Abstract: The invention relates to a storage bin, in particular a bin of storing foodstuffs, more particularly a bin for storing bread, comprising a box having an opening as well as a lid which is suspended from the box and can be moved between an open and a closed position for opening and closing the opening, respectively, characterized by pressing means for forcing the lid into the open position, and a closure which can be brought into an operative position for keeping the lid in the closed position and which can be brought into an inoperative position for moving the lid into the open position under the effect of the pressing means.

Abstract: A device for protecting the cap of a bottle having a neck, said device comprising a cap portion adapted to be placed over the neck of the bottle and a base portion, the base portion being rotatably connected to the cap portion, at least one elongate securing member being provided having a first end attached to the cap portion and a second end attached to the base portion whereby rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion in a tightening direction causes the elongate securing member to tighten against the neck of the bottle to resist removal of the device from the neck of the bottle, locking means being provided for selectively preventing rotation of the base portion with respect to the cap portion at least in a second direction opposite to said tightening direction. The device may be provided with an EAS tag.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for self-sealing of a reaction vessel, such that the reaction vessel may be repeatedly accessed by a fluid transfer mechanism and subsequently self-sealed, is detailed. The reaction vessel has an access opening, and the apparatus comprises a cap, a ball which is comprised of a magnetizable material (such as a ferrous metal), and a ring magnet. The cap is sized to fit over the reaction vessel access opening, and has an access port. The cap has an internal surface which faces the reaction vessel, and an external surface, which faces away from the reaction vessel. The ball is sized to fit over the cap access port, such that a portion of the ball seats partially in the cap access port on the cap internal surface, thus sealing the cap access port. According to an aspect of the invention, the ball may be comprised of a ferromagnetic material, or a magnetizable material that is preferably magnetized.

Abstract: A utility pocket is shown for use with a tool pouch or bag, or with such items as a brief case, soft sided cooler, or a backpack. The utility pocket has a clam shell shaped outer member which is biased toward an associated sidewall panel by means of elastic webbing. A pair of mating permanent magnets come into contact as the pocket moves from the open position to the closed position and help to bias the pocket to the closed position, as well as imparting a snap-closure action to the pocket. The material chosen for the pocket helps it to retain its clam shell shape without requiring internal reinforcing members, such as wire springs or other metal reinforcing elements.

Abstract: A self closing container having inner and outer sleeves. Outer sleeve surrounds inner sleeve and can freely slide on inner sleeve by lifting outer sleeve or handle. When container is closed, lid covers magnets, mouth magnets, mouth magnet platform, and mouth platform. When closed, bar magnet component is positioned over mouth magnets which permits mouth cover to cover mouth. When outer sleeve is raised, it raises ring in lid. In raised position, lid cover magnets on ring are repelled by corresponding magnets on lid cover. When ring is raised, mouth magnet platforms are raised. Mouth magnet platforms have two mouth magnets, one positioned toward mouth and one positioned toward back of the lid. When raised, mouth cover is moved backward to an open position with the use of the bar magnet component. When handle or outer sleeve is released all components return to their original positions effectively closing the 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 provides for an enclosure having first and second interconnecting bodies, each body having a closed end and an open end. A first sleeve having a first grip portion and an insertion portion is attached to the open end of the first body of the enclosure. A second sleeve having a second grip portion is attached to the open end of the second body of the enclosure. The insertion portion of the first sleeve is configured to mate with the second sleeve. Magnets are mounted within cavities formed into the ends of the grip portions such that when the bodies of the enclosure are interconnected, the exposed ends of the magnetic members abut one another, thus producing an attractive magnetic force which aids in maintaining the connection of the two bodies of the enclosure.

Abstract: A debris receptacle for a tool having a cutter. The debris receptacle includes a debris plate attachable to the tool and a debris cover overlying the debris plate and spaced from the debris plate to form a debris reception zone between the debris plate and the debris cover. The debris plate further includes a plate hole with the cutter extending through the plate hole when the debris plate is attached to the tool. The debris cover includes a cover hole with the cutter extending through the cover hole when the debris plate is attached to the tool.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for self-sealing of a reaction vessel, such that the reaction vessel may be repeatedly accessed by a fluid transfer mechanism and subsequently self-sealed, is detailed. The reaction vessel has an access opening, and the apparatus comprises a cap, a ball which is comprised of a magnetizable material (such as a ferrous metal), and a ring magnet. The cap is sized to fit over the reaction vessel access opening, and has an access port. The cap has an internal surface which faces the reaction vessel, and an external surface, which faces away from the reaction vessel. The ball is sized to fit over the cap access port, such that a portion of the ball seats partially in the cap access port on the cap internal surface, thus sealing the cap access port. According to an aspect of the invention, the ball may be comprised of a ferromagnetic material, or a magnetizable material that is preferably magnetized.

Abstract: A compact, openable and closeable barbeque smoker box receives and encloses woodchips and is easily disposed within a barbeque and emits smoke from the woodchips while grilling food. The smoker box includes an open bottom pan and a openable and closeable lid pan. The lid is pierced by at least one hole to vent smoke from the smoker box while grilling food. A magnet included in the smoker box facilitates securing the lid together with the bottom pan attached thereto beneath a grilling surface of a barbeque. Also disclosed is a sealable container specifically adapted for receiving the smoker box together with a quantity of woodchips beneath the smoker box. The container facilitates removing a smoker box stored therein regardless of the amount of woodchips remaining in the container.

Abstract: A compact storage organizer comprising an outer casing having a front panel, a bottom panel, a rear panel, an extension panel portion and a closure cover, all hinged and serially connected to each other at adjoining edges. The outer casing further includes a pair of side panel sheets that extend between the front panel and the rear panel defining an enclosed opening. A closure mechanism is provided to fasten the closure cover to the front panel. A file assembly is disposed in the compact storage organizer that includes at least one divider with a magnetic tab system disposed in the enclosed opening between the front and rear panels defining at least two envelope containers sequentially disposed adjacent to each other. The magnetic tab system may be pre-printed and personalized according to a user's preference.

Abstract: A fastener module suitable for a foldable electronic apparatus with a first body and a second body pivotally jointed with each other is provided. The module includes a first fastener, a second fastener, a control circuit, and a magnetic element. The first fastener is disposed in the first body and has magnetic susceptibility. The second fastener is disposed in the second body and suitable for being fastened with the first fastener. The control circuit is disposed in the foldable electronic apparatus. The magnetic element is disposed in the foldable electronic apparatus, and is coupled to the control circuit. The magnetic element is controlled by the control circuit to determine whether to exert a magnetic force on the first fastener for driving the first fastener to be fastened with the second fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a liquid includes a container containing a liquid, and a magnetic treatment device therefor. The magnetic treatment device may include an elastic band removably fastened around the container and urged thereagainst by elastic deformation of the elastic band, the elastic band being deformable to accommodate containers having different sizes. The magnetic treatment device may also include at least one permanent magnet carried by the elastic band for magnetically treating the liquid in the container. Alternately, the magnetic treatment device may include a band with a joint therein or a drawstring removably fastened around the container.

Abstract: A pourer for improving organoleptic properties for various beverages includes a base and a tubular member extending longitudinally through the base. A spout extends outwardly from the tubular member and at least two magnets disposed longitudinally along the tubular member are provided for exposing the beverage to a magnetic field as the beverage passes through the tubular member and spout.

Abstract: A sink stopper or plug assembly that incorporates an embedded magnet in its main body and includes a segregated magnet that is attached to the surface, rear surface, side, backside, topside or underside of a sink, basin, tub, bowl, bathtub, faucet or faucet deck plate at a convenient location for the storage of the stopper main body. The stopper configuration eliminates the need to use a chain to tether the stopper and provides for easy access when the stopper or plug is required to be utilized in the drain itself.

Abstract: A pot includes a hollow body and a lid detachably mounted on the hollow body to cover the open end. There is at least one first magnet annularly embedded in the peripheral edge defining the open end of the hollow body. Two second magnets are diametrically embedded in a bottom face of the lid. When only one second magnet is attracted by the at least one first magnet, the lid is able to move relative to the hollow body to allow the lid to be inclined relative to the hollow body. When both second magnets are attracted by the at least one first magnet, the lid is retained relative to the hollow body so as to close the communication between the open end and the outlet.

Abstract: A closure system for a container comprises a magnetically permeable element such as a metal ring adapted to be affixed on a container adjacent an opening thereof, and a closure such as a membrane lid having a surface formed by a heat seal material, the closure being heat-sealed to a surface of the magnetically permeable element via the heat seal material. The closure further incorporates a magnetized material structured and arranged to attract the magnetically permeable element so as to affix the closure to the magnetically permeable element following removal of the closure therefrom, whereby the closure system is re-closable by magnetic attraction between the closure and magnetically permeable element.

Abstract: A magnetic or virtual hinge defining a virtual hinge axis includes first and second plates of non-magnetic material, and first and second magnets disposed in the respective plates adjacent the hinge axis for movement therewith. The first and second members are movable about the hinge axis between closed and open orientations.

Abstract: A bottle security device includes an inner member, an outer member and a cap member that cooperate to lock the bottle security device on the neck of a bottle. The inner member includes a plurality of fingers that are adapted to fit under the bead on a bottle neck. The cap member and the outer member are connected to form an enclosure therebetween which houses a locking mechanism. The outer sleeve member of the device slides over the inner member and forces the fingers against the bottle neck. Pins are connected to the inner member and extend into the locking mechanism to lock the inner and outer members together when the inner member is inserted in the outer member. A magnetic key is used to separate the two pieces and release the security device from the bottle. The key attracts a portion of the locking mechanism to disengage the mechanism from the pin.

Abstract: A simplified installation design for an in-use cover for an electrical outlet includes conical mounting screw holes in the outlet box and movement-restricting guides to ensure the mounting screw aligns with the mounting screw holes. Angled side mounting screw holes allow the outlet box to be installed with screws from within the box rather than the conventional nails outside the box. In particular embodiments of the invention, prongs, screws, clamps, heat stakes or other attachment components extend from the back of the insert to allow for pre-installment attachment of the electrical device directly to the insert. This also simplifies installation of the recessed in-use covers. Adaptors may optionally be included to allow the device to be adapted for use with a variety of sizes and shapes of electrical devices. An alternate embodiment of the invention includes a recessed in-use outlet formed of an electrical box, a receptacle, a cover plate and a cover to allow for simple installation with fewer parts.

Abstract: A lockable container for an article comprises a frame (2) which has an access opening (4), a closure member (10) which is pivotally mounted in relation to the frame (2), and a latch member (28) which is axially movable within the closure member (10) between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch member (28) and the frame (2) are each provided with one or more interengageable detents (8, 34) whereby when the closure member (10) is in a closed position and the latch member (28) is in the latched position the detents (8, 34) are engaged and prevent pivoting of the closure member (10). Movement of the latch member (28) to the unlatched position causes the detents to disengage and permit pivoting of the closure member. The closure member (10) is provided with a locking member (22) for engaging the latch member (28) to retain it against axial movement.

Abstract: A detachable keyboard structure includes a first magnetic component, a second magnetic component, and a movable component. The first magnetic component is disposed in the wireless keyboard while the second magnetic component is disposed in the computer main body. The first and the second magnetic components produce magnetization due to the opposite magnetisms thereof for attracting the keyboard to the computer main body. The moveable component is capable of transferring the magnetic relation between the first magnetic component and the second magnetic component. When the moveable component is forced to move and therefore transfer the magnetic relation, the first and the second magnetic components produce repellence with each other due to the same magnetism thereof for detaching the keyboard from the computer main body.

Abstract: A portable computer host has a display face, a back face and four side faces. First magnetic units and at least one positioning unit are placed on the display face or the back face. An attached panel, having an attaching face and four edges, has second magnetic units placed on the attaching face that correspond to the first magnetic units, and also has at least one second positioning unit placed on the attaching face corresponding to the first positioning unit.

Abstract: For automated centrifugation of samples contained in test tubes, a centrifuge (c) has a rotating head (11) with swing-out buckets (30) for housing the test tubes. Apparatus is provided for automatically positioning each bucket in the centrifugation chamber under a safety lid and to lift each bucket out of the centrifugation chamber. Magnetic devices are provided to retain a cover on its bucket and a magnetic system is provided for removing the cover of each bucket in order to expose the test cubes to a robotic arm or similar device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking closure device for use with air-tight storage containers. The locking closure device has a closure member that is removably mounted to the container to removably seal the opening of the container. A lock, operable between locked and unlocked positions, is operably mounted to both the closure member and the container. When the lock is in the locked position, it both limits an access to the opening of the container and optimizes the seal existing between the closure member and the container. The location of the lock in relation to the closure device ensures that the seal around the opening of the container is optimized when the lock is in the locked position. To ensure that an operation of the lock occurs, the lock is biased in the locked position and moves to the locked position automatically during the association between the closure member and the container. A release is used move the lock from the locked to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A can apron comprising an indented groove cover including an outer flange and a inner flange connected by a lateral surface, the indented groove cover constructed of flexible material providing for the snap-on fitting of the can apron, a magnet, a magnet cover piece, and means for attaching the magnet cover piece to the indented groove cover.

Abstract: Herein taught is a novel protective cover plate for temporarily covering a prior art electrical outlet box during the construction process so as to protect the electrical outlet box from contaminants, such as plaster, joint compound, or the like. The cover plate is formed from any suitable material that can be corrugated so as to form ridges and grooves. This arrangement provides unusual results as it provides a natural finger grip and it allows the cover plate to be easily adapted or modified on site so as to be useable with substantially any type, style or various size of electrical outlet box.

Abstract: A container for laser-readable discs with closure means, comprising a tray which is fixed to a flap of a sleeve element and forms at least one seat for detachably accommodating a disc. The container further comprises a permanent magnet that is fixed to the tray and a ferromagnetic body that is arranged inside a closure flap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thin-plate accommodating/transporting container including a container body for accomodating and supporting a plurality of thin plates while keeping the interior of the container clean, comprising: positioning means, provided at the container body, for accurately adjusting a placement position of the container body; lid receiving portion which is provided in the container body and to which the lid is attached; and engagement means, provided at the lid receiving portion, for engaging with various types of lids of different attachment methods.

Abstract: A magnetic or virtual hinge defining a virtual hinge axis includes first and second plates of non-magnetic material, and first and second magnets disposed in the respective plates adjacent the hinge axis for movement therewith. The first and second members are movable about the hinge axis between closed and open orientations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closure/sealing mechanism for a door and cabinet, or lid and container combination that uses a plurality of magnets in combination with a sealing member to create an air-tight or near air-tight environment. The sealing mechanism further considers two additional features including the use of a floating-hinge to provide an optimal seal alignment, and an embedded cam-handle mechanism that can be rotated and thereby used to open the container. It is envisioned that the closure/sealing mechanism may be used for containers such as humidors, coolers, refrigerators/freezers, and briefcases.

Abstract: A beverage container volume is exposed to magnetic fields associated with a permanent magnet. A beverage container volume is exposed to a permanent magnet incorporated into a beverage container cap, bottom, collar, holder or overlayer.

Abstract: Packaging device for a fluid product, comprising a magnetic system for automatic relative positioning upon closure, comprising a first magnetic means (16) carried by the cap (3) and a second magnetic means (11) carried by the container (1), the first and second magnetic means facing one another when the container is in the closed position, the location of the poles of each magnetic means being determined with respect to the location of the external ornamental features, so as to automatically obtain the predetermined relative positioning of said external ornamental features upon closure of the container.

Abstract: A container for a plurality of thin plates has a driving unit for moving one of a pair of magnetic members, at least one of which is a magnet, embedded in a container body and contained in a chamber in a lid, respectively, to selectively produce attractive and non-attractive magnetic conditions between the first and second magnetic members. In one embodiment, the driving unit includes a rotatable plate, and an arm having one end attached to the rotatable plate and the second end attached to the movable magnetic member to move the movable magnetic member in response to rotation of the rotatable plate. In a second embodiment a parallel movement link has a long groove for engaging a pin provided on the rotatable plate; a magnetic member supporting link has a first end attached to one end of the parallel movement link and has its second end attached to the movable magnetic member.

Abstract: A container for a plurality of thin plates has a driving unit for moving one of a pair of magnetic members, at least one of which is a magnet, embedded in a container body and contained in a chamber in a lid, respectively, to selectively produce attractive and non-attractive magnetic conditions between the first and second magnetic members. In one embodiment, the driving unit includes a rotatable plate, and an arm having one end attached to the rotatable plate and the second end attached to the movable magnetic member to move the movable magnetic member in response to rotation of the rotatable plate. In a second embodiment a parallel movement link has a long groove for engaging a pin provided on the rotatable plate; a magnetic member supporting link has a first end attached to one end of the parallel movement link and has its second end attached to the movable magnetic member.

Abstract: A surf fishing caddy that includes a float body for supporting a cooler, a tackle box, a number of fishing rod holders, a fish retaining bag, and a number of tether rope attachment posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the closed position of a locking gas cap (10) with a magnet (32) disposed at or in the locking gas cap and a solenoid (42) disposed at the tank connection pipe (12), the locking gas cap (10) having a torque limiter (36), and the magnet (32) being coupled with the torque limiter in such a manner, that it reaches a position, in which the solenoid (42) is triggered, only when the limiting torque is reached.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a means of closing an electrical junction or device box utilizing a cover plate means wherein the electrical junction or device box is not easily accessible. The device of the invention permits the user to securely affix the cover plate means to the electrical junction or device box while standing at ground level and without the necessity of mounting a ladder or scaffolding. The device and system of the present invention allows the user to remotely affix the cover means to the junction or electrical box using a rigid telescoping pole and, after affixing the said cover means, permits the user to remove the telescoping pole leaving the cover plate securely affixed in place over the junction or device box location, thereby presenting a finished cover plate which is neat in appearance and which meets electrical code requirements.

Abstract: A magnetically suspended door is described for the protection of spacecraft instrumentation exposed to space. The door is slid between an opened or closed position using electromagnets.

Abstract: This invention comprises a removable reusable cover for an electric panel, said cover composed of light weight at least 3-ply corrugated material which is adhered to said electric panel by means of electrically non-conducting magnetic strips on rear edges of said cover to prevent exposure of the interior of said electric panel, with a front side of the cover providing a surface to contain printed warnings and the like.

Abstract: A closure device for a case of an antimagnetic material comprising a box part (1) and a sliding lid (5) requires neither in the lid nor in the box part break-throughs and offers high security against unauthorized opening of the case when at least one permanent magnetic locking pin (4a, 4b) is arranged slideable in the box part (1) at right angles to the plane of the lid (5), and is loaded in the direction of the lid (e.g. by means of a spring) so that the locking pin clasps behind a locking shoulder (6a, 6b; 66) configured on the inner side of the lid when closed. For opening the lid (5) an unlocking plate (7) may then be used comprising at the corresponding location a permanent magnet (8a, 8b) which is magnetized opposite the direction of magnetization of the locking pin (4a, 4b).

Abstract: An improved portable cigarette lighter closure device that provides facile pivoting of the cover between open and closed positions, and which securely retains the cover in the closed position is provided. The closure device incorporates a magnet affixed in the cover of a cigarette lighter, for securing the cover to a body of the lighter and to securely retain the cover in the closed position. The magnet exerts sufficient force on the body to retain the cover in the closed position, while enabling one handed pivoting of the cover by the user. Additionally the invention may be provided with an insulating sleeve. The ferromagnetic insulating sleeve prevents the magnetic field radiated by the magnet from passing through the cover of the lighter, for preventing magnetically attracted objects located in a pocket of the user's clothing such as the users keys and change for example, from being inadvertently drawn against the cover of the lighter.

Abstract: A theft preventing device for an article having a substantially cylindrical end with a substantially ring-shaped bulge, e.g. a bottle or container. The device comprises a releasable body having a clamping means gripping the cylindrical end when in the closed position, and a locking means for preventing the clamping means from being opened unless a special tool is used. The body comprises of a substantially tubular element with a larger diameter than the ring-shaped bulge, and comprises a member that is movable relative to the tubular element between a closed position in which it defines a cross-section smaller than that of the ring-shaped bulge, and a released position in which it defines a cross-section greater than that of the ring-shaped bulge.

Abstract: This invention comprises a removable reusable cover for an electric panel, said cover composed of light weight 3-ply corrugated material which adheres to said electric panel by means of electrically nonconducting magnetic strips on rear edges of said cover to prevent exposure of the interior of said electric panel, with a front side of the cover providing a surface to contain printed warnings and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an easy-to-use and effective magnetically resealable moisture-proof pouch containing moisture-curable orthopedic splinting/casting product in bulk form or in individually packaged rolls. The preferred pouch incorporates a frame disposed about an opening into the pouch which provides a mounting place for a moisture-proof magnetic seal. Also disclosed are containers for the preferred pouches which are adapted for use with the magnetic sealing system according to the present invention.

Abstract: A baby bottle liner dispensing cabinet including a housing enclosure having a front housing member, including a dispensing slot, hingedly connected to a back housing member that is positionable in combination with the front housing member to form an internal liner roll enclosure; a liner roll support dowel positionable within the internal liner roll enclosure; and a sanitary door member pivotally secured to the exterior of the front housing member adjacent the dispensing slot and positively held in place over the dispensing slot by a positive force latching mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrically shielded enclosure having electrical components therein and a removable electrically shielded cover over an opening in the enclosure with a magnetic securement mechanism provided to removably secure the cover to the enclosure in a manner which will provide easy access, yet also provide an electrical seal between the cover and the enclosure capable of preventing the passage of electrical radiation through the joint between the cover and the enclosure. Magnets are provided on the enclosure peripherally around the opening and facing the cover, and a ferromagnetic surface is provided on the mating surface of the cover facing the magnets, with a continuous electrical seal provided between the magnets and the ferromagnetic surface on the cover to prevent the leakage of electromagnetic radiation therethrough.

Abstract: A lure protector is formed from a sheet of flexible material with an outer boundary that is symmetrical about a fold line which intersects the boundary at two locations to define first and second portions. The sheet is foldable along the fold line to bring the first and second portions into overlapping engagement with each other on one side of the fold line to enfold a lure between them. A tab extends from the fold line in a direction opposite from the one side of the fold line for facilitating pulling the lure protector away from a lure enfolded between the first and second portions. Fastening means are located along the perimeter for releasably securing the first and second portions to each other so as to retain the lure enfolded between the first and second portions.

Abstract: Condensation products that contain N,O-acetal or carboxamide structures and are useful as detergent and cleaner additives are obtainable by condensation of(a) compounds that contain at least one unit of the structural elements ##STR1## where X is OH or NHR and R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or --CH.sub.2 --COOH, with(b) aldehydes, ketones or aldehyde- or keto-carboxylic acids to form acetal-lactones, and subsequent cleavage of the acetal-lactones with(c) aminocarboxylic acids, primary or secondary amines and/or polyethyleneimines.

Abstract: An assemblage (10) for relieving overpressure in an enclosure (12) has a first panel (14) configured to surround an opening (13) in the enclosure (12), The first panel (14) comprises an outer skin (19) and a thermal barrier layer (15) for providing insulation during normal operation, A gasket member (24) is bonded to the thermal barrier layer (15) between panel edges (22). The gasket member (24) includes a magnetic portion (26) comprising magnets (23) encased in outer layer (16) for releaseably sealing the first panel (14) to the enclosure (12) and a bellows portion (28) for accommodating movements in the first panel (14) during thermal expansion.