Packaging and devices to access screw-top containers in automated systems

• Main Author: Livingston, Dwight
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 22.12.2022
• Subjects: ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS,e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES,DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; CONVEYING; DIAGNOSIS; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; PACKAGES; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKING; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; STORING; SURGERY; TRANSPORTING

The present invention relates to a system for access and retrieval of screw-top containers. In one embodiment, the system includes a tray with a plurality of apertures, the tray adapted to receive containers having a cap and a body such that each cap of each container pressed into the tray rests above a respective aperture in the tray and each body is suspended below the tray. The system also includes a rotary tool having a cavity extending from an opening at one end, the cavity defined by an interior surface that includes engagement features. The engagement features on the interior surface of the rotary tool are adapted to engage onto at least a portion of the body of the container surface defined by complementary engagement features when the rotary tool is inserted over the body of the container from below the tray.