Abstract: A valve for a lid of a fluid vessel includes a valve body having an adapter portion coupling first and second opposite ends of the valve body. The first and second ends are rotatably fixed to each other and have an angle formed therebetween. The adapter portion is configured to be rotatably coupled to the lid about a first axis. The first end of the valve body is configured to be coupled to a button for rotating the first end about the first axis. The valve includes a stopper coupled to the second end of the valve body and configured to cover an opening in the lid. The stopper is configured to be separated from the opening when the first end of the valve body is rotated in a first direction about the first axis.

Abstract: Self-opening bins are described. The bin includes a base unit defining a foot well and a sensor configured to detect whether an object is within the foot well. The bin also has a receptacle and a lid configured to close the receptacle. A lid motor configured to mechanically open the lid is also included in the bin. The lid motor is configured to open the lid in response to detection of an object within the foot well. Methods for operating the self-opening bins are also described.

Abstract: A rotary pump, the rotational direction of which can preferably be switched, featuring: a housing including a pump space featuring an inlet into a low-pressure region of the pump space for a fluid to be pumped and an outlet from a high-pressure region of the pump space for the fluid to be pumped; at least one rotor which forms delivery cells in the pump space; a bearing; and a sealing stay which axially faces the at least one rotor and separates the low-pressure region from the high-pressure region in the rotational direction of the at least one rotor; and featuring at least one lubricant feed, in the sealing stay, which feeds a fluid, as a lubricant, from at least one of the delivery cells to the bearing.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a trash can assembly (e.g., a receptacle configured to receive refuse, recycleable materials, or otherwise), and related methods, are provided. Some embodiments of the trash can assembly include a body component and a lid configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In some variants, the lid can be moved between the open and closed positions by a power operated driving mechanism, such as a motor and/or other drivetrain components. In certain embodiments, the trash can assembly includes a clutch mechanism to facilitate manual operation of the lid while inhibiting or preventing damage to the motor and/or other drivetrain components.

Abstract: A feed distribution assembly for transporting and dispensing feed includes a trailer and a silo. The silo is coupled to a bed of the trailer and is configured to position feed. The trailer is configured to couple to a vehicle to transport the feed to a desired location. An auger is coupled to a bottom of the silo. The auger is configured to selectively convey the feed from the silo to dispense the feed at the desired location.

Abstract: A push to release fuel filler door assembly for a motor vehicle includes a door on the exterior of the vehicle having a latch that cooperates with a spring biased plunger which rotates and translates axially. The plunger includes radially extending pins which are received in complementary helical tracks on the inner surface of an inner housing. The tracks define a closed path having a first segment, in which the pins travel while the fuel door is being closed, a second segment in which they travel while the fuel door is opening and a latching recess between the first and second segments in which the pins reside when the door is closed. The inner housing typically includes three segments or sections and is, in turn, received and retained within an outer housing which mounts on a fuel door inlet assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments of receptacle assemblies, such as trash cans, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the receptacle assembly includes a body portion with an interior space. The receptacle assembly can include a lid portion configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a pedal portion operably connected with the lid such that moving the pedal portion moves the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. The receptacle assembly can include a motion damper configured to dampen motion of the lid portion. The motion damper can be positioned near a front of the body portion and/or above a front portion of the pedal portion.

Abstract: A cargo container is modified to carry a fracing proppant such as sand from a quarry or source to the frac site. Openings are cut in the top and bottom of a cargo container and hydraulically operated sliding doors are placed there under. A hopper module with the walls being inclined to approximately the angle of repose for the proppant is installed inside the cargo container. The hopper module is sealed inside the cargo container so that a proppant enters through the top opening at the quarry and flows out through the bottom opening at the fracing site.

Abstract: A stopper for closing a dispensing opening of a container which includes a body element having a top face and a bottom face, the bottom face being directed towards the inside of the container; a moving element which is situated at the top face of the body element, wherein the moving element is movable from an initial position in which the moving element does not extend beyond the top face in the plane of the top face, to an opening position in which the moving element is moved to extend at least partly beyond the outer extension of the top face, wherein the moving element provides, a gripping surface for a user to remove the body element from the dispensing opening. The moving element substantially covers the entire top face of the body element in the initial position.

Abstract: A multi-functional waste can has a dual function. A lid is openable at both sides like a seesaw or openable while being lifted upwardly by a foot lever. It has a rotating hinge to connect a main body, the lid and the foot lever forms a single unit to compress wastes using the lid. An auxiliary can be detachably arranged in the waste can so that wastes with offensive odor can be sealed in a disposable bag. The rotating hinge of the multi-functional waste can is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the waste can via a hinge pin, the foot lever is connected to the rotating hinge via a push rod, and a pair of seesaw shafts disposed on the upper portion is arranged at the lid. One of the seesaw shaft is connected collinearly with the central axis of the rotating hinge.

Abstract: Closures having an integrated push button latching assembly including an end wall, a skirt wall depending from the end wall, an outlet opening associated with the end wall, a protrusion associated with the end wall and a push button latching assembly are disclosed. The push button latching assembly is pivotally coupled to the closure and is movable between a first position in which the outlet opening is covered by the assembly and a second position in which the outlet opening is exposed. The push button latching assembly includes a retaining mechanism, a closing member coupled to the retaining mechanism, a push button coupled to the retaining mechanism, and a tongue coupled to the retaining mechanism. The tongue is configured to engage the protrusion when the push button latching assembly occupies the first position and disengage the protrusion such that the push button latching assembly is movable to the second position.

Abstract: A beverage lid comprising a lid body having an aperture for dispensing a beverage. The beverage lid has a top portion having an aperture for dispensing a beverage mounted to the lid body, a slideable arm having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the slideable arm mounted between the lid body and the top portion, a rotatable plate having at least one aperture for dispensing a beverage mounted between the body and the top portion, and a rotatable plate actuating mechanism communicating the slideable arm with the rotatable plate.

Abstract: A lid structure for use with a container for storing personal care products is disclosed. The lid structure includes a lid-activation button that when pressed allows the lid top to rotate about the lid base giving a consumer access to the contents of the container. Additionally, the lid-activation button functions so that the lid top is released independent of where the lid-activation button is pressed by the consumer. To create better and more consistent opening of the lid top portion, an inner longitudinal edge of the lid-activation button may be attached to the lid bottom via a living hinge that is formed integrally with the lid base. A strengthening rib is attached to the living hinge that keeps the main body side of the living hinge immobile and encourages the button side of the living hinge to flex when the lid-activation button is depressed.

Abstract: The Topless Trash Can is a durable, temper resistant receptacle that includes a Shade made of clear rubber plastic. The Shade has an embedded mesh interior to keep out intruders. The unit also has a Handle for hand-free lifting and emptying by municipal devices.

Abstract: An actuator opens and closes a lid on a bulk storage container. The actuator may be activated remotely using a remote control. When actuated, the actuator will lift the lid so that it is clear of the structure, and will then rotate the lid in a horizontal plan about a vertical axis until the lid is rotated to uncover the opening. The axis of rotation is located near the perimeter of the opening, so that very little of the lid remains over the opening when in the open position. To close the lid from the open position, the remote control may then again be used to actuate the closing process. The closing process works in reverse of the opening process. Therefore, during closing, the lid will rotate back to its original orientation over the hole and then lower into the closed position.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a foot operated latch and linkage means permitting hands-free access to a waste or recycling container. The latch includes a kick plate which is interlocked with a foot pedal whereby displacement of the kick plate permits release of the foot pedal to move from a latched position to an unlatched position, which pedal movement engages a linkage which opens a user access door in the container.

Abstract: A multi-functional waste can has a dual function. A lid is openable at both sides like a seesaw or openable while being lifted upwardly by a foot lever. It has a rotating hinge to connect a main body, the lid and the foot lever forms a single unit to compress wastes using the lid. An auxiliary can be detachably arranged in the waste can so that wastes with offensive odor can be sealed in a disposable bag. The rotating hinge of the multi-functional waste can is rotatably connected to an upper portion of the waste can via a hinge pin, the foot lever is connected to the rotating hinge via a push rod, and a pair of seesaw shafts disposed on the upper portion is arranged at the lid. One of the seesaw shaft is connected collinearly with the central axis of the rotating hinge.

Abstract: A receptacle assembly including a body portion, a lid portion, a pedal portion, a rod, and a motion damper. The body portion includes an upper portion and a base portion and defines an interior space. The lid portion is movably engaged with the body portion and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position. The pedal portion is configured to move the lid portion between the open position and the closed position. A rod extends between the lid portion and the pedal portion. The rod can also interface with the motion damper. The motion damper is positioned near the lid portion and is configured to dampen motion of the rod.

Abstract: A lid assembly including a cover member for attachment to a container, the cover member including a top surface and a side surface extending from the top surface, wherein the top surface includes an aperture providing access to contents of the container; an actuating member attached to the cover member and positionable between closed and open positions to close and open the aperture, wherein depressing the actuating member opens the aperture and releasing the actuating member closes the aperture; and a locking member provided on the actuating member, the locking member positionable to lock the actuating member in either the closed or open position to maintain the aperture in either the closed or open position.

Abstract: A drinking mug includes a lid affixed at the mouth of the mug. The lid includes fluid openings between a bottom portion of the lid and sidewalls of the lid about the circumference of the lid to permit drinking from any position along the circumference. The lid has a gasket that seals the mug closed when the lid is threaded to a closed position. When the lid is partially unscrewed, the gasket opens, permitting liquid to be consumed from the beverage container through the fluid openings in the lid. The lid includes a ramp-shaped cam and the mug includes a pivotable latch that engages the cam that prevents the lid from being unscrewed from the mug. The latch has a push button that releases the latch from the cam to permit removal of the lid.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user by the user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.

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 waste storage device is provided including a waste storage cassette receiving chamber for receiving a cassette rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The device further includes a waste inlet and a throat area therebetween, wherein a releasable gripping assembly is provided in the throat area and arranged for actuation between a released configuration defining an aperture for passage of waste therethrough and a gripping configuration defining a restriction in the throat area.

Abstract: A closure comprises a hub with a central opening and a head pivotally connected to the hub, the head sealing the central opening when in a closed position, a spool rotatable about a post extending from the head, wherein rotation of the spool causes axial movement of the spool along the post, a plurality of radial arms extending from the spool to a plurality of locking segments.

Abstract: Container includes a base and a lid. The base has a base rim forming a base channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall to define a channel space, a lock projection extending into the channel space from a first portion of the base rim, and a lever projection extending substantially outwardly from a second portion of the base rim. The lid has a lid rim forming a lid channel including a bottom wall, an inner sidewall, and an outer sidewall. The lid has a closed position in which the lid channel is aligned with and disposed at least partially within the channel space. The lever projection is configured to pivot upon application of an external force to cause the lock projection to move out from the channel space and to urge at least a portion of the lid rim out of the base channel.

Abstract: A filter housing having a lid that mates with the vessel portion. An arm with an inclined feature is secured to the lid and is movable with respect to the vessel portion. A rotational member that is rotatable with respect to the vessel portion engages the inclined feature. The rotational member is restrained from longitudinal movement so that rotation of it causes movement of the arm with respect to the vessel portion and therefore, moves the lid with respect to the vessel portion so that the lid may be separated from the vessel portion.

Abstract: A self-contained garbage or trash container system with an integrated removable, manual compaction device designed primarily for home or industrial use. The system includes an outer receptacle with attached hinged lid; an internal receptacle; a compaction device; and an attachment mechanism integrated into the lid and/or the compaction device as part of the system to house compaction device.

Abstract: A beverage container closure that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user pressing a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, the user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container. The beverage container closure includes a venting mechanism configured to vent the beverage container before the stopper is opened when the user depresses the button, thereby allowing pressure in the beverage container to equalize before the stopper is opened.

Abstract: A portable carousel assembly for storing and facilitating access to medicine containers, such as plastic bottles commonly used for prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each medicine bottle is housed in a station that includes an aperture formed in a top plate of a rotatable receptacle. The rotatable receptacle is coupled to a stationary base. An ejection mechanism, such as a lever, cam track or ramp is operable to partially eject a selected medicine bottle from the receptacle so that it can be viewed or removed from the receptacle. The medicine bottle is maintained in the partially ejected condition by grasping means, such as flaps, gaskets, or webbing, or by operation of the cam track or ramp, so that the user need only use one hand to operate the carousel assembly and remove the medicine bottle.

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: An apparatus which is used to very securely retain a disposable trash bag onto the upper interior circumference of the trash receptacle portion of a janitorial cart. It includes a retaining ring which is securely retained by spring force action against the upper interior rim of the trash receptacle. A trigger mechanism is used to lock the retaining ring in a raised condition over the upper interior circumference so that the open ends of a disposable trash bag are inserted between the retaining ring and the upper interior surface. The trigger mechanism is retained in place by engaging teeth which engage ratcheted receiving teeth. A pair of pushbuttons serve to release the trigger mechanisms so that the return spring force causes the retaining ring to move upwardly and release the entrapped disposable garbage bag.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device having plurality of flexible fluid flow control elements disposed in spaced apart relation about the periphery of a solid body which insertably secured in a container provides a plurality of apertures in spaced apart relation about the periphery of the solid body which control the flow rate of an amount of fluid from the container.

Abstract: A food jar has an insulated body with a wide-mouth opening for receiving food. A collar is affixed to the opening of the food jar by affixing a throat member to the collar and threading the throat into the wide-mouth body. The throat member includes a gasket at the lower end to seal the throat to the body. A lid is affixed to the collar by a hinge. The lid includes a central projection that extends into sealing contact with the gasket on the throat member to seal the lid to the throat member. A button is mounted in a channel in the lid and biased by a spring to move into an engaging position to engage the collar at an opening in the collar to secure the lid to the collar. A wire loop is provided to engage the button in an embodiment.

Abstract: A lift apparatus and method include, in a structure with a lid, a lift arm connected with the lid and with a lift pivot. A movement arm with a flexible connection with a first end and a second end is provided where the first end of the flexible connection is connected with the lift arm and where the second end of the flexible connection is connected with the movement arm. And an actuator is connected with the movement arm for selected movement of the arm and thus the lid.

Abstract: A covered retracted confectionery including a housing with covers hinged adjacent the top for movement between closed and open positions. The lower part of each of the covers being contacted by a part of a shaft moveable in the housing between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing to keep the covers closed against the force of gravity. A confectionery carried adjacent the top of the shaft is enclosed by the covers until they are manually moved to the open position by operation of an actuator slideably mounted on the exterior of the housing against a bias. Upon release of the actuator, the bias will automatically retract the shaft and confectionery as well as close the covers.

Abstract: A trash container that allows the user to compress trash when the user manually pushes the top cover down. When an indoor trash container seems full, people would normally press the garbage down into the container using their hands in order to create more room inside the container. That is unsanitary. Our invention is a trash container that allows the user to compress trash when the user manually pushes the top cover down. A user's hands don't touch the trash.

Abstract: A receptacle having a lid which has a pair of dampers configured to slow the movement of the lid from an open position toward a closed position. The dampers are provided at opposite ends of a pedal connected to the receptacle body at opposite lateral positions relative to a side of the receptacle body. The receptacle includes an air filtration device mounted in its lid which guides air through the filter device during the downward motion of the lid. The receptacle also includes at least one damper which provides dampening forces against the motion of the lid in both opening and closing directions. The receptacle also includes an anti-sliding device which increases the receptacle's resistance to sliding across a floor when a user steps on a pedal to actuate the lid.

Abstract: An enclosure includes a chassis, a locking member, a top panel and a detaching member. The chassis includes a rear wall. The locking member is attached to the rear wall. The top panel is attached to the chassis. The top panel includes a hook. A through opening is defined in the top panel. The detaching member is rotatable relative to the top panel. The detaching member includes a tab and an operating portion. The detaching member extends through the through opening. The tab and the operating portion are located at opposite sides of the top panel.

Abstract: A container has a base plate, front, rear and side walls. A chamber is defined between the walls. A lid is pivotably coupled to the rear wall. A pivot bar is attached to the lid. A long extent is attached to the lid and a short extent. An actuator housing with a trolley is movable between top and bottom positions. A spring urges the trolley to the top position. A pedal coupled to the trolley is adapted to be depressed by a user to move the trolley to the bottom position. A connector has an interior end attached to the trolley. The connector has an exterior end attached to the short extent of the pivot bar. In this manner the depression the pedal will move the connector to raise the lid. Also in this manner the release of the pedal will cause the spring to lower the lid.

Abstract: A push button, flip top closure for a container, includes a base portion, a push button actuator situated on the base portion and twistingly mounted thereon to pivotally rotate with respect to the base portion, a central cap having an orifice formed through the thickness thereof, the push button actuator at least partially surrounding the central cap, and a lid hingedly mounted to the base portion and positionable between at least a closed position to cover the orifice formed in the central cap and an open position to uncover the orifice formed in the central cap. The push button actuator selectively forces the lid to pivot to the open position to allow the contents of the container on which the closure is mounted to pass through the orifice in the central cap.

Abstract: A system of moving magnets for sealing a container may include a plurality of moveable magnets disposed near a perimeter of a container door and a rotatable linkage hub positioned within the perimeter of the container door. In addition, the system may include a plurality of control linkages connecting each of the plurality of moveable magnets to the linkage hub so that rotating the linkage hub causes the control linkages to move the moveable magnets between a sealed position and an open position. Alternatively, the moveable magnets may be connected to each other by a magnet positioning mechanism to physically move the magnets along a path near the perimeter. A plurality of static magnets may be disposed near an opening sized to receive the container door and positioned to form a magnetic seal with the moveable magnets when the moveable magnets are positioned at the sealed position.

Abstract: A smoking accessory. The accessory includes a base having an upper surface with two openings. A first of the openings providing access to a pipe receptacle extending into the base from the first opening. A second of the openings providing access to a tobacco receptacle extending into the base from the second opening. The accessory includes a lid pivotally connected to the base by a hinge located above the upper surface of the base for selective movement in directions toward and away from the smoking pipe receptacle and the tobacco receptacle between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable stopper that when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The stopper may be selectively opened by a user when the user presses a button disposed on a side of the beverage container closure. The stopper is subsequently automatically closed when the user releases the button. Thus, a user may open and close the beverage container closure using a single hand without the need to remove the beverage container closure from the beverage container.

Abstract: A container including a bottom and a plurality of walls that form a storage cavity. A primary lid is disposed over the storage cavity. The primary lid includes a top surface that defines a dispenser portion through which items within the storage cavity may be dispensed. A dispenser lid is pivotally attached to the primary lid. The dispenser lid has a closed position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted downwards relative to the primary lid to cover the dispenser portion and an open position in which the dispenser lid is pivoted upwards relative to the primary lid to expose the dispenser portion. The dispenser lid includes a pivot end portion and an opposite free end portion, and a biasing pin extending from the pivot end portion. The biasing pin has a longitudinal end portion anchored to the primary lid so that the biasing pin urges the dispenser lid towards the open position. The biasing pin and a main dispenser lid portion are formed as a unitary structure.

Abstract: A self service automated dump station is provided using a control mechanism for the collection of money that releases a latching mechanism located on a removable lockable cap that sits upon the dump station's drain line. In one embodiment provided, the removable lockable cap is lifted from the dump station inlet line by a remote foot pedal—this allows for a cleaner and more efficient means for inserting the hose from the waste tank of a vehicle into the dump station inlet line. Money payment can be either made by cash or by credit or debit cards. The operation of the dump station is made more efficient and requires fewer interactions between those who need to transfer waste from their vehicle waste tanks, such as operators of campers or recreational vehicles, and the dump station operator. Remote sensors can also be deployed to minimize the possibility of spillage or over-fill of the dump station if the dump station is not hooked up to a sewer system.

Abstract: A garbage bin includes a bin body, a bin head, an inducting window, a garbage inlet disposed on the bin head, a bin cover disposed on the garbage inlet, an upright shaft and a driving unit for making the upright shaft rotate. The upright shaft is connected to the driving unit, and the bin cover is connected to the upright shaft, in which the connecting point is not at the center of the bin cover. The advantages of the invention is that the rotating shaft of the bin cover is the upright shaft on the bin head, so when the bin cover rotates about the upright shaft, the bin cover opens horizontally about the upright shaft, so that the driving force is small, the energy consumption is low, and a user's hand is prevented from touching by the bin cover.

Abstract: An improved structure of trashcan includes an outer can with a controllable upper cover. The upper cover has a connecting hole with a stepping part that moves downward in the outer can when being stepped. A base is at the bottom of the upper cover. First, second, third, and fourth tracks surround the stepping part at symmetrical positions of the base. Each track accommodates a restoring assembly that connects to the stepping part so that the stepping part can restore its original position after the stepping part moves to the bottom of the trashcan. The first track and the second track are stacked vertically. The third track and the fourth track are also stacked vertically. This configuration decreases the area occupied by the base. As a result, the stepping area of the stepping part is increased for the user's convenience to step on.

Abstract: A unit opens the lid of a dumpster in response to downward movement of a foot-operated pedal that is translated into upward motion by a lever rotatably mounted on a frame and connected to one end of a tether cord which is attached at the other end thereof to the dumpster lid. The weight of the lid is applied to the tether cord, and via the tether cord to the foot pedal via a cord attached to the lever and will move the foot-operated pedal back into its initial position upon release of the pedal. Another form of the invention can include an electromechanical system which is operated by a push button.

Abstract: An expansion tank (28) comprising a passage (34) with a an inlet aperture (34a) for liquid replenishment of the expansion tank (28), a cover (32) which in a non-fitted state leaves the passage (34) clear and in a fitted state closes the passage (34), and a first expansion chamber (29) for receiving liquid which circulates in a first system (A). The expansion tank (28) includes a second expansion chamber (30) for receiving liquid which circulates in a second system (B) and said passage (34) divides, at a distance from the inlet aperture (34a), into a first branch (34b) which leads liquid to the first expansion chamber (29) and a second branch (34c) which leads liquid to the second expansion chamber (30).

Abstract: A pedal bin having a housing in which a waste container can be accommodated, a lid mounted at the top of the housing by a pivot pin, which lid has a lever that extends on the side of the pivot pin facing away from the lid and at this location has a sliding construction that allows a sliding movement between a relatively low position and a relatively high position in a plane transverse to the pivot pin, a movable pedal provided at the bottom of the housing as well as an operating member interacting with the sliding construction of the lid and the pedal for pivoting the lid, by depressing the pedal, between a closed position and a first open position defined by a first pivot angle with respect to the closed position, the sliding construction and the operating member being in the relatively low position and the operating member being subjected to tensile force.