GB2442763A - Secure locking manhole cover with multiple sensors and signal transmission to remote location - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover or lid for a manhole or other inspection pit or shaft comprises a integrated lid device with locking pins 11 controlled via a code entry access lock means 2. The lid includes a CPU, a power supply and communication means such as a secure broadband connection or wireless network connection. Multiple sensors are integrated in to the lid including: Power surge detectors 14, Water level sensors 7, Motion sensors 5, CCTV cameras 8, Gas sensors 4, Seismic activity sensors 6. All information gathered from the above sensors is sent back to a remote monitoring centre. Any dangerous sensor levels or security breaches can be reported by warning signals sent to the remote monitoring centre. A key lock can provide restricted access to the sensors and or the code entry lock.

Description

* * 2442763 HUGSLOCK SYSTEM(Pit lid) My name is Mr Adam Huggett and I

work as a Project Manager for the MOD in the UK.

I have an idea that I wish to patent the idea is as follows, I have a design to create a pit lid that will have a number of different functions that will save companies and organisations money, manpower and provide the maximum awareness and security of there underground networks.

The companies I aim to sell my product to are Gas companies, Water companies, Telecommunications companies, Local councils, Electricity companies, The Government and the MOD.

Current lids in use today are made of many different materials including concrete, metal and iron. In most cities and towns in the UK the lids are in no way secured and can be accessed with very little effort and are prone to rust.

My invention will be made from aluminium which will not rust and can be easily manufactured and moulded into the various shapes and designs that I will have to create as not all pits are the same size.

The main areas of my invention and what makes it unique are the sensors (items) that will be incorporated into every design to enable large amounts of information to be sent via the pit lid central computer to a central computer located at the company HQ.

Information will be sent by a wireless secured network or a secure broadband connection.

I will have CCTV, Motion sensors, Water level detectors, Gas sensors, Seismic activity sensors, Power surge sensors. Other items may be added in the future.

All information gathered will be monitored at company HQ and the appropriate agencies will be notified of any emergencies and security breaches etc. Access to the pit lid will only be given to company engineers by means of a coded combination lock which requires a unique access code.

The main benefits of my invention are that in the world today we have a constant need to gather more information faster than ever before and there is also a constant threat to our security and we need to upgrade our security.

My invention would meet all these requirements and I believe it will become a necessity in the future as the underground services are essential for everyday living and in my eyes they are a largely overlooked fact.

I work for the MOD and in the near future I believe that all MOD sites will require this level of security and civilian areas will soon follow.

EXAMPLE

When high profile VIPs such as the Prime minister visit an area for any length of time the security services open up the pits and the security services search the underground areas before sealing the pits with a police seal to show that the areas has been searched.

With my invention this would not be required as all the information would be available on computer saving precious resources and time.

SUMMARY

I strongly believe that this invention will become a basic requirement for all companies that have underground services. Large companies and corporations will benefit from my invention as it will save them money by utilising the latest technology to guarantee the maximum security and safety for the various networks.

ITEM INFORMATION

The main pit lid will be made of aluminium and will house all the components Items 1-14.

Power and the other cables required to connect all the items will be ran through containment also housed in the pit lid. The items will be covered by a metal plate which opens with the correct key and reveals a further combination lock to unlock the pins to allow the pit lid to be completely removed.

Handles or pit key grooves are to be fitted at the top and bottom to allow the pit lid to be lifted safely.

The way the lid opens is that when the correct code is entered the pins retract from the grooves cut into the brickwork and allow the lid to be removed. The code must also be entered when locking the device.

Item 1 Power source The power sources items I and 10 will be 2 batteries located on either end of the pit lid connected to the items by power cables to provide power to the items. The battery types and rating are yet to be determined and will require changing at regular intervals by company engineers to provide maximum performance of the items.

Item 2 Code access panel The code access system is a combination lock that only opens when the correct code is entered and this then retracts the pins to allow the pit lid to be opened. The codes are to be generated from company HQ and for security reasons they will be ever changing to maximize security.

Item 3 Key access panel The key access panel is located on a separate panel to provide extra security to the other items. When the key panel is unlocked it reveals the other items so it acts as a secure panel cover of the other items if you like.

Item 4 Gas sensor The gas sensor detects dangerous levels of gas and once levels are detected a warning signal is sent to company HQ by the CPU in the pit lid. Once this information is received the HQ company staff take the appropriate action.

Item 5 Motion sensor The motion sensor detects all movement of any kind underground this may be rats which could be a hygiene hazard or people who have no authorisation to be in that area trying to vandal ise or hack into services. This is one of the most important sensors to give security to the companies we are protecting. As with all information any warnings are sent to company HQ for further action.

Item 6 Seismic activity sensor This sensor is an extra feature which I believe scientists and government agencies may want to add to their specific pit lid designs. The item gives earthquake readings after they have taken place and the information is recorded at company HQ via the CPU.

Item 7 Water level detector The water level detector sends Out a warning signal when flooding has occurred in a specific area it does this by detecting levels of moisture from the enclosed area. I have encountered flooded pits many times when surveying underground routes. This item will save lots of money as it can give an early warning to us of water level problems.

Item 8 CCIV CCIV will be installed as per the design request the cameras we aim to use are infra red as a majority of the pits are in complete darkness. The cameras will not be monitored full time however full time tapes will be recording if a customer needs pictures of any site at any time it will be available. Physical monitoring of cameras is available on request and will be charged accordingly.

Item 9 Main CPU The CPU is the most important of all the items as it has the software loaded to interact with the various sensors. Once priority information is received from the sensors the CPU scans and sends the information electronically via a secure internet gateway to the company HQ. The software and gateway are yet to be established.

Item 10 Power source As per item 1 Item II Pins The pins are to be made from steel and extend and retract to lock the pit lid into place.

When locked the pins fit into grooves drilled into the brickwork and when unlocked they move into the pit lid.

Item 12 Underground Broadband connection

S

The internet connection is vital because without it the information can not be sent via a secure gateway to the company HQ. I have two options and this is the preferred method.

I will arrange an underground connection from the various service providers as part of the deal of securing their networks.

Item 13 Wireless network adaptor I plan to use this type of internet connection where coverage is possible as it is a cheaper option of gaining internet access and less work is involved.

Item 14 Power level sensor The final item detects any power surges and reports all faults and dangers including blackouts and power losses in the designated area.

Claims (1)

1. I

   A secure pit lid that houses 5 different sensors within the frame of the pit lid the sensors are as follows, Seismic activity sensor, Power surge sensor, Motion sensor, Water level sensor, Gas sensor.

   A secure pit lid that houses 2 batteries which supply the power to the sensors and computer in the frame of the pit lid.

   A secure pit lid that is made from aluminium.

   A metal plate fitted on the pit lid frame has a key lock which when opened reveals a combination lock which is used to lock and unlock the steel pins which secure the pit lid in its place.

   A secure pit lid which has grooves fitted at both ends or handles which are used to lift the pit lid out of its base.

   A secure pit lid which has steel pins that move in and out of grooves in the frame to lock and unlock the pit lid from its base.

   A secure pit lid that has an Infra red CCIV camera fitted within the frame.

   : * A secure pit lid that has a computer within the frame to transmit all the data gathered by the sensors back to the company HQ. * I -I..

   A secure pit lid with a connection point for a wireless network adaptor to allow the * : .: computer to gain access to the internet.

   : * A secure pit lid with a connection point for a broadband connection to allow the computer to gain access to the internet. * . S. *

   _ I I -. -S..