Abstract: A closed container opener, particularly a microcentrifuge tube opener (10) is adapted to open a closed container, particularly a microcentrifuge tube (16) comprising a container (30) with an opening (32), and a lid (36) for the container, the lid having a lip projection (38) extending past the outer perimeter of the opening and a downwardly extending annular portion (34) shaped to sealing fit insude the opening. The opener comprises a base (14), having a recess (20) shaped to accept the lip projection, comprising a lower projection (22) below and adjacent the recess; and an upper projection (24) above and adjacent the recess. Both the lower projection and the upper projection are positioned to touch the lip and the lid, respectively.

Abstract: A microcentrifuge tube opener adapted to open a microcentrifuge tube comprising a container with an opening, and a lid for the container, the lid having a lip projection extending past the outer perimeter of the opening and an inner portion shaped to sealing fit inside the opening. The opener comprises a base, having a recess shaped to accept the lip projection, comprising a lower projection below and adjacent the recess; and an upper projection above and adjacent the recess. Both the lower projection and the upper projection are positioned to touch the lid, but the base cannot touch the inner portion of the lid when the lid is removed from the cup and the lip is positioned in the recess. The lid can be moved from the cup by positioning the lip in the recess and causing the lower projection to apply pressure to the lip away from the cup and, at the same time, causing the upper projection to apply pressure to the tube at a position distant from the lip, in a direction towards the cup.