August 2007

 

Holmatro’s Bulkhead Fitting Makes Tool Connections Quick

To make it’s CORE technology more user friendly, Holmatro Rescue Equipment has developed a new line of bulkhead fittings to which its extrication tools can be connected, much like an electric appliance is plugged into a wall outlet.

The bulkhead fittings allow remote connections in bumpers, inside compartments or on the outside walls of apparatus, according to Holmatro.

Resembling a shoreline electrical connection for battery conditioning and stationary power supply found on many apparatus, the Holmatro bulkhead contains a connection fitting protected behind a hinged door. Rescuers simply lift the cover and snap on the quick connect fitting of the tool being used.

One of the biggest advantages to the bulkhead plug and play system, according to Holmatro’s national sales manager, Tony Barboza, is the elimination of the need for reels on both sides of apparatus to provide connection.

“Many departments are doing away with the reels and putting these bulkheads on instead,” Barboza said, noting that apparatus with bulkheads mounted on the external walls of the apparatus allow rescuers to attach the tool’s hydraulic power line to the access point closest to the incident. He also pointed out the space savings afforded by the elimination of the reels.

The bulkhead fittings are available with straight or 90 degree connectors and include instruction manuals and installation templates. They’ll accept any standard length Holmatro trademarked CORE Technology hoses and rescue tools.

In 2005, Holmatro introduced its revolutionary hydraulic extrication system using coaxial rescue equipment (from which the name CORE is derived) hoses, couplers, pumps and tools. The system uses fluid path technology that consists of a high pressure line surrounded and protected by the low pressure return line, hence the COaxial part of the trademarked CORE technology.

The CORE couplers, which snap on to the new bulkhead fittings, have built-in automatic return valves that eliminate the need for a dump valve on the pump. It also eliminates the need for an operator to remain at the hydraulic pump to turn the hydraulic power valves on and off as tools are changed.

For information call 410-768-9662 or go to www.holmatro-usa.com.