Removing nonscrew 13 and 16-mm specimen-container caps can be done with The Decapper, a four-axis robot that removes caps and drops them into a biohazard container. The test-tube cap puller is an electrified pneumatic clamp with positioning resolution of 0.001 in. Manufactured by E-H Engineering Ltd., Lincoln, Neb., it is remote computer controlled by an Ethernet using HL-7 or other communication protocol. It also features stand-alone operation.

If a problem occurs, the control panel receives detailed error messages. Then an operator can manually or automatically test for each axis and validate all sensors.

The Decapper adapts to most automated clinical-laboratory rail systems with optional test-tube docking units. It works at 500 tubes/hr and needs only a small 12 in. × 12 in. footprint. The unit stands at about 6-ft tall.