A capping and de-capping apparatus (100) for capping and de-capping tubes (112) disposed in a tube holding rack (111) having a two-dimensional array of apertures (114) for holding the tubes (112). The apparatus (100) comprises a rack support (110) for supporting the tube holding rack (111), a head unit (120) adapted for carrying a cartridge (152) comprising at least one capping and de-capping gripper (122), a drive system (130) for moving the rack support (110) and the head unit (120) relatively towards and away from one another, in order to cause engagement or disengagement of the capping and de-capping gripper (122) with or from a cap (113) of at least one tube (112), and a drive system (140) for rotating the capping and de-capping gripper (122), wherein rotation in one direction causes attachment of the cap (113) to the tube (112) and rotation in the opposite direction causes detachment of the cap (113) from said tube (112).

A device for activating a screw cap of a container comprises a first holding device for holding the screw cap, and a drive for activating the first holding device, wherein the first holding device is movable in a plane. The first holding device comprises a coupling device for the coupling of an external drive, and therefore the first holding device is movable in the plane.

An apparatus (100) for automated capping and de-capping of test tubes (112) having an ejector pin (230) system for individualized cap (113) ejection.

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.

An automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container is disclosed. The device solves the problems of toxic substance leakage and even industrial safety accidents like gas explosions due to aging equipment during the maintenance by operating personnel in high-risk operation areas. The automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container mainly includes a machine, a lifting device provided inside the machine, a cover-opening device connected with the lifting device and a liquid-pumping device connected with the lifting device. The cover-opening device is provided for assembling and disassembling the internal cover of a chemical container and the liquid-pumping device is provided for pumping the content of the chemical container where the lifting device is provided for adjusting the distance between the cover-opening device, liquid-pumping device and chemical container.

A semi-automated system (100) suitable for use in a hospital setting for filling patient-specific liquid medication prescriptions from bulk medicine containers (104) into oral/enteral syringes (S) for administration on a just-in-time basis. The system enables hospital pharmacists to simplify and streamline their task, increasing the number of prescriptions that can be filled in a day, improving patient safety and care by minimizing medication errors and the consequences that ensue.

A device for opening, or re-closing, and holding lids of containers, each provided with an oblong spout, comprises a removal head of the pneumatic type which has a through housing channel which develops along an axis and in which the spout is at least partly housed, and a holding member, associated to the removal head, to cooperate with the spout. The holding member is actuated pneumatically to define at least a reversible condition of holding the spout inside the housing channel and comprises elastically deformable means which laterally delimit the housing channel. The elastically deformable means are configured to be deformed elastically by means of a fluid under pressure, so as to selectively define a reduction in section of the housing channel suitable to hold the spout.

A system and method for a self-actuating, mechanically-biased container restraint. The system requires no computer-aided control or timing, nor is any external power source needed, other than the force exerted as a container is inserted into the restraint. The system relies upon an assembly including mechanically-biased pivoting levers, each of which has a horizontal element and a vertical element. All actuation occurs as the base of an inserted container comes into contact with the upper surface of the horizontal elements of multiple pivoted levers positioned at the base of a channel adapted to serve as a guide for the inserted tube. The levers are biased in this elevated position by mechanical means, such as a spring. As the inserted tube presses the horizontal members downward, the top portions of the vertical members are pivoted inward toward the container's exterior. Friction pads situated upon the interior surface of each vertical element are brought into contact with the exterior of the container, thereby gripping it. This gripping action holds the container with sufficient friction to permit the removal or attachment of a screw cap. Further embodiments of the invention include a mechanically biased platform supporting the channel and the pivoting levers. This base is biased and positioned to permit the channel and the pivoting lever assembly to be translated downward against the force biasing the platform and translate through the body of the container restraint. This further advancement of container, the channel and the lever assembly cause the pivoting levers to assume fully engaged gripping positions, and brings the vertical elements of the levers (and flexible friction pads upon them) into full upright positions. In this position the friction pads apply a maximum static friction force to the exterior of the container.

An automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container is disclosed. The device solves the problems of toxic substance leakage and even industrial safety accidents like gas explosions due to aging equipment during the maintenance by operating personnel in high-risk operation areas. The automatic cover-opening and connector-replacing device for chemical container mainly includes a machine, a lifting device provided inside the machine, a cover-opening device connected with the lifting device and a liquid-pumping device connected with the lifting device. The cover-opening device is provided for assembling and disassembling the internal cover of a chemical container and the liquid-pumping device is provided for pumping the content of the chemical container where the lifting device is provided for adjusting the distance between the cover-opening device, liquid-pumping device and chemical container.

A capping and de-capping apparatus for capping and de-capping tubes disposed in a tube holding rack having a two-dimensional array of apertures for holding the tubes. The apparatus comprises a rack support for supporting the tube holding rack, a head unit adapted for carrying a cartridge comprising at least one capping and de-capping gripper, a drive system for moving the rack support and the head unit relatively towards and away from one another, in order to cause engagement or disengagement of the capping and de-capping gripper with or from a cap of at least one tube, and a drive system for rotating the capping and de-capping gripper, wherein rotation in one direction causes attachment of the cap to the tube and rotation in the opposite direction causes detachment of the cap from said tube.