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 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 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 fuel tank closure for closing off a filling channel has a closure part that can be moved between a closed position in which an opening of the filling channel is tightly sealed, and an open position, in which the filling channel is released, in order for a fuel tank to be filled. The closure part is driven by a drive unit that has a motor.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking vessel and a lid for covering the cooking vessel. The cooking apparatus also may include an exhaust tube for bleeding off pressure within the cooking vessel, in which a portion of the exhaust tube is positioned above the lid when said lid covers said cooking vessel. In another embodiment, the cooking apparatus includes a first O-ring gaskets for forming a first seal between the cooking vessel and the lid, and a second O-ring gasket for forming a second seal between the cooking vessel and the lid. A method for reducing pressure includes the steps of providing a vessel and covering the vessel with a lid. The method also includes the steps of positioning a portion of an exhaust tube above the lid when the lid covers the vessel and bleeding off at least a portion of the pressure inside the vessel through the exhaust tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for automated synthesis containing a shaker deck with a plurality of reaction blocks containing a plurality of reaction wells, an arm containing an array of extending units capable of actuating physical steps along a plurality of axes of each reaction block, each reaction block being situated on a turntable, each turntable being further capable of rotating the reaction block along a central axis. Also disclosed are methods of preparing a peptide, oligonucleotide an small molecules using the apparatus.

Abstract: A garbage container includes a base section for collecting garbage and a lid section attachable to the base section. The lid section includes an access door pivotally operable therewith. The garbage container further includes a sensor connected to the top surface of the lid section and for determining when an object has reached a predetermined distance therefrom. The garbage container further includes a housing and a motor disposed therein and connected to the sensor. A plurality of arm members each have a first end portion passing through a corresponding one of a plurality of slots and are operable by the motor. The plurality of arm members each further has a second opposed end portion connected to the access door respectively. The plurality of arm members are preferably selectively pivotable about the first end portions and in a generally arcuate path to thereby move the access door between open and closed positions based upon signals transmitted by the sensor.

Abstract: The invention teaches systems, devices and methods for manipulating a trash container member. In one embodiment, the invention automates the opening and closing of a fast-food trash cabinet door flap. The system generally includes a means for detecting motion, a means for switching a drive means on, a drive means, and a movable member.

Abstract: An improved closure device for a laboratory scale chemical reactor which provides fast and efficient opening and closing of the reaction vessel as well as providing a simple and reliable system for relieving excessive pressure should it build up in the reaction vessel. The reactor is sealed by use of a substantially flat head that is seated against the rim of the reaction vessel by pressure which is generated by a variably adjustable closure means. Since the closure pressure can be adjusted to any value within the design limitations of the closure means, the closure means also operates as a pressure relief valve.

Abstract: A washing appliance such as a dishwasher where a top-loading wash chamber is slidable out of cabinet for loading and unloading has a cabinet-mounted chamber lid which is power driven down onto the open top of the wash chamber during the washing cycle. Linear actuators or motors mounted in opposite sides of the appliance cabinet are coupled to opposite sides of the lid to pull the lid down when the chamber has been slid back into the cabinet. In a preferred embodiment rotating dc motors are used to rotate a threaded nut which in turn produces linear motion in a threaded shaft engaged within the nut and connected to the lid.

Abstract: A cradle capable of receiving objects having alternative sizes is provided. The cradle includes a main unit, a slide mechanism and a lock mechanism. The main unit loads and holds the object. The slide mechanism is for adjusting the size of the room for placing the object. The lock mechanism positions the slide mechanism by clasping the slide mechanism.

Abstract: A tool box is provided that includes a hollow container having at least one lid that may be opened or closed and means for opening and closing the lid. The means for opening and closing the lid are actuated by control means that is operatively attached thereto. The lid is locked into position by the means for opening and closing the lid when the means are not actuated by the control means. The means for opening and closing the lid are capable of stopping the lid at any position between a completely closed position and a completely open position. The means for opening and closing the lid include a motor with a worm gear operatively attached. A drive gear is operatively attached to the worm gear, and a lift arm is operatively attached to the drive gear. The lift arm is attached so as to move in coordination with the drive gear. The lid has a channel attached to it, in which the arm is slideably engaged so as to slide when the arm is moved by the drive gear.

Abstract: A coke drum head is hinged to a coke drum body using a compound joint such as a trammel pivot, and the head is moved between open and closed positions using an actuator. In moving between open and closed positions, the head traces out a non-circular path which reduces the required headroom relative to a head using a standard pivot.

Abstract: A cap unit (10) for a container (38) has a cap (20) and an annular skirt (12). The skirt (12) is mounted in the container (38) defining an aperture, the cap (20) being movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the cap (20) covers the aperture and seals it, and in the second position the cap uncovers the aperture, the cap (20) being journalled pivotably around an axis (26) perpendicular to the plan defined by the aperture and placed outside the aperture so that the cap may swing between the first position and the second position. Furthermore, the cap (20) and the skirt (12) have respective claw-formed catching means (14, 16, 18) which are adapted to fix the cap (20) in relation to the skirt (12) and allow the cap (20) to swing from a first to a second position.

Abstract: An autoclave is disclosed which includes direct heating and improved access. The autoclave includes a heating system which is placed directly into the pressurized chamber such that materials which are placed directly into the autoclave are directly heated. The autoclave includes doors which are disposed inside of the pressure vessel which seal against the inside surface of the pressure vessel upon pressurization. In one embodiment a pivot system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. In an alternate embodiment a robotic system is used to hold the door in place when the autoclave is not sufficiently pressurized so as to hold the door against the inside wall of the autoclave. The robotic system is also used to move the door out of the way after depressurization.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure vessel device. The device is comprised of a vessel body having an open end. The device also comprises an end cap disposed on the open end of the body. A self-energizing seal is disposed between the end cap and the vessel body to seal them together. Preferably, the seal consists of a C-shaped polymeric body with a stainless steel spring or an O-ring in the middle. The spring pushes two lips of the seal out. One lip of the seal touches the body of the vessel and the other lip of the seal touches the cap. When the pressure inside the vessel increases, it acts against the seal and pushes the lips even further towards the wall. In order to eliminate bolts, the cap can be threaded to the vessel body. The threads provide an additional bonus in that a simpler motor mechanism can feed the cap into the vessel thereby providing an automated method of opening and closing the vessel. This simple automation provides considerable amount of safety to the operator.

Abstract: An accessory containing device having a portion for containing accessories and lids adapted to the opened and closed, a controller remote from the accessory containing box for emitting infrared rays, and a mechanism for opening and closing the lids including a motor, a light receiving element for receiving the infrared rays from the controller and a mechanism for operating the lids with the power of the motor when the light receiving element receives the infrared rays.

Abstract: A receptacle comprising a body including an opening having a door hingedly mounted therein for movement between a normal and substantially vertical orientation and a substantially horizontal orientation, a drive assembly having a hub for taking up and letting out the cord for moving the door between the substantially vertical orientation and the substantially horizontal orientation, and an actuator device for actuating the drive assembly, the hub being spaced apart from said hinge proximate an optimum position for minimizing the amount of force necessary for the drive assembly to move the door.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a pressurized sealing arrangement capable of pressurizing and heating the interior of an outer tub which retains washing water by a pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. Here, a heater is installed between the outer tub, and an inner tub and a piston and a driving unit of the piston are formed to the inner bottom plane of a top cover. The driving unit includes a screw shaft formed with a male screw along the outer circumference thereof, a series of gears for transmitting a rotational force to the screw shaft and a control motor.

Abstract: An enhanced container for supplying toner to an image forming machine and a consequentially enhanced, toner dispensing method characterized by the utilization of a slip-clutched shutter plate, journaled in the free end of a container body, and operable to be manipulated, without positional constraints, through simple rotation of the container body itself.

Abstract: A power gas tank cover including a motor, a collar including an annular portion, a tubular portion formed at one side of the annular portion and having a hole communicated with an opening of the annular portion, a recess between the annular portion and the neck portion, and an inclined track on an inner side of the neck portion, a worm shaft inserted into the tubular portion and connected with the motor, a sleeve fitted in the inclined track, an inner jacket being a cone-shaped member with a first orifice, an outer jacket rotatably fitted on the inner jacket and provided at a lower portion with a worm gear meshed with the worm shaft, a pressure relief valve arranged on a top of said inner jacket, and a transmission shaft pivotally connected with the outer jacket at an end and with a gas tank door at another.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a plurality of vessels containing various sample and reagent materials is disclosed. The apparatus comprises mechanisms for holding the vessels and rotating the vessels about an axis. A valve for venting pressure is provided and is controlled by a solenoid that is actuated only when the vessels are in a generally upright position so that liquid or solid contents of the vessels will not escape through the pressure venting valve. Additionally a work station is provided that houses the apparatus of the present invention and allows the user to complete the mixing and extracting process without removing the vessels from the holding tray.

Abstract: An improved storage tank of the type having a bottom, side walls and a floating roof in which the improvement comprises support legs and support sleeves for selectively supporting the floating roof at first and second elevations. The support legs engage the tank bottom and extend upwardly therefrom. The support sleeves are attached to the floating roof and extend downwardly therefrom. The support sleeves surround the support legs and are vertically moveable relative thereto from first positions in which the support sleeves engage the tank bottom to support the floating roof at the first elevation and second positions in which the floating roof may be supported by the support legs at the second elevation.

Abstract: The covering device for an aquarium, terrarium or like vivarium for living things includes an approximately rectangular frame (13); an upwardly openable cover member (15) pivotally mounted on the frame; a lighting device (17) mounted on the bottom side (16) of the cover member (15); a device for locking and releasing the cover member (15) when it is in a closed position on the frame (13) and a drive mechanism (18) for pivoting the cover member (15) upward automatically automatically to open it when the cover member (15) is released by the locking and releasing device, at least over a predetermined initial pivot angle range. A brake device for braking the action of the drive mechanism can also be provided.

Abstract: A delayed coker drumhead handling apparatus, which includes remotely operable trammel pivot apparatus to open and close the coke drum by moving the drumhead downwardly and laterally, such that the apparatus is especially suitable for use in areas of restricted clearance to the operating deck or otherwise confined space.

Abstract: A shutter for large pressure vessels comprises a lid assembly (Y) constituted of a seal plate (1) formed of a flexible material of a size fit for the opening of a pressure vessel and a multitude of beam members (2) attached to the outer surface of the plate (1) and extending widthwise. The beam members are connected to the seal plate in such a manner as to be parallel to each other along a reference line for connection, extending in the widthwise direction of the seal plate, and advance or retreat while flexing along a guide member (7) having at least one bending portion (71). The guide member extends between a closing position (A) disposed in front of the opening portion and a storage position (B) disposed on an outer housing of the pressure vessel, so that the assembly can be housed in a relatively small space. This shutter is most suitable for use on a medical autoclave and a retort for food processing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sealing structure for a testing vessel, comprising a lid member secured to a base and having an upwardly projecting insertion portion and a supporting portion; a cylindrical container detachably mountable on the lid member in an up-and-down direction, the container having a lower open end portion to which said projection can be mated and which can be supported by the supporting portion and on which a plurality of first radially outwardly extending locking portions and first notches are alternately formed along a circumference thereof; a clutch member which is attached to the base and rotatingly guided in an circumferential direction by a guide member and on which a plurality of second radially inwardly extending locking portions and second notches are alternately formed within the same angular range as that of the first locking portions and first notches; and an elevator means for lowering and lifting the container to mount and dismount the latter with respect to the lid membe

Abstract: This invention relates to a power fuel tank cover and in particular to one including a motor, a collar having a circular member and a tubular member formed at one side thereof, a worm rod inserted into the tubular member of the collar, a sleeve fitted into said collar, a worm gear mounted on the sleeve and engaged with the worm rod, an actuating cylinder with external threads being threadedly engaged with the center hole of the worm gear, a lid pivotally connected with an upper portion of the actuating cylinder and having a seat with a groove at a bottom, a positioning plate on a top and a hole extending through the seat and the positioning plate for receiving a ball, a plug and a spring, a connecting member pivotally connected between the collar and the lid, and a press plate threadedly engaged with the positioning plate by a screw connected with a linking rod via a ring which is in turn connected with a fixing plate, whereby the fuel tank may be automatically opened and closed simply by pressing a switch ne

Abstract: A microwave heating appliance 10 has a base 12 mounted in an opening 18 formed in a countertop 16. Base 12 includes a mount, such as flange 20, which supports the base on the countertop. A removable cover 14 sits on the base 12 above countertop 16. The cover and base form a microwave heating chamber. A deck 26 is in base 12 and is approximately level with countertop 16. Deck 26 and countertop 16 form a continuous counter surface when cover 14 is fully removed from base 12. A microwave generating device 24 generates microwave radiation which passes through deck 26 to the heating area. A control system 80 is employed to control microwave generating device 24 to only allow operation when cover 14 is properly connected to base 12.

Abstract: A cylindrical vessel is closed at its end by a cover. To facilitate opening, the cover is tiltably mounted at its sides on supporting blocks. By means of spindles, the two supporting blocks can be raised and lowered. At least one swivel arm is tiltably articulated to the vessel closure and tiltably as well as slideably articulated to the vessel, in such a manner that upon raising of the cover, the latter is at the same time tilted back away from the exposed vessel opening to improve access to the interior of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a personal security case which includes a holder attached to a wall or the like, and a security case removably held by the holder. The security case has a case body and a lid which is attached to the case body in such a manner as to be opened and closed as desired. The personal security case also includes a lock mechanism provided thereon to enable the case body and the lid to be locked respectively to the holder and to the case body in a closed state either simultaneously or independently and to further permit unlocking of the case body and the lid either simultaneously or independently.

Abstract: Sealable food storage containers having a time actuated locking mechanism to prevent access to food stored except at a predetermined time. The purpose of the invention is to aid dieters, children and compulsive snack or dessert consuming persons by permitting access to a particular stored food only at a predetermined time. This is to prevent between meal snacks or consumption of foods for dietary reasons. The device includes a sealable plastic or other type of food storage container that can be safely used within a refrigerated space and a removable separate time actuated locking mechanism that can be interchanged and used with a variety of food storage containers. The time locking mechanism includes a lid latching mechanism that has an engageable latch that is disengaged at a predetermined time by an electrical current provided to a small motor. The food storage containers include a pouch or separate access chamber that houses the timing mechanism and cooperates with the lid for the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A garbage pail with electronic control for opening and closing its cover, characterized mainly in that, upon an induction of a sensor to the visible or invisible light it can control the opening and closing action of the cover of garbage pail automatically instead of manual operation in order to improve a fine living quality.

Abstract: A coke drum unheading device having an actuator system operable from a location remote from a drum outlet. The actuator is adapted to move a drumhead between closed and open positions and to retain the drumhead in a closed position under load.

Abstract: An automated top head cover and stem guide assembly adapted for covering a top opening in vertical vessels such as coking drums, and a method for remotely operating the assembly. The top head assembly includes a flanged connector unit attached pressure-tightly to a top flange opening of a coking drum, and a top cover device including a cover unit pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that the top cover unit can be pivotally lifted and moved aside. A stem guide device is also pivotally attached to the flanged connector unit, so that a stem guide unit can be pivotally moved downwardly into place over the top flange unit opening, after a stem member is inserted into the vessel. Following coke removal from the drum, the stem member is withdrawn, the stem guide unit is pivotally moved upwardly, and the head cover unit is moved downwardly to cover the coking drum flanged connector unit. The invention also discloses method steps for operating the head cover and stem guide devices of the assembly.

Abstract: A press for dewatering papermaking pulp has a pair of adjacent perforated cylindrical rolls which define a continuously converging nip and a vat shell adjacent the rolls which provides enhanced bottom access to the press rolls by means of a door which is hinged to swing downward and away from the bottom of the press vat. A hoist mechanism raises and lowers the unhinged side of the door as required, and retractable keys latch the door in a sealing position against the vat. A shock absorber mechanism is provided to limit the speed at which the unhinged side of the door can fall when being lowered.

Abstract: A container is disclosed which makes the coupling a coupling device of lifting gear, such as a crane, with the container without requiring additional alignment operations as performed by special instrumentalities or by manual labor. The coupling device includes a first coupling member which consists of a bushing having an upper flange-like border, which is arranged centrally on the top side of the container. This bushing serves simultaneously as a guide member for a second coupling member which is in the form of a pull bar. The second coupling member, as well, is provided with an upper flange-like border. When handling the container one may use the coupling device with at least two hooks, which are fitted, respectively, under the flange-like borders of the coupling members in a circumferential distribution.

Abstract: A power driven flexible cover for an open truck body. The cover is supported on a roller which moves from one side of the truck body to the other to open and close the cover over the open body. A motor and gear reduction train is used to move the roller. The roller is restrained at each end by a spring-biased cable which causes the roller to move in a substantially straight path from one side of the truck body to the other.

Abstract: Disposal equipment for infectious or otherwise contaminated waste, to be used for instance in hospitals, doctors' offices, laboratories and similar institutions; the waste is disposed of in a container (18) placed on a support (1); when the container (18) is full, it is closed tight by means of the lid (19) provided. The release-ready lid (19) is held on the support (1) by means of the rotating lid holder (14) which is actuated by the motorized drive. The opening and closing of the container is provided by the lid holder (14), and during the filling phase the lid (19) is closed down loosely on the container (18). When the container is full, another drive (4, 5) linked to the equipment (1) closes the lid holder (14) with the lid down tight onto the container, and the lid (19) connected to the container (18)is then released.

Abstract: A quick actuating closure for a pressure vessel 80 in which a wedge ring 30 with a conical outer surface 31 is moved forward to force shear blocks 40, with conical inner surfaces 41, radially outward to lock an end closure plug 70 within an opening 81 in the pressure vessel 80. A seal ring 60 and a preload ramp 50 sit between the shear blocks 40 and the end closure plug 70 to provide a backup sealing capability. Conical surfaces 44 and 55 of the preload ramp 50 and the shear blocks 40 interact to force the seal ring 60 into shoulders 73 and 85 in the end closure plug 70 and opening 81 to form a tight seal. The end closure plug 70 is unlocked by moving the wedge ring 30 rearward, which causes "T"-bars 32 of the wedge ring 30 riding within "T" -slots 42 of the shear blocks 40 to force them radially inward. The end closure plug 70 is then removed, allowing access to the interior of the pressure vessel 80.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device for use in electronic appliances such as a VCR, a TV set and audio products, which can easily open the door of an electronic appliance simply by pushing a locking-loosening button. The device comprises a door to open and close the front opening of the front panel of an electronic appliance and a rack gear formed in the inner side of the door, a pinion gear engaged with the rack gear and provided with a pair of integrated interlocking gears, a pair of driving gears engaged with the interlocking gears and provided with a spiral spring wound onto its axis, a locker for locking a catching projection of the door, a locking-loosening interlocking lever supported by a horizontal axis with its lower part coming into contact with the interlocking part of the door and a locking-loosening button for opening the door by pushing it.

Abstract: The automatic touch actuated door opener includes an elongated flexible tension member having one end connected to a door and the other end connected to a tension member take-up device. The door is biased to its closed position for maintaining tension in the tension member when the door is moved to its closed position. A switch in contact with the tension member senses decreased tension due to external touching pressure against the door and actuates the take-up device to automatically open the door. A time delay switch causes the take-up device to allow the door to return to its closed position after the preselected time interval. An alternate embodiment includes a pair of limit switches which are sequentially engaged and released in response to increased and decreased tension respectively in the tension member.

Abstract: An automatically openable lid for a receptacle structure has a safety device for preventing any accident in the presence of an obstacle in the range of opening and closing movements of the lid. The device includes a safety guard extending around a front surface of the lid and beyond a rear surface thereof. The guard is mounted on the lid in a semi-fixed manner such that the guard is normally kept immovable relative to the lid during the movement thereof and such that the guard is pivotally movable relative to the lid when the guard is hit by any obstacle during the movement of the lid. Responsive to the movement of the guard relative to the lid, a detecting means is operable to energize a brake for stopping the movement of the lid.

Abstract: The automatic touch actuated door opener includes an elongated flexible tension member having one end connected to a door and the other end connected to a tension member take-up device. The door is biased to its closed position for maintaining tension in the tension member when the door is moved to its closed position. A switch in contact with the tension member senses decreased tension due to external touching pressure against the door and actuates the take-up device to automatically open the door. A time delay switch causes the take-up device to allow the door to return to its closed position after the preselected time interval.

Abstract: A steam peeling or boiling apparatus for crops, such as potatoes, carrots, celery, apples and the like, or for meat, comprising a substantially cylindrical peeling vessel arranged for rotation around horizontal stub shafts, having a supply and discharge opening disposed eccentrically or non-eccentrically in one of the end faces. The opening is closable by an inwardly movable cover operated by a lever rotatably connected thereto, the other end of which is rotatably connected to the exterior of the vessel. The cover is provided with a second operating lever by means of which the cover can be displaced along the inner wall of the vessel in entirely "controlled" fashion. The second operating lever is rotatably connected to the exterior of the vessel at a location situated in the perpendicular median plane between the initial and final positions of the cover pivot of the second operating lever.

Abstract: A pressure vessel mounts hinges adjacent its open end for pivotal displacement of a door between open and closed positions, the hinges being raised and lowered with the door by power operated means. The door may be closed when lowered into roller-supported alignment with power operated locking means which includes toggle linkages for clamping the door to the vessel. Power operated safety pins hold the linkages in the locked condition.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for closing and continuously emptying the container of a processing machine by means of a closure cover (6-9) which is arranged in the bottom (1) of the container and which is driven so that it can be moved into and out of the emptying opening (2) in the bottom (1) of the container by way of a pivotal shaft (17) acting as a lifting means on a mounting means, for example a mounting arm (16), outside the container.

Abstract: The casing of the invention comprises a fixed part 1 fixedly mounted to the post 10 below the zone to be protected, this fixed part comprising, on one side of post 10, a support structure 14; a mobile part 15 for covering, in the closed position, the upper part of the post; a mechanical connection mounted between the support structure 14 and the mobile part 15; and an assistance device 22 adapted to exert a force tending to drive the mobile part during its upward movement.