Interpretation ID: 86-5.21

TYPE: INTERPRETATION-NHTSA

DATE: 09/16/86

FROM: JEROME A. CZARNOWSKI

TO: CARL CLARK -- INVENTOR CONTACT NHTSA

TITLE: NONE

ATTACHMT: ATTACHED TO LETTER DATED 06/04/87, TO JEROME A CZARNOWSKI FROM ERIKA Z. JONES, REDBOOK A30 (2), STANDARD 121

TEXT: Dear Dr. Clark,

Enclosed are copies of the un-edited and published versions of the article on the Emergency Air Reserve System (EARS) of which we spoke this morning. I retained copyright, while granting FIRE COMMAND one-time publication rights, which is our usual arrangement.

Basically, EARS is a separate high-pressure system intended to provide an emergency vehicle with enough air volume and pressure to charge the vehicle's integral system to operating pressure. Depending upon the volume of the integral system, this can be accomplished in four to ten seconds versus two to five minutes using the vehicle's air compressor from O PSI. In our business, cutting the response time in any emergency can mean life or death for the victim.

This system does not violate the integrity of the vehicle's system, since check-valves, a relief valve and one-way regulator are present. The components of the system are proven under the most demanding and abusive conditions.

The article points out other advantages to the system, and how some apparatus manufacturers are providing to solve the initial air-pressure problem. I doubt if some of the solutions I've seen (i.e., on-board diaphram compressors tied to the "wet tank") solve more problems than they create. I have also seen electrical air-selenoids on the discharge ports of air tanks to shut the tanks off when not in use (parked). Can you imagine the result if the electrical system fails while a fire engine is responding to a scene?

Thank you for your time in evaluating this device. As I stated over the phone, the Patent prospect looks favorable. However, I am more concerned with the safety for both the firefighter and the public.

Sincerely,