Container uncapping mechanism and method

Abstract

Apparatus and method for handling a container having a removable cover, e.g., a vial for holding a biological fluid specimen. The container may have therein an internal element that is releasably coupled to the cover, such as an assembly for processing the specimen in the container. The method involves applying an external force to the covered container sufficient to release the internal element from the cover, and then dislodging the cover from the container. The external force may be an acceleration force applied to the container, such as an impact force to the bottom of the container, or direct contact with the cover with sufficient force to deflect the cover inwardly. A vertically mounted pressing member and a movably mounted gripper can be used. The pressing member may act to eject the cover from the gripper after the container is clear of the gripper. The apparatus may be part of an automated system for processing multiple liquid-based specimens.

1 . A method, performed by an apparatus, for handling a container having a removable cover, the container having therein an internal element that is releasably coupled to the cover, the method comprising the steps of mechanically applying an external force to the covered container sufficient to release the internal element from the cover, and thereafter mechanically removing the cover from the container. 
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the force applying step comprises applying an acceleration force to the container. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein the force applying step comprises applying an impact force to the bottom of the container. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein the force applying step comprises contacting the cover directly with sufficient force to deflect the central portion of the cover inwardly. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to  claim 2 , wherein a rotary connection joins the cover to the container, and removal of the cover is preceded by rotation of the cover to unscrew it from the container. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 1 , wherein a rotary connection joins the cover to the container, and removal of the cover is preceded by rotation of the cover to unscrew it from the container. 
     
     
         7 . A method for handling the cover of an upstanding container by employing a movably mounted pressing member and a movably mounted gripper, the gripper and the pressing member being mounted for independent movement, the method comprising the steps of:
 contacting the cover with the gripper;   thereafter independently moving the pressing member downwardly to press on the central portion of the cover; and   thereafter independently moving the gripper to remove the cover from the container.   
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 7 , comprising the further step of moving the pressing member downwardly again to eject the cover from the gripper after the cover has been removed from the container and the container is clear of the gripper. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 8 , wherein a rotary connection joins the cover to the container and the gripper is rotatable, and removal of the cover is preceded by rotation of the cover to unscrew it from the container. 
     
     
         10 . A method according to  claim 7 , wherein a rotary connection joins the cover to the container and the gripper is rotatable, and removal of the cover is preceded by rotation of the cover to unscrew it from the container.