Abstract: An automatic decapper removes caps from capped test tubes by gripping the cap on a test tube with the upper grippers and holding the cap stationary while the test tube is rotated and translated downward with lower grippers. In a preferred embodiment, the upper grippers comprise three jaws coupled to a cam to be moved, as appropriate, from a first position in which a test tube cap may be inserted between the jaws to a second position in which the jaws grip the inserted cap. The upper grippers are mounted to a decapping arm that is pivotable between a first position above the lower grippers, in which the decapping takes place, to a second position above the exterior of the decapper, where it remains while the test tube is inserted into or removed from the lower grippers and where a removed cap may be released into a container for disposal or reuse. The lower grippers comprise a pair of lever arms for holding the test tube.

Abstract: A cork removal device for injecting air between a cork and the contents of a bottle to force the cork out of the bottle. The cork removal device includes a base portion and a cap. The base portion has a bottom wall. The bottom wall has a peripheral edge. A peripheral wall is coupled to and extends away from the peripheral edge. The bottom wall has an aperture therethrough. A needle for inserting into a cork has a blunt end and a sharp end. The blunt end of the needle is fixedly mounted to the bottom wall of the base portion and is in communication with the aperture in the bottom wall. The needle extends away from the interior of the base portion. The needle has a lumen. The cap is substantially solid. The cap has a top surface and a bottom surface. An annular slot in the cap receives the peripheral wall. The annular slot extends into the cap from the bottom surface.

Abstract: A fully automatic jar opener for loosening a threaded cap includes a bottom jar retainer including substantially horizontal clamps automatically movable along a horizontal plane between an open position and a jar clamping position. The clamps, while in the jar clamping position, hold a jar substantially without slippage and a top jar retainer holds the cap substantially without slippage when the cap is subjected to a twisting force. A vertical drive automatically adjusts the relative vertical positions between the bottom and top retainers to apply a holding force on the cap. The automatic jar opener includes at least one electrically-controllable pneumatic actuator for moving for moving the clamps along the horizontal plane, and at least one motor for applying the twisting force to the top retainer and for adjusting the relative vertical position between the retainers.