Composite Manhole Cover with In-molded Components

Abstract

A manhole cover is made of composite material with in-molded or encapsulated electronic and/or mechanical components. In some embodiments, the electronic components include a radio frequency identification device (RFID). In some embodiments, the electronic components includes sensors. In some embodiments, the electronic and/or mechanical components include switches, locks, and/or indicators.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A manhole cover, the manhole cover comprising:
 a body made of a composite polymer;   a radio frequency identification tag coated with an insulating polymer; and   the radio frequency identification tag embedded within the body;   wherein the radio frequency identification tag is in communication with at least one sensor and a transmitter;   whereby the at least one sensor collects data from a surrounding environment of the manhole cover and the transmitter transmits the data to a handheld reader.   
     
     
         2 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , wherein the composite polymer is a thermosetting resin or a mixture of thermosetting resins 
     
     
         3 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one sensor senses and stores data including: temperature, duration of open state of manhole cover, duration of closed state of manhole cover, whether hydrogen sulfide gas is present, and depth of fluid beneath manhole cover. 
     
     
         4 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , wherein the insulating polymer is selected from the group consisting of: unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy. 
     
     
         5 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , wherein the composite polymer includes pigments to provide ultraviolet resistance. 
     
     
         6 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , wherein the body further comprises fiberglass blended with the composite polymer. 
     
     
         7 . The manhole cover of  claim 1 , further comprising a power source to power the radio frequency identification tag and the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         8 . A manhole cover with in-molded electronic components, the manhole cover comprising:
 a body, the body formed of a thermosetting polymer;   a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag;   the RFID tag having an insulating coating; and   the RFID tag mixed into the thermosetting polymer prior to curing.   
     
     
         8 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , wherein the insulating coating is selected from the group consisting of: unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy. 
     
     
         9 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , further comprising at least one sensor;
 the at least one sensor in communication with the RFID tag;   the at least one sensor located external to the manhole cover; and   wherein the at least one sensor senses and stores data including: temperature, duration of open state of manhole cover, duration of closed state of manhole cover, whether hydrogen sulfide gas is present, and depth of fluid beneath manhole cover.   
     
     
         10 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , further comprising a pigment mixed into the thermosetting polymer, whereby the pigment provides ultraviolet resistance. 
     
     
         11 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , further comprising a power source embedded within the body of the manhole cover, the power source for powering the at least one sensor. 
     
     
         12 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , wherein the thermosetting polymer is reinforced with fiberglass. 
     
     
         13 . The manhole cover of  claim 8 , wherein the thermosetting polymer is a mixture of one or more of the following: polyester resin, polyurethanes, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde, benzoxazines, epoxy resin, diallyl-phthalate, polyimides, furan, silicone, and vinyl ester. 
     
     
         14 . A composite polymer manhole cover with embedded electronic components, the composite polymer manhole cover comprising:
 a body;   a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag;   at least one sensor;   at least one transmitter;   the RFID tag coated with an insulating polymer; and   the RFID tag embedded within the body of the composite polymer manhole cover.   
     
     
         15 . The composite polymer manhole cover of  claim 14 , wherein the body is formed by molding a mixture of a thermosetting resin, a fiber, and one or more filler compounds. 
     
     
         16 . The composite polymer manhole cover of  claim 15 , wherein the mixture is made from a thermosetting resin selected from the group consisting of: polyester resin, polyurethanes, phenol-formaldehyde resins, urea-formaldehyde, benzoxazines, epoxy resin, diallyl-phthalate, polyimides, furan, silicone, and vinyl ester. 
     
     
         17 . The composite polymer manhole cover of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the insulating polymer is a mixture of a polymer and a compatible monomer;   the polymer is selected from the group consisting of: unsaturated polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy;   the compatible monomer is selected from the group consisting of: styrene, vinyl toluene, daillyl phthalate, and bisphenol A; and   whereby the compatible monomer aids in dissolving the polymer in solution.   
     
     
         18 . The composite polymer manhole cover of  claim 14 , further comprising a power source coated and embedded within the composite polymer manhole cover. 
     
     
         19 . The composite polymer manhole cover of  claim 14 , wherein:
 the at least one sensor is located external to the composite polymer manhole cover; and   the at least one sensor is in communication with the RFID tag;   whereby information is transmitted at regular intervals to a central computer database.