Fire Equipment Digest

Fire Equipment Digest

departments

Pitot Tube

The A.J. Abrams Company has introduced a pitot tube for water supply system testing. Designed primarily for use by fire departments, the stainless steel pitot tube is of a modified air chamber type for accuracy of pressure readings. The notched blade has markings for both 1 1/8 and 1 1/4-inch nozzle diameters and the brass union has a 1/4-inch NPT connection for a pressure gage.

The pitot tube is also available as part of a water flow test kit, which includes test gages, brass hydrant cap, ball valve and hose adapter.

Circle No. 7 on Reader Service Card

Glove Sealer

Apex Glove Company has introduced Tempo-Seal, a liquid rubber sealant which increases a glove’s water resistant qualities. When applied along glove seams, TempoSeal prevents water-logging, according to the manufacturer.

Circle No. 10 on Reader Service Card

Flashlight

A rugged aluminum flashlight which can focus its beam on an object up to a mile away or operate underwater to 45 feet is available from Mag Instrument, Inc.

The Mag-Lite flashlights come in six sizes, ranging from 2 to 7 cells and in lengths from 10 to 22 inches. They are equipped with high-intensity polished reflectors which can be focused from flood to spotlight. An optional tungsten krypton bulb can double the candlepower of the flashlight without decreasing battery life. A 3-cell flashlight, equipped with the high-power bulbs, will double its candlepower from 4000 to 8000.

In addition to the D battery units, MagLite is available with rechargeable batteries which will operate for up to eight hours on a single charge.

Circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card

Hydrant Protection Device

Vandal-Guard has developed a fire hydrant protection system that requires no modification of the hydrant mechanism. All parts are made of 3/16-inch steel. Because of Vandal-Guard’s design, the hydrant can be opened only by a deep-socket wrench that is available only to authorized hydrant users.

Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card

Portable Smoke Detector

The Porta-tector, a device that attaches to a smoke detector to make it portable for traveling, is now available from Jerry Adams and Co. The device is packaged with two bolts and wing nuts and a reminder piece, to avoid leaving the detector in a hotel room. It does not hamper the closing or locking of the door, and fits all popular smoke detectors, according to the manufacturer.

Circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card

Generators

The Homelite Division of Textron, Inc., has introduced six heavy-duty gasoline engine-powered generators with 1800 rpm operation and continuous duty ratings from 3.6 to 11.8 kw.

The generators are designed for heavyduty use where continuous power is needed for long periods of time. Applications include operating portable tools, compressors and floodlights.

All units are continuous rated for prime power at 120/240-volt, single-phase, 60-Hz power applications and may be operated at the higher intermittent ratings for two hours out of any 24-hour period. The frequency regulation is 3-Hz maximum, no load to full load, and the full load deviation factor is less than 5 percent.

Circle No. 17 on Reader Service Card

Walkie-Talkie

Tamaphone Corp. has introduced a single crystal, 5-channel FM radio to operate at up to 2.5 watts. Labeled the MT-462MX, it measures 5.5 inches high x 2.6 inches wide x 1.8 inches thick, and weighs just over one pound.

It has a built-in 12-VDC nickel-cadmium rechargeable battery and its five channels cover the H06-512-mHz range, with 25-kHz channel spacing and a 4.0-mHz maximum frequency spread.

Options include: a tone squelch CTCSS, a 2805 decoder, a two-tone sequential decoder, and a touch-tone pad with encoder.

Circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card

Vest Fire Pump

VesTank, a portable fire pump worn like a vest, is available from Atlas Safety Equipment Co. It is a tank that conforms to the shape of the wearer’s body, holding 8 gallons of water, 60 percent more than the usual back-packs. The water feeds from the vest into an attached brass pump, which ejects a stream or spray up to 35 feet.

The VesTank weight is distributed evenly over the front and back of the wearer. In addition, the water-filled vest cools the body and forms an effective heat shield, while it cushions falls and impacts experienced in fighting fires. It is made of a flexible vinyl material.

Circle No. 25 on Reader Service Card

Portable Radio

A low-distortion FM two-way personal radio has been added to the portable product line of General Electric Company Mobile Communications Division.

According to the manufacturer, the MPR offers improved audio quality, increased system capability and greater protection of components against impact.

The unit may be obtained with up to 6 watts RF output power in three basic versions and case sizes accommodating 2, 6 and 10 channels in frequency configurations permitting wide channel spacing. The equipment may be used in 138-174 MHz and 406-512 MHz.

Circle No. 9 on Reader Service Card

Emergency Lighting Unit

Dual-Lite, Inc.has introduced the Dual-lite EZ-1 emergency lighting unit, designed for installation in industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities.

The EZ-1 has its own wiring compartment which, according to the manufacturer, eliminates the need for a conventional electrical box.

The EZ-1 provides emergency lighting for a minimum of 90 minutes. It is constructed of injection molded, UL 94V-0 flame-rated high-impact thermoplastic material and comes complete with a solid-state charger, low-voltage battery disconnect, test switch, charge indicator, and a sealed battery. The unit is designed for 120/277 volt operation.

Circle No. 16 on Reader Service Card

Vehicle Warning Light

A portable warning light with 360-degree flash is now available from Indus-Tool. It can be plugged into a cigarette lighter. Magnets hold it to the dashboard, rear deck or roof, and the teardrop shape is designed to fit into cramped areas and under slanted windshields. The light has friction mount for interior use and comes with a glare shield. The 12-VDC light is available with a red, amber or blue lens.

Circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card

Dual Battery Selector

The M-714 dual battery selector and disconnect switch , a product of Cole Hersee Co., features two integral pilot light circuits to indicate which battery is in use. It complies with Federal specification KKK-A-1822A, governing ambulances manufactured or purchased under a federal subsidy.

The M-714 permits current to be carried by either battery or both batteries simultaneously, or disconnects all current at the source. It will function with an alternator or generator and is operational through the three “on” positions with the engine running or stopped. The switch is rated for 175 amps continuous and 325 amps intermittent, 6-36 VDC.

Circle No. 18 on Reader Service Card

Pump Training Slides

W. S. Darley & Co. is offering a set of 35mm slides and a commentary on its twostage, front-mount pump and three-stage midship pump to training instructors, fire departments and users of Darley pumps.

Circle No. 15 on Reader Service Card

EMS Transceiver

A duplexed and multiplexed biotelemetry transceiver for use with most defibrillators and EMS telemetry systems has been introduced by Pioneer Medical Systems.

The transceiver sends EKG signals, and permits simultaneous two-way voice communications with a hospital telemetry console. Under nicad battery power, the 1-watt CA-106 (for use with a vehicle repeater) transmits 2 hours continuously, and the 12-watt CA-107 (for direct transmission or for use as a vehicle repeater) transmits 1 hour continuously.

With segregated radio and medical controls, the unit recharges by AC or DC power and can operate directly on DC. Among the standard features are 8 rf channels (up to 12 optional), visual and audible heart rate indicator, built-in telephone coupler, and quick disconnect folding antenna. Up to 10 channels of CTCSS tone and RTSS capability are optional.

Circle No. 19 on Reader Service Card

Fire Fighter Safety Suit

Midwestern Safety Manufacturing Co. is introducing a coated Nomex fire fighter suit, The Milwaukee. This suit is built to the original specifications of the Milwaukee Fire Department and is designed to keep the fire fighter warm and dry in severe weather.

The coated Nomex fabric does not absorb water and become heavy and unwieldy. Neoprene strapping on the outside seams prevents leakage.

Circle No.3 on Reader Service Card

Combination Light

The Brinkman Corporation has introduced a compact, two-in-one combination hand light that has an incandescent spotlight and a fluorescent tube floodlight. Operating with six D cells, the 9-volt light fits in a 10 1/2-inch long plastic case. A web strap for handcarrying or over-the-shoulder, hands-free use is included.

Circle No. 13 on Reader Service Card

EMS Battery

Alexander Manufacturing Co., has introduced a replacement unit for the Lifepak 5 defibrillator monitor.

This nickel cadmium unit meets or exceeds the original equipment manufacturers’ recommendations and is warranted for one year.

Circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card

Mitten Liner

A 100 percent heavy rag wool mitten liner has been developed by the Apex Glove Company. The liner is designed to protect hands against heat and severe cold weather, as well as being water repellent.

Circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card

Custom Chassis

Duplex Truck Division introduces a custom chassis that features a 94-inch wide cab, 27-inch wide jump seats in the canopy, and a 2400-square-inch windshield.

Standard equipment on the Model D-250 includes a Detroit diesel engine—the 225-hp 6V-53T, a Spicer five-speed manual transmission, Rockwell axles A and five separate wiring harnesses.

Rated at 29,360 GVWR, the D-250 has a 159-inch wheelbase and a turning radius of 26 ft., 4 in. The front axle has a 12,000-lb. capacity and the rear axle, 18,500-lb.

The chassis offers 125 options, including 14 diesel engines plus manual and automatic transmissions.

Circle No. 6 on Reader Service Card

Key Box System

Knox Box Co. has introduced a building key storage box system with fire department access by a single master key fitting all such boxes in a city. The 3200 Knox Box has optional alarm tamper switch protection and recessed mounting.

This system enables fire and rescue personnel to gain entry into locked buildings and other secured areas without forcing doors. Each box provides storage space for keys and electronic pass cards. Purchase of the boxes must be approved by the local fire department.

The Knox-Box is made of 1/4-inch plate steel and has a Medeco high security lock, UL approved.

Circle No. 12 on Reader Service Card

Air Storage

Subsea Air Systems has developed ASME storage systems for breathing air. Working pressures are to 5000 psig with a capacity of 490 cu. ft. per cylinder. The bottles, designed primarily for fire and rescue services, are rack-mounted for convenient installation.

Circle No. 20 on Reader Service Card

Hand entrapped in rope gripper

Elevator Rescue: Rope Gripper Entrapment

Mike Dragonetti discusses operating safely while around a Rope Gripper and two methods of mitigating an entrapment situation.
Delta explosion

Two Workers Killed, Another Injured in Explosion at Atlanta Delta Air Lines Facility

Two workers were killed and another seriously injured in an explosion Tuesday at a Delta Air Lines maintenance facility near the Atlanta airport.