US Patent 7544035 Manhole cover lift

The disclosure includes an apparatus for moving a manhole cover comprising a lever having an engaging end, a linkage connected to the engaging end of the lever, and at least one magnet connected to the linkage and engageable with the manhole cover, wherein the lever provides leverage for moving the manhole cover. The at least one magnet may be selectively engageable with the manhole cover and may further have an interface surface. The at least one magnet may have a handle moveable between an engaged position, wherein a magnetic flux is emitted through the interface surface of the at least one magnet, and a disengaged position, wherein substantially no magnetic flux is emitted through the interface surface of the at least one magnet.