Underground enclosure system for storing components, cables, and the like

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 life is extended through an opening of the enclosure.

1 .- 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . A method of operating a pressurized underground enclosure comprising:
 stopping an internal pressurization from a pressurized gas source within an interior of an enclosure housing;   deflating a pneumatic seal assembly intermediate a cover and a collar of the housing; and,   retracting locking assemblies from the cover of the enclosure housing.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising the step of:
 actuating a scissors lift from a retracted position to an extended position, the scissors lift having a rack sized to be received through an upper opening of the underground enclosure. 
 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising the step of:
 actuating the scissors lift from the extended position to the retracted position, wherein the rack is received through the upper opening of the underground enclosure; 
 engaging the locking assemblies into the cover; 
 inflating the pneumatic seal assembly intermediate a cover and a collar of the housing; and 
 pressurizing the interior of an enclosure housing.