Cap handling tools and methods of use
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.
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.
2. 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.
3. The tool of claim 1 , wherein each of the two or more projections comprises a least two spaced-apart projection elements.
4. The tool of claim 3 , wherein at least one projection element comprises a means for engaging the cap.
5. The tool of claim 4 ; wherein the means for engaging comprises an edge.
6. The tool of claim 5 , wherein the edge comprises an angular edge.
7. 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.
8. The tool of claim 1 , further comprising a penetration control element.
9. The tool of any one of claim 4 ; wherein the means for engaging comprises an abrasive surface.
10. 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.
11. 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.