Patent ID: 8827189
Filing Date: 2014-09-09
Classification: A62C,F15B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for manipulating a fluid cannon, the system comprising: (a) a base element comprising a first hollow conduit formed therethrough, said first conduit further comprising a first end and a second end, said first end adapted to be connected to a source of fluid; (b) a rotatable body mounted to the base element, the rotatable body comprising a second hollow conduit formed through it, the second conduit further comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the second conduit communicating with the second end of the first hollow conduit, the rotatable body capable of rotation about a horizontal axis through an infinite arc; (c) a discharge elbow rotatably mounted to the rotatable body, the discharge elbow comprising a third hollow conduit formed through it, the third conduit further comprising a first end and a second end, the first end of the third conduit communicating with the second end of the second conduit to form a continuous flow path from the first hollow conduit to the third hollow conduit, the second end of the third conduit terminating at a discharge opening which directs discharge of the fluid in a desired direction; (d) a horizontal drive apparatus operably engaged with the rotatable body, the horizontal drive apparatus being operable to rotate the rotatable body in response to control signals, the horizontal drive apparatus comprising a first inlet port for receiving hydraulic oil or air, a first piston located within a first cylinder in communication with the first inlet port, a first rack having a plurality of teeth, the first rack being in operative engagement with the first piston, the horizontal drive apparatus further comprising a first pinion having a plurality of teeth that mesh with the teeth of the first rack so that linear movement of the first piston, as a result of pressure from hydraulic oil or air via the first inlet port, translates to linear movement of the first rack and rotational movement of the first pinion, and wherein the first pinion is in operable engagement with the rotatable body for rotating the rotatable body about a horizontal plane when the first pinion is rotated; (e) a vertical drive apparatus operably engaged with the discharge elbow, the vertical drive apparatus comprising a second inlet port for receiving hydraulic oil or air, a second piston located within a second cylinder in communication with the second inlet port, a second rack having a plurality of teeth, the second rack being in operative engagement with the second piston, the vertical drive apparatus further comprising a second pinion having a plurality of teeth that mesh with the teeth of the second rack so that linear movement of the second piston, as a result of pressure from hydraulic oil or air via the second inlet port, translates to linear movement of the second rack and rotational movement of the second pinion, and wherein the second pinion is in operable engagement with the discharge elbow for rotating the discharge elbow about a vertical plane when the second pinion is rotated; and (f) a first needle valve in fluid communication with the first cylinder to meter fluid on either side of the first piston to dampen a first piston movement.