Test Tube Capping And De-Capping Apparatus

A capping and de-capping gripper comprising:

• a capping and de-capping socket configured to engage and retain a cap and having an axial throughgoing passage;
• an ejector pin extending through the throughgoing passage of the socket and configured to translate through the throughgoing passage to contact the cap contained in the socket to eject the cap from the socket;
• an actuator coupled to the ejector pin, at an end of the capping and de-capping gripper opposite to the socket, to induce a rotational movement in the ejector pin, the ejector pin configured to transfer rotational movement to the socket;
• and
• a drive mechanism that translates the ejector pin through the throughgoing passage of the socket to cause the ejector pin to contact the cap retained in the socket to eject the cap from the socket.