Hydraulic Callipers [Jaws of Life]
Maker and role
George Hurst, Inventor
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
F865.2002
Maker
Description
Hydraulic callipers / spreader for emergency situations used by firemen in accidents, etc.'Jaws of Life'. Two thick metal prongs with grip on the ends. Two side handles and one long handle on top. Control switch in the centre above the motor/compressor, and two hoses attached at top. Marked 'Hurst'.
Brief History
Hydraulic callipers, also known as ‘Jaws of life’, were invented in 1961 by George Hurst. Hurst had witnessed a car accident which required rescuers to cut vehicles using circular saws in order to get to the injured people. This process was both dangerous and time consuming, and Hurst developed a system using pistons and hydraulic fluid to apply pressure to pry open the car roof, allowing rescuers to access the injured.
Hydraulic equipment is based on a simple concept: the transmission of forces from point to point through a fluid. Most hydraulic machines use some sort of incompressible fluid, which is a fluid that is at its maximum density.
Hydraulic equipment is based on a simple concept: the transmission of forces from point to point through a fluid. Most hydraulic machines use some sort of incompressible fluid, which is a fluid that is at its maximum density.
Marks
HURST Printed
1529 Impressed
1529 Impressed
Media/Materials
Credit Line
George Hurst. Hydraulic Callipers [Jaws of Life], F865.2002. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.