Abstract:
A pair of tension springs are connected and oriented in such manner, relative to a horizontal-axis vehicle gate, that the gate is effectively and economically spring-biased to a predetermined closed position. A precisely-controllable hydraulic damper mechanism prevents the spring-biased gate from bumping the undersides of motor vehicles passing thereover, and then releases to achieve the combined benefits of (1) minimized time period during which the gate remains open after vehicles pass thereover, and (2) maximized effectiveness relative to the latching mechanism of the gate. The release means compensates automatically for conditions under which long tandem trucks, or strings of automobiles or trucks, pass over the gate. Such automatic compensation, and other types of damper operation, are achieved without causing cavitation of the hydraulic fluid.
Abstract:
A remotely controlled twin-jet monitor apparatus is mounted on the end of an articulated water-conducting boom or arm, and is so constructed that the two jets emanating therefrom never create any resultant torque about the vertical axis through the mast for the boom. Accordingly, the boom may be made extremely large yet light in weight, and may be manipulated by small and low-power motor means. Means are provided to effect simultaneous rotation of both jets, and to change the angles of the jets relative to a predetermined plane, but without creating the indicated resultant torque.
Abstract:
A vehicle gate is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which is generally coincident with the surface of the roadway, and counterweights are provided to normally maintain the gate in an upright position. A disc is nonrotatably associated with the pivot shaft for the gate, and has a notch therein adapted to receive a pivotally-mounted latch bar. A lock mechanism is so located that it is adjacent the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped on the approach side of the gate. Such mechanism is adapted to be operated by the vehicle driver to effect lifting of the latch bar out of the notch. The driver then drives the vehicle against and over the gate, following which the gate moves automatically to its upright condition and becomes locked without need for further action by the driver. The locking of the lock mechanism is effected by the driver while the vehicle is still near (but not at) the position at which it is located while the lock mechanism is being unlocked, but the gate does not actually lock until after the vehicle is driven therethrough.
Abstract:
The low-friction swivel joint in the hydraulic monitor has incorporated therein a worm wheel, the latter being rotated by a worm driven by a fluid motor. A second and corresponding swivel joint is also provided, being driven by fluid which is passed through the first-mentioned joint in order that there will be no twisting of pipes or conduits. The second joint effects rotation of a portion of the monitor about a horizontal axis, whereas the first-mentioned joint effects rotation of the monitor about a vertical axis.
Abstract:
A low-friction swivel joint has incorporated therein a worm wheel, the latter being rotated by a worm driven by a fluid motor. A second and corresponding swivel joint is also provided, being driven by fluid which is passed through the first-mentioned joint in order that there will be not twisting of pipes or conduits. The passage of fluid through the first-mentioned joint is effected by transfer rings and associated grooves and passages.
Abstract:
A vehicle gate is mounted for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis which is generally coincident with the surface of the roadway, and spring means are provided to normally maintain the gate in an upright position. A crank is nonrotatably associated with the pivot shaft for the gate, and has a notch therein adapted to receive a latch bar. A lock and operating mechanism is so located that it is adjacent the passenger compartment of the vehicle when the vehicle is stopped on an approach side of the gate. Mechanism is provided for maintaining the latch bar in elevated condition and out of the notch, after unlocking and operation of the lock and operating mechanism, without the necessity of driving the vehicle against the gate. Thus, the operator (driver) may both unlock and lock the lock mechanism without moving the vehicle at all, yet the gate will relatch, after driving of the vehicle thereover and therethrough, without the necessity of any further action on the part of the operator. The spring means and the mechanisms are all located above ground, thus eliminating the necessity for making substantial excavations when the vehicle gate is constructed, and preventing the possibility of malfunction caused by freezing of water in excavated regions.
Abstract:
A remote controlled fire-fighting apparatus which remains completely below the ground surface when not in use. When the apparatus is to be used, a hatch covering the unit is opened and the nozzle raised to its operating position. The discharge nozzle can then be rotated in horizontal and/or vertical planes and directed at the source of the fire. After the fire has been extinguished, the apparatus is retracted into its underground housing and the hatch above it replaced. Numerous units of the apparatus are disposed along the runway and are remote controlled to form an integrated fire-fighting system.