US4522089A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Test tube cap remover
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1983-10-28
•
Granted: 1985-06-11
•
Expires: 2003-10-28
Abstract
Abstract A device for removing a cap from a test tube under sanitary conditions has an enclosure receiving at least part of the test tube and cap and isolating them from the atmosphere. A plunger reciprocable in a cylinder sealed to the enclosure can be hand operated to close normally spread gripper members against the cap flange and to pull the so-gripped cap from the tube. Any discharge from the just-opened tube is confined within the enclosure. The uncapped tube can be removed from the enclosure, and the cap also can be removed for reuse.
Inventors
- 👤 Javid R. Alvi
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:33
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/50; B01L3/508; B01L3/5082; B01L3/50825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
106 words
A test tube cap remover for use with a test tube removably engaging a cap having a flange comprising means defining an enclosure having first and second openings disposed in alignment, yielding means continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said first opening for deflecting between a closed position and an open position, supporting means continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said second opening, a cap engaging means within said enclosure, means for mounting said cap engaging means on said supporting means for movement between a cap engaging and holding position and a cap releasing position, and means for moving said cap engaging means between said positions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
106 words
A test tube cap remover for use with a test tube removably engaging a cap having a flange comprising means defining an enclosure having first and second openings disposed in alignment, yielding means continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said first opening for deflecting between a closed position and an open position, supporting means continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said second opening, a cap engaging means within said enclosure, means for mounting said cap engaging means on said supporting means for movement between a cap engaging and holding position and a cap releasing position, and means for moving said cap engaging means between said positions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A device as in claim 1 in which said movement of said cap engaging means is linear and toward and away from said second opening.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device as in claim 2 including means for resiliently urging said cap engaging means toward said second opening.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device as in claim 2 in which said cap engaging means includes opposing gripper members movable toward and away from each other transversely of said linear movement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as in claim 4 in which said gripper members are adapted to engage and underlie said cap flange.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device as in claim 4 in which said gripper members are springs disposed apart from each other when unstressed.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A device as in claim 4 including means operated by said cap engaging means for moving said gripper members toward each other.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
133 words
A test tube cap remover for use with a circular-cylindrical test tube extending along an axis and removably engaging a cap having a portion disposed in said test tube and having an extending flange, comprising: a. means defining a deformable enclosure having first and second openings disposed in alignment on said axis; b. means including resilient leaves continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said first opening within said container and disposed tightly to engage a test tube extending axially through said first opening; c. a cylinder at one end engaging said enclosure and communicating with said second opening and extending along said axis; d. means in said enclosure for engaging and releasing said cap; and, e. means in said cylinder and movable along said axis for operating said cap engaging and releasing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
133 words
A test tube cap remover for use with a circular-cylindrical test tube extending along an axis and removably engaging a cap having a portion disposed in said test tube and having an extending flange, comprising: a. means defining a deformable enclosure having first and second openings disposed in alignment on said axis; b. means including resilient leaves continuous with said enclosure and surrounding said first opening within said container and disposed tightly to engage a test tube extending axially through said first opening; c. a cylinder at one end engaging said enclosure and communicating with said second opening and extending along said axis; d. means in said enclosure for engaging and releasing said cap; and, e. means in said cylinder and movable along said axis for operating said cap engaging and releasing means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device as in claim 8 including an annular sponge surrounding said first opening adjacent said leaves.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
A device as in claim 8 in which said cap engaging and releasing means includes an axial push rod in said cylinder; a push button on said rod at the other end of said cylinder; and means for resiliently urging said push button to project from said other end of said cylinder.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-06-10 | 1988-12-10 | 1989-06-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-06-10 | 1992-12-10 | 1993-06-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-06-10 | 1996-12-10 | 1997-06-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |