Patent classifications
E02D29/12
Adjustable pit extension assembly
A meter pit tile extension assembly is provided. Illustratively, an inner ring is attachable to a pit tile. The inner ring includes a first set of a plurality of outwardly extending ribs. A first space located adjacent the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. An outer ring is provided that is telescopingly positioned over, and vertically movable with respect to, the inner ring. The outer ring includes a first set of a plurality of inwardly extending ribs. The first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs of the outer ring are selectively positionable in a first position in the first space between the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs. The outer ring is also rotatable with respect to the inner ring. Rotation of the outer ring with respect to the inner ring causes the first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs to be selectively positionable in a second position such that at least one inwardly extending rib of the first set of the plurality of inwardly extending ribs is selectively positionable adjacent at least one outwardly extending rib of the first set of the plurality of outwardly extending ribs.
SMART SYSTEM FOR MANHOLE EVENT SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
A system including a processor and sensor for installation inside an underground vault. The sensor monitors a parameter inside the vault and sends a monitoring signal to the processor. Based on the monitoring signal, the processor may provide data to a memory for storage and/or control signals to an interface for transmission to an external device located within the vault. The control signals instruct the external device to modify the environment inside the vault. The sensor may be positioned inside an enclosure, which is inside a housing. An air moving device moves air into or out of the enclosure thereby drawing air from the vault into the enclosure before the sensor monitors the parameter. A heat generating component may be positioned inside the housing and when generating heat prevents moisture from condensing therein. The system may include a power unit that draws power from a power source inside the vault.
SMART SYSTEM FOR MANHOLE EVENT SUPPRESSION SYSTEM
A system including a processor and sensor for installation inside an underground vault. The sensor monitors a parameter inside the vault and sends a monitoring signal to the processor. Based on the monitoring signal, the processor may provide data to a memory for storage and/or control signals to an interface for transmission to an external device located within the vault. The control signals instruct the external device to modify the environment inside the vault. The sensor may be positioned inside an enclosure, which is inside a housing. An air moving device moves air into or out of the enclosure thereby drawing air from the vault into the enclosure before the sensor monitors the parameter. A heat generating component may be positioned inside the housing and when generating heat prevents moisture from condensing therein. The system may include a power unit that draws power from a power source inside the vault.
Locking Cover Assembly For Preventing Unauthorized Access To A Utility Shut Off Valve
A security cover assembly for limiting access to a utility curb box, including an elongated security screw mounted to a cover member configured to cover a curb box to project down into the curb box and suspend a clamping disc movable up and down in the curb box by rotation in either opposite direction of the security screw by use of a specially configured key. A cutout on the clamping disc perimeter allows the clamping disc to be lowered beneath a conventional fixed flange projecting from a sidewall of the curb box and rotated into alignment therewith to thereafter be clamped thereto upon rotation of the security screw to thereafter prevent rotation of the cover assembly and removal of the cover assembly. Rotation of the cover assembly in the opposite direction to align a cutout in the clamping disc with the flange allows installation and removal of the cover assembly.
Locking Cover Assembly For Preventing Unauthorized Access To A Utility Shut Off Valve
A security cover assembly for limiting access to a utility curb box, including an elongated security screw mounted to a cover member configured to cover a curb box to project down into the curb box and suspend a clamping disc movable up and down in the curb box by rotation in either opposite direction of the security screw by use of a specially configured key. A cutout on the clamping disc perimeter allows the clamping disc to be lowered beneath a conventional fixed flange projecting from a sidewall of the curb box and rotated into alignment therewith to thereafter be clamped thereto upon rotation of the security screw to thereafter prevent rotation of the cover assembly and removal of the cover assembly. Rotation of the cover assembly in the opposite direction to align a cutout in the clamping disc with the flange allows installation and removal of the cover assembly.
SAFETY LANDING
A safety landing may include a first support panel positionable within the shaft and having a first support surface and a second support surface spaced apart from the first support surface. At least a first platform may have a first end that is movably connected to the first support panel and a second end spaced apart from the first end. The first platform may have an upper surface, an opposing lower surface and an end surface at the first end. The first platform may be movably between a closed position in which the first platform extends laterally across the shaft, and in which the lower surface rests on the first support surface and an open position in which the first platform is generally upright and the end surface of the first platform rests on the second support surface.
Safety hatch system
In one embodiment, an electronically controlled hatch system for safe ingress, egress, hazard detection, and methods thereof are provided to reduce or eliminate hazards to personnel, including protection of people above and below a scuttle hatch, access port, skylight or elevated deck. Said hatch system reduces the risk of falls while ascending or descending a ladder through an access port. In certain embodiments, severe weather, hazard, security, and other safety information are detected and transmitted to a central control unit for processing and regulating the opening and closing of a hatch covering the access port and/or raising and lowering a safety railing system based on said information and/or user input. Said hatch system may include an actuator and guides for automatically locking/unlocking and opening/closing a hatch, an actuator and guides for automatically raising/lowering a railing system, safety monitoring detectors/apparatuses, and a centralized controller.
NOVEL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING SUSPENDED ITEMS
Supporting assemblies for supporting a suspended load and processes relating thereto are described. An exemplar supporting assembly includes: (i) an area-narrowing feature including a first inner surface defining a first aperture; (ii) a main tube including an interior-main surface defining a cavity having disposed therewithin the area-narrowing feature; (iii) an area-expanding feature including a second outer surface; and (iv) a telescoping rod including an outer-telescoping surface having disposed thereon the area-expanding feature. In an assembled state of the supporting assembly, the outer-telescoping surface slidably passes through and establishes a first frictional contact with the first inner surface, and the second outer surface slidably engages and establishes a second frictional contact with the interior-main surface. In this configuration, the area-narrowing feature and the area-expanding feature facilitate slidable engagement of the telescoping rod to expand out of or retract inside, without decoupling from, the main tube.
NOVEL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SUPPORTING SUSPENDED ITEMS
Supporting assemblies for supporting a suspended load and processes relating thereto are described. An exemplar supporting assembly includes: (i) an area-narrowing feature including a first inner surface defining a first aperture; (ii) a main tube including an interior-main surface defining a cavity having disposed therewithin the area-narrowing feature; (iii) an area-expanding feature including a second outer surface; and (iv) a telescoping rod including an outer-telescoping surface having disposed thereon the area-expanding feature. In an assembled state of the supporting assembly, the outer-telescoping surface slidably passes through and establishes a first frictional contact with the first inner surface, and the second outer surface slidably engages and establishes a second frictional contact with the interior-main surface. In this configuration, the area-narrowing feature and the area-expanding feature facilitate slidable engagement of the telescoping rod to expand out of or retract inside, without decoupling from, the main tube.
MONITORING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
A monitoring system for an access chamber to a pipe network. The system comprises at least one sensor for determining a fluid condition associated with fluid in a conduit of the pipe network and at least one threshold level indicator for determining a threshold fluid level in the access chamber, the at least one threshold level indicator being associated with the at least one sensor. The system further comprises a controller for receiving output signals from the at least one sensor and the at least one threshold level indicator and for controlling supply of power to the at least one sensor and a wireless transceiver in communication with the controller to allow the controller to communicate with a remote server over a communications network. The controller is arranged to supply power to the at least one sensor in response to receiving an output signal from the at least one threshold level indicator indicative of the fluid level having exceeded the threshold fluid level.