Abstract: A lift assist mechanism is provided for assisting lifting of a movable component that can move between lowered and raised positions relative to a fixed structure. The lift assist mechanism includes a lift assist spring connected to a spring shaft, and an elongated track in which an end of the lift assist spring or an end of the spring shaft are movably engaged. A spring lock restrains movement of the spring shaft when a lift assist is not required, and releases the spring shaft when a lift assist is required.

Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.

Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.

Abstract: A trash can with a power operated lid can include a sensor assembly and a lifting mechanism. The sensor assembly can include at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver, the viewing area of the at least one light receiver being limited in size. The lifting mechanism can include a controller, a drive motor, and a lifting member. The trash can with power operated lid can further include at least one position sensor for detecting the position of the lid.

Abstract: In a closure for closing the orifice (13) of a neck (12), in particular the orifice of a fuel filler neck for automotive vehicles, a spring mechanism is provided which takes the form of a tightening device for drawing the closure part (14) automatically into its final closed position. The movement of the closure part (14) is controlled by a first guide slot (19). The operating lever (35), by means of which the closure part is moved, is furthermore hinged to the closure part (14) by means of a second guide slot (39), which, when an opening force is introduced via the closure part (14), blocks the movement of the closure part (14) from its closed position in the opening direction so that the closure part (14) cannot be manually opened from outside.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a molten metal containment structure, including a vessel having an internal volume for containing molten metal and an open upper end. The structure further includes a cover for the vessel having an underside facing the internal volume, the cover being movable between a closed position, covering the open upper end of the vessel with the underside of the cover, and an open position in which the cover is remote from the open upper end of the vessel to allow access to the internal volume from one side of the structure. The cover is attached to at least one lifting arm (preferably two or more) and at least on rotation control arm (preferably two or more). The lifting arm(s) operates to guide the cover from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding closure (1) for a receptacle containing molten metal, comprising a housing frame (3) that can be fastened to a spout of the receptacle, a refractory base plate (5) and a sliding unit (7) having a refractory sliding plate (8) that can be sealingly pressed against the base plate by means of spring elements (11) and a contiguous refractory spout sleeve (9) being contained in said housing frame. The case (4) has a second base plate (6) juxtaposed to the base plate (5) and can be displaced inside the housing frame (3) at a right angle to the direction of movement of the sliding unit (7) from an initial position in which the base plate (5) is in an operating position towards a final position in which the second base plate (6) is in the operating position. It is therefore possible to replace the base plate, which especially in converters wears outs very quickly, by a new base plate in a rapid and convenient manner without interrupting the casting operation.

Abstract: A closure for a waste receptacle is provided. The closure comprises a moveable component mounted to the closure for movement between a closed position, wherein the moveable component prohibits waste from entering the waste receptacle and an open position wherein the moveable component facilitates the entry of waste into the waste receptacle. A motor is coupled to the moveable component and configured to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position. A sensor is adapted to transmit a signal when waste is proximal or contacting the closure, wherein the sensor communicates with the motor to move the moveable component between the open position and the closed position to deposit the waste into the waste receptacle.

Abstract: A container includes a container body and a container cover. The container cover includes a cover seat, a door panel and an induction actuation arrangement. The cover seat has an accessing window communicating with a container cavity. The door panel is pivotally coupling with the cover seat to move between a closed position and an opened position. The induction actuation arrangement includes an induction unit supported by the cover seat for detecting a presence of an object approaching the cover seat within a detection area of the induction unit, and an actuation unit driving the door panel between the closed position and the opened position.

Abstract: A tank assembly including a tank, a lid, and an actuator assembly. The tank defines a tank volume and has an opening defined therein. The lid is sized to cover the opening in sealing engagement with the tank. The actuator assembly includes a first actuator arrangement and a second actuator arrangement. The first actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid into and out of sealing engagement with the tank. The second actuator arrangement is configured to move the lid between a first position in alignment with the opening, and a second position removed from alignment with the opening to permit access into the opening.

Abstract: An induction actuated container cover includes a control housing having a cover opening, a cover panel pivotally mounted to the control housing to pivotally move between a closed position that the cover panel covers at the cover opening and an opened position that the cover panel exposes the cover opening, and an automatic driving arrangement including a sensor mounted at the control housing for detecting a target movement of a user and an actuation unit supported in the control housing to operatively link with the sensor, wherein the actuation unit is actuated to generate a decelerating and torque enhancing force to move the cover panel between the opened and closed position in a hydraulic manner.

Abstract: An interchangeable container for a system for building a mold body by forming superimposed layers of granular material, the granular material locally and selectively hardened layer by layer. The container includes a bottom structure that is displaceable in the interior of the container in a direction in parallel with the container side walls and at least one spindle drive having a vertical screw spindle rotatably mounted in a container side of the container, and a spindle screw nut on which the bottom structure is supported. The bottom structure can be lowered step by step in the interior of the container by the spindle drive.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a container includes a lid engaging device, a transmission assembly mounted on the lid engaging device, and a lid including a first pivotal section and a second pivotal section disposed opposed to each other. The first and second pivotal sections define an imaginary axis “A” extended therebetween, and the first and second pivotal sections are mounted on the lid engaging device. The first pivotal section is engaged with the transmission assembly. The lid is pivoted automatically by the transmission assembly. The lid is pivotal about the imaginary axis “A” and is moveable between an open position that enables items to be put in the container and a closed position in which the lid prevents items to be put in the container.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A foot sensor rubbish bin is controlled to open and close by extending the user's foot into a recess of a base to actuate a sensor without using the user's hands, which provides the user with much convenience. Moreover, since the sensor is disposed at the recess of the base, the unnecessary interference can be avoided, thus reducing the energy waste and complying with the requirements of environmental protection.

Abstract: A container includes a container body having a receiving cavity and a container opening communicating with the receiving cavity, a cover panel movably coupled mounted at the container opening to fold between a closed position and an opened position, and an induction actuation system. The induction actuation system includes an actuation unit to automatically drive the cover panel moving between the closed position and the opened position in responsive to a presence of a user and a power recharging arrangement which includes a battery unit detachably supported by the container body, wherein the battery unit is mounted at the container body to electrically connect to the actuation unit for resuming proper operation thereof and is detached from the container body for recharging purpose.

Abstract: A collection tank for use in a vacuum operated earth reduction system, the collection tank comprising a closed first end, an open second end defining a tank sealing flange and a body extending between the closed first end and the open second end. An internal chamber defined by the body, the closed first end and the open second end has a door coupled to the open second end and is configured to releasably seal the open second end. An automated door closer is coupled to a center of the door, wherein the automated door closer provides a closing force at the center of the door so that the closing force is equally distributed about a periphery of the door to seal the door against the tank sealing flange.

Abstract: A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.

Abstract: A self-contained automatic access port unit having a sensor that recognizes when refuse is approaching the cover, and to activate a direct current motor, solenoid, or drive cylinder which in turn moves a drive arm to open a cover to permit refuse to drop through the access port unit into a trash container therebelow, thereby avoiding the need for a user to make contact with the trash access port. A switch or timer causes the access port unit to close its cover. Motion of the drive arm is initiated by the motor, solenoid or drive cylinder, but continues through momentum imparted to the drive arm and cover. The cover engages a seal ring to provide a uniform impervious countertop surface.

Abstract: The invention can be used in pipelines, any devices, man holes and arrangements, at any pressures and working conditions for closable large-diameter pipes. The aim of said invention is to improve the operating reliability of a gate. The inventive gate comprises a lid consisting of a flange and a bottom caved in a pipe, wherein a sleeve provided with a supporting ring is welded to the bottom, arresting elements in the form of sectors insertable into the circular boring of the tube, when they are radially displaced on the flange along clamping bolts and on the supporting ring by the action of the inclined face of a drive nut, are arranged on the end face of the flange and on the supporting ring. The nut is embodied in the form of a truncated pyramid provided with T-slots embodied on the side surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A cover assembly of a container includes a first part and a second part mounted on an open top of the container, the first part includes an opening and the second part includes a through hole which is located corresponding to the opening. The second part including two sidewalls and each sidewall has a plurality of guide slots such that a plurality of plates are respectively and slidably engaged with the guide slots between the two sidewalls to open the through hole or to close the through hole. A driving unit is located on the second part and driving the plates to move along the guide slots. An induction unit is connected to a front end of the first part and includes an induction member which activates the driving unit.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for hermetically and safely closing a feeding bottle to avoid any leakage of the liquid. Said closing device comprises: a rotary closure consisting of an inner ferrule and of an outer ferrule each having an offset opening respectively and, the inner ferrule being lodged in the outer ferrule. An internal thread of the inner ferrule enables the rotary closure to be fixed to the threaded neck of the feeding bottle. A nipple, inserted in a retaining ring comprising an internal thread, is fixed to the threaded neck of the rotary closure. A cap is provided, which enables the nipple to be protected. The inventive device is particularly designed for hermetically closing the feeding bottle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated waste receptacle includes a waste flap, a motor positioned on a side of the waste flap and an actuator located in proximity of the top side of the waste flap. The actuator is configured to operate the motor and subsequently move the flap between open and closed positions.

Abstract: Methods for using a liner in a waste sorting and disposal system are provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: A liner for use in a waste sorting and disposal system is configured for placement in a container is provided. The liner includes an internal space and an opening that provides access to that internal space. In some embodiments, the liner may also include a machine-readable identification key that is configured to identify a type of waste that the liner may receive. In some embodiments, the machine-readable key is optical, color-coded, alphanumeric or graphical. The liner can include one or more closure members to allow a user to securely seal the liner when it is removed from the container. In some embodiments, the liner can include a flange, lip, hook or other protrusion to secure its position relative to a container.

Abstract: Protective door systems are presented for equipment enclosures in which an inner door is provided to resist outward opening pressures by facing or abutting one or more interior surfaces of an enclosure opening, with an optional outer panel covering the enclosure opening from the outside, where a closure mechanism is operated by an externally rotatable handle to initially back the inner door away from the enclosure front side and then to move the inner door upward at an angle to effectively clear two edges of the opening to allow pivoting of the inner door to an open position extending partially outside the enclosure opening.

Abstract: A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.

Abstract: The invention provides a highly reliable plasma processing apparatus having stable sealing performance. The vacuum processing apparatus comprises a vacuum vessel having its inside decompressed; an opening disposed in a wall of the vacuum vessel for communicating the inside with the outside thereof and through which a sample to be processed is taken in and out; a valve body 701 disposed outside the wall for airtightly sealing or opening the opening; and a drive unit for driving the valve body to carry out the sealing or opening operation, the drive unit comprising a first member 705 coupled to an actuator 702 that moves along a substantially linear first direction as a result of operation of the actuator, a second member 706 coupled to the first member 705 that moves along a substantially linear second direction that intersects with the first direction, and the valve body 701 coupled to the second member that seals the opening as a result of the movement of the second member.

Abstract: A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.

Abstract: An automated gas cap mechanism for opening and closing the fuel tank of a vehicle includes a housing with a filler compartment door mounted on a door support link that is coupled to an axle having first and second ends mounted in slots formed in the housing and configured to rotate and to move longitudinally in the housing. A crank is mounted on the axle and an arm on the crank is pivotally coupled to the door support link. A drive motor is operable to rotate the axle and crank to retract the filler compartment door into the housing and drive the axle in a linear direction to open a gas cap coupled to the axle.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A trash can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can include an electronic drive unit for opening and closing the lid.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A cover secured to an opening in a tank may be safely removed by controlling a flow of material stored within the tank through the opening. A remotely controlled actuator is carried by a frame and attached near the opening. An arm connected to the actuator engages the cover for providing sufficient force against the cover for preventing the cover from being dislodged so that the cover may be unsecured. The actuator is then remotely controlled for safely moving the cover from a closed position to an open position for controlling a flow of material from the tank. A guide may be employed for guiding the cover longitudinally outward from the opening along the arm.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A fuel lid open-close mechanism includes a fuel lid open sensor for detecting an opening of a fuel lid, and the fuel lid is automatically closed by a fuel lid controller when the opening of the fuel lid is detected. The close operation of the fuel lid is performed when a predetermined condition of fuel lid closure absence is fulfilled. The fuel lid is closed by driving shutter members from an open position to a close position.

Abstract: The garbage container, having a simple structure, a reliable performance, and being easy to install and cost effective, includes a container body, an infrared induction device, a movable cover automatically opened through infrared induction device, an infrared induction device, an automatic cover-opening device connected with the control unit, an output shaft of the driving motor connected with a cable-collecting wheel via a first set of reduction gears. One end of the cable is fixed to the cable-collecting wheel while the other end of the cable is connected with the cover. An output shaft of the cable-collecting wheel is connected with a cam via a second set of reduction gears. The protruding part of the cam is rotated to contact a cover-opening stroke switch and a cover-closing stroke switch respectively. The cover-opening stroke switch and the cover-closing stroke switch are connected respectively with the control unit through a data line.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In one embodiment, at least one of the medical waste items is a regulated drug that is regulated by, for example, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The regulated drug is inaccessible once disposed in the container. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A cover assembly of a container includes a first part and a second part mounted on an open top of the container, the first part includes an opening and the second part includes a through hole which is located corresponding to the opening. The second part including two sidewalls and each sidewall has a plurality of guide slots such that a plurality of plates are respectively and slidably engaged with the guide slots between the two sidewalls to open the through hole or to close the through hole. A driving unit is located on the second part and driving the plates to move along the guide slots. An induction unit is connected to a front end of the first part and includes an induction member which activates the driving unit.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an automatic storage box comprising a bottom case, a receptacle set, a receptacle, a top cover, and a rotary cover set. The inner surface of the bottom case is concaved to form an accommodation basin. A battery bay and a proximity sensor set are respectively arranged at two sides of the accommodation basin, and a dynamic device is arranged therebetween. The receptacle set and the receptacle are respectively detachably installed to the base case. The inner portion of the top cover is concaved downward to form a recess, and the lower rim of the top cover has a positioning element used to engage with the receptacle set. The rotary cover set is arranged above the top cover and pivotally coupled to the receptacle set. When the proximity sensor set detects the approach of a human body, the dynamic device instantly drives the movable cover to rotate to open.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to avoid and apparatus for avoiding sticking by a medical sharp following a medical procedure by creating an immediately available disposal point prior to the medical procedure by positioning a mouth of a sharps collection apparatus adjacent to a patient prior to the medical procedure to allow the caregiver to dispose of the medical sharp by pushing the sharp into the mouth of the apparatus, thereby eliminating excess motion by the caregiver during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of disposable containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations, each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container.

Abstract: The tank flap of an automobile is locked via a wire spring with which an extension connected to the tank flap will cooperate. A spring-biased locking body keeps the wire spring in the releasing position when the tank flap initially is forced inwards.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.

Abstract: A system for disposing of medical waste is generally configured to sort waste items into a plurality of containers according to applicable rules and regulations governing the handling and/or disposal of such items. In some embodiments, a system comprises sorting stations each of which houses a number of disposable containers. Each station can identify an item of waste, determine the most appropriate container for the item, and facilitate disposal of the item in the appropriate container. In some embodiments, a detection system for determining a presence and/or a quantity of waste items within a container is also provided. In some embodiments, access to discarded waste items is restricted once the waste items have been placed in a container.