# US 9,038,503 B2 · Cap handling tools and methods of use > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,038,503 B2 - Document ID: US9038503B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/234,743 - Filed: 2012-08-02 - Published: 2014-06-26 - Granted: 2015-05-26 - Earliest claimed: 2011-08-02 - Assignees: 3M Innovative Properties Company - Applicants: Cheryl A. Bartholomew; Jason W. Bjork; Neil Percy; Gregory W. Sitton - Inventors: Cheryl A. Bartholomew; Jason W. Bjork; Neil Percy; Gregory W. Sitton - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9038503B2 ## CPC - B67B 7/02: for removing stoppers - B01L 3/50853: {with covers or lids (closures for test tubes B01L3/50825)} - B01L 3/50855: {using modular assemblies of strips or of individual wells} - B01L 9/00: Supporting devices; Holding devices - B01L 99/00: Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass - B25B 33/00: Hand tools not covered by any other group in this subclass - B67B 1/045: {using hand operated devices} - B67B: APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS (opening or closing devices attached to, or incorporated in, containers or container closures B65D) - B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE - B25B: TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING, OR HOLDING ## Abstract Tools (100) are provided for use in uncapping one or more of a plurality of linearly-oriented, spaced-apart tubes; each cap having a cap upper surface with a depression. The tools comprise a body (30) having first portion (40) for engagement by a user and a second portion (50) for engaging a plurality of caps. The second portion comprises a plurality of spaced-apart projections (60). Each projection is configured for releasably engaging a cap. The projection may comprise two or more spaced-apart projection elements (62,64). Optionally, the first portion is configured in a non-coplanar relationship with respect to the second portion. Methods of use are also provided. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A tool for use in handling a plurality of linearly-oriented, spaced-apart caps, each cap having an upper surface with a depression; the tool comprising: a body having a first portion for engagement by a user and a second portion to operationally engage one or more caps of the caps; wherein the first portion is in a non-coplanar relationship with the second portion; wherein the first portion has a first side and a second side; wherein the second portion comprises a plurality of spaced-apart projections linearly aligned along a rotational axis, each projection having a terminus; wherein the plurality of projections are aligned along a rotational axis; wherein each projection of the plurality of projections is adapted to fit closely inside and to operationally engage the depression of one of the plurality of caps; wherein the tool is configured such that, when the second side of the first portion is held against a substantially level surface, the distance between the terminus of each of the two or more projections and the surface is sufficient to hold any portion of a cap engaged on the one or more projections off the surface; wherein the first portion has a first mass and the second portion has a second mass; wherein the first mass is greater than the second mass. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, wherein the distance between the terminus of each of the two or more projections and the surface is sufficient to hold any portion of a cap that is engaged by either projection at least 2 mm off the surface. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, wherein each of the two or more projections comprises a least two spaced-apart projection elements. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The tool of claim 3, wherein at least one projection element comprises a means for engaging the cap. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The tool of claim 4; wherein the means for engaging comprises an edge. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The tool of claim 5, wherein the edge comprises an angular edge. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The tool of claim 5, wherein each projection comprises a first longitudinal axis, wherein the edge is transversely oriented with respect to the first longitudinal axis. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The tool of claim 1, further comprising a penetration control element. ### Claim 9 (depends on 4) The tool of any one of claim 4; wherein the means for engaging comprises an abrasive surface. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A method of handling a plurality of capped tubes; comprising: providing a linear array of two or more spaced-apart capped tubes and the tool of claim 1, wherein each cap has an upper surface with a depression; inserting at least one projection into the depression in the cap of one or more of the tubes; and using the tool to remove the cap. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The method of claim 10, further comprising: while at least one cap is engaged on the tool, placing the first side of the tool against a substantially flat surface; adding a substance to or removing a substance from at least one of the tubes; and using the tool to replace the at least one cap on the tubes.