Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: A below ground component management system includes a base plate disposed below a ground surface, a sleeve connected to the base plate and extending substantially perpendicular thereto toward the ground surface, and a cover sealably connected to an upper opening of the sleeve to form a substantially fluid-tight compartment with the base plate and the sleeve. The system also includes a component rack disposed within the compartment, and an actuator assembly configured to pass at least a portion of the rack through the opening. The actuator assembly includes a bracket, and first and second cylinders connected to the bracket. The first cylinder has a piston extending toward the base plate and the second cylinder has a piston extending toward the opening.

Abstract: A pressurized underground enclosure includes a battery venting system having a battery within a battery box in a sealed enclosure. A first pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and an ambient atmosphere and includes a vacuum generator for reducing a pressure in the battery box. A second pipe is fluidly connected to the battery box and the ambient atmosphere and includes a one-way valve permitting airflow to the battery box and precluding airflow from the battery box to the ambient atmosphere. The enclosure includes a scissors lift including scissor linkage units having arms pivotally connected at terminal ends and at central positions. The scissor linkage units are moveable from a retracted to an extended position by pneumatic cylinders. The internal pressurization of the enclosure is selectively released and locking mechanisms are retracted before a rack of the scissors lift is extended through an opening of the enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retaining an inflatable seal comprising a channel having a closed end and a pair of projecting legs. A plurality of spaced apertures in each of the projecting legs extend parallely along a longitudinal axis of the channel. A plurality of nuts align with the corresponding plurality of spaced apertures and an inflatable seal is disposed within the channel. A pin is disposed within each aperture, wherein each of the pins has a threaded portion threadingly engaging one of the nuts and a non-threaded portion projecting towards the neck to dispose the foot intermediate the pins and the closed end.

Abstract: A below ground component management system includes a base plate disposed below a ground surface, a sleeve connected to the base plate and extending substantially perpendicular thereto toward the ground surface, and a cover sealably connected to an upper opening of the sleeve to form a substantially fluid-tight compartment with the base plate and the sleeve. The system also includes a component rack disposed within the compartment, and an actuator assembly configured to pass at least a portion of the rack through the opening. The actuator assembly includes a bracket, and first and second cylinders connected to the bracket. The first cylinder has a piston extending toward the base plate and the second cylinder has a piston extending toward the opening.