Patent ID: 6651305
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: B67B,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically handling a sample cup cap, said apparatus comprisinga gripper which includes a rotatable gripper tool having an end part that is adapted to enter and engage with a recess formed within a top part of said sample cup cap upon application of a force, said engagement of said end part and said sample cup cap forming a locked connection, by rotating the end part in a first sense with respect to said sample cup cap, in which said end part and sample cup cap are interlocked together, said engagement also forming an unlocked connection, by rotating the end part with respect to said sample cup cap in a second sense opposite to the first, in which the interlocking of said end part and said sample cup cap in the locked connection is removed, and said gripper tool has a length axis and said end part upon entering said recess is also adapted to enter two annular channel segments connected to said recess and extending therefrom in opposite angular directions with respect to the length axis.