초록 ▼

Control apparatus for selectively generating and converting control input information into controlling output for position and movement of controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes a fluid discharge device comprising a nozzle disposed for vertical and horizontal movement. The control a

Control apparatus for selectively generating and converting control input information into controlling output for position and movement of controlled apparatus. The controlled apparatus includes a fluid discharge device comprising a nozzle disposed for vertical and horizontal movement. The control apparatus comprises a control input, which further comprises a controlled apparatus position indicator, a joystick, a controlled apparatus position limit, and a switch for selecting manual and automatic position and movement; a computer, which further comprises a microprocessor; a memory for storing program, a device for receiving controlled apparatus position information and a device for generating and communicating electrical signals; first and second controlled apparatus position determining devices; first and second control remotely controlled electrically operating drive motors for adjusting and controlling movement to the controlled apparatus, and first and second current sensing devices interposed between said computer and said drive motors. A remotely controlled firefighting apparatus comprising a fluid discharge device comprising a nozzle disposed for horizontal and vertical movement and the control apparatus of the invention further comprises gearing and stop apparatus effective in maximizing accuracy of control, positioning and movement through said electrically operating drive motors, in combination with said current sensing devices.

대표청구항 ▼

A remotely controlled firefighting apparatus which includes a fluid discharge device comprising nozzle means disposed for horizontal and vertical positioning and movement and for variation of discharge stream flow for said fluid, and control apparatus for converting control input into controlling ou

A remotely controlled firefighting apparatus which includes a fluid discharge device comprising nozzle means disposed for horizontal and vertical positioning and movement and for variation of discharge stream flow for said fluid, and control apparatus for converting control input into controlling output which directs movement of said fluid discharge device about at least two, perpendicularly disposed axes, wherein: A. said control apparatus is comprised of the control means of claim 1; B. said controlled firefighting apparatus is further comprised of: a. vertically disposed, vertical movement drive transfer means, one end being connected to and driven by said second electrically controlled drive motor means through unitary cam groove and spur gear means, which convert said drive motor rotation into substantially linear movement of said transfer means, the opposite end of which is disposed to contact said nozzle means, whereby said movement of said vertical movement drive transfer means varies the vertical positioning and movement of said nozzle means; b. longitudinally axially extending guide bearing means in which said vertical movement drive transfer means is journalled, said bearing means comprising a substantially annular cylindrical sleeve formed from a flat strip, the opposing longitudinal surfaces of said strip having an angular edge, whereby said bearing allows for expansion and contraction through movement of said opposing longitudinal surfaces; c. spring washer means, disposed about the upper and lower ends of said vertical movement drive transfer means, whereby yieldable stop capability is provided, through interaction with said second controlled apparatus position determining means, said yieldable stops providing current buildup through said position determining means for said control apparatus to sense and react to, thereby avoiding mechanical damage; and d. elastomeric stop means, disposed to provide a stop to horizontal movement of said nozzle means, whereby yieldable stop capability is provided, through interaction with said first controlled apparatus position determining means, said yieldable stop providing current build up through said position determining means for said control apparatus to sense and react to, thereby avoiding mechanical damage; and C. said nozzle means is further comprised of: a. an outer retainer ring, fixedly attached to nozzle sleeve means, said ring having a substantially cylindrical bore therethrough, said bore having a longitudinal axis, an inner face disposed perpendicularly to the axis of said bore, a concave outerface, and an inner part and an outer portion disposed closest to said outerface, wherein said outer portion of said bore communicating with said outer face is substantially frustoconical in shape, said frustoconical outer portion of said bore further comprising a first and a second portion therein, the first portion of said frustoconical outer portion is disposed closest to said outer face and forms a shallower or smaller angle taken with respect to the axis of said bore than the second portion of said frustoconical outer portion, wherein said second portion of said frustoconical outer portion is disposed axially away from said outer face; b. a substantially cylindrical nozzle body, having an outwardly directed portion with a substantially cylindrical bore disposed in said body through said outwardly directed portion, and having an outer face, said bore having a longitudinal axis, an inner portion and an outer portion, said nozzle sleeve means being disposed radially outwardly from the outermost surface of said nozzle body and in sliding, telescopic engagement therewith, whereby said sleeve means may be displaced axially with respect to said nozzle body and bore; a support web disposed in said substantially cylindrical bore proximate to said outer face of said bore; and a baffle fixed to said support web, and disposed within said bore, said baffle being generally T-shaped in cross-section and consisting of a cylindrical, inwardly projecting portion, which has an inner most and an outermost end, which flares outwardly at its said outermost end into a coaxially aligned disc portion, said disc portion and the outer portion of said bore being disposed to form an annular throat passage, through which fluid flows in exiting said nozzle body, wherein the inner surface of said bore is configured so as to shape the fluid flow stream as it passes therethrough prior to its passage through said annular throat passage; and c. rotatable turbine means, coaxially disposed to rotate about the longitudinal axis of said substantially cylindrical bore in said nozzle body, mounted upon said nozzle sleeve means and positioned inwardly from said outer retainer ring, said turbine means having a bore therethrough and a plurality of teeth projecting radially inward towards the axis of said bore, whereby impingement of said fluid flow stream passing through said annular throat upon said teeth causes rotation of said turbine means and the break-up of said flow into a fog or mist flow by said teeth, the combination of said outer retainer ring and said configured bore inner surface providing a substantially elliptical fluid flow pattern in fluid leaving said fluid discharge device, the widest portion of said elliptical pattern being substantially disposed in a horizontal plane.