Cover removal system for use in controlled environment enclosures

Abstract

The present invention involves removing container covers within a controlled environment enclosure without using gloves. Apparatus has articulated arm apparatus and gripping apparatus and may further comprise controller. Articulated arm apparatus may be configurable for holding and moving container in three dimensions; and gripping apparatus may be configured for gripping and/or moving container cover sealing the container. Method comprises moving container using articulated arm apparatus while holding gripping area of container cover substantially stationary using gripping apparatus, optionally moving the gripping apparatus. Apparatus may further comprise sensor configured for supplying information to controller for determining location of container cover gripping area and orientation of container cover. Method may further comprise inspecting container cover using sensor. Container may be moved along path and within space determined by controller.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.