Abstract: A covered reservoir is disclosed comprising a reservoir body, a holder for the body, a cover, a retainer for the cover, and a seal fitted onto the cover to seal off leak paths between the cover and the reservoir body. The cover is constructed to raise the seal into a frusto-conical position, preferably via a frusto-conical surface on which the seal, which is a flexible annular ring, is seated.

Abstract: A positive lift pin means is provided which operates to force open an aircraft drain valve door at least to an unsealed position when the door is released from its closed position.

Abstract: A polymeric container for a sliced food product comprising a bottom wall, a peripheral wall structure extending upward therefrom, a lid, and an integral hinge connecting the lid to the peripheral wall structure, wherein the hinge biases the lid toward an open position. Locks are provided to maintain the lid in closed position. The locks are configured that may that may be released by application of inward pressure to the front wall of the container, without application of external manual force to the lid.

Abstract: An upper body opening/closing mechanism for a piece of electronic equipment that has a lower body constituting a lower portion of the piece of electronic equipment, an upper body for normally covering the upper surface of the lower body, the upper body being rotatable about one end thereof in order to expose the upper surface of the lower body, a holding member for holding the upper body at a position where the upper surface of the lower body is covered by the upper body, and an elastic member normally contacting the upper body for biasing the upper body in a direction for exposing the upper surface of the lower body by exerting an elastic force when the retained condition of the upper body maintained by the holding member is released.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a top bin lid from below such that, when in the fully opened position, the lid will not extend above the plane of the opening. The apparatus utilizes an elongated lever arm pivotally mounted on the pivot axis of the bin lid. A flexible linkage, such as a chain extends from below, over the lever arm and is connected to a gravity biased latch system which holds the lid in the closed position until the chain is pulled from below. After the latch is released, further drawing of the chain will pivot the lid and arm about their common pivot axis until the arm is obstructed from further movement by the bin. Continued pulling of the chain will draw the lid toward the lever arm against spring pressure until the lid has been pivoted approximately 180.degree. from its closed position.

Abstract: A case for cosmetics including a cover and a base. The cover and base have end and peripheral walls which together define an interior compartment. An integrally formed latching device is located in the front portion of the case. The latching device comprises a push tab in the form of a tongue-like section of the base peripheral wall. The distal and intermediate portions of the push tab are separated from adjacent portions of the base peripheral wall by at least one slot which extends alongside the push tab to its proximal end. Coacting cam means associated with the push tab and with an adjacent portion of the cover produces a force biasing the front portion of the base and cover apart when the push tab is moved inwardly with the latch engaged. Interengagement means is integrally formed on the cover and base peripheral walls to latch the cover to the base when the front portions of the base and cover are pressed together and unlatch when the front portions of the base and cover are forced apart.

Abstract: A cigarettes case comprising (i) a case body with a top partially cut away to provide a top opening located adjacent to one side of the case body for taking out a cigarette from the case body, with a vertical slit provided in the one side, and with an opposed, open side for supplying cigarettes into the case body 1, (ii) a removable side wall member for closing the open side, and (iii) a slider located in the case body and having a lid portion, an upright portion, and a projecting bottom portion. The lid portion closes the top opening when the slider is on the bottom of the case body. The upright portion is in contact with the one side of the case body. The bottom portion projects toward the open side of the case body and has sufficient size to support at least one cigarette thereon. The upright portion is provided at its outer surface with a projection projecting outwardly through the slit. A handle is located outside the case body and is connected to the projection.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for transporting a utilitarian object such as a weapon, camera, or the like in a concealed manner which includes a deployment mechanism that can be easily activated to instantly deploy the object for use. The apparatus includes an enclosure which in its normal transport mode has the appearance of an attache case. The utilitarian object is concealed within the attache case until the deployment mechanism is actuated causing the attache case to fall away from the utilitarian object readying it for use. A novel safing mechanism is provided within the handle of the attache case to positively prevent accidental actuation of the deployment mechanism.

Abstract: A self-draining cooking pot, such as a pasta pot, which facilitates the draining of liquid. A handle assembly includes a valve module which is readily-removable to facilitate cleaning, and a strainer to block the passage of food into the valve while permitting the flow of liquid. Included as part of the removable valve module is a sliding shaft with a resilient sealing member mounted on one end, and the sealing member is spring-biased against a valve seat. The handle assembly also includes a trigger lever for manual actuation of the valve. To prevent inadvertent draining of the pot, a lock-closed device engages the trigger lever until released by a pushbutton. To facilitate removal of the readily-removable valve module, a similar lock-open device is provided for the sliding shaft.

Abstract: A secure disposable container assembly for medical sharps and waste comprises the combination of a substantially rigid box-like lower housing defined by upstanding front, back, and side walls terminating with a top having an upwardly extending rectangular opening for providing access to the housing, and a top cover secured by locking tabs for permanent securement thereto, an elongated horizontally extending access opening in the top for receiving a disposable syringe or the like, and a pivotable closure for said opening pivotably mounted about said axis within said top and having a receptacle area normally exposed to said access opening in a first position for receiving a disposed article and a curved surface for covering said access opening upon pivoting from said first position to a second position for dumping said article into said housing.

Abstract: A trash can with dome-shaped head and cover-closed deposit opening (27) arranged in the dome, the cover outer surface of which is adapted to the contour of the dome. The edge of the deposit opening (27) lies on a secant plane of the dome (28) and the cover surface swings parallel to the dome contour downward behind the dome wall from its position protruding above the secant plane.

Abstract: A pedal trash receptacle intended for use in public places including restaurants, which allows two-handed handling of food trays. The trash receptacle utilizes a push-pull, or Bowden type cable connected between a foot pedal and a pivotally mounted door to cause opening of the door by actuation of the foot pedal. The trash receptacle comprises an upper portion which is hinged to a lower main portion so that the upper portion can be flipped open to permit insertion and removal of trash bags. When the top is closed the trash receptacle permits trash to be deposited through a door mounted and hinged in the upper portion of the trash receptacle. Stepping on the foot pedal causes the door to open inwardly permitting trash to be deposited inside the receptacle. When the foot pedal is released the door is closed by the action of springs. The trash receptacle also permits trash to be deposited by pushing the door open by hand.

Abstract: The invention in its simplest form comprises a hinged cover for a fish receiving receptacle and the cover has a passage passing through the cover into which a frame containing a resiliently biased auxiliary door is secured. The bias urges the door against a stop which holds the door in the closed position so that the door may be opened in the inward direction by overcoming the biasing force. The stop is movable so that when the stop is disengaged from the door the bias will serve to hold the door in the open outward position.

Abstract: A non-spillable drinking cup having a perforated cover and an internally and resiliently hinged flap for closing the perforation in the cover. The perforation is located adjacent the periphery of the cup for allowing the upper lip of the user to downwardly bend the flap and drink from the cup. The cover can be alternatively positioned to upwardly abut against a peripheral flange around the opening of the cup to seal the latter when the cup is knocked over. The cover resiliently abuts against the flange to allow partial opening of the cover by a downward pressure on a portion of the latter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cable terminal with improved features. Drop wires are sealed by a flexible sheet with an array of slits provided on a major surface of a pair of plates. The slits are positioned and oriented so that when the plates are in a closed position, the sheet will overlap to produce a pair of angled slits at each drop wire location. The housing forming the terminal block enclosure and a portion of the cable housing is made from a single molded piece with holes for mounting different types of terminal blocks. The terminal block enclosure is covered by a door which provides moisture protection when closed. A spring attached to the door keeps it in an opened position while a craftsperson is working on the blocks. The cable housing includes end pieces which accommodate a number of different sealing options for the cable.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving soiled articles including a bag which is disposed in and secured to a rotatably mounted holder. The holder is rotated to open and close the bag in response to movement of a foot pedal which opens the bag when the receptacle is opened and closes the bag when the receptacle is closed.

Abstract: A double-barrel type sanitary trash bin having the two symmetrically arranged barrels disposed immediately on each side of a main container and a cross arm supported at the center on the apex of a piston rod and having the two ends attached at the lower sides to the upper sides of two barrel lids by suspension bars. A lid-operating mechanism comprises an air cylinder, a piston rod having at the lower end thereof a piston, an operating lever and a connecting rod and serves for the opening and closing of the lids. A further embodiment having no cylinder and piston is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lid opener comprises a frame having a first axis and a second axis which extend substantially in parallel. A first member is integrally moveable with the lid for rotation about the first axis. A second member is in engagement with the first member and rotatable about the second axis. Means are provided for driving the second member for rotation in such a predetermined direction as to move the first member in such a direction as to open the lid, and are constructed and arranged as to allow movement of the first and second members during closing movement of the lid.

Abstract: A pneumatic apparatus includes a treadle bellows fluidically communicated with a follower bellows of which an upper bellows flange is secured with a toilet seat and a lower bellows flange secured on a toilet bowl, whereby depressing the treadle bellows compresses air into the follower bellows for expanding the follower bellows, the toilet seat and cover will be lifted, and upon a releasing of the treadle bellows the air in the follower bellowers will be sucked into the treadle bellows to contract the follower bellows to lower the seat and the cover for relevant uses.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting a utilitarian object such as a weapon, camera, or the like in a concealed manner which includes a deployment mechanism that can be easily activated to instantly deploy the object for use. The apparatus includes an enclosure which in its normal transport mode has the appearance of an attache case. The utilitarian object is concealed within the attache case until the deployment mechanism is actuated causing the attache case to fall away from the utilitarian object readying it for use.

Abstract: A conveying system particularly suitably usable to convey a plate-like article such as a reticle or mask which is usable in transferring a microcircuit forming pattern onto a semiconductor wafer, is disclosed. The conveying system includes a first hand mechanism, a second hand mechanism and a reticle changing mechanism. The first hand mechanism is operable in the neighborhood of a reticle library to load and unload a reticle to and from a reticle cassette and also operable to convey a reticle between the library position and a first midway position. The second hand mechanism is operable to convey a reticle between a reticle setting position within an exposure apparatus and a second midway position. The reticle changing mechanism is operable to hold, at a time, a reticle supported at the first midway position by the first hand mechanism and a reticle supported at the second midway position by the second hand mechanism.

Abstract: A wastebasket (10) includes a base portion (11) with an open upper end and a cover (12) pivotally attached thereto. A lever (27) is pivotally attached to the base portion (11) and carries a link arm (30) near one end thereof so that pivoting the lever (27) moves the link arm (30) upwardly and downwardly. A pin member (35) is carried by the upper end of the link arm (30) and is received in a track (39) carried by the cover (12) through an access opening (40) positioned above the pin member (35) when the cover (12) is closed on the base portion (11). The pivotal movement of the cover (12) is limited by a handle (50) which extends rearwardly from the base portion (11) to a further extent than the cover (12) when it is fully open thus preventing the cover (12) from contacting any surface which might be adjacent to the handle (50). When used with a plastic liner (53), the liner (53) may be draped over the upper open edge of the base portion (11).

Abstract: The disclosed closure attachment comprises a band for tightly encircling the upper marginal edge of a beverage can container of the foam-insulated type, and the band carries an insulated hinged lid mounted on the band for selective positioning between open and closed modes. The hinge includes a spring for biasing the lid to closed position. The band is adjustable as to diametrical size so as to be adapted to containers of different diameters.

Abstract: A hinge structure by which an upper unit of a housing can open and close with respect to its lower unit around its edge includes two elastic bars twisting around each other. The elastic forces of these bars are set according to the shearing stress applied to them. Contact pieces may be provided to vary their elastic forces when the units are assembled together. Screws may be further provided to vary the twisting angles of the bars to adjust their elastic forces.

Abstract: A closure mechanism (15) includes a pair of doors (25) biased in a closing direction and a cam (75) which symmetrically adjusts the position of the doors when drawn therethrough and asymmetrically adjusts the position of the doors when pivoted thereagainst.

Abstract: A self-draining pot apparatus is set forth wherein a cooking vessel is formed with a pivotally and normally biased closure overlying, in a sealing arrangement, a plurality of openings enabling draining of fluid contained in said vessel during a cooking procedure. A removable screen oriented at an elevated position within said vessel enables steaming of various foods, such as vegetables, positionable on said screen. A finger lever positioned within a handle integrally secured to said vessel has secured thereto a flexible tether engaging said closure to enable opening of said closure and draining of the fluid within said vessel.

Abstract: A recording and/or reproducing apparatus (1) includes a holder compartment (10) for a record carrier (2), a cover (13) which can be closed by hand against spring force to close the holder compartment (10), and a latching member (20) for retaining the cover (13) in the closed position, which latching member is movable by hand against spring force to release the cover (13). When the latching member (20) is actuated by hand to release the cover (13), electrical switching means (31) switches off electrical devices (30) of the apparatus (1) and keeps said devices switched off while the cover (13) is open. The switching means (31) includes a single switch (32) whose switching contacts (33, 34) are set to a first switching state when the cover (13) is closed, in which state the electrical devices (30) can be switched on, and which assume a second switching state when the cover (13) is open, in which second switching state the electrical devices (30) are switched off.

Abstract: A slit valve for sealing an access opening in a vacuum chamber. The slit valve body or door is pivotally mounted adjacent the opening and has a pair of cam blocks mounted at its opposite ends. Cam follower rollers are mounted on a swing arm for reversible pivotal door opening and closing movement effected by a pneumatic cylinder. During closing movement of the swing arm, the cam followers engage the cam block and resiliently pivot the slit valve against the opening. Upon reversed, pivotal opening movement, the cam followers release from the cam block, allowing a spring to return the door to a normally opened position. The slit valve mounting is adapted to provide equal compressive sealing, both top-to-bottom and side-to-side.

Abstract: Lid for large containers (12) especially food preparation containers for catering, and of the type, supported by an arm (17), which is rotable around an axle (16). In order to admit the opening of a small slit of the container (12) opening under simultaneous swinging away of the lid (11), the axle (16) is therefore arranged at an acute angle against opening plane of the container (12).

Abstract: A device for closing and opening the cover on the top of a grain bin. The closing device includes a cap hinged to the bin and having a linkage connected to the cap; the linkage being operable from a location on the ground adjacent the bin.

Abstract: A lid opener apparatus is provided for use with a relatively large storage bin, and comprises a handle and structure for mounting and supporting the handle at a convenient height for manipulation by an operator. The mounting and support structure includes a first elongate link which has one end thereof pivotally mounted to the handle and the other end thereof pivotally mounted at a fixed location relative to the bin. A first elongate rod-like member is pivotally mounted to the same end of the link which receives the handle and extends upwardly to an area adjacent the top of the bin. A second rod-like member is pivotally coupled at one end thereof to the lid and extends outwardly to an area adjacent the uppermost end of the first rod-like member.

Abstract: A screw stopper for synthetic plastic cans in the range of 10 litres and above has a pouring spout with an external threading, a cap with an internal threading fitting the external threading on the pouring spout, and a connection device between the pouring spout and the cap. The external and internal threadings have an equal pitch, that is high enough that rotation of the cap through 180 degrees plus/minus 30 degrees rotates the cap from a closed to an open position. An articulated handle on the upper side of the cap protrudes far beyond the cap. The connection device includes a retaining ring that guides the cap in a shape-engaging manner and a guide device that is rigidly connected with the pouring spout and guides the retaining ring and has a partial region arranged as an arrestor for the handle grip in the closed position of the cap.

Abstract: An insulated enclosure for beverage containers comprises upper and lower cup shaped cylindrical members. The lower cylindrical member has a durable plastic outer casing and an inner lining of thermal insulating material of a height sufficient to receive and substantially enclose the beverage container. The upper cylindrical member comprises a durable plastic casing fitting over the open upper end of the insulating lining. An opening in the upper member exposes a portion of the beverage container adjacent its opening. A pair of pivot members mounted on the upper member are operated by a lever disposed on the sidewall to selectively expose the opening of the beverage container.

Abstract: This bin is employed to store garbage, fruits and vegetables, feed, or cage animals, etc. Primarily, it consists of a wire meshed frame with a hinged door, and a cable mechanism is provided with a counter-balance weight, for keeping the door in open position, so as to enable the user's hands to be free when placing articles in or taking them out.

Abstract: This invention relates to a ground actuated lid operating system including (1) a pressure release lid apparatus operable to selectively open and close a pressure lid member to release fluid pressure from the interior of a silo structure; and (2) an entrance lid closure apparatus operable to open and close a closure lid member without leaving the area of the support surface adjacent the silo structure. The pressure release lid apparatus has the pressure lid member biased to a closed positive seal condition and opened through the use of a lid actuator assembly and lid linkage assembly which is operable from a position adjacent to a side wall of the silo structure not requiring the climbing thereof. The entrance lid closure apparatus is provided with an axially movable closure lid member which is movable from the open condition to add granular materials to the silo structure and laterally and subsequently downwardly to a positive sealed position about a silo entrance opening.

Abstract: An actuating device for opening and closing a whistling cap of a whistling kettle, wherein the whistling cap is rotatably mounted on the spout by means of a first pivot, comprising an actuating rod which is rotatably mounted on the whistling cap by means of a second pivot, and a spring for continuously biasing the cap into a closed position. The actuating rod has a longitudinal axis which extends in a direction at an obtuse angle .theta. with respect to a line connecting the first and second pivots in the closed position of the whistling cap. The actuating rod can move into a locked position past a dead point at which the longitudinal axis of the rod and the first and second pivots are aligned on a same line when the rod is moved to open the whistling cap.

Abstract: An electrophotographic copying machine comprises an upper body, a lower body, a torsion bar for lifting the first body upward, and a spacer for controlling the stressing force of the torsion bar. The spacer, preferably, a wedge is forced between a crank and a crank stopper of the torsion bar. A thumbscrew is further provided for controlling to force the spacer between the crank and the crank stopper.

Abstract: A unique self-actuating apparatus, basically useful in a wide variety of different type containers; said apparatus serving to automatically bias a substantially flat lid or top cover member from a normally horizontal/closed modality, to an alternate vertical/open modality, via effect of gravity acting thereupon; by virtue of a weighted guide member hingedly affixed to the lid in a manner as to result in the desired function whenever the container is lifted from a rested position. Hence, when combined with a drinking-cup, the novel actuator serves to instantly open a lid by the mere raising of the vessel from the counter surface for a drink--and conversely, snaps the lid shut whenever the cup is returned to rest; thereby providing carefree sanitary and thermal sealing advantages.

Abstract: An insulated enclosure for beverage containers comprises upper and lower cup shaped cylindrical members each having a durable plastic outer casing and an inner lining of thermal insulating material receive and substantially enclose said beverage container. An opening in the upper member exposes a portion of the beverage container adjacent its opening. A pair of pivot members mounted on the upper member are operated by a level disposed on the sidewall to selectively expose the opening of the beverage container.

Abstract: A remotely controlled cover means for a storage bin or the like, comprised of a cover which may be opened from a remote location by means of a rope or the like attached to said cover and guidance means therefore. The pulling force exerted by the rope causes the cover to pivot up from the storage bin access opening, outwardly and downwardly by means of an offset angled pivot means. A spring latch device is employed to return the cover to the closed or spaced vented position when desired.

Abstract: A first gear is fixedly connected to the rotary shaft of a swingably mounted lid, and is engaged with a second gear which is rotatably mounted on a stationary member. The second gear is biased by means of a spring in such a direction that the lid tends to swing open, while a ratchet portion having a recess is provided at a peripheral portion thereof. A pawl is arranged to engage with the recess to stop the rotation of the second gear, and is arranged to disengage with the recess to release the second gear when intended to open the lid. A brake member is interposed between the stationary member and the second gear to prevent the lid from rapid opening. The pawl may be manually disengaged from the recess by depressing a push-button operatively connected thereto. Such a push-button may be omitted if the shape of the recess is arranged to easily disengage from the pawl when the lid is pulled manually.

Abstract: A mechanism for closing the cover of a storage container, such as a container for an assortment of items or parts, includes a stop pin slidably mounted in a guide sleeve for movement into a first position where it engages a support lever attached to the cover and holds the cover in the open position, and a second position where the cover is automatically closed. A spring is arranged to bias the stop pin out of engagement with the support lever when the storage container is removed or displaced from a support surface with the cover being moved by another biasing arrangement into the closed position.

Abstract: A sheet-metal constructed container to facilitate the removal and disposal of ashes from solid fuel burning stoves and heaters, thereby eliminating dust and spilled ashes.

Abstract: An open top receptacle with a laterally extending handle on one side is arranged to receive a cup-shaped cover. This cover includes a valve assembly to close off an opening in the top of the cover to prevent spilling or splashing of either hot or cold beverages from the receptacle. The valve assembly in turn includes a valve head biased against the opening in the cover by resilient integral supporting arms secured to the underside of the cover. An actuating member passes into one side of the cover at a point spaced 90.degree. from the opening, this point being generally vertically above the lateral handle on the receptacle. With this arrangement, a person can hold the handle of the receptacle in the manner of a mug using the thumb to depress the actuating member inwardly which action moves the valve head away from the opening in the cover to permit drinking of the beverage in the receptacle.

Abstract: A drinking cap is described having a removable sealed cup with a laterally actuated valve operated by an actuator adjacent to the handle of the cup. Fluid retained in the cup by the cap can be poured out when the valve is actuated by the thumb. The top of the cap provides a reservoir having a canted surface for collection of any fluid in the cap around the valve. The valve actuator is correctly positioned adjacent to the handle of the cup by a bayonet-type lock.

Abstract: A liquid testing kit for determining the pH value of a liquid body at various depths includes a pH tester and a liquid sampling container having a spring-hinged lid. The container is adapted to be lowered to various depths with the lid in open position. The hinge is then remotely triggered to close the lid at the desired depth whereupon the container is removed from the liquid body. A self-seating ridged planar seal is employed between the lid and the container. The removed container can be stood upright, and a plurality of vertical internal supporting webs are dimensioned so as to accommodate a pH test instrument in the container. The hinge includes a crank arm having a support post against which a closing or opening tensile force is applied. The crank arm is pivoted from a first position wherein the tensile force creates an opening moment to a position wherein the post lies on the opposite side of a pivot so that a tensile force at the same post creates a closing moment.

Abstract: A drinking container is provided with a removable cap engageable with a cup in sealing arrangement. A drinking opening is provided in the cap and is normally sealed shut by a spring biased plug. A trigger on the exterior of the cap, when actuated, withdraws the plug from the drinking opening to allow the user to imbibe a beverage.

Abstract: A pouring receptacle has a closure that can be pressed open and which is resiliently returned to closed position when pressure is released. The receptacle proper has diametrically opposed upwardly open slots with enlargements at their lower ends, the enlargements receiving bosses on the cover and the slots receiving elongated lugs on the cover in the closed position of the cover. The material of the cover or receptacle proper is resilient, so that when the cover is pressed, it will swing about the bosses and the lugs and/or side walls of the slots will resiliently deform sufficiently to permit opening, this resilient deformation serving to urge the cover to the closed position upon release of pressure.

Abstract: A two-part box surrounds the bait in the back of the box on all sides, except in front, where the box area is closed by a swinging door supported from its upper edge and spring-urged to a closed position. The door is manually set in an open position in a generally horizontal direction and releasably held there by a support pin or trip rod which is supported to move freely in vertical direction through an opening in the bottom, and the pin is held in the support position when the box is resting on a surface and the door is resting on the pin. On removal of the box away from the surface, the pin drops down and the door closes, so no one can touch the bait until the door is manually re-set in open position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful safety arrangement for use in a pivotable chimney damper including a damper flap to selectively open and close the outlet from the flue of a chimney. The damper flap is advantageously pivoted to and includes bias means to urge the damper flap to a normally open position with respect to the frame when unrestrained and carried closure means, which can include flexible pull means to be attached at a first location to the damper flap to pull the damper flap to a closed position against the frame member when the pull means is drawn tight where the pull means can be secured to hold the damper in closed position. An expansible spring means is attached between the damper flap and the pull means to be pulled to extended position when the damper flap is closed.