Manhole security cover

• US 8,674,830 B2
• Filed: 12/21/2010
• Issued: 03/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: McGard LLC
• Original Assignee: McGard LLC
• Inventors: Lanham, Thomas R., Trank, Andrew D., Corby, Daniel J., Sullivan, Jeffrey R.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCNALLY, KERRI L
• Application Number:
  US12/974,271
• Publication Number:
  US 20110148631A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,183 Days
• Field of Search: 340/540, 340/541
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/14 Covers for manholes or the like; Frames for covers gully gratings E03F5/06
• CPC Class Codes: E02D 29/1481 Security devices, e.g. indicating unauthorised opening E02D29/1427 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0068 Door closed
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0069 bolt position
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/06 Electric alarm locks E05B45/005 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 53/003 flexible
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/006 for covers or panels for manholes E02D29/1427; for holes enabling access to installations in buildings E04F19/08; for pressure vessels F16J13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/06 by tampering with fastening
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/08 by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/0964 Cam
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/554 Cover, lid, cap, encasing shield
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/7062 Electrical type [e.g., solenoid]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/8216 Tampering detector

Abstract

A manhole security cover includes a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material. The manhole cover body is seatable on a manhole frame to cover a manhole opening. In the seated position, the first side is accessible from outside the manhole, the second side is disposed within the manhole, and the peripheral edge portion engages a manhole cover support surface on the manhole frame. A manhole cover tamper sensor is responsive to a predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. A transmitter is operatively connected to the manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when the manhole cover tamper sensor detects the predetermined movement of the manhole security cover body. An antenna is operatively coupled to the transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through the manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.

Claims

1. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a transmitter housing on said second side of said manhole cover body, said transmitter housing containing a transmitter and an antenna;

said transmitter being operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

said antenna being operatively coupled to said transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole;

a key-actuated latch mechanism operable to engage and lock said manhole cover body to said manhole frame;

said latch mechanism comprising one or more retractable latches on said second side of said manhole cover body and a latch drive unit operatively coupled to said latches and accessible on said first side of said manhole cover body for engagement by a security key; and

a latch sensor operable to detect a latching state of said latch mechanism, said latch sensor being operatively connected to said transmitter (or to a separate transmitter), and said transmitter (or said separate transmitter) being configured to generate a manhole cover unlatching signal when said latch sensor senses said latch mechanism being unlatched.

2. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover body comprises a fiber resin composite material.

3. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover body is substantially circular.

4. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said peripheral edge of said manhole cover body comprises a protective gasket adapted to engage said manhole cover support surface.

5. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover tamper sensor comprises one or more sensing devices selected from the group consisting of switches and sensors, including electromechanical switches, proximity sensors, tilt sensors, position sensors, inertial sensors, vibration sensors and infrared sensors.

6. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter housing is removably mounted on said second side of said manhole cover body.

7. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter housing comprises a transmitter housing base and a transmitter housing cover both comprising rigid plastic material, said transmitter housing cover being removably mounted to said transmitter housing base and sealed to protect said transmitter and said antenna against environmental exposure within said manhole.

8. The manhole security cover of claim 7, wherein said transmitter housing comprises a transmitter housing tamper sensor operatively connected to said transmitter (or to a separate transmitter) and responsive to opening of said transmitter housing cover, said transmitter (or said separate transmitter) being configured to generate a transmitter housing tamper signal when said transmitter housing tamper sensor detects said opening of said transmitter housing cover.

9. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter comprises a circuit board mounting transmitter components, and further wherein said antenna is on said circuit board.

10. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover tamper sensor is disposed inside said transmitter housing.

11. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover tamper sensor is disposed outside of said transmitter housing and said transmitter housing comprises one or more connection ports for wiring said manhole cover tamper sensor to said transmitter.

12. The manhole security cover of claim 11, wherein said transmitter is configured to generate a sensor disconnection indicating signal in response to said manhole cover tamper sensor being disconnected from said transmitter.

13. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter is powered by a battery that is disposed either inside or outside of said transmitter housing.

14. The manhole security cover of claim 13, wherein said battery is disposed in a battery housing that is separate from said transmitter housing, said battery being operatively connected to said transmitter via an electrical pathway between said battery housing and said transmitter housing.

15. The manhole security cover of claim 14, wherein said transmitter housing is disposed in said battery housing.

16. The manhole security cover of claim 14, wherein said transmitter housing is separate from said battery housing, and wherein an energy storage device is operatively connected to be charged by said battery and to discharge power to said transmitter in the event said battery is disconnected from said transmitter.

17. The manhole security cover of claim 14, wherein said battery housing comprises a battery housing base and a battery housing cover both comprising rigid plastic material, said battery housing cover being removably mounted to said battery housing base and sealed to protect said battery against environmental exposure within said manhole.

18. The manhole security cover of claim 17, wherein said battery housing comprises a battery housing tamper sensor operatively connected to said transmitter (or to a separate transmitter) and responsive to opening of said battery housing cover, said transmitter (or said separate transmitter) being configured to generate a battery housing tamper signal when said battery housing tamper sensor detects said opening of said battery housing cover.

19. The manhole security cover of claim 13, wherein said battery comprises a main battery and one or more redundant batteries operable to provide power to said transmitter as a backup to said main battery.

20. The manhole security cover of claim 13, wherein said transmitter is further configured to transmit a low battery signal if a voltage of said battery drops to a predetermined level.

21. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover tamper sensor comprises one or more switch units wired to said transmitter, said one or more switch units being mounted to said second side of said manhole cover body and extending to said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body.

22. The manhole security cover of claim 21, wherein said one or more switch units each include a rigid housing, an environmentally resistant switch and a movable switch actuator, said movable switch actuator being operable to engage said manhole cover support surface when said manhole security cover is in a seated position on said manhole frame and to trigger said switch when said manhole security cover is moved from said seated position.

23. The manhole security cover of claim 22, wherein there are at least three of said one or more switch units spaced equidistantly from each other inboard of said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body to prevent partial lifting of said manhole security cover.

24. The manhole security cover of claim 22, wherein said switch actuator is either an integral part of said switch or a separate mechanism.

25. The manhole security cover of claim 24, wherein said switch actuator is selected from the group consisting of levers, plungers, pins and rollers.

26. The manhole security cover of claim 25, wherein said switch actuator is separate from said switch, and wherein said switch actuator comprises a pivotable cam lever, and further wherein said switch comprises a cam following trigger arranged to be actuated by said cam lever.

27. The manhole security cover of claim 26, wherein said cam lever is spring biased away from an armed position wherein said cam lever is substantially flush with said second side of said manhole cover body toward a home position wherein said cam lever is pivoted away from said second side of said manhole cover body, whereby said cam lever will pivot and actuate said switch when not engaging said manhole cover support surface.

28. The manhole security cover of claim 21, wherein said one or more switch units are wired for zero power consumption.

29. The manhole security cover of claim 21, wherein said one or more switch units are wired in series to said transmitter, and have a normally open state but are held in a closed state by said switch actuator when said manhole cover body is seated on said manhole frame, whereby a normally closed alarm state is provided and said transmitter will detect when any of said switches are opened or if a connection to any of said switches is broken.

30. The manhole security cover of claim 21, wherein said one or more switch units are wired in parallel to said transmitter, and have a normally closed state but are held in an open state by said switch actuator when said manhole cover body is seated on said manhole frame, whereby a normally open alarm state is provided and said transmitter will detect when any of said switches are closed.

31. The manhole security cover of claim 21, wherein said transmitter is configured to monitor resistance in a wiring circuit comprising said switches, whereby jumpering of one or more of said switch units may be detected.

32. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter is further configured to transmit a periodic heartbeat signal.

33. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said transmitter (or said separate transmitter) is further configured to generate a manhole cover latching signal when said latch sensor senses said latch mechanism being latched.

34. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover tamper sensor and said latch sensor support a two-stage alert wherein receipt of said unlatching signal within a predetermined time period prior to receipt of said tamper signal enables a determination of whether removal of said manhole security cover from said manhole opening is authorized or unauthorized.

35. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said latch mechanism further includes a latch actuator operable to support keyless entry to said manhole by automatically unlatching said latch mechanism, and further wherein said manhole security cover further includes a wireless receiver operatively coupled to said latch actuator and being configured to control said latch actuator to unlatch said latch mechanism in response to a latch mechanism wireless control signal received by said receiver from outside said manhole.

36. The manhole security cover of claim 35, wherein said receiver is combined with said transmitter in a transmitter/receiver unit operable to both transmit and receive radio frequency signals.

37. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said latch mechanism further includes a latch actuator operable to support two-stage entry to said manhole by automatically locking and unlocking said latch mechanism for mechanical actuation by a key, and further wherein said manhole security cover further includes a wireless receiver operatively coupled to said latch actuator and being configured to control said latch actuator to unlock said latch mechanism to permit key actuation in response to a latch mechanism wireless control signal received by said wireless receiver from outside said manhole.

38. The manhole security cover of claim 37, further including a short-range key authentication receiver operable to authenticate said key and allow said latch actuator to unlock said latch mechanism only if said key is authenticated.

39. The manhole security cover of claim 1, further including a precision mounting insert for installation and latching of said manhole security cover on said manhole frame, said mounting insert comprising a first portion configured to be secured to said manhole frame and to provide said manhole cover support surface, and a second portion recessed from said first portion and comprising one or more control surfaces.

40. The manhole security cover of claim 39, wherein said second portion of said mounting insert comprises a latching control surface configured to engage said latches of said latch mechanism and maintain said manhole cover body in a defined home position relative to said manhole frame.

41. The manhole security cover of claim 39, wherein said second portion of said mounting insert comprises one or both of a horizontal control surface or a vertical control surface for engaging said manhole cover tamper sensor or other sensors of said manhole security cover.

42. The manhole security cover of claim 1, further including one or more skid members on said second side of said manhole cover body for protecting components mounted thereon from contact with a surface when said manhole security cover is removed from said manhole.

43. The manhole security cover of claim 1, wherein said manhole cover body does not have any uncovered openings therein that would allow a contaminant material to be poured into said manhole.

44. The manhole security cover of claim 1, further including one or more environmental sensors.

45. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a key-actuated latch mechanism operable to engage and lock said manhole cover body to said manhole frame, said latch mechanism comprising one or more latch members on said second side of said cover plate body and a latch drive unit, said latch drive unit being operatively coupled to said latch members and accessible on said first side of said manhole cover body for engagement by a security key;

a precision mounting insert for installation and latching of said manhole security cover on said manhole frame, said mounting insert comprising a first portion configured to be secured to said manhole frame and to provide said manhole cover support surface, and a second portion recessed from said first portion and comprising one or more control surfaces, including a latching control surface configured to engage said latch members and maintain said manhole cover body in a defined home position relative to said manhole frame;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a transmitter operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body; and

an antenna operatively coupled to said transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole.

46. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a key-actuated latch mechanism operable to engage and lock said manhole cover body to said manhole frame, said latch mechanism comprising one or more retractable latch members on said second side of said cover plate body and a latch drive unit, said latch drive unit being operatively coupled to said latch members and accessible on said first side of said manhole cover body for engagement by a security key;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a latch sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said latch sensor being responsive to said latch mechanism being unlatched;

a transmitter system comprising one or more transmitters, said transmitter system being operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

said transmitter system further being operatively connected to said latch sensor and configured to generate a manhole cover unlatching signal when said latch sensor senses said latch mechanism being unlatched;

an antenna system comprising one or more antennas operatively coupled to said transmitter system to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole;

said manhole cover tamper sensor and said latch sensor supporting a two-stage alert system wherein receipt of said unlatching signal within a predetermined time period prior to receipt of said tamper signal enables a determination of whether removal of said manhole security cover from said manhole opening is authorized or unauthorized.

47. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a key-actuated latch mechanism operable to engage and lock said manhole cover body to said manhole frame, said latch mechanism comprising one or more retractable latch members on said second side of said cover plate body and a latch drive unit, said latch drive unit being operatively coupled to said latch members and accessible on said first side of said manhole cover body for engagement by a security key;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a transmitter operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

an antenna operatively coupled to said transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole;

an electromechanical latch actuator operable to support keyless entry to said manhole by automatically unlatching said latch mechanism; and

a wireless receiver operatively coupled to said latch actuator and configured to control said latch actuator to unlatch said latch mechanism in response to a latch mechanism wireless control signal received by said receiver unit from outside said manhole.

48. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a key-actuated latch mechanism operable to engage and lock said manhole cover body to said manhole frame, said latch mechanism comprising one or more retractable latch members on said second side of said cover plate body and a latch drive unit, said latch drive unit being operatively coupled to said latch members and accessible on said first side of said manhole cover body for engagement by a security key;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a transmitter operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

an antenna operatively coupled to said transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole;

an electromechanical latch actuator operable to support two-stage entry to said manhole by automatically unlocking said latch mechanism to allow mechanical key actuation; and

a wireless receiver operatively coupled to said latch actuator and configured to control said latch actuator to unlock said latch mechanism in response to a latch mechanism wireless control signal received by said receiver unit from outside said manhole.

49. The manhole security cover of claim 48, further including a short-range key authentication receiver operable to authenticate a mechanical key that supports wireless identification.

50. A manhole security cover for covering an opening to a manhole, comprising:

a manhole cover body comprising a non-metallic RF signal transmissive material;

said manhole cover body having a generally planar first side, a second side spaced from said first side and a peripheral edge portion;

said manhole cover body being operatively positionable during use thereof to seat on a manhole frame and cover said manhole opening, such that said first side of said manhole cover body is accessible from outside said manhole, said second side of said manhole cover body is disposed within said manhole, and said peripheral edge portion of said manhole cover body engages a manhole cover support surface on said manhole frame;

a manhole cover tamper sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said manhole cover tamper sensor being responsive to a predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

a transmitter housing on said second side of said manhole cover body, said transmitter housing containing a transmitter and an antenna;

said transmitter being operatively connected to said manhole cover tamper sensor and configured to generate a radio frequency manhole cover tamper signal when said manhole cover tamper sensor detects said predetermined movement of said manhole security cover body;

said antenna being operatively coupled to said transmitter to radiate radio frequency energy through said manhole cover body to a receiver located outside of said manhole; and

a thin film sensor on said second side of said manhole cover body, said thin film sensor being responsive to manhole cover integrity disruption due to an attempt to penetrate said manhole cover body, said thin film sensor being operatively connected to said transmitter (or to a separate transmitter) and said transmitter (or said separate transmitter) being configured to generate a manhole cover integrity violation signal when said thin film sensor senses said integrity disruption.