EQUIPMENT DIGEST
DEPARTMENTS
Automatic Charger
An automatic SM2400-1 model charger that will recharge up to 24 pager batteries has been introduced by Alexander Manufacturing Co. The batteries are charged individually in eight hours.
Circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card
Electronic Fire Mapper
An electronic fire mapper that gives an instant update on brush and forest fire conditions and locations has been introduced by Measuronics Corporation. Measuronics System II can plot burning areas directly onto a base map, pinpoint hot spots and calculate the acreage burned, and the best access to fire outbreaks, therefore helping the dispatcher to direct fire-fighting crews to critical areas. Using infrared input, it can spotlight invisible incipient fires that could smolder for weeks before bursting into flame, as well as identify critically dry areas requiring close supervision. The electronic fire mapper consists of two high-resolution video cameras, an electronic image processor, a 15-inch color monitor, and a software controller with printer. It can work with infrared or visible-light aerial photographs or video tapes, thermal recordings, topographical maps or drawings.
Circle No. 16 on Reader Service Card
Siren
A full function, 6 mode, remote siren, the SA430-1, has been introduced by Southern Vehicle Products. The compact, illuminated control head measures 5 1/2-inches by 2 7/8-inches by 1 1/4 -inches, and attaches to the dash. The SA430-1 will be available in 2 models for versatile installation, a flush mount control head in the dash or a surface mount control head using velcro strips. The siren utilizes one 22 gauge wire to connect the control head to the amplifier section.
Circle No. 15 on Reader Service Card
Wool Uniforms
100 percent worsted wool uniforms and machine washable worsted wool workwear have been introduced into the U.S. by Some’s Uniforms. Wool’s natural resistance to flame has been enhanced by the development of a treatment called Zirpro by scientists at the International Wool Secretariat. Zirpro, which has been added to the wool clothing, increases flame resistance of the 100 percent worsted wool material by three times. The manufacturer explains that polyester/cotten fabric, currently used by many fire departments, will burn. Frequently the synthetic in the blend will belt and fuse to the wearer’s skin, intensifying burn injuries. By contrast, even when subjected to the flame intensity of the federal test method 5903, the new Zirpro-treated wool fabric will not melt or drip. In addition, wool surpasses its synthetic competitors when it comes to breathability, insulation and durability.
Circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card
Slide-in Unit
Emergency One, Inc. introduces The Slider, a lightweight, maintentance free slide-in fire fighting unit. The Slider is designed to fit into the bed of a pickup truck and provides emergency fire fighting capabilities at a minimal cost.
Constructed of aluminum and polyolefin, the unit features an engine driven pump system. The pumps are available in three models, all easily removable for portable use. The Slider is also available with two size water tanks constructed of high density polyolefin and equipped with ultra-violet inhibitors for longevity and durability. An electric rewind booster reel is equipped with an automatic brake and 200 feet of 1-inch booster hose. Two aluminum hose beds, each with the capacity of 150 feet of 1 -inch hose are supplied on each side of the unit.
Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card
Governor
Grumman Emergency Products has developed a pneumatic governor which automatically adjusts engine rpm as discharge pressure requirements change, enabling the pump operator to perform additional duties such as filling air tanks. Its quick response and accuracy prevents increased nozzle thrust resulting from the shutdown of one of several hose lines that can cause serious injury to nozzle operators.
According to the manufacturer, reliability of the device stems from its simple construction and utilization of clean air from the pumper’s airbrake system or an auxiliary air supply, precluding corrosion and contamination from water.
The governor may be present to a desired discharge pressure or reset while the pump is running. It consists of three main pieces, a throttle actuator, pneumatic controller and an air supply panel. A special pressure sensing switch prevents dangerous pump runaway and cavitation.
Circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card
Harness
Atlas Safety Equipment has introduced the Atlas No 4-1 Fire Service Harness. The harness combines a nylon waist belt, steel snaphook and D-ring (buckle arrangement), harness Pompier hook, and a revolutionary leg strap design, in one unit. The leg strap design enables the user to step through a color-coded leg strap, hoist the entire unit to the crotch area, and engage the safety belt in one continuous movement.
Circle No. 12 on Reader Service Card
Continued on page 104
Continued from page 96
Waterproof Glove
The new GL-7 glove from Globe Manufacturing Co. features a threelayer construction. The outer layer has a palm of tough, specially tanned leather with a knit Kevlar 29 back. The inside is lined with Kevlar 29 and the layers are sewn, then assembled with a middle layer of Gore-tex. Since all seams on the Gore-tex insert are welded, the construction assures no stitching holes in the Gore-tex membrane, the primary cause of leaks in previous Gore-tex gloves.
Circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card
Traffic Control
Marketing Displays Inc. introduces the new TrafficMaster traffic control system which helps reduce risk at emergency scenes by providing safe, complete communication with motorists. The portable TrafficMaster system consists of a folding signstand and roll-up sign, when set up the protective barrier stands 5-feet tall and 4-feet wide. The patented spring base holds the unit in place in winds over 50 mph and flexes on impact to minimize hazard in the roadway. With 47,000 cube prisms per square inch, the retroreflective TrafficMaster signs provide high visibility, day or night. Signs are available with a variety of permanent legends and changeable overlay panels for flexibility in warning and directing traffic.
Circle No. 10 on Reader Service Card
Security Device
The Knox Company manufactures high security key box systems for fire department and paramedic use. These key boxes allow fire departments rapid entry into locked areas with the use of a master key. The company has recently designed a security device called Sentralok, which provides supervised access for master keys. The device mounts on the apparatus dashboard and locks the master key in place until ready for authorized use. For removal, a special access key must be used in conjunction with a coded tone signal from the radio dispatcher.
Circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card
Continued on page 106
Continued from page 104
Personal Radio
The MPI personal radio is the newest in the General Electric series of two-way radios. At less than 16 ounces, the manufacturer claims it is one of the lightest and smallest pocketable radios on the market. Standard features are a rugged aluminum and Lexan case, 2-channel capability, electret microphone and separate speaker, snap-in/out rechargeable battery pack, and BNC antenna connector. Options include channel guard with squelch tail elimination, digital channel guard, time out timer, three different battery chargers, earpiece for high-noise environments, and a complete line of carrying accessories.
Circle No. 9 on Reader Service Card
Grille Lights
Federal Signal has introduced grille lights which add an extra measure of supplementary lighting in emergency situations. The lights are available with clear or colored lenses and flash alternately, simultaneously, or alternately with night time cut-off when equipped with the optional flasher unit. They are available with incandescent or halogen lamps, or with Federal’s new patented Strobemaster strobe light system.
Circle No. 13 on Reader Service Card
Oxygen Analyzer
Teledyne Analytical Instruments offers a portable ppm oxygen analyzer, Model 311, providing FM approved intrinsic safety for class 1, division 1, groups A, 8, C, and D hazardous areas. The analyzer, patented Micro-Fuel Cell, features an absolute zero and an output that is linear with respect to oxygen concentration. The Model 311 features four measuring ranges, a special span range for air calibration, and an easy-to-read analog meter. A rechargeable battery eliminates external power cords and is capable of powering the analyzer for 30 days between charges.
Circle No. 3 on Reader Service Card
