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A firefighting segmented monitor for redirecting a trajectory of a pressurized fluid discharge towards a target comprises a flowpath with minimum convolutions. The monitor flowpath comprises in series a stationary segment and three rotating segments including a lower segment, a middle segment and an

A firefighting segmented monitor for redirecting a trajectory of a pressurized fluid discharge towards a target comprises a flowpath with minimum convolutions. The monitor flowpath comprises in series a stationary segment and three rotating segments including a lower segment, a middle segment and an upper segment connected in series each of which comprises a predetermined curvature. The lower segment swivels in one axis about the stationary segment. A nonorthogonal swivel is arranged on each end of the middle segment at the interfaces with the lower segment and the upper segment, and the swiveling of the middle and upper segments are synchronized with a single rotary input to produce an approximately planar elevational motion of the fluid discharge end of the monitor.

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What is claimed is: 1. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit, said conduit comprising: four consecutive segments rotatably connected in series wherein an axis of rotation is provided at each connection between said four segments; a

What is claimed is: 1. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit, said conduit comprising: four consecutive segments rotatably connected in series wherein an axis of rotation is provided at each connection between said four segments; a first segment connected to said fluid source followed in series by a second segment connected to an outlet of said first segment, a third segment connected to an outlet of said second segment and a fourth segment connected to an outlet of said third segment forming consecutively at each connection a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation respectively; said monitor includes a redirection of an azimuth angle of said conduit by an azimuth rotation between said first segment and said second segment on said first axis of rotation; and said monitor further includes a redirection of an elevation angle of said conduit by a second rotation between said second segment and said third segment on said second axis of rotation in a second rotation direction and by a third rotation between said third segment and said fourth segment on said third axis of rotation in an opposite direction to said second rotation direction; and said fourth segment comprises a discharge end having a discharge centerline which intersects with a centerline of said second axis of rotation and a centerline of said third axis of rotation, thereby minimizing rotational torque on said connection between said second segment and said third segment and the rotational torque on said connection between said third segment and said fourth segment. 2. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 1 wherein said redirection of an elevation angle includes a synchronization of said second rotation between said second segment and said third segment and said third rotation between said third segment and said fourth segment in counter rotating directions to obtain approximately planar motion of said discharge centerline during said elevation angle redirection. 3. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said monitor comprises an angle of approximately 68 degrees between said first axis of rotation and said second axis of rotation. 4. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said monitor comprises an angle of approximately 34 degrees between said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation. 5. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said monitor comprises an angle of approximately 34 degrees between said third axis of rotation and said discharge centerline. 6. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said monitor comprises an angle between said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation and a substantially equal angle between said third axis of rotation and said discharge centerline. 7. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said rotatable connections comprises a male ball race disposed inside of a female ball race and a plurality of bearing balls engaging both said male and female ball races. 8. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said synchronization comprises gears. 9. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 8 wherein said gears comprise bevel gears. 10. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 2 wherein said redirection of an elevation angle of said conduit comprises: a first ring gear rotatably connected on an inlet end of said third segment; a second ring gear attached to an inlet end of said fourth segment, said second ring gear engaging said first ring gear at a predetermined angle; a half-ring gear attached to an outer receiving surface of said third segment; and a pinion, rotatably connected on a side of said second segment adjacent to said first ring gear and said half-ring gear, comprising a bevel gear for driving said first ring gear and said half-ring gear in opposite directions. 11. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 10 wherein: said conduit further comprises an elevation shaft assembly having an end connected to a second turning device for adjusting said elevation angle; and said pinion comprises a worm wheel for engaging with a worm of said elevation shaft assembly for changing said elevation angle in response to said second turning device. 12. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 10 wherein said first ring gear and said second ring gear engage each other at an angle substantially equal to an angle between said second axis of rotation and said third axis of rotation. 13. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit comprising: four consecutive segments rotatably connected in series wherein an axis of rotation is provided at each connection between said four segments; a first segment connected to said fluid source followed in series by a second segment connected to an outlet of said first segment, a third segment connected to an outlet of said second segment and a fourth segment connected to an outlet of said third segment forming consecutively at each connection a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation respectively; said monitor includes a redirection of an azimuth angle of said conduit by an azimuth rotation between said first segment and said second segment on said first axis of rotation; said monitor further includes a redirection of an elevation angle of said conduit by a second rotation between said second segment and said third segment on said second axis of rotation in a second rotation direction and by a third rotation between said third segment and said fourth segment on said third axis of rotation in an opposite direction to said second rotation direction; said second segment comprises a predetermined curvature adjacent to an outlet end; said third segment comprises a predetermined curvature between an inlet end and said outlet end; and said fourth segment comprises a first curvature extending from an inlet end and a second curvature extending to an outlet end of said fourth segment. 14. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 13 wherein said fourth segment comprises said first curvature and said second curvature to minimize rotational torque on the connection between said first segment and said second segment. 15. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 13 wherein: said predetermined curvature of said second segment comprises approximately 68 degrees; said predetermined curvature of said third segment comprises approximately 34 degrees; and said first curvature of said fourth segment comprises approximately 73 degrees and said second curvature of said fourth curvature comprises approximately 39 degrees. 16. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit comprising: four consecutive segments rotatably connected in series wherein an axis of rotation is provided at each connection between said four segments; a first segment connected to said fluid source followed in series by a second segment connected to an outlet of said first segment, a third segment connected to an outlet of said second segment and a fourth segment connected to an outlet of said third segment forming consecutively at each connection a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation respectively; said monitor includes a redirection of an azimuth angle of said conduit by an azimuth rotation between said first segment and said second segment on said first axis of rotation; said monitor further includes a redirection of an elevation angle of said conduit by a second rotation between said second segment and said third segment on said second axis of rotation in a second rotation direction and by a third rotation between said third segment and said fourth segment on said third axis of rotation in an opposite direction to said second rotation direction; said first segment is rotatably connected to said second segment by a first male/female ball race; said second segment is rotatably connected to said third segment by a second male/female ball race; and said third segment is rotatably connected to said fourth segment by a third male/female ball race. 17. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit comprising: a stationary segment connected to said fluid source; a lower segment of said conduit having a predetermined curvature between an inlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end being rotatably connected to said stationary segment, said lower segment including means for enabling azimuth rotation of said monitor; a middle segment of said conduit having a predetermined curvature between an inlet end and an outlet end, said middle segment being rotatably connected to said lower segment; an upper segment of said conduit having a first curvature extending from an inlet end and a second curvature extending to an outlet end of said upper segment, said upper segment being rotatably connected to said middle segment; and means for performing an elevation positioning of said monitor by synchronizing the simultaneous rotation of said upper segment and said middle segment in opposite directions with respect to said lower segment. 18. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for enabling azimuth rotation of said monitor includes said lower segment rotating about a cylindrical portion of said stationary segment. 19. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for providing azimuth rotation of said monitor comprises an azimuth shaft assembly connected to a first turning device. 20. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 19 wherein said azimuth shaft assembly comprises a worm for engaging a worm wheel located on the circumference of said stationary segment. 21. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said predetermined curvature of said lower segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 68 degrees. 22. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said predetermined curvature of said middle segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 34 degrees. 23. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for rotatably connecting said middle segment to said lower segment comprises a male ball race disposed inside of a female ball race and a plurality of bearing balls engaging both said male and female ball races. 24. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said first curvature extending a predetermined distance from an inlet end of said upper segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 73 degrees. 25. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said second curvature of said upper segment extending over a predetermined distance from said first curvature distance to an outlet end comprises a curvature of approximately 39 degrees. 26. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said rotatable connection between said upper segment to said middle segment comprises a male/female ball race. 27. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein said means for performing an elevation positioning of said monitor by synchronizing the simultaneous turning of said upper segment and said middle segment in opposite directions with respect to said lower segment comprises: means for rotatably connecting a first ring gear on an inlet end of said middle segment; a second ring gear attached to said inlet end of said upper segment and engaging with said first ring gear; a half-ring gear attached to an outer receiving surface of said middle segment; and a pinion, rotatably connected on a side of said lower segment adjacent to said first ring gear and said half-ring gear, comprises a bevel gear for driving said first gear and said half-ring gear. 28. A firefighting monitor as recited in claim 17 wherein: (a) said predetermined curvature of said lower segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 68 degrees; (b) said predetermined curvature of said middle segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 34 degrees; (c) said first curvature extending a predetermined distance from an inlet end of said upper segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 73 degrees; and (d) said second curvature of said upper segment, extending over a predetermined distance from said first curvature distance to an outlet end, comprises a curvature of approximately 39 degrees. 29. A firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a segmented conduit comprising: a stationary segment connected to said fluid source; a lower segment of said conduit having a predetermined curvature between an inlet end and an outlet end, said inlet end being rotatably connected to said stationary segment, said lower segment including means for enabling azimuth rotation of said monitor; a middle segment of said conduit having a predetermined curvature between an inlet end and an outlet end; means for connecting said middle segment to said lower segment wherein the middle segment rotates on said lower segment; means for rotatably connecting a first ring gear on an inlet end of said middle segment, said rotatably connecting means provides for rotating said first ring gear on said middle segment; an upper segment of said conduit having a first curvature extending a predetermined distance from an inlet end and a second curvature extending over a predetermined distance from the end of said first curvature distance to an outlet end of said upper segment; a second ring gear connected on an inlet end of said upper segment; means for connecting said upper segment to said middle segment wherein said upper segment rotates on said middle segment and said second ring gear connected to said upper segment engages with said first ring gear; a half-ring gear, attached to a predetermined outside surface of said middle segment; means, positioned adjacent to said middle segment and extending from a housing on a side of said lower segment, for driving said half-ring gear and said first ring gear in counter rotating directions; and means, coupled to said means for driving said half-ring gear and said first ring gear, for adjusting an elevation discharge position of said monitor. 30. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said azimuth rotation means comprises an azimuth shaft assembly connected to a first turning device. 31. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said predetermined curvature of said lower segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 68 degrees. 32. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said predetermined curvature of said middle segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 34 degrees. 33. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said means for rotatably connecting said middle segment to said lower segment comprises a male/female ball race. 34. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said rotatably connecting means for rotating said first ring gear on said middle segment comprises a male/female ball race. 35. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said first curvature extending a predetermined distance from an inlet end of said upper segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 73 degrees. 36. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said second curvature of said upper segment extending over a predetermined distance from the end of said first curvature distance to an outlet end comprises a curvature of approximately 39 degrees. 37. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said means for rotatably connecting said upper segment to said middle segment comprises a male/female race. 38. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said means for driving said half-ring gear and said first ring gear in counter rotating directions simultaneously comprises a bevel gear of a pinion. 39. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said means for adjusting said elevation discharge position of said monitor comprises an elevation shaft assembly connected to a second turning device. 40. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein said first ring gear and said second ring gear engage each other at an angle of approximately 34 degrees. 41. The firefighting monitor as recited in claim 29 wherein: (a) said predetermined curvature of said lower segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 68 degrees; (b) said predetermined curvature of said middle segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 34 degrees; (c) said first curvature extending a predetermined distance from an inlet end of said upper segment of said conduit comprises a curvature of approximately 73 degrees; and (d) said second curvature of said upper segment, extending over a predetermined distance from the end of said first curvature to an outlet end, comprises a curvature of approximately 39 degrees. 42. A method of providing a firefighting monitor for redirecting a flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source through a conduit comprising the steps of: providing a conduit having four consecutive segments rotatably connected in series wherein an axis of rotation is provided at each connection between said four segments; connecting a first segment to said fluid source followed in series by connecting a second segment to an outlet of said first segment, connecting a third segment to an outlet of said second segment and connecting a fourth segment to an outlet of said third segment forming consecutively at each connection a first axis of rotation, a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation respectively; redirecting an azimuth angle of said conduit by rotating said second segment around said first segment on said first axis of rotation; redirecting an elevation angle of said conduit by rotating said second segment and said third segment on said second axis of rotation in a second rotation direction, and by rotating said third segment and said fourth segment on said third axis of rotation in an opposite direction to said second rotation direction; and synchronizing said second rotation between said second segment and said third segment and said third rotation between said third segment and said fourth segment in counter rotating directions to obtain approximately planar motion of said discharge centerline during said elevation angle redirection. 43. The method as recited in claim 42 wherein said method comprises the step of intersecting a discharge centerline of a discharge end of said fourth segment with a centerline of said third axis of rotation of said third segment and a centerline of said second axis of rotation of said second segment, thereby minimizing rotational torque on the connection between said second segment and said third segment and the connection between said third segment and said fourth segment.