Patent ID: 8393823

Claim:
A method for removing a manhole cover from a manhole with a cover-removing apparatus, the manhole cover being locked to the manhole by a security device of the manhole cover, the method comprising: pushing a pin member of the cover-removing apparatus through a port in the manhole cover and against a spring-loaded locking member of the security device to move an elongate member of the locking member from a first position to a second position, the first position locking the manhole cover to the manhole, the second position unlocking the manhole cover from the manhole and allowing removal of the manhole cover; energizing a magnetic element of the cover-removing apparatus to apply a magnetic force for holding the cover against the magnetic element; raising the magnetic element to lift the held cover from engagement within the manhole; and locking the spring-loaded locking member of the security device of the cover by moving the pin member away from the locking member thereby causing the elongate member of the security device to move from the second position to the first position.