Abstract: A counter balance assembly for a lid assembly comprising a spring inside a housing assembly. The counter balance assembly is mounted to a lid, whose displacement generates an external force substantially along a longitudinal axis of the spring. A restoring force is generated by the spring to counteract an inertia force arising from the lid displacement.

Abstract: The invention concerns a compact, comprising a lid and an open-work compact body, receiving a product reserve contained in a base cup. It further comprises a sealing joint (6) fixed to the base cup (5) and pressed tight on the compact body (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a trash container door flap, is designed to be rapidly and easily retrofittable onto trash containers having pivoting doors, particularly of the type found in limited-service or fast-food restaurants. The apparatus includes a novel means of attachment to the door flap from which a hand lever and/or a line to a foot pedal may be attached. The attachment means to the door may consist of a clamp that fits over an edge of the door in the space between the door and the cabinet, without interfering with the rotation of the door. A vertical lever may be attached to the clamp or an extension from it so that the door may be easily pivoted with one hand without contacting it. A line such as a cable may also be attached to the clamp or extension, and then down to a freestanding foot pedal that may be used to open the door without the use of ones hands.

Abstract: An improvement to a hinge-doored receptacle having a housing and a door hinged thereto, said improvement comprising a gradual closure means functionally attached between said housing and said door to facilitate the gradual return of said door to said resting closed position.

Abstract: In a filling system for moving a supply of liquid through an automatic nozzle, a filling adaptor affixed to a fill pipe of the container for receiving the automatic nozzle has a safety closure at a discharge end thereof to reduce spillage of liquid from the container upon tipping of the container.

Abstract: An opening and closing apparatus for a lid including a box body, a lid openable and closable in a first direction and a second direction relative to the box body, a movable member movable to a first position for opening the lid in the first direction, a second position for opening the lid in the second direction, and a closing position for closing the lid, first and second operating buttons integrally coupled to the opposite end portions of the movable member, a first biasing member for normally biasing the movable member to the closing position, and a holding member for holding the movable member in the first position against the biasing force of the first biasing member when the first operating button is pressed and the movable member is moved to the first position, and holding the movable member in the second position against the biasing force of the first biasing member when the second operating button is pressed and the movable member is moved to the second position, the holding member being disposed nea

Abstract: A hatch cover assembly for an access port includes a hatch which is adapted to cover the access port and a mechanism for applying a generally vertically-directed force to the hatch to raise it upwardly off the port, while maintaining the hatch in a generally-horizontal attitude. The assembly also includes a mechanism for mounting the hatch on the access port so that the hatch may be rotated about a generally vertical shaft from a closed position which covers the port to an open position which exposes the port, while avoiding any non-pivotal horizontal movement of the hatch with respect to the access port.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a process chamber. The lid assembly includes a hinge having a hinge mount affixed to the chamber and a hinge arm. A pin extends from the hinge mount through an elongated slot in the hinge arm allowing both rotational and longitudinal motion of the hinge arm relative to the hinge mount. A support frame attached to the hinge arm has two side arms that extend perpendicularly from the hinge arms toward the front of the chamber. The lid is pivotally connected to the side arms by a pivot connection aligned with the center of mass of the lid. A detent extends from the lid through a slot in the side arm at a position offset from the pivot connection. The detent and slot serve to limit the allowable rotation of the lid relative to the lid support frame. Thus, the lid is allowed to float over the opening of the chamber as the lid is closed so that the lid may be positioned in parallel alignment relative to the opening of the chamber before being secured to the chamber.

Abstract: A container for carrying spectacles or the like is formed as an elongate case 1 having jaw members 2,3 at one end thereof for opening and closing the case 1. A single control button 4 is provided which is operatively connected to jaw moving means such that when the case 1 is open operation of the button 4 causes the jaw members 2,3 to close, while when the case 1 is closed, operation of the button 4 causes the jaw members 2,3 to open. This is achieved by the fact that the jaw members are acted upon by urging means that respectively act to open or close the case 1, one of the urging means being the stronger, and that upon operation of the button 4 the stronger of urging means is alternately engaged and disengaged.

Abstract: A trash receptacle with a slowly closing lid is provided. A band of elastomeric material is provided around the rim of the trash receptacle opening to soften contact between the lid and the receptacle. The lid of the trash receptacle may be opened by depressing a foot pedal. When it is desired to close the trash receptacle lid, the foot pedal may be released. This causes the lid to close under its own weight. The lid has a damper arrangement that retards movement of the lid as the lid closes. The slow movement of the lid that is provided by the damper arrangement allows the lid to close quietly and safely by itself.

Abstract: A trash can with a cap opened with a step includes an outer trash can, an inner trash can, a cap closing on the outer trash can, a moving mechanism and a step. The step is positioned outside of the outer trash can with a first end of a movable rod of the moving mechanism located just under the step. So, when the step is pressed down with a foot of a user, the movable rod moves up a connecting rod vertically to push the cap to swing up open, as the cap is pivotally connected with a projection fixed on a rear end of the cap. Further, a decorative cap is pivotally connected with the projection, hiding an upper end of the connecting rod protruding out of the outer trash can so as to beautify the whole shape of the trash can.

Abstract: A new container cap for safely dispensing material from a container, especially cleanser containers. The device includes a circular cap member having an apertured top wall and a cylindrical collar adapted to engage with the top of a container, a pivoting disk attached to the top wall for pivoting movement to selectively cover and uncover the aperture(s) in the top wall, and a finger actuated, spring biased tab connected to the disk to cause pivoting movement of the disk between the covered and uncovered positions. A cylindrical containment tube extends from the top wall inside the cap member which seals with the top of the container. The material within the container thus flows entirely through the containment tube to the aperture(s), before being dispensed from the cap.

Abstract: A container for small articles is formed of a housing having a an opening at an upper face thereof, a cover movably attached to the housing, and a locking device. The cover moves between a closing position for closing the opening, and an opening position for opening the opening of the housing. The cover is located at one side of the housing in the opening position. The locking device includes a catcher having a latching portion therein and attached to the cover, and a striker attached to housing. When the cover is disposed to the closing position, the striker engages the latching portion to lock the cover at the closing position, and when the cover in the closing position is pushed, the striker engaged with the latching portion is released from the latching portion, so that the cover is moved to the opening position.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a tamper resistant garbage or waste container having an exterior housing, an interior bin suitable for receiving waste or garbage, with the interior bin further being provided with a pair of pivoting shafts which extend from either side of the interior bin into the interor of the housing, allowing the entire bin to pivot forward when in use. An additional biasing mechanism is secured to the top of the housing which prevents the bin from pivoting forward when unauthorized access is being attempted. A bias spring is further provided which is attached between the backside of the bin and the interior backwall of the housing, allowing the bin to readily and firmly return to its upright position when not in use.

Abstract: A retractable lid assembly for covering an opening in a storage bin is disclosed. The retractable lid assembly includes a lid having a first surface facing the storage bin and a second surface opposite to the first surface. A pivot member is pivotably attached to the lid at a first pivot point and pivotably attached adjacent to the opening in the storage bin at a second pivot point. The lid is retracted from the opening in the storage bin by pivoting the lid at the first pivot point and the second pivot point while the first surface of the lid remains substantially facing the storage bin during retraction of the lid.

Abstract: A nestable holiday container having two members that are pivotally connected so that the container can store an item, such as a dinner meal, whereby the two members are then closed around the item to contain the item inside. The container can be later opened up, the item removed, and the container reclosed. A perforation is provided so that an opening in the container is created while the container remains closed and other items, such as candy or toys, can be inserted through the opening. Stickers are also provided to be applied to the container for decoration and may also be light-reflective if the container is to be used at night along a roadway, such as for trick-or-treating on Halloween. When the container is in an open condition, the two members can be nested within other nestable holiday containers for storage and shipping.

Abstract: A storage shed of a height less than that of an adult person, and which is accessed through a front door or ramp, when the roof portions are in an open supported position. The shed is intended for use in locations where local regulations prevent the placement of buildings that exceed the height of a residential fence. The superstructure of the shed; namely, the walls and roof portion(s) is formed of metal frame members which are covered over with a plywood or vinyl siding. The roof covering may be corrugated galvanized sheeting, or wood optionally covered by shingles as well as transparent or translucent plastic. The roof may be opened and closed by the operation of a series of water operated or electrically operated rams.

Abstract: A closing device for the filler neck of a motor vehicle tank, in which device an orifice of the filler neck, opening into the tank interior can be closed by means of a cap which can be placed sealingly onto the orifice edge under a closing force. The closing force is exerted by a spring. The nozzle of a filling pump to be introduced into the filler neck can operate opening movement of the cap. The cap can be displaced between the closing and the opening position via an actuating mechanism by means of a variable transmission ratio having a value decreasing from the closing position of the cap to its open position and by means of a variable closing force having a value increasing from the open position of the cap to the closing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating explosion induced pressure surges in a closed system and including an outlet stub attachable to the pressure relief element of the system and a hollow lid pivotally attached to the outlet stub, with the lid having an external planar wall and an internal arched wall attached to the external wall and having its concave surface facing the external wall with which the internal wall defines the hollow of the lid.

Abstract: A counterweight assembly for a container lid that allows for control over the operating characteristics of the lid during opening and closing. The counterweight assembly is preferably used with a container having one or more walls, a floor, and a lid positioned on top of the walls, the lid being rotatable about a horizontal hinge axis. The counterweight assembly includes a counterweight, and a coupling arm rotatable about a counterweight axis that is located within the container. The counterweight is connected to one end of the coupling arm. The other end of the coupling arm exerts a force against the downward facing surface of the lid.

Abstract: A device for openably supporting a lid includes two axes of lid rotation for reducing the radius of lid rotation during opening and closing and a cup holder includes a cup holder body having a top opening communicating with at least one internal compartment for holding a cup and a bottom surface configured to conform to an intended mounting surface for enabling the top opening to lie horizontally after mounting, a lid for opening and closing the top opening of the cup holder body, and the aforesaid device for openably supporting the lid.

Abstract: A drink making receptacle for mixing and dispensing beverages including a lid with rotation means mounted on the lid and rotation means on the receptacle. Flanges serve to limit rotation of the lid to facilitate beverage dispension without discharge of ice.

Abstract: A container (20) suitable for use as a truck box for a pick-up truck, includes a base container portion (21) having an open top, and a cover (22) to close the open top. The cover (22) is pivotally attached to the base (21) by hinge mechanisms (23) which are uniquely formed by combining a hinge pin assembly (101) with a pin retaining assembly (102). The cover (22) may also be latched to the base (21) by a latch assembly (24) which includes pivotable handles (56, 57) on each end of the base (21) which, when either is pivoted, rotates latch hooks (68, 74) from a position engaging the cover (22) to a position releasing the cover, without moving the other handle. The container (20) may also receive a tray (150) therein positionable on a ledge (30) and positively located in one direction by ribs (159) and in the other direction by feet (162) positioned in depressions (38) formed between ribs (37) on the inside of the base (21).

Abstract: In an overhead luggage bin for the passenger cabin of an aircraft, the bin has an opening with at least two hinged doors being provided at the bin opening. The bin includes at least one telescopically extensible spring strut device. In such a device a spring is resiliently loaded as the strut telescopically contracts. The spring strut device operates on two of the doors simultaneously through the medium of a differential mechanism. The thrust of the spring strut device tends to open the two doors simultaneously and the differential mechanism permits the two doors to be opened and closed, one relative to the other.

Abstract: A cap operating mechanism is adapted to open or close the cap by depressing a push button. Upon depression of a push button 5 against a restoring force of an elastic member 4, a forward end 8b of a push rod member 8 pushes groove 6 serving for cap opening which is located, in this state, at a relatively short distance from the push button 5 and thereby rotates a cap 3 around an axis 2 of a hinged coupler to its opened position. After the push button 5 has been restored under a restoring force of the elastic member 4 to its home position, depressing the button 5 again causes the forward end 8b of the push rod member 8 to push a groove 7 serving for cap closing and thereby rotates the cap 3 around the axis 2 of the hinged coupler to its closed position.

Abstract: A top-loading precision balance with a draft protection device which includes several walls connected to each other at the edges thereof, and a cover which closes the opening defined at the top of the walls. The cover is fastened through a horizontally extending hinge to one of the walls. The hinge of the cover includes a spring which acts against the direction of movement for closing the cover. The spring mounted in the hinge is a torsion spring which is fixed at both ends thereof. The frame forming the bottom of the draft protection device has on its bottom side a groove into which lugs mounted on the balance housing engage when the draft protection device is placed on the balance housing. A spring is fastened at the groove of the frame under the front side of the draft protection device. The spring engages in a groove of one of the lugs.

Abstract: In a container cap, comprising a primary cap provided with an outlet opening in a top wall thereof, and fitted to a mouth of a container, and a secondary cap having an end hinged to the top wall of the primary cap, a slide member slidably overlies an upper surface of the primary cap, and includes a ramp projection projecting vertically therefrom and a lateral projection extending laterally therefrom, and a cover member overlies the slide member. The ramp projection is adapted to move the secondary cap vertically in an opening direction by engaging the secondary cap via the cover member while the lateral projection is adapted to engage an inner surface of the hinge to force the secondary cap in an opening direction. Because the cover member overlies the slide member, the content of the container dripping or spilled from the outlet opening is shielded from the slide member by the cover member.

Abstract: A spa cover lifting apparatus which can be adjusted to accommodate spa covers of different sizes and which can be attached to the spa cover without damaging said spa cover or requiring special fastening means. The spa cover lifting apparatus mounts on the spa frame and raises the spa cover from its horizontal engagement position to a vertical position freeing the spa for use. The lifting action of the apparatus being assisted by a telescoping gas strut.

Abstract: An improved waste container cabinet of the type having a storage compartment, for receiving an open topped waste container; a first vertically oriented aperture, located above the open top of the waste container; and a vertically oriented pivoting lid member, disposed within the first vertically oriented aperture. The improvement to the waste container cabinet comprises: the addition of a mechanical mechanism, in mechanical connection with the lid member, for causing the lid member to pivot out of the first vertically oriented aperture and into the storage compartment in a manner such that a user may place refuse within a waste container, disposed within the storage compartment, without contacting the lid member with his/her hands.

Abstract: A covered container having a step-on mechanism which allows "hands free" opening of the lid of the container by stepping on a foot pad. The step-on mechanism includes a safety mechanism which prevents opening of the lid of the container unless the safety mechanism is repositioned. The preferred embodiment includes a rotatable oblong member adjacent the foot pad. The oblong member is maintained in a vertical position to block downward movement of the foot pad. To open the lid of the container, the oblong member must be rotated so that its upper end is above the foot pad and both the oblong member and the foot pad may be depressed. It is not evident, at first glance, how to release the safety mechanism, thereby making the container relatively child-proof, and ideal for disposal of possibly harmful objects.

Abstract: The invention is within the field of packaging and storing of test elements that are usually sensitive towards atmospheric humidity or water vapor. The invention concerns a system for the storage of test elements for the analysis of sample liquids in which two or more test elements are present in a storage container which can be sealed water-vapor tight and contains a desiccant inside.

Abstract: This relates to a resealable lid and cup assembly and method for using the same. The resealable lid has an opening through which liquid flows and a valve mechanism for selectively closing the opening. The valve mechanism is provided on the underside of the lid and is biased to the open position by inward deflection of the side wall of the cup.

Abstract: A filler head for a motor vehicle fuel tank filling pipe has a bowl-shaped body, the upper face of which includes a filling orifice. A shut-off valve is pivoted to the bowl of the body between a rest position, towards which it is resiliently biassed and in which it closes off the filling orifice, and a withdrawn position in which it lies within the bowl and in which the filling orifice is open. The valve is put into its withdrawn position by a filling nozzle when the latter is introduced into the filling orifice. The filler head has automatic locking means for locking the shut-off valve in its rest or closed position, with these locking means comprising an unlocking control member.

Abstract: A structure of a foot trash can is to improve the disadvantages of a conventional foot trash can which lifts up its cover vertically right above the opening of the can and easily spreads bad odor out of the trash can; the user can use his toes to press down a pedal and the pedal will push a coupling lever upward to make a rod support rotate to move the cover slidingly downward along the slope opening of the can main body to its back side so as to make the can widely open, in this way there is no air current formed and no bad odor spreaded out of the can; the opening of the can is designed to have a slope flange so that the cover may easily slide downward and make the opening of the can expose itself completely for users to throw trash easily; this can improve the disadvantage of the conventional foot trash can.

Abstract: A waste paper receptacle/compactor employing a container section and a lid section. Suspended within the container section is an expandable liner with a cylinder supported inside of the liner at the top thereof. The cylinder serves as a staging area for placement of spent and crumpled paper towels. The cylinder works in conjunction with a piston which extends down from the lid section. The liner is biased to contract circumferentially. In such manner, when a used desires to discard spent and crumpled paper towels, that user opens the lid section and inserts the towel into the staging area and allows lid section to close thereon. The piston drives the paper towel down into the liner below the cylinder. The inwardly direction bias of the liner prevents the towels from opening or flowering in the container section. A loop is provided at the top of the liner providing a handle for extracting a full liner from the container section.

Abstract: An assembly that includes a frame, a pair of containers fitted to the frame, a common closure, and an operating assembly for moving the common closure. Each of the pair of containers is constituted by a syringe, and a nozzle portion is formed at the front end of container body of the syringe. The operating assembly includes an operating lever pivotably mounted on the frame, and the common closure is pivotably mounted on the operating lever. The common closure has a pair of cap portions that are fitted to the nozzle portions. When the operating lever is turned in the closing direction up to a predetermined final position, the common closure is moved together with the operating lever, brought to a turning position which is opposed to the nozzle positions, and upon relative rotation of the operating lever with respect to the closure, the closure is further moved toward the nozzle portions.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a refuse container that includes a pivotally mounted bracket system that constitutes a first pendulum, for securing the lid of the refuse container and a catch which can be moved from a potentially engageable position to an unengageable position to control movement of the bracket system. The catch constitutes a second pendulum. During an automated emptying of the refuse container, the pendulums are timed so that the catch opens first, thereby allowing the bracket system to pivot and the lid to open.

Abstract: A rack structure for storing channeled new fuel that awaiting a refueling operation in a nuclear reactor. The racks are designed to be floor mounted in a shallow fuel storage pool. Each rack comprises a pair of rows of fuel storage cells arranged back to back. The new fuel is loaded into the rack using a hoist, one fuel bundle being placed in each fuel storage cell. Each fuel storage cell has a latch which is mechanically linked to a contact plate at the bottom of the fuel storage cell. Each fuel bundle is latched in the fuel storage cell when the weight of the fuel bundle deflects the contact plate downward. Each fuel storage cell comprises an inclined channel which stores the fuel bundle assembly in an inclined position. The latch opens under the force of gravity in response to the fuel bundle assembly being lifted.

Abstract: A safety cover assembly for use with an associated storage drum. The assembly includes a drum insert with a collar having a two-part cover assembly disposed atop the collar. The moveable part of the cover assembly is actuated by one portion of a crank mechanism, the other portion of which includes a pair of ends secured to a treadle and riser assembly. In use, pushing down on the treadle lowers the one portion of the crank mechanism, and raising the other portion and the associated cover. The treadle and riser assembly is open at the rear to facilitate removal and replacement of the drum. The moveable cover part may be secured to the crank by a fusible link for fire protection.

Abstract: A case, particularly for cosmetic products, of the type comprising a base (1), a cover (2) articulated on an edge of the base (1), a catch (4, 5) for the cover (2) and the base (1) on the edge opposite the articulation (3), and a thumb piece (6) for freeing the catch (4, 5). A block (13) is elastically buttressed between the base (1) and the cover (2) and disposed so as to be prestressed during closing of the cover (2).

Abstract: A garbage can having an outer can, an inner can to be contained and hung in the outer can normally closed by two half caps being opened by a lever with a pedal stepped down to open the two half caps outward with a adhesive bar thereof closing and opening an open upper end of a garbage bag adhered to the bars simultaneously, and a garbage bag roll being stored below the inner can on the bottom of the outer can supplying garbage bags one by one continuously through a slot in the bottom of the inner cap.

Abstract: A case, particularly for cosmetic products, of the type comprising a base (1), a cover (3) articulated on the edge of the base (1) and a catch (5) for the cover (3) and the base (1) on the edge opposite the articulation. The articulation of the cover (3) on the base (1) is constituted by elastically deformable pins (6), a deformation clearance being provided for each pin (6) between the base (1)and the cover (3). The base (1) or the cover (3) comprises adjacent the articulation, at least one abutment (11) parallel to the plane of the joint (12) of the base (1) and the cover (3) and/or at least one abutment (13) orthogonal to that joint plane (12).

Abstract: A pair of openings in the top of a container for liquids are normally closed by a pair of stoppers. The stoppers are mounted on the arms of a Y-shaped spring. The leg of the spring extends through a hole in the side of the container. The leg is connected to the upper end of a handle, which is connected to the container so that the handle pivots about the lower end of the handle. As the handle is pivoted, the leg of the spring is pulled outward through the hole in the side of the container. As the leg is pulled, the arms of the spring are pulled through a restraint, which pushes the arms together. This action pulls the stoppers away from the openings in the top of the container. The container also has a straw and a one-way valve. The valve allows air to enter the container, but does not allow liquid to spill from the container.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use with a copier having a toner hopper with a first interlocking seal including a second interlocking seal being specially adapted to mate with the first interlocking seal of the toner hopper, a hinged movable panel being disposed at the bottom portion of the toner cartridge, a movable panel, seal and a filament for manipulating the movable panel.

Abstract: A trash tank includes a tank body having an open top, a closed bottom, a horizontally extending slot, and a receiving space. A hollow casing is connected detachably to the tank body adjacent to the horizontally extending slot of the tank body. The hollow casing may receive a rolled-up strip of garbage sacks and has a slit which is communicated with the horizontally extending slot of the tank body.

Abstract: A portable garbage can comprising a cylindrical can body, an annular cap receiver combined with the can body, two half caps swingably combined with the cap receiver, and an inverted L-shaped handle combined with the cap receiver and having a bottom square engage portion to insert in an inner recess of a square plate fixed on one side of the cap receiver, two opposite saw teeth provided in the inner opening of the square engage portion to engage and rotate a stationary tooth respectively fixed on one side of the two half caps to swing open or close an upper opening of the cap receiver combined with the can body for throwing garbage therein.

Abstract: A fitting comprising a compartment in a vehicle center console. A lid has one (normally upper) surface and another (normally lower) surface which is configured as a cup holder. The lid is pivoted mid-way between its ends on a U-shaped member having arms which can support the lid in a raised position. Spring struts keep the lid in the raised position and, by virtue of a pivot pin offset from the lid pivot pin, provide an overcenter action when the lid is rotated through approximately 180 degrees, to bring the other surface uppermost. In a first modification the pivots of the U-shaped member and the struts are arranged to bias the lid in the downward direction when it is lowered with its one (normally upper) surface uppermost. In a second modification the spring struts pivot about the same pivot axis as the lid and there is no overcenter action.

Abstract: This invention provides a closure means for an aperture in a semiconductor deposition furnace, the closure means including an aperture cover plate; at least one articulated linkage including at least two arms, the arms being pivotally mounted with respect to each other to define an angle between them such that variation of the angle causes the plate to move between an aperture closing position and an open position in which the plate is clear of the aperture; and an actuator for driving the articulated linkage and for locking the plate in the aperture closing position. The articulated linkage is in the form of a first arm connected to the cover plate, and a second arm for transferring motive force from the actuator to the first arm. As the plate is moved from its open position to its aperture closing position, the angle between the first and second arms changes from a relatively small angle to a relatively large angle.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is provided with a main body; a cover member which is swingably connected to the main body between a closed position for closing the main body and an open position for opening the main body; and an image read unit and a platen member defining a feeding path of a sheet therebetween. A pressing/separating mechanism pressedly contacts the image read unit and platen member with respect to each other when the cover member is in the closed position and separates the image read unit and platen member from each other when the cover member is in the open position.

Abstract: A plastic waste can for collection of flammable waste has a self-closing cover disposed on a body portion or receptacle. A foot pedal situated in a channel formed in the bottom wall of the body portion and pivotally secured therein is depressed by a user to raise a lift bar which engages the cover to raise the cover. A cover lift accelerator is provided on the undersurface of the cover, with a hinge pin hingedly connecting the cover to the body portion through first and second hinge pin supports. The cover is arranged to open to no more than 70.degree. to the horizontal so as to assure that the cover will close, by gravity, upon release of the foot pedal by a user.