EQUIPMENT DIGEST
Multi-purpose spreader
The Holmatro multi-purpose spreader, a combination of their spreader and shear, was especially developed for fire brigades, ambulances, and police and Red Cross cars. It is able to cut, spread, and pull.
The spreader features strong notched blades, gripping teeth, a protective rubber cap, and built-in checkvalves to ensure that the arms hold the load when the pressure drops or the handle is released.
Circle No. 13 on Reader Service Card
Spill control system
Chem-Technics Inc., of Atlanta, introduces Spill-Arrester, a dry-chemical emergency spill control system designed for use at highway accident sites by police and fire departments and other emergency response groups. The contents of one of these hand-held cannisters can encircle and stop the spread of spills in an area of up to 120 square feet in less than 90 seconds, according to the manufacturer.
Circle No. 7 on Reader Service Card
Rescue tool
The Phoenix A 55/32, a new rescue tool, is now available from Brick Industries, Inc. It has minimums of 12,000 pounds of opening/closing force plus 30,000 pounds of cutting force, according to the manufacturer. The tool opens 32 inches, the cutter 10 inches.
Circle No. 59 on Reader Service Card
Power-take-off unit
Federal Motors Inc. introduces the Sandwich PTO unit for the fire apparatus industry. The power-take-off unit is sandwiched between the engine and the transmission, and allows for direct drive from the vehicle’s engine without going through the transmission. Take-off of up to 400 horsepower is provided, enough to power a 2,000-gpm pump, according to the manufacturer.
The sandwich-PTO is a self-contained unit that is equipped with hydraulic actuated PTO clutch with a hydraulic cushioning feature to eliminate harsh engagement. It also incorporates an integral pressure and lubrication system.
Circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card
Aerobic exercise bicycle
The new Aerobicycle by Universal Gym Equipment is an aerobic conditioning system that provides a variety of cycling experiences for fitness and testing. The machine features five pre-programmed exercise modes. It: 1) simulates cycling up a steadily climbing hill; 2) simulates cycling up and down a series of rolling hills; 3) constantly adjusts pedal resistance to maintain a target pulse rate; 4) constantly adjusts pedal resistance to maintain a designated rotations per minute (rpm) rate; and 5) provides a fitness test to determine the user’s aerobic fitness level in percentile ranking according to national norms.
Aerobicycle is activated by pedal power so no electricity is required. In some exercise modes, the user can choose the amount of pedal resistance. Aerobicycle features maintenance-free construction, a cushioned height-adjustable seat, two-position handle bars, and wheels for transporting.
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Lightweight air hammer
The Paratech Airgun 40 is a lightweight, pneumatic impact tool designed for forcible entry and rescue operations. It is capable of operating at air pressures up to 250 psi. Air is used only on the power stroke, while a spring is used to return the piston.
Airgun 40 can cut through sheet metal doors, floors, and walls. It can also break concrete, brick, bolts, locks, and hasps for forcible entry. In addition, it can cut through the heavier metals of autos, trucks, and aircraft in rescue and extrication applications, according to the company,
Circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card
Computer aided dispatch
A computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, designed and programmed by a Denverbased engineering firm, is now in use. The mini-computer allows fire departments to reduce response time and increase efficiency, according to the manufacturer.
The system is used when the dispatcher gets a call. While the dispatcher is still on the line, he or she enters information into the computer. Using high-resolution color graphics and a 25-inch color touch screen, the dispatcher records the exact location of the incident, which is marked on a highly detailed color screen. The computer then dispatches the call by voice and tells the appropriate equipment to respond, leaving the dispatcher free to obtain any additional information from the caller.
Circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card
Aircraft-designed backboard
The new 2001 backboard, from Dixie USA, Inc., features easy slide/load and unload capabilities, according to the manufacturer. The aircraft-designed board has easystrapping through multi-access holes. The board is white and measures 18 inches x 72 inches tapered and contoured.
Circle No. 85 on Reader Service Card
Automatic battery charger
The Auto-Charge 11 automatic battery charger, manufactured by Kussmaul Electronics Company, Inc., recharges the batteries in fire trucks and emergency vehicles. The product features rapid charging, automatic voltage control, and current limiting. A built-in charge divider permits charging two batteries while maintaining battery isolation.
The charger receives its power from a 120-volt, 60-Hz input line and provides up to 11 amperes at 12 volts to the batteries, according to the manufacturer. Models are available for 6-volt and 24-volt systems.
Circle No. 61 on Reader Service Card
Rescue boat catalog
Avon Inflatables announces its new fourpage rescue catalog featuring 13 Avon rescue boats. Made of heavy nylon fabric and coated on both sides with Dupont Hypolon, these boats can be found on board Navy and Coast Guard vessels and in local police and fire departments. The catalog lists the boat specs and some features of each model.
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Lampe Lifter rescue set
Zumro, Inc. announces that they have updated their Lampe Lifter rescue set and that it now includes two 35-foot lash belts and a leak seal sheet.
With this additional equipment, a leak in a tank truck can be stopped, and a steering column may be pulled, according to the manufacturer. The set is packed in a large carrying case that is closed with Velcro.
Circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card
Gas detection equipment
The Exotox triple gas detector and the Neotox gas monitor are two products available from Neotronics, Inc.
Exotox is a gas detector with its own microprocessor that computes levels of gas exposure. It monitors three gases: oxygen, flammable gases, and either carbon monoxide or hydrogen sulfide.
Neotox protects against deadly gases such as oxygen deficiency and enrichment, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide. It measures 1 1/16 inches x 2 ⅜ inches x 4 inches, and weighs 5 ounces. There is a digital display on top for easy viewing.
Circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card
Handset microphone
Signal Technology, Inc., announces their new handset microphone. It is made of durable lightweight thermoplastic with a heavy-duty microphone coil cord and six feet of radio cable, according to the manufacturer. An optional toggle switch opens the radio speaker with the handset off hook. It can also be assembled to monitor the channel with the handset on hook. Other optional features include a mounting unit and a touch-tone dialer.
Circle No. 67 on Reader Service Card
High-powered lights
Tekna-Lites introduces their 4 and 8 cell high-quality lights. When electrified within precision-focused lamps, Xenon draws heat away from the filament, allowing it to radiate at a high, white-hot color temperature. This makes the Tekna Lite 4 and 8 cell series 20% brighter than Krypton, according to the manufacturer.
Circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card
Low-pressure SCBA
A new version of the Mark 2 low-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is now available from Survivair. Mark 2 positive-pressure SCBAs provide the highest level of respiratory protection available with minimum weight and bulk, according to the manufacturer. For breathing safety in hazardous atmospheres, the Mark 2 features a redundant first-stage regulator and alarm.
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