Tool for removing and / or inserting a filter

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to a tool comprising: a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member; and a protruding portion provided on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the tool includes a plurality of projections disposed equidistantly from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member includes a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening on a second end of the cylindrical member. In various embodiments, the protrusion has a varying height that gradually increases from a first end to a second end of the protrusion. In various embodiments, the protrusion is disposed at an inclined angle relative to the circular opening, with the first end closer to the circular opening than the second end.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 344,936, filed on May 23, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a tool or device, and in particular to a tool / device for manipulating, removing, installing and / or inserting an object. Background Art

[0003] In laboratories such as biotechnology laboratories, bioreactor systems are used for fermentation or cell culture. Such systems require a highly controlled environment, which requires reactors and sensors that need to be clean between experiments or culture runs, while being able to quickly and easily establish all media, gas, liquid and sensor connections for rapid turnover between experiments. In order to keep these different media and bioreactor chambers of the system clean and free from contamination, a filtration system is usually used to keep part or all of the system clean for optimal performance. In various bioreactor systems, filters are used in filtration systems to keep the system clean while minimizing contamination and downtime between experiments and during experiments. However, replacing filters is usually cumbersome, so it causes unnecessary downtime during experimental runs. Therefore, a system for quickly and inexpensively replacing such filters is envisioned, and therefore, a tool, device or system that is low-cost and specifically configured to remove used / discarded filters and insert new filters is required. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a tool for manipulating a filter is provided. In various embodiments, the tool comprises a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member; and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion, wherein the protrusion protrudes vertically away from the inner surface and has a varying height along the length of the protrusion, wherein the varying height gradually increases from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion.

[0005] In various embodiments, the protrusion is arranged at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening, and the first end of the protrusion is closer to the circular opening than the second end. In various embodiments, the protrusion is an elongated wedge-shaped piece, and the varying height has a sharp edge at its farthest point from the inner surface. In various embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion gradually increases away from the circular opening. In various embodiments, the protrusion is a first protrusion, and the tool further includes a second protrusion, which is arranged equidistant from the first protrusion along the circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are oriented in the same direction and are arranged at the same distance away from the circular opening.

[0006] In various embodiments, the tool further comprises a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member further comprises a closed end at the second end of the cylindrical tube.

[0007] In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube portion of the cylindrical member is a first cylindrical tube portion and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube portion is a first circular opening, and the cylindrical member further includes a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening on a second end of the cylindrical member. In various embodiments, the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion is a first inner surface, and the second cylindrical tube portion has a second inner surface, wherein the second inner surface is a smooth surface without any protrusions.

[0008] In various embodiments, the tool further comprises a handle coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle being configured to provide a grip for manipulating the cylindrical member, wherein the tool is configured to remove and / or insert the filter. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member has a diameter less than 12 mm, and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube has a diameter greater than 9 mm.

[0009] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a tool for manipulating a filter is provided. In various embodiments, the tool comprises a cylindrical member having a first cylindrical tube portion at a first end of the cylindrical member and a second cylindrical tube portion at a second end of the cylindrical member; and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first cylindrical tube portion includes a first circular opening having a first diameter, and the second cylindrical tube portion includes a second circular opening having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter and the second diameter are the same. In various embodiments, the first diameter and the second diameter are greater than 9 mm, and the cylindrical member has a diameter less than 12 mm. In various embodiments, the protrusion forms an elongated wedge having a first end and a second end, the second end having a sharp edge, and the protrusion is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening, with the first end being closer to the circular opening than the second end.

[0011] In various embodiments, the protrusion is a first protrusion, and the tool further includes one or more protrusions, wherein the first protrusion and the one or more protrusions are disposed equidistant from each other along a circumference on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion.

[0012] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a tool for manipulating a filter is provided. In various embodiments, the tool comprises a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, wherein the cylindrical member has a diameter less than 12 mm, and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube portion has a diameter greater than 9 mm; and a handle coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle being configured to provide a grip for manipulating the cylindrical member.

[0013] In various embodiments, the circular opening is a first circular opening, and the cylindrical member further comprises a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening at a second end of the cylindrical member; and a plurality of protrusions disposed on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the plurality of protrusions each comprise a sharp tip, are equidistant from one another, and are disposed along a circumference on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. The same reference numbers and names in different drawings represent the same elements. For clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0015] Figures 1A to 1H Various schematic diagrams of tools according to various embodiments are shown.

[0016] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Schematic diagrams of tools according to various embodiments are shown.

[0017] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Schematic diagrams of tools according to various embodiments are shown.

[0018] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4DAn image depicting a tool for manipulating a filter in accordance with various embodiments.

[0019] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, nor are the objects in the drawings necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. The drawings are depictions of various embodiments intended for clarity and understanding of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. Where possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In addition, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The technology disclosed herein relates to a tool comprising a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member; and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the tool comprises a plurality of protrusions disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member comprises a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening on a second end of the cylindrical member. In various embodiments, the protrusion has a varying height that gradually increases from the first end to the second end of the protrusion. In various embodiments, the protrusion is disposed at an inclined angle relative to the circular opening, wherein the first end is closer to the circular opening than the second end. To further describe the various embodiments disclosed herein, regarding Figures 1A to 1H , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B An exemplary schematic diagram of a tool is shown. According to various embodiments, Figures 1A to 1H , Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 3A and Figure 3B The tools shown in are configured to remove and / or insert, or otherwise manipulate filters, such as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D as shown in .

[0021] Figures 1A to 1H Various schematic diagrams of the tool 100 according to various embodiments are shown. Specifically, Figure 1A and Figure 1B A perspective view of the tool 100 is shown. Figure 1C A cross-sectional view of tool 100 is shown; Figure 1D An embodiment of a tool 100 is shown that includes two parts that can be integrated to form the tool 100; and Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H An aerial view of a tool 100 is shown in accordance with various embodiments.

[0022] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the tool 100 includes a cylindrical member 110 having a cylindrical tube portion 120 (e.g., a first cylindrical tube portion) with a circular opening 130 (e.g., a first circular opening) at a first end of the cylindrical member 110. In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube portion 120 includes a protrusion 140 disposed on an inner surface 122 (e.g., a first inner surface) of the cylindrical tube portion 120. Figure 1C As shown, according to various embodiments, the protrusion 140 protrudes vertically away from the inner surface 122 and has a varying height along the length of the protrusion 140. In some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 140 gradually increases from the first end 142 of the protrusion 140 to the second end 144 of the protrusion 140, such as Figure 1E to Figure 1H In various embodiments, the protrusion 140 can be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening 130, such as Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown in the figure, according to various embodiments, the first end 142 of the protrusion 140 is closer to the circular opening 130 than the second end 144 of the protrusion 140. In some embodiments, the protrusion 140 is an elongated wedge-shaped member, and in some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 140 is a sharp edge or a sharp tip at its farthest point from the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 140 gradually changes away from the circular opening 130, such as increasing, such as Figure 1C As shown. Figure 1C , the first end 142 of the protrusion 140 is closer to the circular opening 130 than the second end 144 of the protrusion 140. In other words, when the protrusion 140 is inserted into the circular opening 130, the first end 142 of the protrusion 140 is closer to the circular opening 130 than the second end 144 of the protrusion 140. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D When the filter tube 408 is in place, the protrusion 140 forms a knife-like wedge / edge that is configured to tear and / or hook the filter (e.g., FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D In doing so, according to various embodiments, filter 405 may be removed from filter tube 408 via a hooking action provided by protrusion 140 of tool 100, for example, when pulled from filter tube 408.

[0023] like Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown, the tool 100 further includes a cylindrical tube portion 160 (e.g., a second cylindrical tube portion) with a circular opening 170 (e.g., a second circular opening) at the second end of the cylindrical member 110. In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube portion 160 has an inner surface 162 (e.g., a second inner surface). In various embodiments, no protrusions are provided on the inner surface 162. In various embodiments, the inner surface 162 is a smooth surface.

[0024] In some embodiments, instead of a cylindrical tube portion 160 with a circular opening 170 on the second end of the cylindrical member 110 , the cylindrical member 110 includes a closed end at the second end of the cylindrical member 110 .

[0025] In some embodiments, the tool 100 may be an integrated tool including two parts (eg, two cylindrical members 110), wherein the first cylindrical member 110 has a cylindrical tube portion 120 and the second cylindrical member 110 has a cylindrical tube portion 160, such as Figure 1D In some embodiments, the two parts, namely the two cylindrical members 110, can be as shown. Figure 1D Combined, integrated or connected as shown by arrow 105 in the figure to form an integrated tool version of tool 100.

[0026] In various embodiments, the tool 100 includes a handle 190 coupled to the cylindrical member 110, such as Figure 1A In some embodiments, the handle 190 may not be part of the tool 100. Figure 1B and 1C In various embodiments, handle 190 is configured to provide a means for manipulating (eg, inserting a filter or removing a filter, such as Figures 4A to 4D The filter 405) of the cylindrical member 110 can be gripped. In various embodiments, the handle 190 can be ribbed, patterned or otherwise textured to provide adequate gripping capabilities.

[0027] like Figures 1A to 1H As shown, according to various embodiments, the cylindrical member 110 has a diameter 112 that is less than 12 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter 112 is less than 50 mm, less than 25 mm, less than 20 mm, less than 15 mm, or less than 10 mm.

[0028] In various embodiments, according to various embodiments, the circular opening 130 of the cylindrical tube portion 120 has a diameter 132 greater than 9 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter 132 is greater than 1 mm, greater than 2 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 7 mm, greater than 8 mm, greater than 9 mm, greater than 9.5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 10.5 mm, greater than 11 mm, or greater than 11.5 mm.

[0029] In various embodiments, according to various embodiments, the circular opening 170 of the cylindrical tube portion 160 has a diameter 172 greater than 9 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter 172 is greater than 1 mm, greater than 2 mm, greater than 3 mm, greater than 5 mm, greater than 7 mm, greater than 8 mm, greater than 9 mm, greater than 9.5 mm, greater than 10 mm, greater than 10.5 mm, greater than 11 mm, or greater than 11.5 mm.

[0030] In various embodiments, circular opening 130 and circular opening 170 have the same diameter. In various embodiments, circular opening 130 and circular opening 170 have slightly different diameters. In various embodiments, circular opening 130 and circular opening 170 have a diameter difference of about 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%.

[0031] In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube portion 120 has a base surface 124 that is a distance 126 from the circular opening 130, such as Figure 1C In various embodiments, distance 126 is determined such that at least a portion of the filter (e.g., FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The filter 405) can be assembled into the cylindrical tube portion 120 for FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The filter tube 408 is removed.

[0032] In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube portion 160 has a base surface 164 that is a distance 166 from the circular opening 170, such as Figure 1C In various embodiments, distance 166 is determined such that at least a portion of the filter (e.g., FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The filter 405) can be inserted into the cylindrical tube portion 120 for insertion FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D In the filter tube 408.

[0033] Now refer to Figure 1E , a bird's eye view of the tool 100 illustrates the protrusions 140 disposed on the inner surface 122 , according to various embodiments. Figure 1F The tool 100 is shown with three protrusions 140 disposed on the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the tool 100 may include a second protrusion, a third protrusion, or any suitable number of protrusions (e.g., a plurality of protrusions 140) that may be disposed on the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the plurality of protrusions 140 may be disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface 122 of the cylindrical tube portion 120. If there are two protrusions 140, the first protrusion 140 and the second protrusion 140 may be disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface 122.

[0034] In various embodiments, the protrusions 140, whether two, three, or any number of protrusions, can be oriented in the same direction and disposed at a distance 128 from the circular opening 130. In various embodiments, the distance 128 from the circular opening 130 can be less than or about 1 mm. In various embodiments, the distance 128 can be less than or about 2 mm, less than or about 3 mm, less than or about 4 mm, less than or about 5 mm, less than or about 6 mm, less than or about 7 mm, less than or about 8 mm, less than or about 8 mm, less than or about 10 mm, less than or about 15 mm, or less than or about 20 mm.

[0035] In various embodiments, tool 100 may include polylactide (PLA), which is a thermoplastic material derived from lactic acid monomers. In various embodiments, tool 100 may include any plastic material, metal, alloy, etc. In various embodiments, tool 100 may be manufactured by a suitable process, including but not limited to additive manufacturing, matrix manufacturing, 3D printing, injection molding, extrusion, etc.

[0036] Figure 2A and 2B A schematic diagram of a tool 200 is shown according to various embodiments. Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the tool 200 includes a cylindrical member 210 having a cylindrical tube 220 with a circular opening 230 at a first end of the cylindrical member 210. In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube 220 includes a protrusion 240 disposed on an inner surface 222 of the cylindrical tube 220. Figure 2B As shown, according to various embodiments, the protrusion 240 protrudes vertically away from the inner surface 222 and has a varying height along the length of the protrusion 240. In some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 gradually increases from the first end 242 of the protrusion 240 to the second end 244 of the protrusion 240.

[0037] In various embodiments, the protrusion 240 can be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening 230, such as Figure 2A and 2B As shown, the first end 242 of the protrusion 240 is closer to the circular opening 230 than the second end 244 of the protrusion 240. In some embodiments, the protrusion 240 is an elongated wedge-shaped member, and in some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 is a sharp edge or a sharp tip at its farthest point from the inner surface 222. In various embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 gradually changes away from the circular opening 230, such as increasing, such as Figure 2B As shown. Figure 2B, the first end 242 of the protrusion 240 is closer to the circular opening 230 than the second end 244 of the protrusion 240. In other words, the protrusion 240 is closer to the circular opening 230 than the second end 244 of the protrusion 240. Figures 1A to 1H The protrusions 140 described are the same or substantially the same.

[0038] In various embodiments, the tool 200 further includes a handle 290 coupled to the cylindrical member 210, such as Figure 2A and 2B In various embodiments, handle 290 is configured to provide a means for removing a filter (such as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D In various embodiments, the handle 290 may have ribs, patterns or other textures to provide adequate gripping capabilities. In various embodiments, the tool 300 may not include the handle 390.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the dimensions and characteristics of the cylindrical member 210, the cylindrical tube 220, the circular opening 230 of the cylindrical tube 220, and the protrusions 140 (including the number and arrangement of the protrusions 140 relative to the various components of the tool 200) are similar to those of the reference Figures 1A to 1H The components of the described tool 100 are the same or substantially the same and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0040] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Schematic diagrams of tools according to various embodiments are shown. Figure 3A and 3B As shown, tool 300 includes a cylindrical member 310 having a cylindrical tube portion 320 with a circular opening 330 at a first end of cylindrical member 310. In various embodiments, cylindrical tube portion 310 has an inner surface 322; however, no protrusions are disposed thereon. In various embodiments, inner surface 322 is a smooth surface. In other words, cylindrical tube portion 310 is similar to reference Figures 1A to 1H The cylindrical tube portion 160 described is the same or substantially the same and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0041] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, tool 300 also includes a handle 390 coupled to cylindrical member 310. In various embodiments, handle 390 is configured to provide a means for inserting a filter (such as FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D In various embodiments, the handle 390 may have ribs, patterns, or other textures to provide adequate gripping capabilities. In various embodiments, the tool 300 may not include a handle 390.

[0042] According to various embodiments, the dimensions and characteristics of the cylindrical member 310, the cylindrical tube portion 320, and the circular opening 330 of the cylindrical tube portion 320 are respectively as described with reference to Figures 1A to 1H The cylindrical member 110 , the cylindrical tube 160 , and the circular opening 170 of the cylindrical tube 160 of the described tool 100 are the same or substantially the same and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0043] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D An image of a tool 400 for manipulating a filter 405 is depicted in accordance with various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the tool 400 is similar to the tool 400 of FIG. Figures 1A to 1H and FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B The tools 100 and 200 shown and described are the same or substantially the same. FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D As shown, tool 400 may be used to insert or remove filter 405 into or from filter tube 408. Figure 4A Filter 405 is shown stored within filter tube 408. Figure 4B Tool 400 is shown inserted into filter tube 408, with a cylindrical tube portion of tool 400 (e.g., cylindrical tube portion 110 or 210) placed over the outer diameter of filter 405 and within the opening of filter tube 408. When a twisting motion is applied when inserting tool 400 into filter tube 408, the protrusion (e.g., protrusion 140 or 240) can accommodate itself into filter 405, and when tool 400 is retracted from filter tube 408, filter 405 is removed. Figure 4C The tool 400 is shown with the filter 405 still hooked into the protrusions on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion of the filter 400 . Figure 4D Filter 405 is shown removed from tool 400. The angled etched lines on removed filter 405 show the "tool marks" of the protrusions.

[0044] According to various embodiments described herein, a system for quickly and inexpensively replacing filters is provided by Figures 1A to 1H , FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B , FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B and FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D The tools 100, 200, 300 and 400 described are implemented.

[0045] Although this teaching is described in conjunction with various embodiments, this teaching is not intended to be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, this teaching encompasses various substitutions, modifications, and equivalents that will be understood by those skilled in the art. This description provides preferred exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. On the contrary, this description of preferred exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with a feasible description for implementing various embodiments.

[0046] It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope set forth in the appended claims. Such modifications and variations are therefore considered to be within the scope specified in the appended claims. Furthermore, the terms and expressions that have been adopted are used as terms of description rather than limitation, and when using these terms and expressions, there is no intention to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or parts thereof, but it should be recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.

[0047] In describing various embodiments, the specification may have presented the method and / or process as a specific sequence of steps. However, if the method or process does not rely on the specific order of steps described herein, the method or process should not be limited to the specific sequence of steps listed, and those skilled in the art can readily understand that these sequences can be different and still remain within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments.

[0048] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a system including one or more data processors. In some embodiments, the system includes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions, which when executed on the one or more data processors causes the one or more data processors to perform part or all of one or more methods disclosed herein and / or part or all of one or more processes disclosed herein. Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a computer program product tangibly embodied in a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium, which includes instructions configured to cause one or more data processors to perform part or all of one or more methods disclosed herein and / or part or all of one or more processes disclosed herein.

[0049] Specific details are given in this description to understand the present embodiments. However, it should be understood that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components can be shown as parts in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the embodiments in unnecessary details. In other cases, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques can be shown without unnecessary details to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Claims

1. A tool comprising: a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member; as well as a protrusion, the protrusion being arranged on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion, The protrusion protrudes vertically away from the inner surface and has a varying height along the length of the protrusion, wherein the varying height gradually increases from a first end of the protrusion to a second end of the protrusion. 2 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the projection is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening, and wherein the first end of the projection is closer to the circular opening than the second end.

3. A tool according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the projection is an elongated wedge-shaped member, and wherein the varying height has a sharp edge at its farthest point from the inner surface.

4. A tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the varying height of the projection increases gradually away from the circular opening.

5. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion, the tool further comprising: A second protrusion is disposed equidistant from the first protrusion along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion.

6. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are oriented in the same direction and are disposed at the same distance away from the circular opening.

7. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged equidistant from each other along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion.

8. The tool of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cylindrical member further comprises a closed end at the second end of the cylindrical tube.

9. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cylindrical tube portion of the cylindrical member is a first cylindrical tube portion, and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube portion is a first circular opening, the cylindrical member further comprising: A second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening is provided at a second end of the cylindrical member.

10. The tool according to claim 9, wherein the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion is a first inner surface, wherein the second cylindrical tube portion has a second inner surface, wherein the second inner surface is a smooth surface without any protrusions.

11. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A handle is coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle being configured to provide a grip for manipulating the cylindrical member, wherein the tool is configured to remove and / or insert a filter.

12. A tool according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cylindrical member has a diameter of less than 12 mm and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube has a diameter of greater than 9 mm.

13. A tool comprising: a cylindrical member having a first cylindrical tube portion at a first end of the cylindrical member and a second cylindrical tube portion at a second end of the cylindrical member; as well as A protrusion is provided on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion.

14. The tool of claim 13, wherein the first cylindrical tube portion includes a first circular opening having a first diameter, and the second cylindrical tube portion includes a second circular opening having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter and the second diameter are the same.

15. The tool of claim 14, wherein the first diameter and the second diameter are greater than 9 mm and the cylindrical member has a diameter less than 12 mm.

16. A tool according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the protrusion forms an elongated wedge having a first end and a second end, the second end having a sharp edge, and wherein the protrusion is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening, the first end being closer to the circular opening than the second end.

17. The tool according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the protrusion is a first protrusion, and the tool further comprises one or more protrusions, wherein the first protrusion and the one or more protrusions are arranged equidistant from each other along the circumference on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion.

18. A tool comprising: a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, wherein the cylindrical member has a diameter less than 12 mm and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube portion has a diameter greater than 9 mm; as well as A handle is coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle being configured to provide a grip for manipulating the cylindrical member.

19. The tool of claim 18, wherein the circular opening is a first circular opening, the cylindrical member further comprising: a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening at a second end of the cylindrical member; as well as A plurality of protrusions are disposed on an inner surface of the second cylindrical tube portion.

20. The tool of claim 19, wherein the plurality of projections each include a sharp tip, are equidistant from one another, and are disposed along a circumference on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube portion.

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