Abstract: A control mechanism includes a set of permanent magnets located within a cylindrical housing, the magnets being carried on a shaft which extends within the housing and is movable axially relative to the housing. The magnets are arranged in repulsion configuration and are coupled to the shaft and moved together as the shaft is moved relative to the housing manually from a stationary or retracted position to an extended position. Upon release of the shaft, repulsion forces produced by the magnets cause the magnets to move apart, moving the shaft relative to the housing from the extended position to the retracted position. In one embodiment, the control mechanism is coupled between a door and a door frame and operates as a door closer. In other embodiments, the control mechanism operates as an opening mechanism for opening the cover of a container, the opening mechanism also acting as a closer as the cover is being closed, to assist in closing the cover.