non-solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices do not contain any wires, although in some embodiments they might not. In the context of this document, the term "wired" and its derivatives may be used to describe circuits, devices, systems, methods, techniques, communications channels, etc., that may communicate data through the use of modulated electromagnetic radiation through a solid medium. The term does not imply that the associated devices are coupled by electrically conductive wires.

Connected

Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term connected, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A connected to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

Embodiments:

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the fire monitoring, fire extinguishing and boating industries.

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fire monitoring and extinguishing system for a marina having one or more equipped mooring structures, comprising: one or more water outlets located on each of the one or more equipped mooring structures, each of the one or more water outlets being adapted for projecting water in at least one direction.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more water delivery channels connecting the one or more water outlets to at least one source of water to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the one or more water outlets in use.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each of the one or more water outlets comprises at least one water nozzle for projecting water therefrom, the at least one water nozzle being orientable at an angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the at least one water nozzle is configurable between a fan spray configuration in which water is projected across a wider angle relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure and a jet spray configuration in which water is projected across a narrower angle.

5. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more water outlets are configurable between a low position in which the height of the one or more water outlets relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure is low and a high position in which the height of the one or more water outlets relative to the corresponding equipped mooring structure is high.

6. A system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising one or more covers, each cover corresponding to one of the one or more water outlets and being adapted to cover the corresponding water outlet, each cover being configurable between a closed position in which the cover conceals the water outlet and an open position in which the water outlet is revealed.

7. A system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising at least one valve being located in at least one of the one or more water delivery channels, the at least one valve being configurable between a closed position to prevent water being fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the corresponding one or more water outlets and at least one open position to enable water to be fluidly communicated from the at least one source of water to the corresponding one or more water outlets.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one source of water is at least two sources of water comprising a first source of water and a second source of water, the first source of water being a pumped source of water and the second source of water being a mains water supply.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, further comprising one or more pumps being in fluid communication with the one or more water delivery channels and being adapted to pump water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the one or more pumps are one or more submersible pumps.

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the one or more submersible pumps are located within at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures and submersed in the pumped source of water.

12. A system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the at least one of the one or more equipped mooring structures is a pylon.

13. A system as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one open position is at least two open positions comprising a first open position and a second open position, the first open position enabling water to be fluidly communicated from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets and the second open position enabling water to be fluidly communicated from the mains water supply to the one or more water outlets.

14. A system as claimed in claim 13, further comprising an electronic control unit adapted to selectively actuate the one or more pumps to fluidly communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14, further comprising one or more fire sensors, each of the one or more fire sensors being coupled to the electronic control unit and operable to send the electronic control unit a warning signal in response to detecting the presence of smoke or fire.

16. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the one or more fire sensors are further operable to detect one or more of the following:

(i) the location of a fire;

(ii) the temperature of a fire;

(iii) the temperature at the one or more equipped mooring structures;

17. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a first operative connection for communicating a cover operative signal to the one or more water outlets to operably control the position of the one or more covers between the closed position and the open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

18. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a second operative connection for communicating a first valve operative signal to the at least one valve to operably control the position of the at least one valve between the closed position and the first open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

19. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a third operative connection for communicating a pump operative signal to the one or more pumps to actuate the one or more pumps in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

20. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a fourth operative connection for communicating a second valve operative signal to operably control the position of the at least one valve between the closed position and the second open position in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

21. A system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises a communication device to automatically send a warning message to a receiving device in response to receiving the warning signal from the one or more fire sensors.

22. A system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the electronic control unit further comprises an electronic display for displaying a plurality of information to a user in response to receiving from the one or more fire sensors the warning signal, wherein the plurality of information includes one or more of the following:

(i) the presence of smoke;

(ii) the presence of a fire

(iii) the location of a fire;

(iv) the temperature of the one or more equipped mooring structures; and

(v) the temperature of a boat moored at one of the one or more equipped mooring structures.

23. A system as claimed in claim 14, further comprising one or more wind sensors, each of the one or more wind sensors being coupled to the electronic control unit, and being operable to measure wind speed at the marina.

24. A system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the electronic control unit controls the pressure at which the one or more pumps fluidly communicate water from the pumped source of water to the one or more water outlets in accordance with the wind speed.

25. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more water delivery channels are fixedly attached to the one or more equipped mooring structures.