CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit under Title 35, U.S.C. Section 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/759,226, filed Jan. 31, 2013 and entitled MECHANICAL REMOTE MONITOR CONTROL, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for dispersing firefighting fluid. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a firefighting monitor which is remotely mechanically controllable by an operator. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Firefighting monitors are aimable, controllable high-capacity devices used for directing a stream of water or other firefighting fluid in a desired direction. For example, some vehicle-mounted firefighting monitors are sized to deliver a fluid flow volume between about 60-200 US gallons/minute, while “master stream” firefighting monitors are typically mounted to a fixed installation or vehicle and may deliver a fluid flow volume between 350-2,000 US gallons/minute or greater. 
         [0006]    In some cases, it is desirable to position a firefighting monitor at a location remote from the monitor&#39;s operator. For example, in some cases a firefighter may wish to direct the stream of fluid flow from a position of greater safety, such as in the cabin of a vehicle or in a protected enclosure near a permanently installed monitor (such as near high-risk areas at an oil facility). To avoid the necessity for the firefighter to leave the vehicle or enclosure to manually adjust or manipulate a firefighting monitor, a remote control system may be provided so that the operator may maintain effective control over the monitor functions from a safe location. 
         [0007]    Existing remote control firefighting monitor systems utilize electronic communication between operator controls and the remotely located firefighting monitor. Such systems may use an arrangement of electric motors which are remotely actuatable by user controls via a wireless connection (e.g., a radio frequency transmitter and receiver). One exemplary electric remote controlled firefighting monitor is the Sidewinder EXM System available from Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Elkhart, Ind., USA. Another exemplary system for electronic remote control of firefighting monitors is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0274397, filed Apr. 21, 2010 and entitled FIREFIGHTING MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The present disclosure provides a system and method for remotely mechanically controlling the direction of fluid flow from a firefighting monitor. For example, a control handle mounted in the cabin of a vehicle can be operably mechanically coupled to a pivotable firefighting monitor mounted outside the vehicle (e.g., near the front) by an arrangement of cables. The handle and cables are arranged such that horizontal pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding horizontal pivot of the firefighting monitor, and vertical pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding vertical pivot of the firefighting monitor. The direct mechanical link between the handle and firefighting monitor ensures a rapid and reliable control over the monitor direction and orientation, while providing an intuitive and user friendly operational modality. 
         [0009]    In one form thereof, the present disclosure provides a system for remotely directing a flow of firefighting fluid, the system comprising: a firefighting monitor having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the fluid outlet pivotable along a side-to-side monitor sweep and an up-and-down monitor sweep; and a control mechanism spaced from the firefighting monitor, the control mechanism pivotable along a side-to-side control sweep and an up-and-down control sweep; an arrangement of cables mechanically connected to the firefighting monitor and the control mechanism, such that movement of the control mechanism along the side-to-side control sweep causes corresponding movement of the firefighting monitor along the side-to-side monitor sweep, and such that movement of the control mechanism along the up-and-down control sweep causes corresponding movement of the firefighting monitor along the up-and-down monitor sweep. 
         [0010]    In another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a control mechanism for directing a flow of firefighting fluid, the mechanism comprising: a base structure; a turntable rotatably mounted to the base structure about a vertical axis, the turntable having a pair of side-to-side adjustment cables affixed to opposing sides of a radial wall of the turntable, such that rotation of the turntable selectively tensions one of the pair of side-to-side adjustment cables; a barrel rotatably mounted to the turntable about a horizontal axis, the barrel having a pair of up-and-down adjustment cables affixed to opposing sides of a radial wall of the barrel, such that rotation of the barrel selectively tensions one of the pair of up-and-down adjustment cables; and a handle affixed to the barrel, such that the handle is moveable along a side-to-side direction to rotate the turntable, and the handle is moveable along an up-and-down direction to rotate the barrel. 
         [0011]    In yet another form thereof, the present disclosure provides a method of manually adjusting the position and orientation of a firefighting monitor from a remote operator station, the method comprising: moving a handle of a proximal control mechanism in one of a left handle direction, a right handle direction, an up handle direction and a down handle direction; and tensioning a cable by the step of moving the handle, the cable extending from the remote operator station to the firefighting monitor such that the tension imparted to the firefighting monitor to move the firefighting monitor in one of: i) a left monitor direction where the handle is moved in the left handle direction; ii) a right monitor direction where the handle is moved in the right handle direction; iii) an up monitor direction where the handle is moved in the up handle direction; and iv) a down monitor direction where the handle is moved in the down handle direction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fire engine having a remotely mechanically controlled firefighting monitor made in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a distal control mechanism of the remote actuation system; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of the system shown in  FIG. 1 , illustrating a proximal control mechanism of the remote actuation system; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective, exploded view of an alternative proximal control mechanism in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is an elevation, cross-section view of a terminal cable mounting assembly used in conjunction with distal and proximal control mechanisms in accordance with the present disclosure; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5A  is a side elevation, cross-section view of the proximal control mechanism shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 5B  is a front elevation, cross-section view of the proximal control mechanism shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a plan, cross-section view of a portion of the proximal control mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , taken along line VI-VI of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is an elevation, schematic view of the proximal control mechanism of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and the distal control mechanism of  FIG. 2 , illustrating correlation between up-and-down sweeping movements of the control handle and firefighting monitor; 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is an elevation, schematic, cross-sectional view of the remote actuation system shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a plan, schematic view of the proximal control mechanism of  FIGS. 3A and 3B  and the distal control mechanism of  FIG. 2 , illustrating correlation between side-to-side sweeping movements of the control handle and firefighting monitor; and 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is a plan, schematic, cross-sectional view of the remote actuation system shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one exemplary embodiment of the invention, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    The embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. While the present disclosure is directed to the delivery of a firefighting fluid delivery system adapted to combat fires, it will be understood that the system may have applications to other scenarios. For example, in one alternative implementation, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be utilized to provide a fluid for neutralizing or altering one or more chemical substances, such as chemicals used in explosives, drugs or other items. In another alternative implementation, the systems and methods disclosed herein may be used in a law enforcement context, such as for riot control and/or immobilization of individuals. Moreover, while the exemplary embodiment described below provides a remote actuation system for mechanically manipulating a firefighting monitor, it is contemplated that the remote mechanical actuation system may be applied in other contexts, to remotely direct the discharge of material from an aimable output device. 
         [0027]    As used herein, “proximal” refers to a direction generally toward the operator of the presently described remote actuation system, and “distal” refers to the opposite direction of proximal, i.e., away from the operator. Thus, as shown in  FIG. 1  and described in further detail below, the proximal portion of the illustrated remote actuation system is proximal control mechanism  14  located within the operator&#39;s cabin of fire engine  10  and adjacent operator stations  18 , while the distal portion of such remote actuation system is distal control mechanism  16  disposed outside the operator&#39;s cabin, e.g. mounted on front bumper  12 , and is therefore spaced away and inaccessible from either of operator stations  18 . 
         [0028]    As used herein, “firefighting monitor” refers to a fluid discharge device adapted for use in fighting structure fires, wildland fires, or other fires large enough to warrant the implementation of professional firefighting equipment. For example, monitor  20  shown in  FIG. 1  may have a throughput on the order of dozens to hundreds of US gallons/minute at a standard operating pressure of 100-200 psi of fluid pressure. In some instances, this throughput may be between about 60 gallons/minute and about 200 gallons/minute, which are typical fluid flow rates for handheld or vehicle-mounted firefighting monitors. However, it is contemplated that greater flow rates could be employed by increasing the leverage provided by proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16 , such as by increasing the distance between handle  102  and barrel  104  and sizing pulleys  64  and cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B accordingly. 
         [0029]    As used herein, “Bowden cables” refer to actuation cables which include a cable sheath or housing disposed over a cable core, in which the cable core is longitudinally moveable with respect to the housing. For example, an exemplary Bowden cable may include a cable core (e.g., cable core  22  shown in  FIG. 4 ) made of a material adapted to transmit mechanical force or energy, e.g., steel or stainless steel, contained within a hollow outer cable housing (e.g., housing  24  shown in  FIG. 4 ). In some cases, a Bowden cable may further include a lubricious intermediate layer disposed between the inner cable core and cable housing to facilitate longitudinal movement therebetween. The housing may be a spirally wound metal layer, which forms a bendable, protective outer tube. The housing may also include a protective outer coating made of a corrosion-resistant material such as plastic. 
         [0030]    The actuation cables illustrated in the drawings and described in further detail below show only core  22  and housing  24 , it being understood that no further structures are required for operative function of the illustrated Bowden cable. However, it is appreciated that additional structures such as a nylon sheath for lubricity and/or a plastic coating over the housing  24  may be provided as required or desired for a particular application. In one exemplary embodiment, a Bowden cable suitable for use in the firefighting structure shown may be a wire rope having seven 19-strand cables (i.e., 7×19) wound into cable core  22 , with cable housing  24  formed of a nylon sleeve over the 7×19 core. In a particular exemplary embodiment, this Bowden cable may have an overall diameter of 0.062 inches including the 7×19 cable core with an outer diameter of 0.048 inches. Alternatively, a higher-strength option may be provided in which cable housing  24  is eliminated (i.e., cable core  22  is uncoated), such that the 7×19 cable core consumes the entire 0.062 outside diameter. In this alternative, provisions must be made for routing such a cable between proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16 , or a housing must be provided for routing in accordance with the illustrated embodiment. 
         [0031]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , a mechanical remote actuation system made in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in the context of fire engine  10 . In the illustrated application, the remote actuation system is used to mechanically control the direction and orientation of fluid flow from monitor  20 , which is mounted to bumper  12  and may or may not be viewable from either the driver&#39;s or passenger&#39;s operator station  18  within in the vehicle cabin. Such mechanical control is effected by manually exerting a force upon handle  102 , which is disposed between operator stations  18  such that a firefighter sitting in either front seat of the cabin can exert such manual forces. These manual forces are directly and mechanically transmitted to monitor  20 , which then mimics the movement and orientation of handle  102 . This control modality is intuitive and easy to learn. Although operator stations  18  are shown within the cabin of fire engine  10 , and are illustrated as the passenger and driver&#39;s seats, it is appreciated that operator station  18  may be located at any position remote from monitor  20  as required or desired for a particular application. 
         [0032]    Moreover, the remote actuation system of the present disclosure may be used where the distal output point is inaccessible from the operator&#39;s station. In some instances this may be because the distal output is spaced substantially away from the proximal input mechanism, such as by about 6 feet or more, while in other cases the distal output may be within arm&#39;s reach but blocked by a barrier (such as a windshield or door). For purposes of the present disclosure, “remote operation” is any operation in which manual manipulation of proximal control mechanism  14  results in movement of distal control mechanism  16  that cannot be manually effected when the operator is positioned at operator station  18 . For example, any arrangement of the remote actuation system in which monitor  20  is beyond the wingspan of the operator when the operator is positioned at operator station  18  would be considered a remote operation. Similarly, monitor  20  may be separated from operator station  18  by a barrier which precludes manual manipulation of monitor  20  by the operator, such that “remote operation” of monitor  20  might occur even when monitor  20  is within the wingspan of the operator at operator station  18 . 
         [0033]    Referring still to  FIG. 1 , proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  are mechanically linked to one another by cabling arrangement  26 . As described in detail below, cabling arrangement  26  includes a set of four cables ( 54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B in  FIG. 7 ) having respective essentially inelastic cable cores  22 , each of which can be selectively tensioned by force applied at proximal control mechanism  14  to transmit such force to distal control mechanism  16  and monitor  20 . Two of the four cables of cabling arrangement  26  (i.e., cables  54 A,  54 B) are configured to transmit left and right side-to-side movements of proximal control mechanism  14  to distal control mechanism  16 , while the other two cables (i.e., cables  74 A,  74 B) of cabling arrangement  26  are configured to transmit up-and-down movement from proximal control mechanism  14  to distal control mechanism  16 . Each of the cables of cable arrangement  26  (i.e., cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A and  74 B) may be provided in a length sufficient to place proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  as far apart from one another as needed, such as at least 6 feet apart. As further described below, side-to-side adjustment cables  54 A,  54 B are actuatable independently of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B, and vice-versa. This independent actuation allows the user of proximal control mechanism to selectively sweep monitor  20  through side-to-side or up-and-down movements by a corresponding movement of handle  102 . In addition, such side-to-side and up-and-down movements may occur simultaneously, so that monitor  20  can be drawn along any desired diagonal movement profile. 
         [0034]    Fire engine  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  includes control  28 , which may have various control apparatuses operably connected to various functions of fire engine  10 , such as charging of water pressure within hoses routed to monitor  20  or other fire hoses, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, engine  10  may have a water reservoir aboard with a quantity of firefighting fluid (such as water) sufficient to extinguish a fire at a site remote from a continuous water supply. For example, a fluid tank  11  may be provided with a fluid capacity of as little as 100 gallons, or as much as 500 gallons or more than 1000 gallons. Fluid tank  11  is isolated from the fuel tank of engine  10 , and contains non-flammable firefighting fluid. 
         [0035]    As illustrated, proximal control mechanism  14  is operably connected to control  28  via connection line  30 . Fluid flow through monitor  20  may be selectively allowed or prevented by the operator of proximal control mechanism  14  by selectively activating the relevant portion of control  28  via connection line  30 , as further described below. When such activation occurs, pump  29  pumps fluid from fluid tank  11  to monitor  20  via fluid lines  31 A,  31 B. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , distal control mechanism  16  and monitor  20  are shown in greater detail. Inlet conduit  32  delivers fluid to firefighting monitor  20 , which routes the firefighting fluid through first pivot coupling  34  and around first elbow  36 , then to second pivot coupling  38  and around second elbow  40 . Fluid is discharged from monitor  20  via nozzle  42 , which may be any suitable nozzle device depending on the particular application and firefighting fluid used. As described in further detail below, first pivot coupling  34  facilitates rotation of the components downstream (i.e., elbows  36 ,  40 , second pivot coupling  38 , and nozzle  42 ) about vertical axis A V , thereby enabling horizontal adjustment of nozzle  42  and its associated fluid stream away from a “forward” or centered orientation. Similarly, second pivot coupling  38  allows the components downstream thereof (i.e., elbow  40  and nozzle  42 ) to pivot or rotate about horizontal axis A H , thereby facilitating an up-and-down adjustment of nozzle  42  and the associated fluid stream away from the “forward” or centered orientation. For purposes of the present disclosure, a centered orientation of monitor  20  is one in which monitor  20  may move through approximately equal angular sweeps either left and right, or up and down. A “forward” orientation is an orientation along a particular desired direction, such as toward the front of fire engine  10 . Handle  102 , which is a longitudinal structure defining a longitudinal axis, similarly defines centered and forward orientations in the same manner. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 10 , first pivot coupling  34  includes outer sleeve  44 , which is fixed to inlet conduit  32  ( FIG. 2 ) via a female threaded hex nut portion  46 . Inner sleeve  48  of first pivot coupling  34  is received within outer sleeve  44 , and includes a pair of grooves  50 A,  50 B ( FIG. 10 ) machined in an outer surface thereof. Grooves  50 A,  50 B align with corresponding apertures  52 A,  52 B ( FIG. 10 ) formed in outer sleeve  44  when inner sleeve  48  is pivotably received within outer sleeve  44  as shown in  FIG. 2 . As described in further detail below, respective cable cores  22  of side-to-side adjustment cables  54 A,  54 B pass through apertures  52 A,  52 B and into grooves  50 A,  50 B. Terminal ends of respective cable cores  22  of side-to-side adjustment cables  54 A,  54 B affix to inner sleeve  48  at attachment points  123 A,  123 B ( FIG. 10 ), such as by set screws extending transversely into the outer wall of inner sleeve  48  via grooves  50 A,  50 B, toward vertical axis A V  as illustrated. Actuation of side-to-side adjustment cables  54 A,  54 B causes tension in one of the essentially inelastic cable cores  22  thereof, which in turn causes rotation of inner sleeve  48  with respect to outer sleeve  44  about vertical axis A V . As inner sleeve  48  rotates, nozzle  42  sweeps through left or right side-to-side movements, i.e., movements along directions D ML , D MR . When the potential magnitude of D ML  and D MR  are the same, nozzle  42  is considered to be horizontally centered. In an exemplary embodiment, nozzle  42  is installed on engine  10  such that the outlet of the outlet of nozzle  42  is centered when such outlet is pointing forward, i.e., along a back-to-front direction of engine  10 . 
         [0038]    Outer sleeve  44  includes cable mounting bracket  56  affixed thereto, although it is also contemplated that bracket  56  may be integrally formed as a single monolithic part together with outer sleeve  44  (e.g., by integrating bracket  56  into the mold for casting outer sleeve  44 ). Bracket  56  includes base portion  58 , through which terminal cable mounting assemblies  62  are received and supported. Bracket  56  further includes axle portions  60 A,  60 B positioned to rotatably receive pulleys  64  as further described below. A cover (not shown) may be affixed to outer sleeve  44  over bracket  56  to protect pulleys  64 , the associated cable cores  22 , and other moving parts from ambient fluids or other contaminants. 
         [0039]    In an exemplary embodiment, grooves  50 A and  50 B are swept through an arcuate path having a radius or multiple radii perpendicular to vertical axis A V , and have overlapping arcuate sweeps as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . To facilitate this overlapping geometry, grooves  50 A and  50 B are positioned at differing vertical positions along vertical axis A V , and axle portions  60 A,  60 B are also vertically offset in similar fashion as best seen in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0040]    Referring still to  FIG. 2 , first elbow  36  extends downstream/distally from first pivot coupling  34 , and is fixed to inner sleeve  48  such that rotation of inner sleeve  48  also rotates elbow  36 . In one exemplary embodiment, inner sleeve  48  and elbow  36  are monolithically formed as a single part. As illustrated, the fluid pathway of elbow  36  redirects fluid flowing therethrough such that fluid exiting elbow  36  and entering second pivot coupling  38  is traveling along horizontal axis A H  and perpendicularly to axis A V . The output end of first elbow  36  is fixed to outer sleeve  66  of second pivot coupling  38 , and may also be monolithically formed therewith. 
         [0041]    Similarly to first pivot coupling  34 , second pivot coupling  38  also includes inner sleeve  68  having grooves  70 A,  70 B ( FIG. 8 ) formed in the outer surface thereof and mutually opposed to one another. Grooves  70 A,  70 B are sized to receive the terminal ends of cable core  22  of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B respectively, which are affixed to inner sleeve  68  at attachment points  128 A,  128 B ( FIG. 6 ). Actuation of cables  74 A,  74 B causes inner sleeve  68  to rotate with respect to outer sleeve  66 , thereby effecting an up-and-down sweep of monitor  20 . Cable mounting bracket  76  is fixed to first elbow  36  and outer sleeve  66 , and contains base portion  78  with terminal cable mounting assemblies  62  mounted thereto as illustrated. Mounting bracket  76  further includes axle portions  80 A,  80 B which rotatably support pulleys  64  as described further below. Similar to bracket  56  described above, it is contemplated that bracket  76  may be integrally formed as a single monolithic part together with outer sleeve  66  (e.g., by integrating bracket  76  into the mold for casting outer sleeve  66 ). A cover (not shown) may also be provided to protect the associated pulleys  64 , cable cores  22  and other structures adjacent to bracket  76  from firefighting fluid or other ambient contaminants. 
         [0042]    Downstream of second pivot coupling  38 , second elbow  40  curves the stream path as illustrated such that the direction of outward flow from nozzle  42  is substantially perpendicular to the direction of flow through second pivot coupling  38 . In this arrangement, first pivot coupling  34  is formed from a male portion of elbow  36  (i.e., inner sleeve  48 ), which is received within the female receiving portion formed by outer sleeve  44 . To facilitate rotation therebetween, a bearing (e.g. a ball bearing assembly) may be interposed between inner sleeve  48  and outer sleeve  44 . A fluid seal (e.g., an O-ring) may also be interposed between inner sleeve  48  and outer sleeve  44  to prevent fluid leakage at pivot coupling  34 . Similarly, second pivot coupling  34  is formed from a male portion of elbow  40  (i.e., inner sleeve  68 ), which is received within the female receiving portion of elbow  36  (i.e., outer sleeve  66 ). Second pivot coupling  38  may include a bearing and fluid seal arranged similar to first pivot coupling  38 . 
         [0043]    In an exemplary embodiment, the geometry and arrangement of first and second pivot couplings  34 ,  38  and first and second elbows  36 ,  40  may utilize the arrangements shown and described in U.S. Design Pat. No. D479,314 filed Aug. 23, 2002 and entitled FIRE FIGHTING MONITOR, U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,864 filed Nov. 11, 2005 and entitled RADIO CONTROLLED LIQUID MONITOR, or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0274397, filed Apr. 21, 2010 and entitled FIREFIGHTING MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEM THEREFOR, the entire disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. Another exemplary overall size and geometry for monitor  20  can be found in the “Sidewinder” monitor available from Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Elkhart, Ind., USA. 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , proximal control mechanism  14  includes a base structure  82 , a turntable  84  rotatably mounted to base structure  82  about vertical axis A V2 , and control handle assembly  86  pivotably mounted to turntable  84  about horizontal axis A H2 . As described in detail below, side-to-side adjustment cables  54 A,  54 B and up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B (which collectively form cable arrangement  26 , shown in  FIG. 1 ) are routed from distal control mechanism  16  ( FIG. 2 ) to proximal control mechanism  14 , where actuation of cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B is selectively performed by an operator through manual manipulation of control handle assembly  86 . 
         [0045]    Base structure  82  forms the fixed mounting point for the other structures of proximal control mechanism  14 , and is considered a fixed component in the context of the other, moveable components of the remote actuation system described herein. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , base structure  82  is attached to a plurality of threaded studs  88  which may extend from the support surface chosen for proximal control mechanism  14 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment of  FIG. 1 , studs  88  may extend vertically from the floor of the cabin of fire engine  10  adjacent operator stations  18 . Affixed to a lower portion of base structure  82  are wire mounting flange  90  and wire mounting collar  92 , each of which provides structural support for terminal cable mounting assemblies  62  for each of the proximal ends of cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B. As illustrated, wire mounting flange  90  is fixed relative to the other components of the remote actuation system, but wire mounting collar  92  is rotatably mounted to base structure  82  such that rotation of turntable  84  (described in detail below) concomitantly rotates wire mounting collar  92  and thereby avoids undue twisting of cable cores  22  extending therebetween. Base structure  82  further includes axle portions  94 A,  94 B ( FIG. 6 ) to which pulleys  64  are rotatably mounted for routing of respective cable cores  22  as described further below. 
         [0046]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , turntable  84  is rotatably mounted to base structure  82  as illustrated. In the exemplary illustrated embodiment, low friction sleeve  96  may be disposed between the downwardly extending stem  98  of turntable  84  and the adjacent bore formed in base structure  82 . Sleeve  96 , which may be made of nylon, graphite or another low friction material, provides a durable and long lasting low-friction interface between turntable  84  and base structure  82  to facilitate rotation of turntable  84 . 
         [0047]    While turntable  84  is the primary supporting structure for driving side-to-side adjustment of monitor  20 , the up-and-down adjustment components of proximal control mechanism  14  are structurally supported by support  100  as shown in  FIG. 3A . Support  100 , illustrated as mounting bracket  100  in  FIG. 3A , extends upwardly from turntable  84  and is fixed to turntable  84  (e.g., by mechanical fixation or by integrally and monolithically forming mounting bracket  100  with turntable  84 ). Thus, the up-and-down adjustment components (including handle assembly  86 , barrel  104  and its associated pulleys  64  and mounting bracket  100 ) are carried by turntable  84 , such that a side-to-side adjustment of proximal control mechanism  14  (e.g., by swinging handle  102  left or right) also rotates the up-and-down adjustment components about vertical axis A V2 . However, such rotation of the up-and-down adjustment components does not cause any corresponding tensioning of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B, thereby preserving the independent side-to-side and up-and-down adjustments to the orientation of monitor  20  afforded by proximal control mechanism  14  as noted above. In order to accommodate side-to-side rotation of handle  102  without introducing tension in up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B, the up-and-down adjustment components are arranged symmetrically around vertical axis A V2 . More specifically,  FIG. 3A  illustrates that the pivot axis for barrel  104 , i.e., horizontal axis A H2 , is arranged upon vertical axis A V2  such that vertical and horizontal axes A V2 , A H2  cross one another (i.e., intersect). In addition, pulleys  64  route proximal ends  22  of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B along a vertical path between respective cable mounting assemblies  62  and grooves  124 A,  124 B of barrel  104  ( FIG. 5A ), such that each such vertical cable path is parallel to vertical axis A V2 . These vertical cable paths are equally spaced from vertical axis A V2 , and are positioned close to axis A V2 , such as within less than one inch away. In one exemplary embodiment, this distance is about ⅜ inch. 
         [0048]    As the up-and-down adjustment components rotate together with turntable  84  during side-to-side movement of handle  102 , concomitant rotation of collar  92 , cable mounting assemblies  62 , and proximal ends  22  cause a slight “twisting” of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B below collar  92 . However, adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B have a relatively long span between collar  92  and distal control mechanism  16 , such as at least one foot and in some embodiments up to several feet or even several dozen feet, so that this “twisting” is distributed over the long span and does not materially contribute to any stretching of cable cores  22 . To the extent that minimal stretching may occur, the above-described vertical pathways of proximal ends  22  of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B cooperate with the symmetrical arrangement thereof around vertical axis A V2  to ensure that any increased tension experienced within cable cores  22  as a result of such twisting is shared equally within up adjustment cable  74 A and down adjustment cable  74 B. This equalized increase in tension, in turn, ensures that no up or down movement of monitor  20  will occur as a result of side-to-side movement of handle  102 . In addition to the relatively long span of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B, the increased tension experienced by cable cores  22  during side-to-side movements is also kept to a minimum by the minimal radial spacing between up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B and vertical axis A V2 . 
         [0049]    In an alternative configuration shown in  FIGS. 3B and 5B , mounting stanchion  100 ′ and barrel  104 ′ may be provided to support handle assembly  86 . The overall operation of proximal control mechanism  14  is the same regardless of whether stanchion  100 ′ is used with barrel  104 ′, or mounting bracket  100  is used with barrel  104 . For purposes of the present disclosure, references to “support  100 ” and “barrel  104 ” refer interchangeably to brackets or stanchion  100 ,  100 ′ and barrels  104 ,  104 ′ respectively unless otherwise noted. However, stanchion  100 ′ provides mounting tube  101 , which rotatably receives mounting stem  105  of barrel  104 ′ from along assembly path P such that barrel  104 ′ mounts to stanchion  100 ′ from one side only, thereby simplifying assembly and maintenance. A low-friction sleeve  107  ( FIG. 5B ) may be provided between mounting stem  105  and the bore of mounting tube  101  to facilitate rotation therebetween upon up-and-down movement of handle assembly  86 . Pulleys  64  also mount to axles  65  by assembly to the side of stanchion  100 ′ as illustrated in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0050]      FIG. 3B  also illustrates stanchion cover  136 , which is sized to cover the assembly of stanchion  100 ′, barrel  104 ′ and the associated pair of pulleys  64 . Handle assembly  86  can then be received within slot  138  of cover  136  to attach to barrel  104 ′. Turntable cover  140  may also be provided to cover turntable  84 , base structure  82  and the associated pulleys  64 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  illustrates arcuate slot  130  formed in turntable  84 , into which boss  132  passes. Boss  132  is affixed to a portion of base structure  82 , as illustrated, such that the total rotational limits of turntable  84  are limited by interaction between slot  130  and boss  132 . More particularly, boss  132  physically prevents further rotation of turntable  84  when boss  132  comes into contact with either end of arcuate slot  130 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, side-to-side rotation of turntable  84  is limited to about 90 degrees by arcuate slot  130 . This limit allows a user to fully rotate turntable  84  through its range of motion without exceeding the normal range of motion of the user&#39;s arm. As described below, this limit corresponds to a total potential side-to-side sweep of monitor  20  double that of turntable  84 , i.e., about 180 degrees. 
         [0052]    Turning again to  FIGS. 3A and 3B , control handle assembly  86  includes control handle  102  fixed to barrel  104 . Barrel  104 , in turn, is affixed to a pair of cable cores  22  of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B, as best seen in  FIG. 5A  and described further below. In addition, control handle assembly  86  may include trigger  106  in control handle  102 , which is mechanically or electrically connected via connection line  30  to control  28 , which in turn actuates a valve operable to selectively allow or prevent the flow of firefighting fluid from monitor  20  ( FIG. 1 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 5A  and described in further detail below, a pair of pulleys  64  are rotatably connected to support  100  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and operably disposed between barrel  104  and turntable  84 , so as to aid in efficient routing of cable cores  22  of up-and-down adjustment cables  74 A,  74 B from barrel  104  to cable mounting assemblies  62 . 
         [0053]    As noted above and shown in  FIG. 4 , each of the various control cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B interface with proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  via terminal cable mounting assembly  62 . More particularly, cable mounting assembly  62  facilitates the transition from an exposed cable core  22 , which is suitable for coupling to the various structures of proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  and transmitting force therebetween, and the full Bowden cable arrangement including cable core  22  and the protective, low friction cable housing  24  which surrounds core  22  throughout most of the routing distance between proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16 . 
         [0054]    Referring still to  FIG. 4 , an elevation, cross-sectional view of cable mounting assembly  62  illustrates structures used to make this transition. As illustrated, a terminal end of any of cables  54 A,  54 B,  74 A,  74 B may engage an axial input end of cable mounting assembly  62 , with the respective cable core  22  emerging from the opposing axial output end. At the input end, cable core  22  and cable housing  24  pass through ferrule  108 , which in turn is received within input end cap nut  110  as shown. Cap nut  110  is threadably received upon main body  112  of cable mounting assembly  62 , such that as cap nut  110  is tightened, ferrule  108  is urged into contact with main body  112  at ramped interface  114 , which in turn compresses ferrule  108  into firm and liquid-tight contact with the adjacent outer surface of cable housing  24 . In this way, any fluid present in the vicinity of the input end of cable mounting assembly  62  will be precluded from gaining entry to the space between cable core  22  and cable housing  24 , thereby preventing contamination of the lubricious interface therebetween. At the output end of cable mounting assembly  62 , cap nut  116  is provided to seal fluids from ingress at the output end. As illustrated, cap nut  116  is threadably received on main body  112 , and O-ring  118  is captured between main body  112  and cap nut  116 . O-ring  118  is sized to sealingly engage the outer surface of cable core  22 , such that any moisture which may exist in the vicinity of the output end of cable mounting assembly  62  is precluded from gaining entry therein. In addition, any contamination which may be present on the outer surface of cable core  22  will be prevented from passing into the bore of main body  112  by O-ring  118 . The above-described input-end and output-end sealing arrangements completely seal the inner bore of cable mounting assembly  62 , protecting the point at which cable core  22  emerges from cable housing  24 . 
         [0055]    Terminal cable mounting assembly  62  also provides for cable tension adjustment. As noted above and represented schematically in  FIG. 4 , cable mounting assembly  62  attaches to various structures of proximal control mechanism  14  or distal control mechanism  16 , such as base portion  58  of cable mounting bracket  56  ( FIG. 2 ), base portion  78  of cable mounting bracket  76  ( FIG. 2 ), wire mounting flange  90  of base structure  82  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ), or wire mounting collar  92  disposed below base structure  82  ( FIGS. 3A and 3B ). Main body  112  of cable mounting assembly  62  is axially fixed to such mounting structures by upper and lower threaded nuts  120  as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0056]    Cable cores  22  are affixed at their respective distal ends to various attachment points  122 A,  122 B,  123 A,  123 B,  127 A,  127 B,  128 A,  128 B, as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10  and described in further detail herein. Because the ends of the associated cable housings  24  are fixed with respect to main body  112  of cable mounting assembly  62 , moving main body  112  toward or away from a respective point of fixation of cable cores  22  has the effect of shortening or lengthening the total distance that must be spanned by cable cores  22 , respectively. Thus, if the tension in cable core  22  is desired to be increased, threaded nuts  120  can be adjusted toward the output end of cable mounting assembly  62 , which acts to shift main body  112  away from the associated cable core fixation point and causes an additional portion of cable core  22  to be extracted outwardly from its respective cable housing  24 . Conversely, if tension in cable core  22  is desired to be reduced, nuts  120  can be adjusted toward the input end of cable mounting assembly  62 , which acts to shift main body  112  toward the associated cable core fixation point and allows a portion of cable core  22  to retreat into its respective cable housing  24 . 
         [0057]    In use, a remote operator can directly mechanically control the position, orientation and movement of monitor  20  by manually performing corresponding movements of control handle assembly  86 . As described in detail below, both up-and-down and left-to-right movements can be performed, either individually or simultaneously to create a diagonal path. 
         [0058]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an up-and-down movement of control handle assembly  86  is shown schematically in conjunction with a corresponding up-and-down movement of nozzle  42 . As most clearly shown in  FIG. 8 , respective proximal terminal ends of cable cores  22  are affixed to opposing radial sides of barrel  104  at attachment points  122 A,  122 B, such as by set screws passing transversely from the outer sidewall of barrel  104 , through grooves  124 A,  124 B, and into the material of barrel  104  toward horizontal axis A H2  as illustrated. Each cable core  22  then passes around a portion of one of grooves  124 A,  124 B formed in the generally cylindrical sidewall of barrel  104 , then into groove  126  of the adjacent pulley  64  as shown. Turning back to  FIG. 7 , cable cores  22  then unite with respective cable housings  24  at cable mounting assemblies  62 , and down-adjustment cable  74 B and up-adjustment cable  74 A are routed to distal control mechanism  16  (e.g., along bumper  12  and into the cabin of engine  10  as shown in  FIG. 1 ). Cable core  22  is then exposed at another pair of cable mounting assemblies  62 , and routed around another pair of pulleys  64 , through apertures  72 A,  72 B formed in outer sleeve  66 , and into grooves  70 A,  70 B where the distal ends of cable cores  22  of cables  74 A,  74 B are respectively affixed at distal attachment points  127 A,  127 B ( FIG. 8 ) of inner sleeve  68 , such as by a set screw in similar fashion to attachment points  123 A,  123 B described above. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , when handle  102  is pulled upwardly along direction D HU , barrel  104  rotates counterclockwise and tension is introduced into cable core  22  of up-adjustment cable  74 A. This tension causes a concomitant, simultaneous counterclockwise rotation of inner sleeve  68 , which in turn causes an upward sweep of elbow  40  and nozzle  42  along direction D. Conversely, when handle assembly  86  is moved downwardly along direction D HD , barrel  104  rotates clockwise and tension is introduced into cable core  22  of down-adjustment cable  74 B. This tension causes a concomitant, simultaneous clockwise rotation of inner sleeve  68 , which in turn causes a downward sweep of elbow  40  and nozzle  42  along direction D MD . Similarly to the discussion of the centering of nozzle  42  described above, nozzle  42  may be said to be vertically centered when the potential magnitude of D MU  is the same as that of D MD . In an exemplary embodiment, this centered orientation corresponds with a forward orientation of the outlet of nozzle  42 . Handle  102  may also be forward-oriented and centered when nozzle  42  is centered, such that visual inspection of handle  102  from operator station  18  gives a positive indication of the orientation of nozzle  42 . 
         [0060]    Thus, the illustrated arrangement of up-and-down cables  74 A,  74 B allows selective tensioning of one of cable cores  22  to control up or down movement of monitor  20 . More particularly, the respective cable cores  22  of up-and-down cables  74 A,  74 B are arranged at radially opposed portions of the cylindrical sidewall of barrel  104 , and are wound around respective grooves  124 A,  124 B along opposite winding directions. As a result, rotation of barrel  104  about axis A H2  ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ) causes tension in one of cables  74 A,  74 B while simultaneously relaxing tension in the other of cables  74 A,  74 B. Moreover, long and flexible cables such as the Bowden cable arrangements of cables  74 A,  74 B are typically highly efficient at transferring force when in tension, but are substantially less efficient at transferring force by longitudinal compression. The present arrangement utilizing two cables (namely, cables  74 A,  74 B) for transmission of up-and-down movement of handle assembly  86  to monitor  20  takes advantage of the cables&#39; ability to transmit force efficiently in tension by primarily using cable tension to transmit forces in each of the up and down directions of travel. 
         [0061]    In the exemplary remote actuation system of  FIG. 7 , the angular sweep α H  through which the operator moves handle assembly  86  corresponds directly to the angular sweep α M  through which monitor  20  moves as a result. That is to say, a movement of handle assembly  86  away from a centered and/or forward orientation along up or down directions D Hu , D HD  ( FIG. 8 ) correspondingly moves monitor  20  up or down away from its centered and/or forward orientation along directions D MU  or D MD , respectively, by nominally equal angular amounts α M  α M  respectively. This 1:1 ratio of angular up-and-down movement between proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  results from setting the diameter D Vp  ( FIG. 8 ) of grooves  124 A,  124 B at proximal control mechanism  14  the same as the diameter D VD  ( FIG. 8 ) of grooves  70 A,  70 B at distal control mechanism  16 , respectively. Alternatively, it is contemplated that these groove diameters may be varied when a ratio of angular movement other than 1:1 is desired, as described in detail below with respect to the horizontal angular movement transmitted between proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16 . In addition, it is contemplated that a cross-sectional profile of grooves  124 A,  124 B and/or grooves  70 A,  70 B may take a non-round shape as required or desired for a particular application. In effect, such a non-round shape can be expected to change the angular output movement of monitor  20  relative to a given angular input movement of handle assembly  86 . 
         [0062]    Transmitting side-to-side movement of handle assembly  86  into corresponding side-to-side movement of monitor  20  is accomplished in a similar fashion to the above-described up-and-down transmission of movement, and may be done as a separate movement or simultaneously with up-and-down movement. Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a side-to-side movement of control handle assembly  86  is shown schematically in conjunction with a corresponding side-to-side movement of nozzle  42  (together with elbows  36 ,  40  and second pivot coupling  38 , as noted above). Proximal terminal ends of cable cores  22  of respective cables  54 A,  54 B are affixed to turntable  84  at respective attachment points  128 A,  128 B, such as by set screws extending transversely from the outer sidewall of turntable  84 , through grooves  134 A,  134 B, and into the material of turntable  84  toward horizontal axis A V2  as illustrated. These cable cores  22  each pass around respective portions of grooves  134 A,  134 B formed in the substantially cylindrical sidewall of turntable  84  in similar fashion to grooves  124 A,  124 B of barrel  104 . Cable cores  22  of cables  54 A,  54 B then pass into grooves  126  of respective adjacent pulleys  64 , as best seen in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , and then route into cable mounting assemblies  62  and on to distal control mechanism  16 . 
         [0063]    At distal control mechanism  16 , cable cores  22  again become available distal of cable mounting assemblies  62 , and are routed around pulleys  64 , through apertures  52 A,  52 B and into grooves  50 A,  50 B as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 10  and described above. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , when handle  102  is pulled sideways and left along direction D HL , turntable  84  rotates counterclockwise (i.e., along a left-hand direction) and tension is introduced into cable core  22  of left-adjustment cable  54 A. This tension causes a concomitant, simultaneous counterclockwise (i.e., left-hand) rotation of inner sleeve  48 , which in turn causes a leftward, sideways sweep of nozzle  42  along direction D ML  as noted above. Conversely, when handle assembly  86  is moved sideways and right along direction D HR , turntable  84  rotates clockwise (i.e., along a right-hand direction) and tension is introduced into cable core  22  of right-adjustment cable  54 B. This tension causes a concomitant, simultaneous clockwise (i.e., right-hand) rotation of inner sleeve  48 , which in turn causes a rightward, sideways sweep of nozzle  42  along direction D MR . 
         [0065]    Similarly to the arrangement of up-and-down cables  74 A,  74 B described above, the dual-cable arrangement of side-to-side cables takes advantage of the ability of cable cores  22  to transmit force efficiently by using cable tension to transmit forces in both the right and left side-to-side directions of travel. 
         [0066]    In the exemplary remote actuation system of  FIG. 9 , the angular sweep β H  through which handle assembly  86  is moved equals one half of the corresponding angular sweep β M  through which monitor  20  moves as a result. That is to say, when an operator moves handle assembly  86  away from a centered and/or forward orientation along left or right directions D HL  or D HR  ( FIG. 8 ), the operator correspondingly moves monitor  20  away from the corresponding centered and/or forward orientation along left or right directions D ML  or D MR , respectively. The corresponding movement of monitor  20  by an angular amount β M  is twice the angular movement β H  of handle assembly  86 . This 2:1 ratio of angular side-to-side movement between proximal and distal control mechanisms  14 ,  16  results from setting the diameter D HP  ( FIG. 10 ) of grooves  134 A,  134 B of turntable  84  at twice the nominal value of the diameter D HD  ( FIG. 10 ) of grooves  50 A,  50 B formed in inner sleeve  48  of first pivot coupling  34 . 
         [0067]    A remote actuation system in accordance with the present disclosure provides reliable, direct and intuitive control over a remote firefighting monitor. For example, a firefighter can manipulate proximal control mechanism  14  to sweep monitor  20  back and forth across a fire front with high precision and accuracy, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of a limited amount of firefighting fluid that may be available from the holding tank of engine  10  ( FIG. 1 ). This manipulation of monitor  20  can be conducted with a level of ease and responsiveness on par with direct, manual manipulation of a monitor in the hands of the firefighter, while allowing the firefighter to remain in the relative safety of the cabin of engine  10 . In addition, this precise and responsive manual functionality can be provided in a relatively low-cost system which minimizes or eliminates the need for electrical control apparatuses and components. Further, in configurations where monitor  20  may not be directly visible by the firefighter from operator station  18 , the position and orientation of handle  102  offers visual confirmation of the corresponding position and orientation of monitor  20  without the necessity to discharge and observe a fluid stream. 
         [0068]    While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.
A system and method remotely mechanically controls the direction of fluid flow from a firefighting monitor. For example, a control handle mounted in the cabin of a vehicle can be operably mechanically coupled to a pivotable firefighting monitor mounted outside the vehicle (e.g., near the front) by an arrangement of cables. The handle and cables are arranged such that horizontal pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding horizontal pivot of the firefighting monitor, and vertical pivoting of the handle results in a corresponding vertical pivot of the firefighting monitor. The direct mechanical link between the handle and firefighting monitor ensures a rapid and reliable control over the monitor direction and orientation, while providing an intuitive and user friendly operational modality.