An apparatus and method are presented for removing container covers within a controlled environment enclosure without using gloves. The apparatus comprises an articulated arm apparatus and a gripping apparatus and can further comprise a controller. The articulated arm apparatus can be configurable for holding and moving a container in three dimensions; and the gripping apparatus can be configured for gripping a container cover sealing the container. The method comprises moving the container using the articulated arm apparatus while holding a gripping area of the container cover substantially stationary using the gripping apparatus. The apparatus can further comprise a sensor configured for supplying information to the controller for determining the location of the container cover gripping area and an orientation of the container cover. The method can further comprise inspecting the container cover using the sensor. The container can be moved along a path and within a space determined by the controller.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for decanting a beverage initially contained in one or more closed bottles into smaller containers. The device comprises an enclosure under an inert atmosphere, provided with an inlet port comprising receiving means, into which inlet port the neck of the bottles is fitted, and an outlet port through which the hermetically sealed containers are evacuated. The device contains an opening station for opening the bottles fitted into the receiving means, a collection vessel that collects the liquid flowing out of the bottles, a filling station for filling the containers from the collection vessel, and a sealing station for hermetically sealing the containers. In the method, the steps of opening and emptying the bottles, and of filling and hermetically sealing the containers, are all carried out under an inert atmosphere.

The present invention relates to a device and a method for decanting a beverage initially contained in one or more closed bottles into smaller containers. The device comprises an enclosure under an inert atmosphere, provided with an inlet port comprising receiving means, into which inlet port the neck of the bottles is fitted, and an outlet port through which the hermetically sealed containers are evacuated. The device contains an opening station for opening the bottles fitted into the receiving means, a collection vessel that collects the liquid flowing out of the bottles, a filling station for filling the containers from the collection vessel, and a sealing station for hermetically sealing the containers. In the method, the steps of opening and emptying the bottles, and of filling and hermetically sealing the containers, are all carried out under an inert atmosphere.

An electric can opener comprises a motor, a controller, and a signal-detecting element monitoring at least one of (i) an audio signal and (ii) a motion-type signal during operation of the can opener. The controller determines a baseline signal value, calculates a threshold signal value and compares the monitored signal value to the calculated threshold value. The controller stops operation of the can opener if the detected signal is outside the threshold from the baseline.

An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a body member including a beverage-container-receiving cavity, an aperture disposed on the body member, and a movable member disposed on the body member, the movable member having a beverage-container-puncturing portion. The beverage-container-puncturing portion is selectively movable into the beverage-container-receiving cavity via the aperture.

Systems, methods, and apparatus for pull-tab seal removal are provided. An extraction tool for removal of integrated pull-tab seals from containers may comprise a cover slidably coupled to a body portion in which an extraction shaft and/or a seal gap separator operate to remove the seal while requiring less dexterity and/or less applied force than would otherwise be required.

A beverage container coupler includes a body defining a first cavity open on a first side of the body and configured for removably retaining a first beverage container, a second cavity open on a second side of the body opposite the first side and configured for removably retaining a second beverage container in proximity with the first beverage container, and a fluid path open between the first cavity and the second cavity. The beverage container coupler further includes a puncturing element at least partially positioned within the first cavity.

A package including a fitment for dispensing a liquid from a flexible bag is disclosed. The fitment is secured to the bag and includes a compressible bulb and a piercing member that are coupled together. In two embodiments the fitment is configured so that the piercing member pierces through a wall of the bag to dispense the bag's contents through an outlet port of the fitment. One of those embodiments includes a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. Another embodiment does not include a separate valve to open and close the outlet port. A third embodiment makes use of a fitment connected to a filling gland of the bag and which is in communication with the interior of the bag. That third embodiment includes a frangible seal forming part of the fitment and which is pierced by the piercing member to dispense the liquid from the bag.

A fluid dispenser including a body, a chamber coupled to or formed as part of the body and configured to contain a quantity of fluid, and a piston coupled to the body and rotatable within the chamber to different position. The piston is movable relative to the chamber in a first direction along an axis to draw fluid into the chamber, and the piston is movable relative to the chamber in a second direction opposite the first direction to discharge fluid from the chamber. The piston has stroke lengths that are selectable via the different rotational positions of the piston and that are associated with metered quantities of fluid to be drawn into the chamber. An anti-reversal feature is disposed between the piston and the body. The anti-reversal feature inhibits reversal of the piston during movement of the piston in the first direction or the second direction.

Systems, methods, devices, and an apparatus for capping blood sample tubes after they are processed in an automated blood sample analysis processing system are provided. One aspect describes an automated blood sample tube capping assembly configured to automatically cap a plurality of sample tubes after they are processed in an automated blood sample analysis processing system.