Abstract: A pressurized vessel having a quick release lid closure system for clamping a vessel lid to a vessel container comprises an open hoop with spaced apart ends. The hoop carries a plurality of spaced apart clamped blocks which having wedge-shaped channels for mating engagement with opposing lugs on the lid and container. The spaced apart hoop ends are pulled towards one another to reduce the circumference of the hoop to move the clamp blocks onto the corresponding lugs and draw the lugs together to seal the lid to the container.

Abstract: A lid lifting mechanism for heavy vessel lids provides for optimum mechanical advantage in counterbalancing the weight of the lid when pivoting the lid to an open position. The mechanism has a pivot arm secured to the lid and a pivot mount intermediate the length of the pivot arm where the pivot mount is secured to the vessel container. The pivot arm extends beyond the pivot mount to provide a distal end. A pretensioned retracting device is connected to the distal end by a connector which can be selectively moved along the arm to increase or decrease the moment arm length. Such movement of the connector or the pretensioned device adjusts the extent of retracting device assist in pivoting the lid to a lid open position. This system provides for maximum mechanical advantage while adjusting for build up of material on the inside of the lid.