Abstract: A method and a sampling tool for collecting particles from lubrication fluid of an engine are disclosed. The particles collected may be used to conduct analysis to diagnose a condition of the engine. The tool can be detachably connectable to a lubrication system of the engine. The tool comprises an inlet for receiving lubrication fluid from the lubrication system of the engine, a filter and a pump configured to induce a flow of the lubrication fluid through the filter.

Abstract: An improved wet or dry wipe dispenser for one hand use and minimal user dexterity. The dispenser is made up of a carry-handle (106), handle cap (108), lid (102) and bucket (104). The handle cap (108) forms a light contact seal to the lid (102) and retains moisture, but vents excess pressure of volatile liquids. The lid (102) forms a liquid tight seal to bucket (104). The lid (102) is removable allowing replacement of wipe media. An integrated carry-handle (106) and handle cap (108) allows easy portability. The bucket (104) has a liquid level and media window (120) for viewing indication of measurement of wet wipe liquids and for viewing remaining wipe media (702).

Abstract: A combination usable together in an automotive vehicle includes an engine block, a cover, and a band clamp. The engine block includes an opening configured to provide access to an interior volume, a first flange having a periphery that surrounds the opening, and a first engagement surface disposed proximate the first flange. The cover includes a second flange disposed around a periphery of the cover, and a second engagement surface disposed proximate the second flange, the second engagement surface configured to mate with the first engagement surface, wherein when the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are disposed in engagement with each other the first flange and the second flange in combination define an exterior surface having a first profile. The band clamp includes an interior surface with a second profile that is complementary with the first profile.

Abstract: A mask box having a buckling structure includes a base, a cover and a plurality of buckling elements. The base is configured to support a mask and has a plurality of troughs. The cover covers the base and has a plurality of pivotal portions. The buckling elements are positioned to correspond to the troughs. Each buckling element includes an engaging block and an elastic arm connected to the pivotal portion. The engaging block moves away from the periphery of the cover when the engaging block is subjected to an external force. The engaging block is buckled into the trough via an elastic restoring force of the at least one elastic arm when the external force is removed. By this arrangement, the assembly of the buckling elements is simplified and its product cost is reduced. Further, the present invention conforms to the requirements for environmental protection.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance includes a housing defining a cavity. A heating or cooling element is disposed within the housing. A container is sized and shaped to fit within the cavity. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover an opening of the container. A handle is pivotally mounted to an exterior surface of the side wall of the housing. A first end of the handle is pivotally mounted to the side wall of the housing at a first location. An opposing second end of the handle is pivotally mounted to side wall of the housing at a second location diametrically opposed to the first location. The handle is pivotable between an engaged position which at least a portion of the handle retains the lid in sealing engagement with the container rim and disengage position in which the portion of the handle is spaced-apart from the lid.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method of assembling the same includes an outer shell including a base, a heating element positioned inside the outer shell, and a thermally conducting liner removably located inside the outer shell over the heating element. The liner includes an annular flange, and a first integral handle including a first latch. The apparatus and method further includes a lid configured to be placed over the liner, the lid including a sealing ring at an outer edge of the lid, and a top surface, wherein the first latch is configured to contact the top surface of the lid to secure the lid to the annular flange of the liner.

Abstract: Enclosure clamps and clamp systems are provided for fastening a cover to an enclosure body to provide an explosion-proof container, while minimizing the number of bolts used over conventional systems. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems create a sufficient force so as to provide a flamepath between the cover and the enclosure body. The enclosure clamps described include a channel for receiving the cover and a flange on the enclosure body. The enclosure clamp is secured to the enclosure body by one or more bolts and/or by a cam actuated securing mechanism. The clamp systems described include a force distributing plate secured to a cover by cam actuated securing mechanism that is coupled to an enclosure body. The enclosure clamps and clamp systems allow a user to attach or remove the cover from the enclosure body more easily than possible with conventional explosion-proof enclosures.

Abstract: A mask blank container adapted to house a mask blank with a resist film. The container comprises a container body 5 for receiving the mask blank; a cap member 6 to be put on the container body; and a fixing member 9 adapted to fix the container body and the cap member to each other when the cap member is put on the container body. The container body and the cap member have fitting portions 51 and 61 made of a resin material and fitted to each other, respectively. The fixing member comprises a first member 91 having an engaging portion 91 a to be engaged with the fitting portion of the cap member, and a second member 92 having an engaging portion 93 to be engaged with the fitting portion of the container body. A distance between the engaging portions of the first and the second members is desired to be variable.

Abstract: An end cap for sealing an end of a tubular wall is provided. The end cap includes a circular-shaped body having an inner surface defining an aperture that extends into the circular-shaped body but not completely through the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes a sealing member disposed on at least a portion of the inner surface of the circular-shaped body. The end cap further includes first and second finger portions extending in a first direction from the circular-shaped body that are configured to removably engage first and second notches in the tubular wall such that the inner surface contacts an outer surface of the tubular wall and the end cap is removably attached to the tubular wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.

Abstract: An apparatus for attachment to a bucket for holding a liquid is attached to a bucket with an upper rim. A bail is pivotally attached to the bucket as in a conventional arrangement, the bail having an upper position and a lower position. The apparatus has a housing with a pump operatively attached thereto, the pump having an inlet in liquid communication with the bucket and an outlet for facilitating the pumping of liquid from the bucket, preferably through a spray wand with a nozzle at the outlet thereof. A member is pivotally attached to the housing at one end thereof and has a notch in another portion thereof. This member has at least a first pivotal position and a second pivotal position. When housing is on the rim, the bail is in the upper position thereof and the member is in the first pivotal position thereof so that a portion of the bail is in the notch for thereby holding the housing to the upper rim of the bucket.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided with a clamp assembly for holding the parts of the cooker together when transporting the cooker from one location to another. The clamp assembly includes downwardly-opening grooved portions of housing handles and an elastomeric band having opposite end portions received within the grooved portions of housing handles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a source chemical container assembly, comprising a metal container functioning as a vacuum chamber and provided with a removable closure, which removable closure seals against the metal container with a metal seal. In order to facilitate easy recharging of the container assembly, compressive force is applied to the metal seal through a tension chain. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the metal seal and the tension chain are provided along a circumference of said metal container. The assembly can comprise an inner container in which the source chemical is contained.

Abstract: A sealable lid assembly for a vacuum distillation apparatus has a lid pivotally and telescopically mounted to the vacuum distillation apparatus. Spaced-apart wheels are rotatably mounted to the lid. Tracks are disposed on the vacuum distillation apparatus in a position to engage the wheels and raise the lid vertically above a manhole of the vacuum distillation apparatus upon pivotal movement of the lid, which is initiated by nominal physical exertion of a single operator. Extending outwardly from and adjacent the manhole is a flange. The flange has a channel to receive a gasket. A protrusion extends outwardly from a bottom of the lid in a position to extend into the channel and sealably engage the gasket when the wheels disengage the tracts. Clamp assemblies are provided to releasably engage the lid with the flange and draw the protrusion into sealable, releasable engagement with the gasket.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for securely holding a lid on a container. The device includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. An expanding means projects upward from the upper surface of the base. The expanding means contacts both the base and part of the container and can be arranged for applying a downward pressure to the base:for pressing the lid against the container. A method utilizing the device includes the step of placing the lower surface of the base against the lid of a container. A portion of the expander means then engages a portion of the container. The lid is then pressed against the container by forcing the base against the lid using the expander means.

Abstract: A housing for an automotive oil filter element has a cylindrical wall closed at one end by an integral base; the base includes a standard-sized threaded orifice for mating the housing to an existing lubricating-oil connection on an engine. Another end of the housing is closed by a removable end cap held in place against the housing by a spring clamp which is pressed into engagement with locking lugs spaced around an outer perimeter of the housing. A gasket having two sealing surfaces forms a seal between end cap and housing. Pushing the shoulders of the spring clamp toward the cap causes the ends of the spring clamp to be moved outward by a ramped band, disengaging the clamp ends from the locking lugs and allowing the clamp ends to be pulled outward, releasing the end cap for removal.

Abstract: A wide-mouth recloseable container and cover device with a pair of two-position bails used for holding liquids, powders and like substances. The device includes a container and a cover which are cylindrical in shape. The container has a lower portion and an upper portion. The upper portion has a wide-mouth opening with a top flange disposed around the opening. The top flange has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the lower portion of the container. The upper portion is "necked down" to provide room for six longitudinally oriented ribs. Four of the ribs are used for supporting opposite ends of two "U" shaped bails. The two bails are used for engaging opposite sides of an upper surface of the cover for holding a lower surface of the cover against the top flange of the container. The cover has an annular recess for receiving the top flange therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for carrying and securing the lid of a container, such as a surgical sterilization tray. A tray is provided with rotating wire bail handles and at least two studs. The cover for the tray has a keyway and cutout which can be engaged with the studs when the lid is placed onto the case. Inadvertent disengagement of the keyway or cutout from the studs is prevented by the interaction of the handles with the lid. The lid is provided with slots and end panels which become mechanically associated with the handles when the handles are rotated to any of a variety of lid-securing positions. The association of the handles with the lid prevents any relative sliding motion of the lid and case which would allow disengagement of the keyway or cutout and the studs, until the handles are rotated to any of a variety of non-lid-securing positions. The system combines the handle and lid-securing functions in a very low part-count design with very few moving parts.

Abstract: A slow cooker is provided with a clamp assembly for holding the parts of the cooker together when transporting the cooker from one location to another. The clamp assembly includes downwardly-opening grooved portions of housing handles and an elastomeric band having opposite end portions received within the grooved portions of housing handles.

Abstract: A fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having two (2) elongated housing sections attached along one elongated edge thereof by a pivotal connection, such as one or more hinges. The interior of each of the two (2) elongated housing sections includes a cavity into which a fishing rod and reel assembly can be placed and one of the elongated housing sections includes one or more tackle box compartments having dividers positioned therein and pivotally attached cover portions which cover and retain fishing tackle and other fishing equipment therein. The two (2) elongated housing sections can be closed upon each other and latched in this position to form an elongated fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case having an integral handle portion to carry the enclosed fishing rod and reel assembly carrying case.

Abstract: A closing cap for a bottle (2) includes a collar (4) intended to be mounted on the neck (20) of the bottle; a closing hood (60) provided with a top (76) and with a cylindrical side wall (64) capable of being positioned round the collar (4); a rigid shackle (8) having two ends (12a, 14a) connected by a central portion (10), the ends being mounted on the collar for pivoting round an axis (B) so that, by pivoting, the central portion of the shackle (8) comes to bear against the top of the hood; and an elastic part (72) capable of permitting an axial displacement of the top of the hood relative to the shackle (8) and of ensuring the permanent bearing of the top (76) against the shackle (8). The elastic part may be by at least one zone (72) of the elastically deformable hood unitary with the hood (60).

Abstract: A lid retainer is provided for a "paint can" type container having a lid that is secured to the top wall thereof by multi-friction fit. The lid retainer is composed of a high tensile strength, impact resistant polymer material having limited flexible and defines a circular body section with a circular lid retainer flange and a circular locking flange projection downwardly from respective inner and outer radial extents of the circular body section. The locking flange has a radially inwardly extending locking projection having a downwardly and radially inwardly facing can surface disposed for camming engagement with the circular bead that interconnects the side and top walls of the container and induces yielding of the retainer flange as the locking projection passes over the circular bead.

Abstract: A closure or lid for use with a container having an open end and a rim extending along the perimeter of the open end. The closure comprises a center portion which covers the container and an integral wall structure extending along the periphery of the center portion, the wall structure designed to attach the closure to the rim. The wall portion includes an inner wall adjacent the center portion, an outer wall spaced from the rim and a joining wall connecting the inner wall and the outer wall and forming a cavity therebetween, the rim being received into the cavity. The inner surface of the outer wall includes an inwardly extending projection which interlocks with a projection on the container rim and holds the lid onto the container. The outer wall is further provided with a plurality of slots which divide the outer wall into a plurality of separate and individual sections to allow for easy removal.

Abstract: A container for food processing including an upwardly opening receptacle with a cover selectively sealed thereto and retained by pivotally mounted handles including outer retention bars which downwardly engage against the cover and include depending clips which lock beneath lugs on the receptacle. The cover includes a pressure responsive central domed portion and a selectively openable venting port.

Abstract: An improved paint cup lid assembly of the type having a paint feed tube which is attached by a nut to a hand held paint spray gun. The paint feed tube is secured to a lid. The lid assembly includes a yolk which releasably secures the lid to a paint cup. When the paint cup is detached from the lid assembly, the yolk may be moved to a position wherein a socket formed in the yolk engages the nut and the yolk is used as a wrench for loosening or tightening the nut.

Abstract: An airtight canister including (a) a ceramic container having an open top, a bottom and an annular groove adjacent to the bottom; (b) an acrylic cover having an annular rim; (c) an annular rubber gasket wrapped on the annular rim of the cover; (d) an elongated elastic cord having two ends; (e) a wave shaped hook linked to said cord between the two ends; and (f) a generally ".pi."-shaped connecting member connected between the two ends of said cord and said cover; (g) so that when the cover is placed onto the open top of the container and the hook is retained by the annular groove adjacent to the bottom of the container, the tension of the elastic cord will maintain a pressure on the cover through the connecting member, which in turn creates an airtight coverage with the help of the gasket.

Abstract: The present invention is an airtight canister. The airtight canister comprises a ceramic container and an acrylic cover. The ceramic container has an open top, a bottom and an annular groove adjacent to the bottom. The acrylic cover is secured on the ceramic container by an elongated cord and a wave-shaped hook. The elongated cord has two ends interconnected by a coil spring which creates a tension on the cord, and the hook is linked to the cord between its two ends. A generally ".pi."-shaped member is mounted on the cover and has an inner chamber for retaining the coil spring and the two ends of the elongated cord. When the cover is placed onto the open top of the container and the hook is retained by the annular groove adjacent to the bottom of the container, the tension on the cord created by the coil spring will remain a pressure on the cover through the connecting member, which in turn creates an airtight coverage.

Abstract: A locking mechanism having a latch and linkage system that automatically unlocks the lid on trash bins when the trash bin is lifted into the air and then automatically re-locks the lid when the trash bin is placed back on the ground. A leg and pod assembly is attached to the linkage system and pulls the linkage system pivotably downward to move the latch away from the lid when the bin is lifted and thereafter pushes the linkage system upward to pivotably move the latch to secure the lid when the bin is repositioned.

Abstract: Such synthetic resin lids comprise an outer rim (4) encompassing the barrel neck (3) and an inner rim (5) entering into the barrel neck (3) and projecting beyond the lid bottom (6) below the barrel opening, as well as a sealing ring inserted between the outer rim (4) of the lid and the inner rim (5) of the lid. This sealing ring is urged by means of a clamping ring (10) or tightening wire against the opening rim (14) of the barrel neck (3), the clamping ring (10) or tightening wire extending over a flange (110 or flange sections molded to the outer rim (4) of the lid at the bottom and extending underneath a solid border (120 which latter protrudes radially toward the outside at a spacing below the barrel opening from the barrel wall. This border can be designed as a continuously extending flange or can be subdivided into flange sections. An axially projecting annular web (8) is molded to the base of an annular chamber ( 7) formed by the outer and inner rims (4 and 5, respectively) of the lid.

Abstract: A picnic cooking assembly includes a skillet, a cooking pan, and a kettle. The cooking pan nests within the skillet and the kettle nests within the skillet over the cooking pan. The cooking pan, inverted, fits over the skillet to form a food storage container. Moreover, the kettle is formed with a spout covered with a cap which is also securable to the kettle as a handle. Attached to the skillet is a handle which, when the cooking assembly is assembled, fits over and around the kettle, locking the cooking assembly together.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a locking mechanism for a container having a hinged or removable lid. The elements of the locking mechanism comprise a U-shaped securing member which is attached to the sidewalls of the container. The U-shaped member pivots over the lid, and is held in place by a lock mechanism. The locking mechanism may either fix the U-shaped securing element directly to a locking lug on the container sidewall, or may be attached to the locking lug via a securing strand element.

Abstract: A recording medium keeping case according to the present invention comprises first and second case members and a recording medium holding member, which are supported pivotably around a pivot. When the first case member is pivotally moved through a predetermined angle relative to the second case member, a first engaging portion provided on the first case member comes into engagement with a first portion to be engaged provided on the recording medium holding member so that as the first case member rotates, the recording medium holding member also rotates.

Abstract: Apparatus for joining sheet metal elements of a housing for an electrical appliance has a centering lug, disposed on a first sheet metal element, with a wedgeshaped recess formed therein. Furthermore, disposed on a second sheet metal element is a centering hole to seat the centering lug, the latter penetrating the centering hole, but limited by a stop, until the top surface of the second sheet metal element with the centering hole and a bevel of the wedgeshaped recess form a wedgeshaped seating hole with a self-locking aperture angle for seating a spring wire elastically engaging the seating hole.

Abstract: A dispenser for attachment to liquid containers is disclosed which allows a contained liquid to be dispensed by pumping rather than pouring from the container, having a top cylinder containing a pump which is located over a mouth of the container, so that the mouth of the container contacts a gasket of relatively large surface area, and further having a base member pivotally attached to a top cylinder which is pivoted underneath the container to force the mouth of the container against the gasket to provide a seal. The relatively large surface area of the gasket and the design of the base member allow the device to be used with containers of varying size, and the seal achieved thereby allows pump of simple design to be incorporated.

Abstract: A locking lid assembly for sealably closing the upper end of a cylindrical stack of a fuel spillage capture recovery device includes a lid hingedly mounted on an annular base member constructed to be sealingly seated upon the top of the stack. Diametrically opposed pivoted cams mounted on the lid are wedgingly engageable with locking pins mounted on the base member to firmly compress a resilient annular seal between the lid and base member.

Abstract: A magazine particularly for jacketed magnetic disks (which may be termed "diskettes") of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,668,658 and a lid fitting on a forward, sometimes open, end of the magazine. The lid has internal ribs for supporting weak side edges of the diskettes in the magazine particularly when the magazine is turned on its side, and the magazine has aligned internal bottom and top diskette supporting ribs. A swing connection is provided between the lid and the magazine adjacent the top of the magazine including L-shaped slots formed in side panels of the magazine extending from the forward edges thereof horizontally and then upwardly and a pair of pins carried by the lid and fitting in the L-shaped slots. The lid when placed on the magazine thus first moves horizontally but slanting forwardly and downwardly to first move the upper ends of its internal ribs between the diskettes and then upwardly and in swinging movement to close the magazine.

Abstract: In a pneumatic outlet a "U" shaped bail assembly is pivotally mounted on at least one end wall of the outlet. The bail assembly includes a pair of arms which extend outwardly from the end wall beyond the discharge tube of the outlet, and a body portion which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the discharge tube and joins the arms. A locking handle is mounted on the body portion which is movable to a locking position to maintain the end cap in engagement with the discharge tube. A locking assembly mounted on one of the arms of the bail is movable between a position blocking movement of the locking handle from the locking position and a position allowing movement of the locking handle to the unlocked position. A fastener member carried by the locking assembly is operable to fasten the locking assembly in the handle blocking position.

Abstract: A pail having a circular lid with a latching surface extending continuously about the periphery thereof, resilient latch members on opposite sides of said pail having latch portions to engage said latching surface, a bail having its ends adjacent said latch members, cam surfaces on said bail and cam followers on said latch members for moving said latch portions toward and away from a position engaging said latching surface, said cam surfaces and cam followers positioned to lock said lid on said pail with said bail on one side and over said pail and to unlock said lid with said bail on the other side of said pail.