A can piercing tool including an annular ring and a plurality of pointed punches connected to the annular ring, concentric with the annular ring, inside the annular ring, and defining a circular perimeter. The tool includes a handle connected to the annular ring extending away from the annular ring.

Opening device for the opening of a monomer liquid container (1) comprising a positioning aid (6) for positioning of the monomer liquid container (1), an opening facility (8) for the opening of the monomer liquid container (1), the opening facility (8) being mobile with respect to the positioning aid (6) and/or the positioning aid (6) being mobile with respect to the opening facility (8), at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element (9) for storage of elastic energy, whereby a motion of the opening facility (8) and/or a motion of the positioning aid (6) can be driven by the elastic energy of the at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element (9).

We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

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.

We describe apparatuses, systems, method, reagents, and kits for conducting assays as well as process for their preparation. They are particularly well suited for conducting automated sampling, sample preparation, and analysis in a multi-well plate assay format. For example, they may be used for automated analysis of particulates in air and/or liquid samples derived therefrom in environmental monitoring.

An installation (1) comprising a storage zone (5) for storing the container (40) of the beverage for preparation; a liquid flow circuit (2) provided with at least one feed inlet (3) for feeding a beverage for preparation extending in said storage zone (5) and being provided with a perforation member (7); cooling and/or heating means (8) arranged along the liquid flow circuit (2); a sensor (13) for measuring the circuit temperature of the liquid flow circuit (2); and means (14) for providing a setpoint temperature corresponding to the tasting temperature desired for the beverage. The installation (1) further comprises a sensor (6) for measuring the temperature of the container (40); a control unit (17) configured to control the cooling and/or heating means (8) as a function of the setpoint temperature, and of the measured temperatures; a closure member (18) for at least partially closing access from the storage zone (5) to the perforation member (7), the closure member (18) being mounted to move between a closed position at least as a function of the measured temperature of the circuit.

A device for puncturing a metal can having a cylindrical sidewall and a bottom portion with an annular concave central portion terminating in an annular base portion. The base has an annular inclined connecting wall portion extending outward from the annular base portion to the sidewall. The device includes a frame with vertical walls extending above a supporting surface to a height at least equal to the height of the metal can, and an arm rotatably attached to the walls. The arm has two or more puncturing elements extending downward when the arm is in a puncturing position in which the arm extends laterally. The puncturing elements are configured so the can is positionable upside-down on a supporting surface so that when the arm is rotated into the puncturing position, the first puncturing element punctures the connecting wall and the second puncturing element punctures the concave central portion.

Embodiments are directed to a puncture device that is adapted to puncture an array of beverage cans with a single actuation. A pivot arm rotates relative to a base that holds the array of beverage cans. The arm may include teeth that may be advanced or pushed into the array of beverage cans when the arm is rotated, thereby forming auxiliary openings in each of the cans. The punctured cans may be removed from the device and opened by a tab at a top end. This may create a vent that allows fluid to quickly expel from the auxiliary opening.

A multifunction recreational apparatus comprising a cap portion, an upper body portion, and a lower body portion. The cap portion is selectively coupled to an upper perimeter of the upper body portion to conceal a bowl portion of a tobacco pipe. Upper body portion comprises a conical grip portion and a tubular member extending from a lower circumference of the conical grip portion. Upper body portion further comprises a channel extending from the bowl portion of upper body portion to a distal end of the tubular member to define an airflow pathway. Lower body portion is conical in shape and increases in diameter from an upper circumference to a lower circumference. A bottom surface of the lower body portion is configured to define a channel, the channel being configured to define a bottle opener.

A vacuum release apparatus includes a compressible housing and a puncture component in the housing. The puncture component is configured to move as the housing is compressed.