Abstract: A cryocooler having an improved linear motor assembly. The cryocooler comprises a displacer unit, heat exchanger unit and compressor and linear motor assembly. The compressor and linear motor assembly includes a linear motor having both a stationary internal return iron element and a moving internal return iron element, thus enabling the motor to operate at a predetermined resonant frequency. In a preferred form, the compressor and linear motor assembly comprise a unitary structure.

Abstract: A shaped article is capable of at least one of containing and delivering a cryogenic fluid. The article has a porous structure that restricts the passage of cryogenic fluid in the liquid phase while permitting the passage of cryogenic fluid in the gaseous phase. The article may be in the form of a tube or container. The article permits a liquid cryogen to be transported to a specific site, and then cool the site by means of conduction from the cold article and convection of cold gas, the phase change of the evaporating liquid greatly enhancing the heat loss.

Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Another method includes introducing a quantity of liquid into a container and covering at least one predetermined internal surface or component with the liquid to mask the surfaces and keep the hyperpolarized gas away from the predetermined internal surface, thereby inhibiting any depolarizing affect from same.

Abstract: Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Abstract: Dehumidification is achieved using an air conditioning system, by employing an independent humidity control signal to direct ambient air through a heat exchanger and a bypass to the heat exchanger. The air passing through the heat exchanger is dehumidified and mixed with the bypassed air before returning dehumidified air to a controlled space.

Abstract: A cooling device is disclosed capable of reducing the amount of frost deposited on a cooling coil (7), wherein cooling fans (8a, 8b) are disposed at the front of the cooling coil (7), most of the flowing air discharged into a cooling chamber is discharged again into the cooling chamber by the cooling fans (8a, 8b) without being returned to the cooling coil (7), dry cooling air in the cooling coil (7) is sucked from the rear of the cooling fans (8a, 8b) and discharged into the cooling chamber, an air volume corresponding to the volume of sucked air passed through the cooling coil (7) is fed from the cooling chamber to the cooling coil (7) through areas not occupied by the cooling fans (8a, 8b), and the air feeding speed is so set as to permit vapor generated in the cooling chamber to solidity until the vapor is brought into contact with the surface of the cooling coil (7).

Abstract: An automatic ice maker for use in freezing compartments of the refrigerators. A planar stop arm is used as an ice cube detecting device for detecting a sufficient ice cubes stored in a bin arranged below a tray for making ice cubes. The stop arm can be swung between the bin for storing therein the ice cubes and the tray in order prevent the ice cubes stored in the bin from being molten by a head radiation from a heater provided on the tray.

Abstract: An automatic refrigerant handling apparatus has a compressor pump for withdrawing a refrigerant from an associated refrigeration system to be serviced, a condenser for liquefying the refrigerant and a storage vessel for storing the recovered refrigerant, the compressor pump also being capable of evacuating the refrigeration system to a first refrigeration system pressure. The apparatus has a connection jack for receiving a connector of an associated optional vacuum pump, the connector including a jumper which interconnects two terminals on the jack when the vacuum pump is connected so that the control circuitry of the apparatus can recognize the presence of the vacuum pump, whereupon the program routine of the control processor utilizes the vacuum pump instead of the compressor pump to draw a vacuum on the associated refrigeration system.

Abstract: A device to clear a blockage from a drain line draining condensation from an air handler in an air conditioner or heat pump. A pump with check valves attaches to one end of a drain line which drains condensation from an air handler for an air conditioner or heat pump. A handle on the pump is used to create respectively a vacuum or pressure within the pump which is communicated to the drain line. When sufficient vacuum or pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage in the drain line allowing the drain line to naturally drain. A valve is placed at one end of the pump which allows accumulated liquid in a collection pan to be pumped from the collection pan in the process of clearing condensation from the air handler.

Abstract: A refrigeration system having a refrigeration cycle which provides optimized consumption, comprising a main section, which is constituted by at least one main compressor, a main condenser, which is connected between the compressor and at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator, which is connected to the expansion valve, which comprises an auxiliary section comprising at least one auxiliary compressor which is connected to a low-pressure intake line of the main compressor, at least one auxiliary condenser which is connected to the auxiliary compressor, and a first auxiliary reservoir and a second auxiliary reservoir which are respectively connected to the output of the auxiliary condenser and to the output of the main condenser, for connection to the at least one expansion valve.

Abstract: A space conditioning system for controlling the temperature and humidity of air within an enclosed space includes a vapor compression refrigeration unit having a reheat coil disposed downstream of the system evaporator coil to reheat return air after cooling and condensation of excess water vapor in the return air by the evaporator coil. The system includes a damper for controlling inflow of ambient outdoor air, depending on the total enthalpy of the outdoor air, so as to satisfy cooling and the dehumidification requirements without operating the refrigeration unit when the enthalpy of the outdoor air is suitable. The system includes a programmable controller for controlling air temperature and humidity within the enclosed space by sensing outdoor air enthalpy, temperature and humidity of air within the enclosed space and temperature or enthalpy of supply air being admitted to the enclosed space.

Abstract: A heat generating part (1) of semiconductor manufacturing equipment is cooled by cooling water. An inner fluid passage (21) having an inlet port (31) of the cooling water on a vertically lower portion thereof is formed so as to surround a periphery of the heat generating part (1). An outer fluid passage (22) having an outlet port (32) of the cooling water on a vertically upper portion thereof is formed so as to surround a periphery of the inner fluid passage (21) and be capable of exchanging heat with the cooling water in the inner fluid passage. A communication passage (24) is provided to connect a vertically upper portion of said inner fluid passage and a vertically lower portion of said outer fluid passage. The cooling water flowing out of the outlet port (32) of the outer fluid passage (22) is supplied to the inlet port (31) of the inner fluid passage (21).

Abstract: A method using controlled forced-convection to couple (or de-couple) a refrigerant-evaporator thermally to a refrigerated compartment, and a method to use heat from a fresh food compartment (or other compartment maintained above 0C) of a two or more temperature refrigeration appliance to defrost a freezer evaporator automatically without using a controller or heater. When thermally coupled to its compartment, an evaporator can provide efficient cooling to the compartment. The ability to de-couple the evaporator from its compartment enables refrigerant flow through the evaporator at significantly different temperatures than its compartment, but without significant heat transfer. This ability enables using a single refrigeration system (with one or no valves) to remove heat (sequentially) at two or more different temperatures from two or more refrigerated compartments.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with this invention control a hot gas bypass valve in a refrigeration system including a centrifugal compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and a hot gas bypass line between the compressor and the evaporator. Such methods and systems continuously sense for a surge condition during operation of the refrigeration system, indicate a surge condition when the refrigeration system is operating under surge conditions, and open at least partially the hot gas bypass valve in response to the sensed surge condition to return the refrigeration system to operating under non-surge conditions. Methods and systems consistent with this invention also sense a present head parameter representative of the present head of the compressor, sense a present load parameter representative of the present load, and control the hot gas bypass valve so as to avoid surging in the compressor in response to the present head parameter, the present load parameter, and stored head and load parameters.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for manipulating the air temperature within an interior compartment of a vehicle, the apparatus cycles a compressor between an off and on position based upon a temperature reading of the evaporator fins positioned to cool the air of the vehicle. The system employs a control algorithm wherein the evaporator fin temperature of the evaporator determines the operational status of the compressor.

Abstract: A cooling system for telecommunication equipment including a heat exchanger having outwardly protruding, parallel fins to dissipate heat. Each pair of fins forming an elongated channel. The system includes an ejector positioned within each channel to direct pressurized air through the channels while dragging ambient air through the channels along with the pressurized air. The pressurized and ambient air passing through the channels increases the ability of the fins to dissipate heat. Since the source of pressurized air can be remote from the telecommunications equipment in a protected and easily accessed location, the ejectors provide a rugged cooling mechanism adjacent the heat exchanger with no moving parts.

Abstract: A water mist cooling system for providing cooling through evaporation. The water mist cooling system includes a cap member which includes a body portion and a bill portion and is designed for fitting on a human head, a reservoir member coupled to the cap member which is designed for holding water, and a spray assembly coupled to the cap member which is in environmental communication with the reservoir member and is used for dispersing water onto the head and face of the user.

Abstract: A plurality of frost shields (50) are removably positioned about the upper circumferential expanse of the walls of the liner (20) of a refrigerated cabinet (10). The frost shields (50) are magnetically mountable to the liner (20) to facilitate ease of installation and removal. Each frost shield (50) is a pliable panel fabricated in a layered construction with a relatively thin observe layer (52) of vinyl mounted on nominally thicker back layer of thermoplastic material (54) impregnated with magnetic material (60). Each frost shield (50) may be provided with a pair of handles (70) inserted in their respective slots (58) formed through the frost shield panel.

Abstract: A refrigerant conditioning system for cleansing debris and lubricants from refrigerants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooling system of a furnace, more particularly, to a multi-cycle cooling system, located by the furnace door. The probability of pollution by particles can be decreased and the lifetime of the furnace devices can be extended by using different liquid and gas cycles, cooling the different steps the semiconductor processes in the furnace.

Abstract: In an air cycle machine, a turbine is driven by an engine bleed air, and the turbine power is mechanically transmitted to a compressor to compress the engine bleed air or open air. An electric motor may be provided to electrically drive the compressor, if necessary, to thereby serve as an auxiliary power for the turbine power. The air cycle machine is used for an air conditioning system for an aircraft, wherein open air or engine fan air is raised in its pressure by taking advantage of the compressor driven by the turbine power to use as a ventilation air. Therefore, a consumption of the engine bleed air having a high energy level can be efficiently reduced.

Abstract: There is provided an air conditioner for a vehicle, which comprises a refrigerating cycle having a compressor (20), a water cooling cycle formed by a radiator (36) and a heat storage tank (50), which are switched by passage switching valves (46) and (48), and a water heating cycle formed by a heater core (38) and the heat storage tank (50).

Abstract: A cold-insulation container is disclosed which includes a cold-insulation container main body (1) which is a heat-insulation structure and a door (2) for opening and closing an opening portion (4) of the cold-insulation container main body (1). Provided in the cold-insulation container main body (1) are a refrigerating apparatus (19) and a cold-storage device (20) which is cooled by the refrigerating apparatus (19) and stores cold. An external wall of the cold-insulation container main body (1) and the door 2 are formed from a synthetic resin material.

Abstract: The invention concerns an assembly wherein a tank connects a return orifice to a delivery conduit via pumps. The tank is further connected to a surge tank. The tank is mounted in a steam proof chamber heat-insulated inside but having an air gap separation around the tank. Components are mounted sealed through the chamber. A filter subdivides the tank into a lower return chamber and a higher starting chamber.

Abstract: A nested cooler system for temporary storage of perishable foodstuffs and more particularly to articles for convenient, temporary storage of human breast milk and infant formulas. The inner and outer coolers jointly or independently receive the perishable foodstuffs and freezable gel packs for cooling the perishable foodstuffs. The gel packs can be frozen and thawed several times and temporarily keep containers of milk within an acceptable temperature range to prevent spoilage. The gel packs fit within pockets in the coolers to maintain proper positioning of the gel packs relative to the bottles.

Abstract: A portable air conditioner for portable cooling of a user. The portable air conditioner includes an insulated housing having a wall with an interior surface defining an interior space. An intake port extends through the wall of the housing. A fan assembly is mounted in the interior space of the housing in fluid communication with the intake port. The fan assembly is designed for drawing air through the intake port into the interior space of the housing. A discharge assembly mounted on the housing permits air to exit the interior space. A plurality of conduits in fluid communication with the fan assembly and the discharge assembly guide air through the interior space allowing the air to be cooled by chilled material placed in the interior space of the housing. A switch is operationally coupled between a power supply and the fan assembly for selectively supplying power to the fan assembly.

Abstract: An adsorbent unit for a refrigerant accumulator having a housing with a bottom wall and a side wall and a U-shaped pipe with a return bend adjacent the bottom wall and with first and second pipe portions extending from the return bend along the side wall, and a filter body extending outwardly from the return bend, the adsorbent unit including a porous adsorbent container, adsorbent in the container, first and second end portions on the container, a first tab extending outwardly from the first end portion of the container, an elongated slot in the first tab mounting it on the first and second pipe portions, a second tab extending outwardly from the second end portion of the container, and an aperture on the second tab mounting it on the filter body. A double adsorbent container adsorbent unit having elongated slots on tabs at the outer ends thereof for mounting about the first and second pipe portions.

Abstract: An aqua-ammonia absorption apparatus comprising an absorber assembly, a generator assembly, a condenser and an evaporator, wherein the absorber assembly comprises an absorber and a GAX absorber heat exchanger and wherein a strong liquor absorption solution is partially vaporized in the GAX absorber heat exchanger to form a two-phase vapor/liquor mixture, the apparatus including piping for directing separate vapor and liquid streams from the absorber assembly into the generator assembly and introducing the vapor stream into the generator assembly at a location where the composition is substantially the same as the vapor stream.

Abstract: A refrigerating device is provided whose burden on the environment is small, and in which a high amount of heat can be removed, and in which return of refrigerating device oil to a compressor is good. In the refrigerating device, carbon dioxide is circulated as a refrigerant through a refrigerating circuit in which at least a refrigerant compressor, a heat releasing device, an expansion mechanism and an evaporator are connected in an annular arrangement by refrigerant pipes. The refrigerating device oil used in the compressor has a viscosity at 40° C. of 5 to 300 cSt, a volume specific resistivity of at least 108 &OHgr;·cm, and a pour point of no higher than −30° C. when the carbon dioxide is dissolved to saturation. Organic materials which do not physically and/or chemically change due to high-temperature, high-pressure carbon dioxide are used in the refrigerating circuit. The refrigerating circuit is provided with a device for trapping moisture within the refrigerating circuit.

Abstract: A condenser of a refrigerant cycle system includes a first heat exchange unit into which refrigerant discharged from a compressor flows, a second heat exchange unit disposed at a downstream of the first heat exchange unit in a refrigerant flow direction, and a gas-liquid separator disposed between the first and second heat exchange units in the refrigerant flow direction. In the refrigerant cycle system, at least gas refrigerant separated in the gas-liquid separator flows into the second heat exchange unit so that an amount of liquid refrigerant stored in the gas-liquid separator is changed in accordance with a super-heating degree of refrigerant discharged from the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging carbon dioxide snow in a plastic film bag, in which method the following steps are employed: a—a fluid which has a temperature below the dew point of the air is injected into and in contact with the plastic film bag, then b—the carbon dioxide snow is introduced into the plastic film bag, then c—the plastic film bag is closed. The invention also relates to apparatus for implementing this method.

Abstract: Apparatus for the introduction of CO2 snow into containers for cooling the container contents or the container, comprises a CO2 snow generating device for generating the CO2 snow, a CO2 snow injection device connected to the CO2 snow generating means and having a snow tube for injecting the generated CO2 snow into the container, a the CO2 gas separating arrangement for separating CO2 gas and CO2 snow in the region of the snow tube, and the CO2 gas extraction arrangement for extracting separated the CO2 gas, the CO2 gas separating arrangement comprises an outer tube surrounding the snow tube and arranged coaxially with the outer tube projecting beyond the snow tubed in longitudinal direction thereof at the CO2 snow delivery side of the snow tube and being connected to the CO2 gas extraction arrangement in the region of the opposite side.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for refrigerating and, if desired, liquefying an industrial gas wherein a multicomponent refrigerant fluid is used to generate refrigeration in a single circuit which includes a single phase separation and recycle after an initial heat exchange stage.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes an oxygen-enriched air separator for separating exterior air into oxygen-enriched air and nitrogen-enriched air and an oxygen-enriched air supplier for supplying the separated oxygen-enriched air to an indoor unit. The oxygen-enriched air separator has a main body, an oxygen-enriched air outlet port connected to the indoor unit through a supply tube, a nitrogen-enriched air outlet port for exhausting the nitrogen enriched air and a pressure maintenance unit for maintaining a pressure difference between a first space communicated with the nitrogen-enriched air outlet port and a second space communicated with the oxygen-enriched air outlet port over a predetermined level.

Abstract: A separation device which does not produce ultra-pure products. At least one distillation column which has a diameter of at least 4 m and/or is configured for operation at a pressure above 4.5 bar, consists of non-oxidizing steel or steel containing 9 to 10% by weight nickel. The separation device can be an air separation device.

Abstract: An articulated band of the invention is formed of a lineal array of metallic elements arranged in a repeating pattern. The elements are separably bonded to one another through magnetic forces acting therebetween. The band is characterized in that it is free of pins and other mechanical structural agents for interconnecting the band elements to one another. The configuration of the elements themselves is such that each has at least two surfaces, and such that these surfaces include one which is curved or arcuate. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the elements include cylinders and discs which are of the same diameters. The cylinders and discs are so arranged that their axes are parallel to one another. In a closed loop configuration, the band exhibits aesthetic design features and finds use as a bracelet.

Abstract: A jewelry device having interchangeable ornaments is provided. A main base of the device has a recess adapted to receive a removable ornament. The main base has a flange formed on an interior of the top side within the recess. The flange retains an ornament and prevents it from falling out of the top of the device. A securing door is attached to the bottom side of the main base. The securing door has a top side facing the recess and a bottom side opposite the top side. The securing door is movable between a closed position substantially in contact with the main base and an open position. A leaf spring is attached to the top side of the securing door. The spring is adapted to bias against a removable ornament disposed in the recess when the securing door is in the closed position and thus prevent it from rattling, becoming misaligned, or falling out. The device also contemplates the use of multiple ornamental inserts for disposal within the recess of the main base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating glass sheets to be tempered or heat-strengthened, in which method glass sheets are heated in a preheating furnace (1) by applying a hot-air blast and convection heating produced thereby to the opposite sides of a glass sheet and the preheated glass sheet is transferred from the preheating furnace (1) into a radiation heating furnace (2) for heating the glass sheet to a tempering temperature. During the convection heating of a glass sheet, the rotating speed of a hot-air fan (5) is increased while adjusting the heating effect of heating resistances (6) so as to maintain the temperature of blasted air substantially constant. Thus, the diminishing temperature difference between glass and air is compensated for by controlling the coefficient of heat transfer.

Abstract: A process for producing a glass substrate for an information recording medium comprising: (a) providing a chemical reinforcement tank comprising a chemical reinforcement liquid contained therein, and a holding means for holding a glass substrate; and (b) chemically strengthening the glass substrate by immersing the glass substrate in the chemical reinforcement liquid, wherein ions are exchanged on the surface of the glass substrate with ions in the chemical reinforcement liquid having a diameter larger than that in the glass substrate; wherein at least one of a wall surface of the chemical reinforcement tank and the holding means is made from a stainless alloy which exhibits corrosion resistance in a high temperature region of the chemical reinforcement liquid, the stainless alloy being made from a martensitic stainless alloy or an austenitic stainless alloy. Such process prevents the adhesion of particles, such as fine iron particles onto the glass substrate.

Abstract: Funnels of picture tubes are typically produced by pressing a molten gob of glass in a mold using a pressing die and by using a ring resting on the mold and resiliently secured to the die, for molding a flat funnel upper edge. At the same time, through corresponding recesses in the mold, bearing faces, so-called pads for connecting the funnel adjustably to the picture screen, are molded onto the outer collar of the funnel.

Abstract: An optical fiber with a non-circular cross-section is realized by creating a void having the desired cross-section in a housing and filling the void with an optical material. This structure is then collapsed to solidify it and drawn to desired dimensions. The optical material may be rods, soot or ground material.

Abstract: A bushing including a terminal ear and a method of manufacturing the bushing are disclosed. The bushing includes a bushing body which can include side plates, end plates, a bottom plate, and terminal ears coupled to the bushing body. Clamps are attached to the terminal ears to supply electrical current to the bushing to maintain the glass inside in a liquid state. Each terminal ear includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion is coupled to a side plate of the bushing. A clamp is attached to the lower portion of the terminal ear. The upper and lower portions are oriented at an angle with respect to each other. Support portions are provided along the side edges of the upper portions of the terminal ears. Support portions stiffen the terminal ear, thereby increasing its resistance to bending and fatigue stresses. Support portions do not contact the bushing and therefore do not directly conduct current to the bushing.

Abstract: A weft knit synthetic fabric having an irregular pique construction prepared on a double knit machine having four feeds, two of which are microfiber yarn and two of which are regular non-microfiber yarn. The fabric is formed with at least 40 weight percent microfiber yarn and the balance conventional non-microfiber yarn which is worn against an individual's body for maximum moisture absorption with the microfilament knit on the face to provide maximum siphon to remove the moisture from a wearer's body. The knit fabric is particularly well suited for athletic wear.

Abstract: Improvements introduced in washing machines which allow that the tilting of the two-way washing chamber is carried out mechanically by a set of linked gears or electrically carried out by using three electrical motors, one motor to carry out the 360° turn around an “X” axis, and the two other motors to carry out the 360° turn around a “Y” axis, in this case, the second and third motors are supported on an arc which sustains the washing chamber, fixed at the height of the middle point of the aforesaid chamber; another way to carrying out the tilting of the washing chamber consists in providing two motors, one motor to carry out the 360° turn around an “X” axis, and another motor to carry out the 360° turn around a “Y” axis, using, in this case, the very surface of the washing chamber so as to fix on it a constituent part of the second motor; the two-way washing chamber presents a spherical format and one or more caps can be removed from it.

Abstract: A compact machine for the treatment of cord fabrics, in particular for dyeing, is made up of a container of any shape, in one top part of which is set at least one motor-driven reel for moving the cord fabric, a device for jet-dyeing by the spraying of dye on the fabric set on at least one side of the at least one reel, and a device for overflow-dyeing of the fabric, which is set on the other side of the at least one reel, there being set underneath said at least one reel and underneath said devices a reservoir, which is designed to contain the fabric and the treatment liquid bath and which can move basically crosswise with respect to the direction of displacement of the cord fabric in order to fold the cord fabric in the reservoir itself. The displacement of the reservoir inside the container is simply crosswise in a rectilinear or oscillating fashion, or else is a motion made up of both types of motion, and the speed of the reservoir is fixed, or else variable in time.

Abstract: A locking device (10) for the conventional hitch pin (100) on a trailer (200) wherein the device (10) includes a generally U-shaped rigid one piece collar member (20) having an enlarged opening (21) dimensioned to slidably receive the recessed neck portion (101) of the hitch pin (100). The legs (29) and (22) of the collar member (20) are provided with a pair of oppositely facing counterbores (24), (25) and a through bore (30) that are dimensioned to receive a tempered steel bar member (40) and a lock member (60) for captively engaging the bar member (40) across the enlarged opening (21) in the collar member (20).

Abstract: A wall-mounted locking system for firearms comprises a wall-mounted base plate having hinged primary and secondary latch doors. A breech hook is connected to the base plate. The primary latch door carries a locking mechanism, which is dimensioned to pass through a hole or cut-out provided in the secondary latch door. Additionally, a barrel ring or muzzle hook is wall mounted above the base plate. A firearm is held against the base plate via the breech hook, which engages the firearm's ejection port and prevents the firearm from being loaded with ammunition. The barrel ring or muzzle hook prevents the firearm's barrel from being moved laterally. The firearm is secured via closing the latch doors and locking the lock.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for locking a wheel of a vehicle against rotation for the prevention of vehicle theft. A contacting element has one end releasably connectable to a portion of the vehicle undercarriage. The contacting element extends through an opening in a vehicle wheel. A stabilizing element is positioned immediately adjacent an outside portion of the wheel and a padlock is connected to the connecting element through a hole there through.

Abstract: A device to secure a PC notebook, a loose-leaf storage book or similarly shaped equipment, using a string of metal rod elongated rectangular links over the opposite and diagonal corners of the equipment, and securing the links using a padlock or other locking device. The links are secured to each other at their short ends by a double hinge that allows the links to pivot in a vertical axis while the hinge surface is held against the side of the equipment. The device is light weight, small in size to facilitate packing for travel, and low in cost.

Abstract: A latch, lock and hinge system having components that are well suited for use with closures such as tonneau covers that close the upwardly opening rear cargo compartments of pickup trucks and the like, includes rotary latch assemblies that are mounted on hinges for releasably engaging latch strikers to provide cover mounting connections that permit the cover both to pivot between open and closed positions, and to be removed when desired. The hinges have pivotally connected arms that are biased to hold the hinge-carried latches adjacent the cover when the cover is removed. Also included are other rotary latch assemblies that are connected by flexible cables to a latch operator assembly having an elongate housing that defines near its opposite ends a pair of recesses wherein latch operators are nested that can be concurrently moved toward each other by the fingers of one hand to unlatch and pivot open the cover. The latch operator assembly is lockable to prevent the cover from being opened and/or removed.