Patent ID: 8550283

Claim:
A lid actuating system for the storage of hazardous materials said system comprising: a) a cask having a bottom, a lip defining an open top, wherein the cask defines a longitudinal axis; b) a lid comprising a plurality of contiguous panels, the lid having a shape complementary to a cross section of the lip of the cask wherein the lid projects laterally past the bottom when opened; c) at least two actuator arms for each panel such that a first end of each actuator arm is rotatably attached to the panel and a second end of each actuator arm is rotatably attached to a base plate supporting the bottom of the cask, the actuator arms located laterally from the longitudinal axis of the cask; d) a lift piston with a first end of the lift piston in rotatable communication with one of said two actuator arms and a second end of the lift piston in rotatable communication with the cask; e) a hinge piston positioned intermediate said two actuator arms and rotatably attached to a laterally facing peripheral region of the lid; and f) a cylinder adapted to receive said hinge piston, said cylinder pivotally attached to an outer vertical wall of the cask.