Patent Description:
<CIT> relates to a foam aeration nozzle comprising a peripheral jet nozzle, a spray collector which receives the jet and produces a fully filled spray, and an aeration device which agitates and aerates the spray and produces the foam. In use, the peripheral jet nozzle produces an annular cone-shaped spray or sheet of water. A collector is attached to the nozzle, the collector including a tubular wall in the path of the conical spray. The collector further includes an annular obstruction, and the water, as it moves along the wall surface, strikes the obstruction. At least a portion of the water is deflected toward the axis of the nozzle by the obstruction to produce a fully filled spray. An aeration device downstream of the obstruction is located to be impinged by the fully filled spray and to convert the spray to a foam and to discharge the foam on an intended target at a useful distance.

In <CIT> multifunction nozzle including a peripheral jet nozzle having a first end adapted to be connected to a liquid supply and a second end from which the jet is ejected is disclosed. The liquid may be plain water or a mixture of water and a foam concentrate. The peripheral jet nozzle is adjustable between straight stream and fog positions. The multifunction nozzle further comprises a sleeve which is attached to and surrounds the peripheral jet nozzle, the sleeve being movable relative to the jet nozzle in the direction of the nozzle axis and the flow of the liquid. The sleeve is movable between a forwardly extended or foam position and a rearwardly retracted or inoperative position. When the sleeve is in the retracted position it is out of the path of the liquid jet and the nozzle may be used in either the straight stream or fog modes. When the sleeve is moved forwardly to the extended position and the peripheral jet nozzle is placed in the fog mode, the diverging liquid jet strikes the inner surface of the sleeve. An agitator is attached to the inner surface of the sleeve and causes the jet to break into fine particles. In the instance where the jet includes a mixture of water and foam concentrate, air is introduced into the mixture within the sleeve, and a dense foam is ejected. The nozzle may also be used in the straight stream mode when the sleeve is in the extended position.

This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

As provided herein, fluid dispensing system and device that allows for quick and easy adjustment between a straight stream and dispersed stream. That is, a use may be able to merely adjust (e.g., rotate) and actuator on the nozzle portion to switch between a straight stream and dispersed stream of foam. Additional attachments can be mitigated, thereby reducing complexity, weight, and equipment failures.

According to the invention, a device or system for dispensing firefighting fluid comprises a nozzle comprising a nozzle body and an inlet configured to receive a flow of fluid. Further, a nozzle stem is centrally disposed in the nozzle and fixedly engaged with the nozzle body. Additionally, the device or system comprises a foam tube that is configured to receive and dispense at least a portion of the flow of fluid from the nozzle. A centrally disposed foam tube coupler is fixedly engaged with the foam tube, and is configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

What is disclosed herein may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, and will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices may be shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

An apparatus can be devised for use in controlling fluid flow discharge, such as for firefighting operations. For example, different firefighting operations may utilize different types of fluids, depending on the type of fuel, fire, conditions, etc. Sometimes, firefighting operations may switch between different firefighting equipment during the course of a firefighting operation. For example, switching between a foam-based fluids and water-based fluids. Foam-based fluids typically utilize a foam-water solution, into which air is entrained and mixed in a nozzle system, to form a foam fluid discharge from the nozzle system.

A system may be devised that provides for changing the shape of the foam discharge between a straight stream and a cone-shaped or dispersed pattern. The system comprises a nozzle portion, which is configured to discharge a foam-water mixture in a straight stream or a dispersed (e.g., fog pattern or cone-shaped pattern). A foam tube is coupled at the outlet end of the nozzle. The foam tube can be configured to receive the straight stream discharge, and to entrain air into the foam-water mixture, resulting a foam-water-air mixture discharge. Further, in the dispersed pattern, the foam-water mixture may be entrained with air using turbine teeth, resulting in a cone-shaped pattern that substantially bypasses the foam tube.

<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> are component diagrams illustrating an implementation of an exemplary device <NUM> (e.g., a foam nozzle) for dispensing firefighting fluid. According to the invention, the exemplary device <NUM> comprises a nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> comprises a nozzle body <NUM> and a nozzle inlet <NUM>. The nozzle inlet <NUM> is configured to receive a flow of fluid into the nozzle <NUM>. The exemplary device <NUM> comprises a nozzle stem <NUM> that is centrally disposed in the nozzle <NUM>, and is fixedly engaged with the nozzle body <NUM>. That is, for example, the nozzle stem <NUM> can be centrally in a nozzle fluid passage <NUM>, which comprises an interior portion of the nozzle body <NUM>. In this example, this type of arrangement can allow the fluid to flow around the nozzle stem <NUM> from the nozzle inlet <NUM> to a nozzle outlet <NUM>.

In one implementation, the nozzle stem <NUM> can be fixedly coupled with the nozzle body <NUM> utilizing connector vanes (not shown). The connector vanes can be fixedly engaged with an interior wall of the nozzle fluid passage <NUM> at a first end, and fixedly engaged with the nozzle stem <NUM> at an opposite end. In this way, the nozzle stem <NUM> can be disposed centrally in the nozzle passage <NUM>. Further, in one implementation, the one or more nozzle vanes can comprise thin planar strips aligned along the direction of fluid flow. In this way, for example, the vanes may impart less drag and/or turbulence on the fluid during operation.

The nozzle stem <NUM> can be engaged with a baffle disposed at a distal end of the fluid passage <NUM>. As an example, the baffle can be configured to direct the flow of fluid to perimeter portion of the fluid passage <NUM>, toward the pattern sleeve <NUM>, in an annular pattern. In another implementation, the baffle may be configured to modulate a flow rate, and/or flow pressure, in the nozzle. In this implementation, the baffle may be movable linearly in the nozzle body (e.g., or the discharge tube may be movable with respect to a stationary baffle). As illustrated in <FIG>, when the pattern sleeve is disposed in the extended position <NUM>, the flow of fluid is directed into a straight stream pattern <NUM>. In this configuration, the pattern sleeve is extended past a discharge tube <NUM> portion of the nozzle, resulting in the extended position <NUM> of the pattern sleeve <NUM> providing a straight passage to the outlet end <NUM> of the nozzle. In one implementation, the discharge tube <NUM> portion may be formed by the nozzle body <NUM>; and in another configuration, the discharge tube <NUM> may comprise a separate component from the nozzle body <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the pattern sleeve is disposed in the retracted position <NUM>, the flow of fluid is directed into a divergent, dispersed pattern <NUM> (e.g., fog or cone-shaped pattern). In this configuration, the distal end of the pattern sleeve <NUM> is disposed in alignment with (e.g., or proximally to) the distal end of the discharge tube <NUM> portion, providing a divergent passage to the outlet end <NUM> of the nozzle. In this implementation, the resulting discharged fluid can present the dispersed pattern <NUM>.

According to the invention, the exemplary device <NUM> comprises a foam tube <NUM> that is configured to receive and dispense at least a portion of the flow of fluid from the nozzle <NUM>. Further, the exemplary foam nozzle <NUM> comprises a centrally disposed foam tube coupler <NUM> (e.g., connector) that is fixedly engaged with the foam tube <NUM>. The foam tube coupler <NUM> is configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem <NUM>. In one implementation, the foam tube coupler <NUM> can be configured to be selectably, operably coupled with the nozzle stem <NUM>. For example, the nozzle stem <NUM> and foam tube coupler <NUM> may comprise a threaded coupling arrangement, such as female thread on the nozzle stem <NUM> and a male thread on the foam tube coupler <NUM> (e.g., or vice versa). As another example, the coupling between the nozzle stem <NUM> and the foam tube coupler <NUM> can comprise other coupling systems, such as a quick connect, a quarter turn connector, or others that provide for a fixed coupling between the two components.

In this implementation, the centrally disposed nozzle stem <NUM>, when coupled with a centrally disposed foam tube coupler <NUM> (e.g., connector), can provide for substantially unimpeded straight stream <NUM> flow of fluid from the nozzle outlet <NUM> to the foam tube inlet <NUM>. As described above, in one implementation, the configuration of the nozzle <NUM> can provide for an annular discharge of fluid from the nozzle outlet <NUM>. For example, the fluid flow is directed along the nozzle body <NUM> to the baffle, which directs the flow of fluid to the discharge tube <NUM> portion. In this example, when the pattern sleeve <NUM> is disposed in the extended position <NUM>, the flow of fluid is discharged in a straight stream <NUM>, in an annular pattern. Further, because the nozzle stem <NUM> and foam tube coupler <NUM> are disposed centrally, the straight stream <NUM> flow is directed to the foam tube <NUM>, substantially unimpeded by the engaged nozzle stem <NUM> and foam tube coupler <NUM>.

Further, in this implementation, the centrally disposed nozzle stem <NUM>, when coupled with a centrally disposed foam tube coupler <NUM>, can provide for substantially unimpeded dispersed stream <NUM> flow of fluid from the nozzle outlet <NUM>. In one implementation, the exemplary device <NUM> can comprise a tip gap <NUM> defined by the nozzle outlet <NUM> at a proximal end and the foam tube inlet <NUM> at a distal end, and open at the sides. In this implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, the divergent stream, provided when the pattern sleeve <NUM> is disposed in the retracted position <NUM>, as described above, may discharge through the open sides of the tip gap <NUM>. Existing foam tube coupling systems utilized coupling elements around the perimeter of the foam tube, between a nozzle outlet and a foam tube inlet. For example, because the coupled nozzle stem <NUM> and foam tube coupler <NUM> provide a centrally disposed coupling, the dispersed stream <NUM> may be discharged at the tip gap <NUM> with little impediment.

In this way, for example, a dispersed or fog pattern stream need not be patterned at the distal end of the foam tube, as is undertaken by existing foam tubes systems. For example, existing foam tube systems typically utilize a set of jaws at the distal end of the foam tube to pattern the stream into a dispersed, flat or flog like pattern. These jaws tend to add extra weight to the end of the system, which can make operation unwieldly, and add to equipment failure, and cost. Without the pattern jaws, for example, the weight of the system is balanced back toward the operator, which allows for ease of use, can mitigate fatigue and stress to the system.

In one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, the straight stream <NUM> of fluid discharged from the nozzle outlet <NUM> can comprise a first diameter (e.g., diameter of the annular shaped fluid discharge). Further, in this implementation, the foam tube inlet can comprise a second diameter, where the second diameter is larger than the first diameter. That is, for example, the straight stream <NUM> of fluid can be configured with a diameter that allows it to fit through the foam tube inlet <NUM>. In this way, for example, a substantial portion of the straight stream <NUM> can effectively be transferred between the nozzle <NUM> and the foam tube <NUM>.

In one aspect, a difference between the first diameter of straight stream <NUM> and the second diameter of the tube inlet <NUM> can define an annular air gap <NUM> between the straight stream <NUM> and the perimeter of the tube inlet <NUM>. In one implementation, in this aspect, the air gap <NUM> can be configured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to provide for air flow <NUM> uptake into the foam tube <NUM> during operation. That is, for example, the straight stream <NUM> flow of fluid from the nozzle <NUM> to the foam tube <NUM> can create a fluid flow that draws air <NUM> into the tip gap <NUM>, and into the air gap <NUM> between the straight stream <NUM> and the perimeter of the tube inlet <NUM>. In this implementation, the air <NUM> drawn into the foam tube <NUM> can be entrained into the foam/water mixture in the straight stream <NUM>, for example, resulting in a desired foam/water/air mixture discharge at the tube outlet <NUM>.

In this aspect, in one implementation, the air gap <NUM> can be configured to provide a desired amount of air entrainment into the foam-water mixture to provide a desired foam-water-air mixture at discharge. That is, for example, a size, shape, flow rate, and/or flow pressure of the straight stream <NUM> can be adjusted according to a desired use or purpose. Further, the size of the foam tube inlet <NUM> can be configured to provide a desired air gap <NUM> that results in the desired foam mixture discharge. That is, for example, differently sized first diameters and second diameters can result in different amounts and qualities of the entrainment and mixture of air into the foam mixture. Sound engineering judgement can be used to identify the desired air flow <NUM> for a desired purpose and/or result.

In another aspect, as illustrated in <FIG>, substantial portions of the dispersed stream <NUM> of fluid is configured to bypass the foam tube <NUM>. In this aspect, for example, the air gap <NUM> formed in the foam tube may not be able to provide air entrainment to the dispersed stream <NUM>. In one implementation, in this aspect, a turbine component <NUM> can be disposed at the distal end of the nozzle <NUM>, proximate the nozzle outlet <NUM>. In this implementation, the turbine component <NUM> can be disposed in the path of the dispersed stream <NUM>.

As an example, the turbine component <NUM> can comprise vanes (e.g., teeth) that are configured to impart spin on the turbine component <NUM> when subjected to fluid flow. In this way, for example, the flow of the dispersed stream <NUM> across the turbine vanes can result in the turbine component spinning, which can provide for air entrainment into the dispersed stream <NUM> of fluid. That is, for example, the spinning turbine component can draw air into the foam-water mixture, resulting in a foam-water-air fluid mixture being discharged in the dispersed stream <NUM>, which substantially bypasses the foam tube <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one aspect, the pattern sleeve <NUM> can be configured to linearly translate along the nozzle body <NUM> between the first position <NUM> (e.g., extended position) and the second position <NUM> (e.g., retracted position). In one implementation, in this aspect, the pattern sleeve <NUM> can be slidably engaged with the nozzle body <NUM>, such that the pattern sleeve <NUM> may slide between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM> (e.g., slid by a user and/or an actuator). In one implementation, the pattern sleeve <NUM> can be slidably and/or rotatably engaged with the nozzle body <NUM>. That is, for example, applying a rotation force to the pattern sleeve <NUM> may result in a linear translation of the pattern sleeve <NUM> along the nozzle body <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and the second position <NUM>. In this implementation, for example, the nozzle can comprise a cam and thread system that is configured to translate rotational motion into linear motion. In this way, for example, a user (e.g., manually or utilizing a remote or automated actuator) can adjust between a straight stream foam discharge, and a dispersed (e.g., fog or conically shaped) pattern merely by rotating the pattern sleeve around the nozzle body (e.g., utilizing a bumper engaged with the pattern sleeve).

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are component diagrams illustrating an alternate implementation of an exemplary fluid dispensing system <NUM>, such as a foam nozzle system. In one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> can comprise a separate foam tube <NUM> and nozzle <NUM>. In this implementation, the foam tube <NUM> can comprise a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the first portion <NUM> may comprise a converging tube in a downstream direction, and the second portion <NUM> can comprise a substantially uniform tube in the downstream direction. As an example, in this implementation, the converging passage portion of the foam tube chamber <NUM> may force the foam-water mixture into contact with the introduced air flow, helping entrainment of the air into the mixture, resulting in a desired mixture of the foam-water-air.

Additionally, in one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, one or more mixers <NUM> may be disposed at the proximal end of the first portion <NUM> of the foam tube <NUM>, inside the foam chamber <NUM>. In this implementation, the mixers <NUM> can be fixedly engaged with the foam tube <NUM>, and/or with a tube coupler <NUM> disposed in the foam tube <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the one or more mixers can be disposed in the path of the straight stream <NUM> received from the nozzle <NUM>, and configured to facilitate mixing of the air flow <NUM> into the foam-water mixture; resulting in a desired foam mixture discharging from the foam tube <NUM>.

Returning the <FIG> and <FIG>, the foam tube <NUM> of the exemplary system <NUM> can comprise a tube inlet <NUM> and a tube outlet <NUM>. Further, the nozzle <NUM> can comprise a nozzle inlet <NUM> and a nozzle outlet <NUM>. Additionally, in some implementations, the nozzle <NUM> can comprise a self-educting nozzle. That is, for example, the nozzle <NUM> may comprise a foam solution inlet that is configured to introduce a foam solution into nozzle <NUM>, where it is mixed with water, introduced to the nozzle through the inlet <NUM>. As an example, a supply of a foam solution, such as foam concentrate, can supplied to the foam inlet, and a pressurized fluid, such as water, can be supplied to the inlet <NUM>. A portion of pressurized water can enter an eductor chamber potion of the nozzle, where the pressurized water can create a reduction in fluid pressure, creating a vacuum in the eduction chamber, resulting in the foam solution being drawn into the eduction chamber through foam inlet. The foam solution mixes with the pressurized water jets in the eduction chamber to form a foam mixture, which can be dispensed from eduction chamber be the pressure of water.

In one implementation, a self-educting foam nozzle can comprise air intake ports that provide for introduction of air into the foam mixture. As an example, the pressure of the water, and/or the foam mixture through the nozzle may provide for a vacuum that draws air into the nozzle at desired air inlets. In this example, the air can be entrained into the foam mixture to create a foam-air-water mixture, which may be discharged from the nozzle outlet <NUM>. In one implementation, the foam-air-water mixture can be directed in a straight stream pattern, and/or a dispersed pattern.

In one implementation, the one or more stream shapers 430a, 430b can be operably coupled to the distal end of the nozzle <NUM>. In this implementation, the one or more stream shapers 430a, 430b can be configured to direct a dispersed stream of fluid into a desired pattern shape. That is, for example, as described above, the dispersed stream can provide a wide fog-like or conically shaped pattern. In this implementation, utilizing the pattern shapers 430a, 430b, the dispersed pattern can be directed into a desired shape, such as a flat or spread pattern, while still bypassing the foam tube <NUM>. It should be noted that a variety of pattern shapers are anticipated, and may be designed to create a desired foam discharge pattern that is useful for a specific situation during operation.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> are component diagrams illustrating cut-away views of the alternate exemplary fluid dispensing system <NUM>. <FIG> is a side view, <FIG> is a top view, and <FIG> and <FIG> are perspective front and rear views, respectively. As illustrated, the foam tube <NUM> can comprise a foam chamber, disposed in the first portion <NUM> and second portion434 respectively. As described above, the first portion <NUM> of the foam chamber <NUM> comprises a converging passage, and the second portion <NUM> of the foam chamber <NUM> comprises a relatively uniform passage leading to the tube outlet <NUM>.

A tube coupler <NUM> (e.g., nozzle connector) is disposed centrally at the proximal end of the foam chamber <NUM>. The tube coupler <NUM> can be fixedly engaged in central disposition utilizing one or more tube vanes <NUM>. In one implementation, the tube vanes <NUM> can be fixedly engaged with a wall of the foam chamber <NUM> at a first end, and fixedly engaged with the tube coupler <NUM> at a second end. Further, the tube vanes <NUM> can be configured to provide a small profile to the flow of fluid through the chamber <NUM>. That is, as illustrated, the vanes <NUM> can comprise thin, flat, planar members that are disposed longitudinally in a direction of the flow of fluid. Additionally, in one implementation, the one or more vanes <NUM> can comprise vias disposed through at least a portion of respective vanes <NUM>. For example, the vias may provide for additional mixing or agitation of the fluid-air mixture, and may be able to mitigate pressure differentials between either side of a vane <NUM>.

The tube coupler <NUM> is configured to operably engage (e.g., selectably) with a nozzle stem <NUM> that is fixedly coupled with a nozzle body <NUM>. As described above, the nozzle stem <NUM> is centrally disposed in the nozzle body <NUM>, for example, by utilizing nozzle vanes <NUM> coupled to the nozzle body <NUM> and the nozzle stem <NUM>. Further, the nozzle stem can be operably coupled with a baffle <NUM>, which may be used to direct the flow of fluid to a pattern sleeve <NUM> (e.g., and/or may be used to adjust a flow rate or pressure of fluid). As illustrated in the <FIG>, the pattern sleeve can be disposed in a first position <NUM> (e.g., extended position), which allows for the flow of fluid to be directed into a straight stream <NUM>.

Alternatively, if the pattern sleeve <NUM> is disposed in a second position (not illustrated) (e.g., a retracted position), the flow of fluid may be directed to a dispersed pattern (not shown), for example. In this example, the one or more pattern shapers <NUM>a can direct the dispersed stream into a desired shape, such as a flat or spread pattern.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one implementation, the nozzle can comprise a turbine component <NUM>, disposed proximate the nozzle outlet <NUM>. As described above, the turbine component <NUM> can comprise a series of turbine vanes (e.g., turbine teeth). As an example, the turbine vane portion of the turbine component can be disposed in the path of the dispersed stream. In this example, the turbine vanes can be configured to provide a rotating force to the turbine component when impacted by the dispersed stream (e.g., angled vanes). In this way, for example, the dispersed stream impacting the turbine component <NUM> may result in rotation of the turbine component <NUM>, which provides for air to be entrained in the dispersed stream. The air entrained in the dispersed stream, comprising a foam solution, can result in a desired foam mixture delivered in the desired spread pattern, for example.

In another implementation, the example device <NUM> may utilize a nozzle without the turbine component <NUM>; or, may utilize a turbine-like component that is stationary. That is, for example, a desired foam mixture for a particular operation may be provided to (e.g., or by) the nozzle <NUM>, which is sufficient for operation, such as in the dispersed pattern mode. As another example, a self-educting nozzle may provide a sufficient foam-air-water mixture for use in a particular operation. That is, for example, as described above, a self-educting nozzle can may be able to generate the appropriate foam mixture using an eduction chamber and air ports. In this example, a turbine component <NUM> may not be utilized, and/or the turbine teeth or vanes may provide rotation of the turbine component <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the exemplary system <NUM> comprises the nozzle body <NUM>, which can define a nozzle fluid passage <NUM>. In this implementation, the nozzle fluid passage <NUM> fluidly couples the nozzle inlet <NUM> with the nozzle outlet <NUM>. In one implementation, the pattern sleeve <NUM> is slidably engaged with the nozzle body <NUM>, such that the pattern sleeve <NUM> can be linearly translated between the first position <NUM> and the second position (not shown), such as by a user and/or by an actuator. In another implementation, as described above, the pattern sleeve <NUM> can be configured to rotate around the nozzle body <NUM>, where the rotational motion is translated into linear translation (e.g., between the extended and retracted positions). For example, in one implementation, a user may linearly slide the pattern sleeve <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and the second position; or the user may use a rotation action to translate the pattern sleeve <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and second position. In another implementation, an actuator (e.g., remotely or locally controlled) may be used to linearly or rotationally translate the pattern sleeve <NUM> between the first position <NUM> and the second position. As an illustrative example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, a pattern actuator <NUM> can be coupled with the nozzle <NUM> and used to actuate either the linear or rotational of the pattern sleeve.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in one implementation, the nozzle body <NUM> may be operably coupled with a discharge tube <NUM>. For example, the discharge tube can comprise a separate component disposed at the distal end of the fluid passage <NUM>, and is configured to direct the flow of fluid in a desired flow. In another implementation, the discharge tube (e.g., <NUM>) can be formed with, or be a part of, the nozzle body <NUM>. As an illustrative example, the discharge tube <NUM> can be shaped to provide a desired fluid discharge pattern, flow rate, flow pressure, etc., when combined with the baffle <NUM> and/or the pattern sleeve <NUM>. That is, for example, the discharge tube <NUM> may fixedly attached to, be part of, or separate from, the nozzle body <NUM>; and can be configured to direct the flow of fluid at the nozzle outlet <NUM>.

According to the invention, a method of manufacture is devised for manufacturing a device for dispensing firefighting fluid, such as one or more portions of one or more systems described herein. <FIG> is a flow diagram illustrating an example method <NUM> for manufacturing a device for dispensing firefighting fluid. In this implementation, the exemplary method of manufacture <NUM> begins at <NUM>. At <NUM>, a nozzle stem is fixedly engaged in a central disposition in a nozzle body. The nozzle body is disposed in a nozzle, where the nozzle comprises a nozzle body, an outlet, and an inlet that configured to receive a flow of fluid.

At <NUM>, a pattern sleeve is disposed on the nozzle body. The pattern sleeve is configured to translate linearly along the nozzle body between a first position and a second position. Further, the pattern sleeve is configured to direct the fluid in a substantially straight pattern at the outlet end, in the first position. Additionally, the pattern sleeve is configured to direct the dispensed fluid in a substantially dispersed pattern at the outlet end, in the second position.

At <NUM>, a nozzle connector is fixedly disposed centrally in a foam tube. The foam tube is configured to receive the straight stream flow of fluid from the nozzle; and the nozzle connector is configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem. In one implementation, at <NUM>a, at least a portion of the pattern sleeve can be configured to extend past a discharge tube portion of the nozzle at the outlet in the first position. Further, at 906b, at least a portion of the pattern sleeve can be configured to retract in line with the discharge tube portion of the nozzle at the outlet in the second position, which can result in the flow of fluid to substantially bypass the foam tube. In another implementation, at <NUM>a, a pattern shaper can be disposed at the outlet end of the nozzle, where the pattern shaper configured to shape the dispersed pattern of the flow of fluid.

Having fixedly disposing the nozzle connector centrally in a foam tube, the example method <NUM> ends at <NUM>.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or. Further, at least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>, <NUM>) for dispensing firefighting fluid, comprising:
a nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a nozzle body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and an inlet (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive a flow of fluid;
a nozzle stem (<NUM>, <NUM>) centrally disposed in the nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>) and fixedly engaged with the nozzle body (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a foam tube (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to receive and dispense at least a portion of the flow of fluid from the nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a centrally disposed foam tube coupler (<NUM>,<NUM>) fixedly engaged with the foam tube (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to operably couple with the nozzle stem (<NUM>, <NUM>).