Abstract: A hinge assembly prevents an open lid from inadvertently falling closed, and comprises hinge leaves for attachment to a lid and a container body. A friction torque pair extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a first c-section member resiliently biased toward a smaller diameter axially capturing a second c-section member resiliently biased toward a larger diameter, the c-section members connecting the hinge leaves. The c-section members are configured of substantially rigid resilient material so as to provide friction torque such that when the longitudinal axis is horizontally oriented with the body below the lid, the lid's movement in a closing direction requires greater force than created by the lid's weight to cause relative axial rotation of the c-section members. The hinge assembly has utility with musical instrument cases and containers having a lid.

Abstract: A wearable personal protection device for protecting a wearer against airborne pathogens comprises a battery-powered electronic circuit and components for controllable operation of at least one piezoelectric vibrating mesh transducer which is configured to intermittently simultaneously generate and shoot droplets of a biocide fluid into the wearer's proximal airspace to contact and inactivate at least some of the pathogens which may be present; a reservoir for containing the biocide fluid therein; and a fluid delivery apparatus for conveying said biocide fluid to an uptake location of the piezoelectric vibrating mesh transducer.