A system and method for gripping, torqueing and releasing an element so as to cap and/or decap a container, such as those typically utilized to house specimens in laboratory environments. The system is driven by a single bi-directional motor linked to a coupler assembly via a rotating threaded shaft. The coupler assembly is configured to engage with an element, such as a cap or container, via mechanically-biased splines that are actuated without any complex linkages, or operative connection to the motor or other powered components. The system employs an ejector nut and an ejector, both of which are concentrically positioned about the threaded shaft. The ejector nut translates along the shaft as a function of the shaft's rotation, so as to permit the retraction of the ejector when an element is engaged in the coupler assembly or cause the ejector to extend into the coupler assembly to disengage the element. The direction and rotation of the motor is controlled by a system coupled to sensors positioned within the system. Such control system may include one or more processors, component interfaces, and data storage/memory. The sensors may include multiple optical, magnetic or mechanical means for monitoring one or more of the positions of the ejector nut and ejector along the threaded shaft, and/or the rotational position of the coupler assembly.

A cap rotation device includes a cap rotator, a liquid transferring device and an optical detecting device. The liquid transferring device is disposed near the cap rotator, and the optical detecting device is disposed between the cap rotator and the liquid transferring device. The optical detecting device is used to detect a position of a sealing cap of a chemical drum to guide the cap rotator aligning with the sealing cap. Therefore, the sealing cap is opened by the cap rotator, and then the chemical liquid is transferred by the liquid transferring device.

A cap attachment-detachment device includes an operation portion that moves in an up-and-down direction, and grips and rotates a cap so as to attach the cap to or attach the cap from a container. The operation portion includes a first grip claw, a second grip claw and the pressing member. The first grip claw and the second grip claw are provided to be opposite to each other and configured to be capable of applying an obliquely upward force inwardly to an upper portion of a side surface of the cap. The pressing member is configured to be capable of coming into contact with an upper surface of the cap.

Plug-closing processing units are provided with: a first plug chuck parts that grasp plugs; and a second plug chuck part located above the first plug chuck parts, wherein the first plug chuck parts each include at least two first supports that grasp the plugs from more than one direction, and the second plug chuck part is provided with a plug-closing mechanism that includes a second support disposed in the radial direction of plugs and having an inclined lower end surface. Thus, provided are a plug processing device capable of stable plug-opening processing and plug-closing processing on a conveyor line for a specimen container, and a specimen test automation system including the plug processing device.

A system and method for gripping, torqueing and releasing an element so as to cap and/or decap a container, such as those typically utilized to house specimens in laboratory environments. The system is driven by a single bi-directional motor linked to a coupler assembly via a rotating threaded shaft. The coupler assembly is configured to engage with an element, such as a cap or container, via mechanically-biased splines that are actuated without any complex linkages, or operative connection to the motor or other powered components. The system employs an ejector nut and an ejector, both of which are concentrically positioned about the threaded shaft. The ejector nut translates along the shaft as a function of the shaft's rotation, so as to permit the retraction of the ejector when an element is engaged in the coupler assembly or cause the ejector to extend into the coupler assembly to disengage the element. The direction and rotation of the motor is controlled by a system coupled to sensors positioned within the system. Such control system may include one or more processors, component interfaces, and data storage/memory. The sensors may include multiple optical, magnetic or mechanical means for monitoring one or more of the positions of the ejector nut and ejector along the threaded shaft, and/or the rotational position of the coupler assembly.

A multifunction cap replacement module includes a cap rotation module supporter and at least one cap rotation module. The cap rotation module is mounted to the cap rotation module supporter, and the cap rotation module includes a first cap rotation device and a second cap rotation device. The first cap rotation device is configured to open one sealing cap of at least one chemical drum and extract a chemical liquid from the chemical drum, and the second cap rotation device is configured to open another one sealing cap of the chemical drum and allow the chemical liquid to flow back to the chemical drum.

A cap rotation device includes a cap rotator, a liquid transferring device and an optical detecting device. The liquid transferring device is disposed near the cap rotator, and the optical detecting device is disposed between the cap rotator and the liquid transferring device. The optical detecting device is used to detect a position of a sealing cap of a chemical drum to guide the cap rotator aligning with the sealing cap. Therefore, the sealing cap is opened by the cap rotator, and then the chemical liquid is transferred by the liquid transferring device.

The present invention is an automated electromechanical gripper for handling a container. In one embodiment, the gripper is used in an automated liquid dispenser. The gripper can grab a single container, remove the container from a nested stack of containers, and move the container in three directions (horizontally, laterally, and vertically).

Provided is a cap detachment device including a plug, a cap part, and a cap tool that detaches the cap part from the plug. The cap tool has a holding part that holds the cap part, a grip part gripped by a robot holding the cap tool, a support part attached to the grip part and supporting the holding part movably along the cap axis, a spring that applies, to the holding part, pushing force in a direction coming close to the plug along the cap axis, and a rotary shaft that rotates the holding part about the cap axis, and the rotary shaft rotates the holding part holding the cap part about the cap axis and thereby detaches the cap part from the plug.

The present invention is an automated liquid dispenser comprising novel mechanisms for removing a single container from a nested stack of containers, closing the bottom of the container, decapping the container, filling the container, capping the container, and dispensing the filled container to a user.