Patent ID: 7533778

Claim:
A method of removing a cover from a flange secured about an opening in a tank for safely controlling a flow of material stored within the tank through the opening, wherein the cover is secured to the flange by a plurality of pegs extending into the flange through apertures in the cover, the method comprising: vacating at least a portion of the plurality of pegs; rigidly attaching a frame to the flange proximate the opening using at least a portion of the apertures previously vacated by a portion of the plurality of pegs; attaching an actuator to the frame; extending an arm between the frame and the cover; connecting a proximal end of the arm to the actuator and connecting a distal end to the cover; operating the actuator for forcing the arm against the cover with sufficient force for preventing the cover from being dislodged from about the opening; unsecuring the cover from about the opening; and controlling the actuator for moving the cover from a closed position to an open position through a spacing therewith, wherein a distance for the spacing controls the flow of material from the tank.