Patent ID: 8528769

Claim:
In a structure with a lid, a lift apparatus consisting of: a. a lift arm connected with a lid connector wherein said lid connector is connected to said lid and wherein said lift arm is connected with a lift pivot on a mounting plate attached to said structure; b. more than one separate lid reinforcing connection connecting said lid connector with said lid; c. a movement arm connected with a flexible, non-rigid connection, wherein said flexible non-rigid connection is selected from a group comprising: chain, wire, and multiple pivotable links and wherein said flexible non-rigid connection has a length and includes a first end and a second end and is flexible along said length such that a loose connection is provided so that the lid may be lifted manually and wherein said first end of said flexible connection is connected with said lift arm at an attachment point located between said lift pivot and said connection of said lift arm with said lid connector and wherein said second end of said flexible non-rigid connection is connected with said movement arm; d. an actuator connected with said movement arm wherein said movement arm at least partially retracts within and extends from said actuator and wherein when said actuator retracts said movement arm said flexible non-rigid connection pulls said lift arm around said lift pivot; and e. a limiter connected with said lift pivot such that movement of said lift arm beyond a predetermined amount is limited.