Abstract: A subgrade vault system with a locking lid assembly is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured with one or more rotatable locking mechanisms to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.

Abstract: A system for preventing liquid infiltration into a sump having an opening defined by a sump collar includes a ring member adapted to be disposed about the sump collar, at least a portion of the ring member adapted to be in contact with a drainable material disposed below. The system also includes a lid member in engagement with the ring member. The ring member including a number of apertures disposed therein, each aperture of the number of apertures being adapted to allow liquid to pass from a top surface of the ring member to the drainable material below.

Abstract: A waste collection system including a well assembly positioned at least partially below a reference surface, the well assembly having a base and a well wall at least partially positioned on the base. The well assembly also includes a well liner defining a liner cavity therein, positioned in a well defined in part by the well wall. The system also includes a main receptacle body having a main barrel portion and a head portion, the main receptacle body being at least partially receivable in the liner cavity, and the main receptacle body being movable by a moving device between a received condition, in which the main barrel portion is at least partially received in the liner cavity, and a removed condition, in which the main barrel portion is located outside the liner cavity. The main receptacle body defines a cavity therein in which waste is receivable.

Abstract: ‘Underground Thermal Battery Storage System’ using a battery structure of one or more underground thermally insulated cells, where each cell comprised of a waterproof thermal insulation shell, one or more fluid storage tanks and earth matrix. The thermal storage cell's fluid storage tanks are interconnected using a thermal fluid transport system with control valves, circulating pumps, and managed by a programmable controller. The programmable controller uses the cell sensors to determine cell status, control cell interconnections, and to manage the thermal charging and discharging by exterior heating or cooling devices. A moisture injection system is provided to control the thermal conductivity within the cell's earth matrix.

Abstract: A locking security cover for an in a ground junction box that opens to the earth. A has an opening for access to the interior of the ground box and a lock receiver fixed thereto. Plural legs support the frame and a base flange engages the bottom of the ground box side walls. The leg mounts are selectively engaged to either a flexible connection suitable for insertion of the frame and the first leg into the ground box as a unit, and a fixed connection. A rigid cover engages the frame and provides a lock recess and lock shroud. A lock inserted into the lock shroud engages a lock receiver fixed to the frame.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsurface refuse collection system comprising an underground bunker (4), a refuse container (3), a deposit bin (1) and a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system. The container (3) is collected by means of an automated crane (18) with automatic hitching to facilitate collection. The system is equipped with multiple devices to measure volume and weight of the refuse deposited in the deposit bin (1), for the purpose of system monitoring or improvements to the management of truck routes. It also includes a safety device to prevent accidental fails into the underground bunker during collection.

Abstract: A panel, such as a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover, according to which an access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to the panel.

Abstract: An improved inground protective housing for components of underground systems is provided. The housing is configured so that it may be placed over the components that are already installed in the ground. Window knockouts, as well as an easily removable bottom flange portion corresponding to a window knockout, are provided to ease the installation of the housing.

Abstract: A concrete lid for an in-ground utilities box includes a plastic reinforcement structure filled with concrete. The plastic reinforcement structure includes one or more plastic sidewalls that protect the edges of the lid from damage. The upper and lower surfaces of the lid are exposed concrete (with the exception of the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls). The one or more plastic sidewalls laterally surround a plastic reinforcement grid, which is centrally located between the upper and lower edges of the one or more plastic sidewalls. The one or more plastic sidewalls can be integrally formed with the plastic reinforcement grid. The plastic reinforcement grid reinforces the concrete lid, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement material. Support struts can be used to support the plastic reinforcement grid while wet concrete is being poured into the plastic reinforcing structure.

Abstract: A watertight handhole for the transit of cables in outdoor areas comprised of two cubic or other shaped units, one external and one internal, bonded together (monoblock), made of polyvinyl, cast iron, steel or stainless steel. The handhole of the present invention has one more unit than the known handholes in current use. Its external unit does not have a bottom floor and its sides are (partially) perforated for the removal of any water that may enter, protecting in this way the internal unit which houses the cables and the top of which closes with a flat plate that extends slightly beyond its main body. The bottom floor of the internal unit is conical and ends with a hole which is closed by a conical plug. Both the hole and the plug are threaded. The conical plug has a slot which allows it to be easily opened for the removal of water in the event the unit requires cleaning.

Abstract: Herein described is a bin for collecting solid waste, in particular urban waste, provided with a device for weighing the products deposited by a single user, of the type made up of two containers, the outer covering one and the inner one for collecting waste. Such bin includes a rigid frame arranged in the gap between the two containers. Such frame rests on four stanchions on the bottom of the more outer container, where the wheels are applied, whereas on the upper edge some load cells are arranged, which support the most inner container so as to be able to detect the weight of the waste deposited in the bin by the user.

Abstract: A waste collection system including a well assembly positioned at least partially below a reference surface, the well assembly having a base and a well wall at least partially positioned on the base. The well assembly also includes a well liner defining a liner cavity therein, positioned in a well defined in part by the well wall. The system also includes a main receptacle body having a main barrel portion and a head portion, the main receptacle body being at least partially receivable in the liner cavity, and the main receptacle body being movable by a moving device between a received condition, in which the main barrel portion is at least partially received in the liner cavity, and a removed condition, in which the main barrel portion is located outside the liner cavity. The main receptacle body defines a cavity therein in which waste is receivable.

Abstract: A subgrade vault system with a locking lid assembly is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured with one or more rotatable locking mechanisms to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.

Abstract: An enhanced strength grade level utility enclosure comprises a vertical wall structure having an upright inner wall panel extending from an upper edge to a bottom edge of the structure. The inner wall panel has an inside face spanning the enclosure's interior. One or more narrow, vertically extending slotted regions are recessed in the inside face of the wall panel. Upright rigid support bars, optionally adapted for use as cable racks, are positioned in and rigidly affixed to separate slotted regions on the wall panel. The support bars provide a continuous means of rigid vertical support from the upper edge down to the bottom edge of the enclosure's wall structure. The recessed support bars, in combination with the vertical wall structure, provide enhanced wall strength in excess of industrial vertical side wall and center load test standards.

Abstract: A deep refuse container with a greater volume for garbage, container can be emptied by using automated elements. The deep refuse container includes a body part having at least one inner space for garbage, and a frame part including an open upper end, a lower end and at least one side for supporting the body part. The frame part of the deep refuse container of is disposed below the ground level so that the upper end of the frame part is substantially at the same level with the ground level or above the ground level. The body part of the deep refuse container is disposed into the frame part so that a lower portion of the body part locates inside the frame part and upper portion of the body part locates above the frame part. The body part is further provided with one or more contact parts for automated emptying elements.

Abstract: An access door according to which the access door is hingedly or pivotally coupled to a panel such as, for example, a water meter box cover or another type of meter box cover.

Abstract: During installation and before a floor or foundation slab is put in place, a sewage ejector basin is set below grade and a basin extension of the present invention set in place around the basin. The basin extension of the present invention is rectangular in shape and comprises four basin extension sidewalls in communicable relation to each other at right angles; an opening within a top of the basin extension to allow access to the basin; and an opening within a bottom of the basin extension to accommodate a basin. An inlet pipe is routed underground and into the basin. A discharge pipe and a vent pipe are routed out of the basin and through a basin lid, oriented horizontally in relation to the floor, passed through a basin extension sidewall of the basin extension of the present invention, routed under the floor and toward a wall of a mechanical room.

Abstract: A nut configured to threadably engage an external thread of a bolt is provided. The nut generally comprises an upper portion that defines a first thread, a lower portion that defines a second thread, and a sidewall portion that connects the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion may be separated from the lower portion by a gap, and the sidewall portion may include a first sidewall spaced apart from a second sidewall.

Abstract: A waste collection system has an outer shell arranged at least partly underground. A waste container (6) is inserted partly into the outer shell, and has a frame mainly above the ground (8), and a top container (9) mainly above the ground and inside the frame. A bottom container is arranged mainly underground inside the outer shell. The waste container has a cover which opens to emptying the container and one or more filling openings arranged on the cover for introducing waste into the waste container. Lifting means are arranged on the frame, and are engaged by a lifting mechanism (20) so the waste container can be lifted out from the outer shell and emptied and returned. The frame has protrusion(s) (18, 19) toward the inside of the frame and the top container has corresponding recesses (21, 22) which attach the top container to the frame.

Abstract: A sealing cover assembly that provides a liquid-tight seal around the upper perimeter of an underground utility box includes an upper lid element, a lower lid element, and a resilient, elastomeric sealing element sandwiched in between. The sealing element includes a peripheral sealing lip that mates with a peripheral surface of the upper lid element, and a sealing flange that seats in a peripheral groove or slot in the lower lid element. The peripheral lip bears against an interior surface of the underground box to form a seal The underside of the lower lid element includes fastening elements for securing an accessory holder to the underside of the cover assembly. A central fastening assembly secures the upper and lower lid elements together with the sealing element captured therebetween.

Abstract: A deep refuse container with a greater volume for garbage, container can be emptied by using automated elements. The deep refuse container includes a body part having at least one inner space for garbage, and a frame part including an open upper end, a lower end and at least one side for supporting the body part. The frame part of the deep refuse container of is disposed below the ground level so that the upper end of the frame part is substantially at the same level with the ground level or above the ground level. The body part of the deep refuse container is disposed into the frame part so that a lower portion of the body part locates inside the frame part and upper portion of the body part locates above the frame part. The body part is further provided with one or more contact parts for automated emptying elements.

Abstract: A system comprising trash bins that are submerged or recessed in the ground is disclosed, with the system lowering the trash bin opening. This can reduce the need for lifting of trash to an elevated bin opening and in some instances can eliminate the need to lift the trash by hand. In one embodiment, a hole can be formed in the ground that is sized to accept a trash bin. A bin vault is placed in the hole, and a trash bin is placed inside the vault. The bin opening is at a lower level than the same bin at ground level, and the submerged bin can be lifted out of the vault for emptying using conventional trash trucks.

Abstract: An improved vault that facilitates the underground storage of electronic equipment, such as instrumentation for wireless telecommunications antenna systems. The vault preferably includes an flood evacuation system that prevents the electronic equipment from being submerged under water when the vault floods, a break-away lid to reduce or minimize injury, and a grated lid to prevent water from entering the main equipment chamber.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods of providing a notched cover include a lid for an underground vault for temporary use while the permanent lid to the underground vault is removed. In an example application, this underground vault lid would facilitate fiber maintenance in that the fiber optic cables may be maintained through the lid while protecting the public and the utility company employees from the danger of injury due to an “open hole in the ground” that is created when an underground vault is open. The disclosed systems and methods of providing a notched lid may include a temporary vault lid comprising a small opening relative to the size of the lid, the opening allowing the fiber optic cable to exit the vault while maintaining the pedestrian integrity of the vault lid, thereby reducing and/or eliminating the safety risk associated with the exposed vault.

Abstract: A waste collection system has an outer shell arranged at least partly underground. A waste container (6) is inserted partly into the outer shell, and has a frame mainly above the ground (8), and a top container (9) mainly above the ground and inside the frame. A bottom container is arranged mainly underground inside the outer shell. The waste container has a cover which opens to emptying the container and one or more filling openings arranged on the cover for introducing waste into the waste container. Lifting means are arranged on the frame, and are engaged by a lifting mechanism (20) so the waste container can be lifted out from the outer shell and emptied and returned. The frame has protrusion(s) (18, 19) toward the inside of the frame and the top container has corresponding recesses (21, 22) which attach the top container to the frame.

Abstract: A subgrade vault system and method of forming the same is provided. Specifically, a subgrade vault suitable for housing utility and similar equipment is provided, the vault comprising a main body portion, a cap, and a lid that may be selectively secured to prevent or deter unauthorized access to vault contents.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery, such as a 12 Volt battery that is recharged by a solar panel, is placed into a container system that includes an enclosure, having a top portion that is open and a bottom portion that is open, that is substantially buried underground. A sleeve, having a bottom portion that is open and a top portion that is closed, is lowered into the enclosure such that air is trapped inside the top portion of the sleeve when water collects against the enclosure. The trapped air prevents flood water from rising high enough to contact terminals of the battery. When flood conditions subside, the water drains out the bottom portion of the container system into the ground. Additionally, a ridge around the bottom of the sleeve makes it easier to insert the sleeve into the enclosure because the ridge slides over the dirt and debris, but the ridge scrapes and removes unwanted dirt and debris from the enclosure whenever the sleeve is removed to access the battery.

Abstract: A water meter pit assembly includes a water meter pit frame defining an opening and a cover supported within the opening. A latch is moveable between a locked position where the cover is held fixed relative to the water meter pit frame to close the opening and an unlocked position where the cover is moveable relative to the water meter pit frame to allow access to the opening. The latch comprises a rotatable cam that engages the water meter pit frame when in the locked position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subsurface refuse collection system comprising an underground bunker (4), a refuse container (3), a deposit bin (1) and a cover (2) with automatic opening and closing which can be powered electrically using a solar system. The container (3) is collected by means of an automated crane (18) with automatic hitching to facilitate collection. The system is equipped with multiple devices to measure volume and weight of the refuse deposited in the deposit bin (1), for the purpose of system monitoring or improvements to the management of truck routes. It also includes a safety device to prevent accidental fails into the underground bunker during collection.

Abstract: A gardener's waste can includes a frusto-conical container having a flexible sidewall, a closed bottom end and an open top end defining a circular rim. An arcuate hinge is formed in the sidewall of the container. The hinge has opposite ends respectively intersecting the rim of the container and is arranged such that, when the sidewall of the container is laid against the ground, a hinged portion of the sidewall connected to the hinge and disposed between the two ends thereof swings inwardly into the container and lies generally flat against the ground so that leaves, cuttings on the ground are easily swept over the flat portion of the container sidewall and into the container.

Abstract: A well cellar system includes a substantially planar base plate, the base defining an aperture sized to receive a conductor pipe. The planar base plate is an integral structural member which, in conjunction with the seal between the base plate and the wall and the riser and the conductor, are sufficiently robust to support the weight of the conductor pipe and its auxiliary equipment. The sealed well cellar is afforded with a laterally extending flange which serves as an anti-buoyancy anchor. A anti-buoyancy port allows the upward floatation pressure to be balanced out by water pressure within the cellar during placement to avoid floatation. A sacrificial anode housing is provided with a removable lid and holes for allowing passage of electrolyte. Although the preferred embodiments of sealed well cellars are metal and plastic, a cementaceous embodiment is also envisioned.

Abstract: A ground level closure (GLC) that can address deficiencies found with traditional pedestal installations is disclosed. The GLC can combine benefits of a sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed) system with functionality of a pedestal style enclosure. Additionally, the GLC can provide an ability to store slack cable in an internal cavity of the base assembly. Further, the GLC can provide simplified access to and isolation of grounding elements without disrupting the sealed portion (e.g., internal organizer assembly) of the enclosure during inspection and troubleshooting. Moreover, spacers can be employed to adjust height and/or angle of installation.

Abstract: A containment device for a liquid handling system is presented. The devise has a vault having a cavity, a closed bottom and an open top. A supporting device having a first half of a quick connect system connected to external plumbing is positioned in a lower portion of the cavity and secured to the vault to provide support for a weight of the liquid handling system. A bracket having a second half of a quick connect system connected to internal plumbing for the liquid handling system is configured to retain the liquid handling system, contact the supporting device when the bracket and liquid handling system is lowered into the cavity and mate the first second halves of the quick connect system allowing liquid to flow from the external plumbing to the internal plumbing. A lid is secured to the top for minimizing the intrusion of environmental elements into the vault.

Abstract: A water meter pit assembly includes a roto-molded frame to be supported by a meter pit column. The meter pit frame comprises a one-piece component having a base portion to be supported on the meter pit column and a top portion to be releasably secured to the frame so that the plastic cover can be detached when needed to provide access to water meter components that are located within the water meter pit.

Abstract: The portable electrical distribution enclosure is a chassis made of anodized aluminum. The chassis has a bottom panel and two side panels. The two side panels extend parallel to each other and at right angles from the bottom panel, making the chassis rectangular. The enclosure further includes high density polyethylene front and rear panels with legs extending below the bottom panel. The front and rear legs insure that the chassis is off the ground to permit air to flow under the chassis and into vents to cool the chassis during use of the portable electrical distribution enclosure. There is also a high density polyethylene top with at least one handle. The high density polyethylene can withstand high impacts or collateral damage from surrounding environment, weather, or marine applications. Additionally, it is lightweight and nonconductive.

Abstract: The underground storage of operational electronic equipment utilizes a hermetically sealable container adapted for receiving electronic equipment, such as a computer hard drive. The electronic equipment is placed in the container and electrically connected via a seal maintaining feedthrough to a facility proximate the container. The hermetically sealable container is sealed up and then buried underground.

Abstract: An improved multi-modular waste container formed at least in part from molded structural-foam. Per conventional waste containers, the improved waste container includes a housing for receiving trash, which will preferably be disposed upon one or more casters. One or more lids are hingeingly engaged to the top perimeter of the housing to provided selective access to the trash receptacle. Detachably fastenable slots may be affixed to opposed sides of the housing to facilitate engagement with and emptying by front-loading garbage trucks. The improved waste containers are substantially lighter, easier to maintain, stronger, chemical and corrosion resistant and possess substantially greater sound deadening characteristics than prior art waste containers fabricated from metal. The container housings are further preferably configured to be stacked within one another to facilitate shipping and handling thereof.

Abstract: An anchoring mechanism for anchoring an outdoor trash can or other item to the ground includes a base mountable on the trash can and an anchor which is movable between a raised position and a lowered anchoring position. A reinforcing plate may be used inside the trash can to help secure the anchoring mechanism thereon. A foot press member is provided on the anchor to facilitate the pressing of the anchor into the ground. The anchoring mechanism is configured to prevent the trash can when empty from blowing around in fairly high winds and helps prevent the tipping of filled trash cans.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be placed into a surface or substrata, such as soil, to enclose and protect valves, meters and/or other equipment buried under such surface. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a bottom tray that holds the valve or meter, one or more stackable spacer segments, a cap segment and a lockable lid member.

Abstract: An improved radio frequency transparent utility meter cover for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system. The cover is manufactured from a strong and chemically inert polyolefin or polypropylene copolymer and includes a non-corroding lock to secure the cover to the meter box frame. The underside of the cover includes a plurality of ribs that lend strength and rigidity to the cover while increasing mounting points for meter unit interface devices.

Abstract: A plurality of water meter pit inserts and water meter pit enclosures are disclosed. A plurality of marker apparatus for the location of water meter pit enclosures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of water meter pit inserts and water meter pit enclosures are disclosed. A plurality of marker apparatus for the location of water meter pit enclosures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fibre-reinforced polymer container suitable for in-ground installation for use in storage, typically of trash and the like. The container having a generally cylindrical container body; an inner shell having a floor and parallel sidewalls, bonded to the container body and defining an access port at the top of container; and a carriage having a platform for supporting trash, moveable between a lower position in which trash is contained within the container and an upper position in which the platform is accessible via the access port.

Abstract: A pullbox assembly for use in wiring having an upwardly tapered cylindrical main body having a larger diameter base than top for preventing upward movement of the pullbox when installed in the ground due to frost or soil conditions. The taper of the pullbox allows fill to be placed all around the pullbox easily. The pullbox may have a base with apertures, or a ledge at the base's rim, for allowing fill to exit when lifting the pullbox to a desired height in a hole. The fill exiting the base of the pullbox forms a smooth, even base for the pullbox when the pullbox is rotated in the hole. The apertures in the base also act as drainholes for letting water in and out and preventing groundwater from lifting the pullbox after installation. A strong lightweight plastic cover can be used to cover the pullbox for street traffic use.

Abstract: Freight costs are escalating as a result of oil prices with no end in sight. The ability to transport twice as many boxes per trip and not suffer disassembly damages will be a great innovation, also the reduced consumption of fossil fuels; air pollution and land fill due to broken boxes. Inventory space is at a premium as land costs and taxes escalate, being able to inventory twice as many boxes in the same space will provide distributors with more available product increasing sales and profit. Because of the space saved, distributors will be able to purchase in truckload quantities taking advantage vendor paid freight and increased toackload discounts. Lugs over the mouse holes provide a new ease of removal from stacked units. Lugs provide a very small area of contact between stacked boxes eliminating friction caused by overlapping exterior boxes that are in total contact with the interior box.

Abstract: An improved vault that facilitates the underground storage of electronic equipment, such as instrumentation for wireless telecommunications antenna systems. The vault preferably includes an air lock cover that prevents the electronic equipment from being submerged under water when the vault floods.

Abstract: A precast concrete meter pit consisting of a plurality of precast concrete hollow elongated cylindrical wall sections in end to end relation to one another is fabricated by utilizing a slip form packerhead apparatus in which the wall sections are formed with an annular slip ring when concrete is injected into the slip form apparatus.

Abstract: The lid is used to cover a utility box which houses a meter such as a water meter. The lid is compression molded from a plastic material such as medium density polyethylene, and has a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. A plurality of generally parallel spaced apart recesses are formed in the lower surface. The recesses are spaced inward of the outer edges of the lid and have lengths equal to a substantial portion of the length of the lid along which the recesses extend. The area of the lower surface of the lid is greater than the total area of the recesses in the plane of the lower surface.

Abstract: A meter box assembly having a vault with a top wall, the top wall having a shelf and an opening to receive a removable lid, at least one electronic meter reading transmitter mounted in the shelf of the top wall, such that the lid may be removed from the meter box assembly to provide access to the interior of the vault without removing the at least one electronic meter reading transmitter.

Abstract: The present invention applies to the collection of solid waste into underground equipment and it refers to a system by which an underground pit is used to house one or more solid waste container(s). The system for the collection of solid waste as described by the current invention has a hydraulically activated platform on which one or more waste containers can be placed. It is made up of a bottom structure, a lid, an external surface, one or more deposit bins, two or more hydraulic cylinders, two or more structures that push and support the lid and a leveling structure. This platform, which can match the slope of the surrounding surface, is leveled and secured to a concrete pit.