Remotely controlled firefighting apparatus and control means

Abstract

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.