Abstract:
A fire-fighting system includes a base component, a nozzle located remote from the base component, and a locator component mounted to the nozzle. The locator component is communicatively coupleable to the base component, and includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive signals from the base component, and a locator beacon including a visually-perceptible output device. The locator component is configured to activate the locator beacon in response to an activation signal received from the base component.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/800,320, filed Mar. 13, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/879,503, filed Sep. 10, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,418,773, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to control systems and, more specifically, to control systems for use in controlling a fire-fighting device. 
     Fire-fighting pumper trucks (broadly referred to herein as a “fire-fighting device”) are used to fight fires by pumping liquid (e.g., water, foam, or another flame retardant) from a source through hose lines wherein the liquid may be directed; i.e., sprayed, on a fire to facilitate the extinguishing or containing the fire. Known pumper trucks include controls to regulate the operation of the truck and to control the flow of liquid from the truck into the hose lines. Such controls generally include a plurality of valves used to control the flow of liquid to a fire pump from a storage tank transported onboard the truck or from another liquid supply source (e.g., a fire hydrant). Such valves also enable control of the flow of liquid from the fire pump to fire hoses or other discharge devices. Known controls include pressure and flow rate gauges used to monitor the pressure and flow rate of liquid at various locations within the pumper truck. For example, pressure gauges may monitor the pressure of the liquid received by the fire pump from the supply source. Generally the pumper truck controls used to regulate the valves and the fire pump, as well as the pressure and flow rate gauges, are commonly positioned in a control panel on the side of the pumper truck. 
     In known pumper trucks, during use, an operator, typically referred to as an engineer, must manually operate the controls of the pumper truck. More specifically, the engineer manually manipulates the controls to alter the flow rate and/or to control the pressure of liquid output by the pumper truck to a hose. Moreover, during operation, a firefighter positioned near a nozzle of the hose coupled to the pumper truck verbally communicates to the engineer (typically via a hand-held radio) any desired changes in the flow rate and/or pressure of liquid delivered through the hose to the nozzle. In response, the engineer manually adjusts the controls to enable the desired change in the flow rate and/or pressure of liquid delivered through the hose to be achieved. It is common for one engineer to be responsible for monitoring and responding to communications from multiple firefighters that each have a separate hose coupled to the same pumper truck. Moreover, the same engineer may also be responsible for acting as a spotter and/or controlling the operations of a mechanized fire ladder. 
     Accordingly, known control systems rely on the engineer to translate and execute orders communicated by a firefighter, and in response, to manipulate the controls of the pumper truck. The reliance on the engineer increases both the cost of operations and introduces the possibility of human error, as the engineer must listen to and understand verbal commands that may be difficult to understand and/or interpret depending on the location of the firefighter, the location of the fire, and/or other factors including environmental factors. Moreover, known systems cannot be used to simulate the operation of the controls of the pumper truck or to the fighting of a fire to aid in training of fire-fighting personnel. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a fire-fighting system is provided. The fire-fighting system includes a base component, a nozzle located remote from the base component, and a locator component mounted to the nozzle. The locator component is communicatively coupleable to the base component, and includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive signals from the base component, and a locator beacon including a visually-perceptible output device. The locator component is configured to activate the locator beacon in response to an activation signal received from the base component. 
     In another aspect, a nozzle system for use in a fire-fighting environment is provided. The nozzle system includes a nozzle adapted for manual control by a firefighter positioned adjacent the nozzle, and a locator component positioned proximate the nozzle. The locator component is communicatively coupleable to a base component positioned remote from the nozzle and associated with said nozzle. The locator component includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive signals from the base component, and a locator beacon including a visually-perceptible output device. The locator component is configured to activate the locator beacon in response to a signal received from the base component. 
     In another aspect, a method of controlling a nozzle system in a fire-fighting environment is provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a base component to a locator component positioned proximate a nozzle, where the locator component includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly receive signals from the base component, and a locator beacon including a visually-perceptible output device, receiving an activation signal at the locator component from the base component, and activating the locator beacon in response to receiving the activation signal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary fire-fighting system. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary nozzle. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of an exemplary remote component that may be used with the fire-fighting system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of an exemplary remote component. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an exemplary fire-fighting simulation system. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an exemplary method of controlling a fire-fighting system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The exemplary systems and method described herein overcome disadvantages of known fire-fighting control systems by enabling remote control of a fire-fighting device by a firefighter that is positioned a distance away from the fire-fighting device. As such, when using the systems and method described herein, a second firefighter/control operator does not need to be positioned near the fire-fighting device to manually control the fire-fighting device. Moreover, the embodiments described herein enable a user to be effectively trained on operation of the fire-fighting device in a simulation environment. As used herein, the terms user, control operator and firefighter, are used interchangeably. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic view of an exemplary fire-fighting control system  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, control system  100  includes a base component  110  that is coupled by a communication link  112  to a pump  120 . A tank  130  and a liquid source  140  are also coupled to pump  120 . A remote component  180  is wirelessly coupled to base component  110 , and a ladder  170  is also coupled to base component  110 . In other embodiments, remote component  180  is wirelessly or otherwise coupled to other components (e.g., light towers, generators, scene lights, winches, cable reels, rescue tools, and/or any other electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically controlled piece of equipment used in fire-fighting or rescue operations) in the fire-fighting device to control their operation as well. 
     More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, ladder  170  is a turntable ladder that is pneumatically or hydraulically powered and is capable of being selectively telescoped between a retracted position and a fully extended position. Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, ladder  170  is coupled to a turntable and is thus pivotable. In the exemplary embodiment, base component  110 , ladder  170 , tank  130 , and pump  120  are coupled to a fire-fighting device (not shown), such as a fire truck, used in system  100 . In other embodiments, any of base component  110 , ladder  170 , tank  130 , and/or pump  120  may not be coupled to the fire-fighting device. 
     A liquid used to fight or suppress a fire is stored in tank  130 . In the exemplary embodiment, the liquid is water. In other embodiments, any other liquid such as a foam-like substance or other flame retardant may be contained in tank  130 . Tank  130  is coupled via a tank supply line  138  to pump  120  to enable liquid to be selectively supplied to pump  120 . A tank supply valve  134  coupled to tank supply line  138  provides control of a flow of liquid from tank  130  to pump  120 . A tank recirculation line  136  enables liquid to be re-circulated from pump  120  to tank  130 . 
     A liquid source  140  is coupled to pump  120  via a source line  146 . A control valve  142  coupled to source line  146  enables the flow of liquid from liquid source  140  to pump  120  to be selectively controlled. A pressure gauge  144  coupled to source line  146  is used to measure an operating pressure of liquid in source line  146 . In the exemplary embodiment, the liquid discharged from liquid source  140  is water. In other embodiments, the liquid discharged from source  140  may be any other liquid such as, but not limited to, a foam-like substance or other flame retardant liquid. In the exemplary embodiment, liquid source  140  is a fire hydrant, although in other embodiments liquid source  140  may be any source of liquid, such as a river, lake, or other body of water. In the exemplary embodiment, pump  120  is operable to selectively fill tank  130  with liquid from liquid source  140 . 
     A first nozzle  156  is coupled to pump  120  via a first hose line  150 . A first hose valve  154  coupled to line  150  is used to selectively control a flow of liquid from pump  120  to first nozzle  156 , and a first pressure gauge  152  coupled to line  150  is used to measure an operating pressure of liquid in first hose line  150 . A second nozzle  166  is coupled to pump  120  via a second hose line  160 . A second hose valve  154  coupled to line  160  is used to control a flow of liquid from pump  120  to second nozzle  166 , and a second pressure gauge  162  is coupled to line  160  to measure the operating pressure of liquid in second hose line  160 . In the exemplary embodiment, only two hose lines  150  and  160  are illustrated, but it should be noted that in other embodiments, more or less than two hose lines and accompanying valves, nozzles, and pressure gauges may be used. First nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  may be carried or selectively positioned by firefighters. 
     In one embodiment, at least one of nozzle  156  and/or nozzle  166  is positioned adjacent to an end of ladder  170 . More specifically, in such an embodiment, first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  is coupled to a mounting structure (not shown) that is selectively moveable by actuators to enable first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  to be aimed towards a target (e.g., a fire or a structure). Moreover, a camera (not shown) may be coupled to the end of ladder  170  and/or in the alternative, to the mounting structure. Such a camera may be wirelessly coupled to base component  110  and/or to remote component  180  such that images captured by the camera may be wirelessly communicated to base component  110  and/or remote component  180  for viewing by a user remote from the camera. 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of an exemplary nozzle and  FIG. 3  is a top plan view of an exemplary remote component. More specifically, in  FIG. 2  first nozzle  156  and first hose line  150  are illustrated in phantom. In the exemplary embodiment, first nozzle  156  and second nozzle  166  are identical. In other embodiments nozzle  156  is different than nozzle  166 . In the exemplary embodiment, nozzle  156  includes a nozzle handle  230  that is coupled to a nozzle body  238 . A bail  234  is coupled to nozzle body  238  to control the position of a valve (not shown) in nozzle body  238  that regulates the flow of liquid from a nozzle outlet  232 . A bail position sensor  236  communicates the position of bail  234  to remote component  180 . In the exemplary embodiment, remote component  180  is positioned atop nozzle body  238  and first nozzle  156  is formed from a heat-resistant material or materials such as anodized aluminum or any other type of aluminum with a nylon valve body. A rechargeable battery (not shown) coupled with nozzle body  238  is electrically coupled to remote component  180 . In other embodiments, a rechargeable battery may be positioned external to nozzle body  238 , such as within remote component  180 . In the exemplary embodiment, the rechargeable battery is recharged when either remote component  180  or nozzle body  238  is placed in a charging cradle (not shown). Alternatively, the rechargeable battery may be removed from nozzle body  238  and inserted in the charging cradle to be recharged. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, remote component  180 , includes various selectors and/or controls  186  that may be manipulated to facilitate control and operation of system  100 . While only one remote component  180  is illustrated, it should be understood that system  100  includes multiple separate remote components  180  for use in controlling operation of each nozzle. The layout of controls  186  (broadly, an “input device) included in remote component  180  as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , for example, is exemplary only, and system  100  may include any number of controls  186  that are positioned in any orientation that enables system  100  to function as described herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, at least some controls  186  are included in remote component  180  to facilitate control of the operating pressure in first hose line  150 , second hose line  160 , and/or any other hose lines included in system  100 . Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, controls  186  are also included in remote component  180  to facilitate control of  132 ,  134 ,  144 ,  154  and/or  164 . Controls  186  also control operation of pump  120 . In the exemplary embodiment any and/or all of controls  186  may be selectively controllable by a firefighter via remote component  180 . Moreover, remote component  180  also communicates the position of bail  234  to other components of system  100 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an alternative remote component  182  that may be used with system  100 . In the exemplary embodiment, remote component  182  is substantially similar to remote component  180 . Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, remote control  182  includes same controls  186  as remote component  180 , and also includes ladder controls  188  for use in controlling ladder  170 . More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment, ladder controls  188  include at least one joystick. In other embodiments, ladder controls  188  may include any other control device that enables remote component  180  to function as described herein. Alternatively, remote component  182  may replace remote component  180  without departing from the scope of the embodiments. 
     Remote components  180 ,  182  also include various indicators  184  (broadly, “output devices”) that are positioned adjacent to each control  186 . Indicators  186  provide a visual indication of the actual pressure in first hose line  150 , second hose line  160 , and/or other hose lines (not shown) in system  100 . Indicators  184  are also included in remote component  180  to provide a visual indicator of the actuation states of valves  132 ,  134 ,  144 ,  154 , and/or  164  in system  100 . Moreover, in some embodiments, remote component  180  may also include audio and/or graphical displays that are triggered based on response to signals received from base component  110 . For example, remote component  180  may include indicators  184  that display warning messages communicated from base component  110 . Remote component  180  may also include an input device (not shown) for use in communicating other information to base component  110 . In other embodiments, remote component  180  may also include indicators  184  that display a colored light (e.g., a green light) when system  100  is ready to provide liquid to fire nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  and another colored light (e.g., a red light) when system  100  is in a predetermined operational status or when specific controls  186  are not ready for actuation on remote component  180 . Remote components  180 ,  182  may also include other indicators such as, but not limited to, an LED water level indicator, warning indicator(s), and/or an audible output device or strobe light for aid in locating remote component  180  in limited/low visibility conditions. Moreover, the audible output device or strobe light on remote component  180  may be activated by another user at base component  110 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, remote component  180  includes a touch sensitive screen that overlays a graphical display. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, controls  186  are manipulated by a user by pressing on the predetermined locations on the screen. In the exemplary embodiment, indicators  184  and controls  186  on remote component  180  are easily reconfigured. For example, remote component  180  may be capable of displaying different sets of controls  186  and indicators  184 . 
     Remote component  180  is integrally formed with first nozzle  156  in the exemplary embodiment. Alternatively, remote component  180  may be coupled to first nozzle  156 . Moreover, an additional remote component similar to or the same as remote component  180 , or  182  may be portable and worn or carried by a firefighter (not shown) positioned adjacent to second nozzle  166  or first nozzle  156 . For example, such a remote component may be portable and may be carried by the firefighter on a lanyard or via a handle extruding from remote component  180 . 
     Remote component  182  is portable and may be carried by a firefighter positioned in a basket (not shown) at the end of ladder  170  thus enabling the firefighter to use ladder controls  188  to control the position of ladder  170 . In another embodiment, remote component  182  may be carried by an operator (i.e., an engineer) that is not in the basket and that is acting as a spotter for those in ladder  170 . More specifically, when first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  are positioned adjacent to the end of ladder  170 , remote component  182  may be carried by a firefighter positioned on the ground, and not in the basket at the end of ladder  170 . In such an embodiment, the firefighter is able to control operation of nozzles  156  and/or nozzle  166  and/or ladder  170  while that firefighter remains positioned on the ground or at a location other than on the ladder  170 . Moreover, in such an embodiment, images captured by the camera positioned near the end of ladder  170 , and position details of first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  are wirelessly communicated to remote component  182 . In the exemplary embodiment, images may be displayed on remote component  182  by a firefighter using remote component  182  while using remote component  182  to control the operation of ladder  170 , first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166 . 
     Remote component  180  is configured to communicate wirelessly with base component  110  and to transmit data to base component  110 . Base component  110  is similarly configured to communicate wirelessly with remote component  180  and to transmit data to remote component  180 . In the exemplary embodiment, remote component  180  includes a wireless transceiver that enables data to be transmitted and received to/from base component  110  in the form of radio frequency transmissions. In other embodiments, remote component  180  and base component  110  include any other suitable component that is operable to link remote component  180  and base component  110  together such that data can be transmitted between remote component  180  and base component  110 . 
     When communicating with base component  110 , remote component  180  transmits a unique identifier with each wireless transmission. The identifier associates remote component  180  with first nozzle  156  and enables base component  110  to identify the communications received from remote component  180  as being associated with first nozzle  156 . Similarly, any other remote component  180  associated with second nozzle  166  also transmits a unique identifier in each wireless transmission with base component  110 . Prior to operation of system  100 , each remote component  180  may be automatically associated with its respective nozzle as each component is inserted in a specific charging cradle. For example, a charging cradle may be provided for each nozzle  156  and/or  166  and placement of a remote component  180  in a respective charging cradle associates that remote component  180  with only one nozzle  156  and/or  166 . In another embodiment, remote component  180  may be associated with a respective nozzle  156  and/or  166  by manipulating a control or switch on remote component. In an alternative embodiment, each remote component  180  may communicate with base component  110  on a different channel or frequency that is unique to only one remote component  180 . 
     Similarly, communications sent by base component  110  to each remote component  180  also include a unique identifier that enables each remote component  180  to identify whether it is the intended recipient of the communication. In another embodiment, base component  110  does not transmit a unique identifier with each communication but rather transmits communications to each remote component  180  on a different channel or frequency that is unique to each remote component  180  being used. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and  164  are each coupled to base component  110  such that the operation of each is controlled by base component  110 . Moreover, each valve  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and  164  also includes at least one feedback sensor (not shown) that enables the actuation state of each of valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and/or  164  to be monitored and continuously communicated to base component  110 . Pressure gauges  144 ,  152 , and  162  are each coupled to base component  110  such that base component  110  continuously monitors the output (i.e., an operating pressure) of each pressure gauge  144 ,  152 , and/or  164 . In the exemplary embodiment, base component  110  includes a transceiver that enables data to be transmitted and received wirelessly to/from remote component  180  in the form of wireless communications (e.g., radio frequency communications). Base component  110  also wirelessly communicates the actuation state of valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and/or  164 , operating pressures sensed by pressure gauges  144 ,  152 , and/or  164 , and a rotational speed of pump  120 , for example, to remote component  180 . Base component  110  also wirelessly communicates information associated with ladder  170  to remote component  180  and/or  182 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, base component  110  includes and/or is coupled to a programmable logic controller (PLC) (not shown). The PLC is operable to control operation of system  100  based on communications received from remote component  180 , the actuation state of valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and/or  164 , and the operating pressures sensed by pressure gauges  144 ,  152 , and/or  164  (collectively referred to as “inputs”). Based on inputs received by base component  110 , the PLC determines, based on predefined logic and/or set of rules (the two terms are referred to herein interchangeably), control operation of system  100 . The set of rules broadly define the boundary conditions and/or operating limitations for system  100 . For example, the predefined logic may indicate maximum pressures for hose lines  150  and/or  160 , a maximum or minimum operating speed of pump  120 , a maximum or minimum operating pressure in source line  146 , and/or a maximum or minimum amount of liquid to be maintained in tank  130 . Such rules may also define the operational responses of base component  110  for system  100 , based on inputs to system  100 . 
     In one example, when base component  110  receives a communication from a remote component  180  associated with first nozzle  156  demanding an increase in liquid pressure in first hose line  150 , the PLC will control operation of system  100  based on the predefined logic. In such an example, the set of rules may require that the first valve  154  be opened until the desired operating pressure sensed by first pressure gauge  152  plus or minus a predefined tolerance (e.g., ±5 psi). If the desired pressure is not attained, system  100  causes the operating speed of pump  120  to increase until the desired operating pressure is sensed by first pressure gauge  152  plus or minus the predefined tolerance. To maintain a desired or predefined operating pressure in source line  146 , the operating logic may also dictate that the operating speed of pump  120  be limited based on the operating pressure sensed by pressure gauge  144 . For example, when liquid source  140  is a fire hydrant, it may be necessary to ensure that the operating pressure in pipes or water mains supplying the hydrant and thus supplying the operating pressure in source line  146 , does not decrease below a predefined threshold to facilitate preventing the pipes or water mains from collapsing. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the PLC may reduce the operating speed of pump  120 . In a situation wherein system  100  is unable to provide the desired pressure in first hose line  150 , as requested in a communication received from base component  180 , the base component  110  transmits a communication to remote component  180  indicating as such. After receiving such a communication, remote component  180  may provide an audio, vibratory, and/or visual indication to the firefighter. For example, in one embodiment, remote component  180  vibrates nozzle handle  230  after receiving such a communication and/or illuminate a light on remote component  180  or nozzle  156 . 
     In another example, when base component  110  receives a communication from a remote component  180  associated with first nozzle  156 , water flow to first nozzle  156  is ceased. In such an embodiment, the PLC in base component  110  controls operation of system  100  based on the inputs and based on the predefined logic. The predefined logic requires first valves  154  to be closed after receiving such a communication from remote component  180  and that the operating speed of pump  120  is reduced such that the operating pressure sensed by gauge  162  remains substantially constant if liquid is being pumped through second hose line  160 . If liquid is not being channeled through second hose line  160 , the operating speed of pump  120  is reduced to idle, and tank recirculating valve  132  and tank supply valve  134  are opened to enable liquid to be recirculated through tank  130 . The predefined logic may also require that source valve  142  be closed after a level of liquid in tank  130  has reached a predefined threshold (e.g., a predefined capacity of tank  130 ). 
     While reference is made herein to the remote control of system  100  by remote component  180 , operation of system  100  by remote component  180  may be interrupted at any time by a user (e.g., an engineer) positioned near base component  110  and/or positioned remotely from component  180  at the fire-fighting device. Such user is thus able to control operation of system  100  and override wireless communications transmitted by remote component  180  to base component  110 . 
       FIG. 5  is a schematic view of an exemplary fire-fighting simulation system  300 . In the exemplary embodiment, simulation system  300  includes remote component  180 , a data logging component  190 , an emulation component  210  (broadly referred to here as, an “interface component”), and a computing system  220 . Remote component  180  is wirelessly coupled to data logging component  190  and emulation component  210 , and emulation component  210  is wirelessly coupled to computing system  220 . It should be noted that computing system  220  may be any suitable computer that includes at least a processor and at least one form of computer readable media with computer executable instructions stored thereon. In the exemplary embodiment, emulation component  210  is a software program having computer executable instructions that are stored on the computer readable media and that are executable by the processor of computing system  220 . In other embodiments, emulation component  210  is a separate component that is coupled to computing system  220 . 
     Simulation system  300  enables remote component  180  to be used in training a user (i.e., a trainee) in a simulation environment using emulation component  210  and computing system  220 . Specifically, during a simulation exercise, computing system  220  displays a graphical representation to trainee depicting a fire-fighting scenario. Emulation component  210  and computing system  220  enable the graphical representation to be easily changed through manipulation of the controls of remote component  180  by the trainee. Accordingly, a trainee using system  300  is able to alter the operating pressures in hose lines, change a position of ladder  170 , control operation of pump  120 , and receive immediate feedback from emulation component  210  and computing system  220  regarding their inputs. For example, a trainee presented with a graphical representation of a fire by emulation component  210  and computing system  220 , is able to use remote component  180  to manipulate the position valves and/or ladder  170  of system  100  within the simulation environment set forth by emulation component  210  and computing system  220 . Emulation component  210  and computing system  220  then react to the inputs of the trainee and change the simulation environment based on the inputs. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, emulation component  210  is controllable by a trainer such that various scenarios can be selectively presented to the trainee. Accordingly, in the exemplary embodiment, using emulation component  210 , the trainer is able to present various scenarios to the trainee that replicate a scenario that the trainee may encounter when fighting an actual fire. For example, the trainer may instruct the emulation component  210  to simulate the loss of pressure from liquid source  140 . The trainee will then be forced to use remote component  180  to close source valve  142  and to open tank supply valve  134  to supply liquid from tank  130  to pump  120 . In one embodiment, other scenarios included in emulation component  210  may be executed automatically such that the trainer is not required to control emulation component  210  in order to present the trainee with a continuous presentation of other scenarios. In another embodiment, emulation component  210  presents a graphical display on computing system  220  that resembles a typical control panel on a fire-fighting device. The trainee is thus able to use emulation component  210  to practice and train on the operation of the control panel included on the fire-fighting device. 
     Data logging component  190  stores data on a computer readable form of media. Such data includes data associated with the position of ladder  170  and inputs received by remote component  180  from each user. In the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 5 , data logging component  190  is communicatively coupled to remote component  180 . Similarly, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , data logging component  190  is coupled to base component  110  and is operable to store data associated with the position of ladder  170 , the operation of pump  120 , communications received from the remote component  180 , the operating position of valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154 , and/or  164 , and operating pressures sensed by pressure gauges  144 ,  152 , and/or  162 . Data stored by data logging component  190  may be used to conduct “post action” studies or reports concerning operation of system  100 . Moreover, data stored by data logging component  190  may also be used to develop scenarios for use in training of personnel using emulation component  210 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method  600  of controlling system  100 . Method  600  begins with receiving  610  wireless communication from remote component  180  by base component  110 . Such wireless communication includes instructions input by a user (e.g., a firefighter) into remote component  180 . The instructions as described above, can include, but are not limited to only including, a desired operating pressure of water in first hose line  150  and/or second hose line  160 , a desired actuation state of any of valves  132 ,  134 ,  142 ,  154  and/or  154 , or a desired flow rate of liquid to be output from first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166 . A flow of liquid to be output from first nozzle  156  and second nozzle  166  is at least partially dependent on the operating speed of pump  120 . As such, an instruction for an increase in the flow rate of liquid to be output from first nozzle  156  and/or second nozzle  166  is equivalent to a request to increase the operating speed of pump  120 . 
     The PLC in base component  110  consults the predefined logic to determine  620  whether to execute the received instructions. As described above, the set of rules and logic define boundary conditions for the operation of system  100 . Base component  110  then controls  630  operation of system  100  using the PLC based on the determination  620  of whether to execute the instructions received  610 . 
     The above-described embodiments provide a cost-effective and reliable means of improving the control of a fire-fighting device. More specifically, the exemplary systems and method described herein overcome disadvantages of known fire-fighting control systems by enabling remote control of a fire-fighting device by a firefighter positioned a remote distance away from the device. As such, an additional user does not need to be positioned near the fire-fighting device to manually control the fire-fighting device. The remote control eliminates the need for wires or other communication cables extending along the hose lines and coupling the remote component to the base component. Such wires or other communication cables would likely be damaged during use of the fire-fighting device as the hose lines are often drug over rough surfaces that would damage the wires or cables. Moreover, the embodiments described herein also enable a user to be trained on operation of the fire-fighting device in a simulation environment. Accordingly, an ordinary computer is able to be used in conjunction with the remote component to train firefighters on operation of the fire-fighting device. As a result, the systems described herein facilitate increasing the efficiency of the fire-fighting control system in a cost-effective and reliable manner. 
     Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for the remote control of a fire-fighting device are described above in detail. The methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the systems and methods may also be used in combination with other fire-fighting systems and methods, and are not limited to practice with only the fire-fighting device as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other fire-fighting devices. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Moreover, references to “one embodiment” in the above description are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.