Tools for removing and / or inserting filters

JP2025517449A5Pending Publication Date: 2026-05-27GENENTECH INC
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
GENENTECH INC
Filing Date
2023-05-22
Publication Date
2026-05-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Changing filters in bioreactor systems is often tedious and causes unnecessary downtime during experimental runs, as existing filtration systems require manual handling and are not designed for quick and inexpensive filter replacement.

Method used

A tool comprising a cylindrical member with a cylindrical tube and a protrusion on its inner surface, designed to facilitate the quick removal and insertion of filters by utilizing the protrusion's varying height and oblique angle to securely engage and disengage the filter.

Benefits of technology

The tool enables rapid and efficient filter replacement, minimizing downtime and contamination risks in bioreactor systems, while being inexpensive and specifically configured for this purpose.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The embodiments described herein relate to a tool comprising a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the tool includes a plurality of protrusions disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member comprises a second cylindrical tube with a second circular opening at 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 oblique angle relative to the circular opening such that the first end is closer to the circular opening than the second end.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Field The present disclosure relates generally to tools or devices, and more particularly to tools / devices for manipulating, removing, installing, and / or inserting objects. [Background technology]

[0003] background In laboratories, such as biotechnology laboratories, bioreactor systems are used for fermentation or cell culture. Such systems require a highly controlled environment which dictates the need for clean reactors and sensors between experiments or culture runs while allowing all media, gases, liquids and sensor connections to be made quickly and easily for rapid turnaround between experiments. To keep these disparate media and bioreactor compartments of the system clean and uncontaminated, filtration systems are often used to keep some or all of the system clean for optimal performance. In various bioreactor systems, filters are used in the filtration system to maintain a clean system while minimizing contamination and downtime between and during experiments. However, changing filters is often tedious and thus causes unnecessary downtime during an experimental run. Thus, a system for changing such filters quickly and inexpensively has been conceived and thus, there is a need for a tool, device or system that is inexpensive and specifically configured to remove used / worn out filters and insert new filters. Summary of the Invention

[0004] overview According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a tool for manipulating a filter is provided. In various embodiments, the tool includes a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube, the protrusion protruding perpendicularly away from the inner surface and having a height that varies along a length of the protrusion, the height gradually increasing from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion.

[0005] In various embodiments, the protrusion is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening, with a first end of the protrusion closer to the circular opening than the second end. In various embodiments, the protrusion is an elongated wedge with a varying height having a sharp edge at a point furthest 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 disposed circumferentially on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube an equal distance from the first protrusion. In various embodiments, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are oriented in the same direction and disposed the same distance from the circular opening.

[0006] In various embodiments, the tool further includes a plurality of protrusions disposed circumferentially at equal distances from one another on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member further includes a closed end at the second end of the cylindrical tube.

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

[0008] In various embodiments, the tool further includes a handle coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle configured to provide a grip for manipulating the cylindrical member and the tool 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 includes a cylindrical member having a first cylindrical tube at a first end thereof and a second cylindrical tube at a second end thereof, and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the first cylindrical tube.

[0010] In various embodiments, the first cylindrical tube includes a first circular opening having a first diameter and the second cylindrical tube includes a second circular opening having a second diameter, the first diameter and the second diameter being 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 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, and the first protrusion and the one or more protrusions are positioned equal distances from each other circumferentially on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube.

[0012] According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a tool for manipulating a filter is provided. In various embodiments, the tool includes a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube with a circular opening at a first end thereof, the cylindrical member having a diameter less than 12 mm and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube having a diameter greater than 9 mm, and a handle coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle 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 includes a second cylindrical tube with the second circular opening at a second end of the cylindrical member and a plurality of protrusions disposed on an inner surface of the second cylindrical tube, in various embodiments, each of the plurality of protrusions includes a sharp tip, is equidistant from one another, and is circumferentially disposed on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For clarity, not every component is labeled in every drawing.

[0015] [Figure 1A] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1D] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1E] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1F] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1G] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 1H] 1A-1D show various schematic views of a tool according to various embodiments.

[0016] [Figure 2A] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1A-1D show schematic diagrams of a tool according to various embodiments.

[0017] [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tool according to various embodiments. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic diagram of a tool according to various embodiments.

[0018] [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an image of a tool for manipulating a filter, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an image of a tool for manipulating a filter, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates an image of a tool for manipulating a filter, according to various embodiments. [Figure 4D] 1 illustrates an image of a tool for manipulating a filter, according to various embodiments.

[0019] It should be understood that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that objects in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale relative to each other. The figures are intended to provide clarity and understanding of various embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. Furthermore, it should be understood that the drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Detailed Description The technology disclosed herein relates to a tool comprising a cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, and a protrusion disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the tool includes a plurality of protrusions disposed equidistant from one another along a circumference on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube. In various embodiments, the cylindrical member comprises a second cylindrical tube with a second circular opening at a second end of the cylindrical member. In various embodiments, the protrusion has a varying height that gradually increases from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion. In various embodiments, the protrusion is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the circular opening, with the first end being closer to the circular opening than the second end. To further illustrate various embodiments disclosed herein, exemplary schematic diagrams of the tool are shown with respect to FIGS. 1A-1H, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B. According to various embodiments, the tools shown in Figures 1A-1H, 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B are configured to remove and / or insert or manipulate a filter, as shown in Figures 4A-4D.

[0021] 1A-1H show various schematic views of tool 100, according to various embodiments. In particular, according to various embodiments, Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view of tool 100, Figure 1C shows a cross-sectional view of tool 100, Figure 1D shows an embodiment of tool 100 including two portions that may be joined together to form tool 100, and Figures 1E, 1F, 1G, and 1H show overhead views of tool 100.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C, tool 100 includes a cylindrical member 110 having a cylindrical tube 120 (e.g., a first cylindrical tube) with a circular opening 130 (e.g., a first circular opening) at a first end of cylindrical member 110. In various embodiments, cylindrical tube 120 includes a protrusion 140 disposed on an inner surface 122 (e.g., a first inner surface) of cylindrical tube 120. As shown in FIG. 1C, according to various embodiments, protrusion 140 protrudes vertically away from inner surface 122 and has a height that varies along the length of protrusion 140. In some embodiments, the varying height of protrusion 140 gradually increases from a first end 142 of protrusion 140 to a second end 144 of protrusion 140, as shown in the bird's-eye views of tool 100 in FIGS. 1E-1H. In various embodiments, the protrusion 140 may be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening 130, as shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1C. As shown, 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, and in some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 140 is a sharp edge or sharp tip at the furthest point away from the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 140 is gradually varying, e.g., increasing, away from the circular opening 130, as shown in Figure 1C. According to the view of 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, protrusions 140 form knife-like wedges / edges configured to tear and / or hook a filter (e.g., filter 405 of FIGS. 4A-4D ) when protrusions 140 are inserted into filtration tube 408 of FIGS. 4A-4D . Then, according to various embodiments, filter 405 may be removed from filtration tube 408 via the hook-like action provided by protrusions 140 of tool 100 when, for example, pulled from filtration tube 408.

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

[0024] In some embodiments, rather than a cylindrical tube 160 with a circular opening 170 at 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, tool 100 may be a one-piece tool including two portions (e.g., two cylindrical members 110), with a first cylindrical member 110 having a cylindrical tube portion 120 and a second cylindrical member 110 having a cylindrical tube portion 160, as shown in FIG. 1D. In some embodiments, the two portions, i.e., the two cylindrical members 110, may be combined and integrated or bonded together to form a one-piece tool version of tool 100, as shown by arrow 105 in FIG. 1D.

[0026] In various embodiments, tool 100 includes a handle 190 coupled to cylindrical member 110, as shown in FIG. 1A. In some embodiments, handle 190 may not be part of tool 100, as shown by the dashed lines in FIG. 1B and 1C. In various embodiments, handle 190 is configured to provide a grip for manipulating cylindrical member 110 (e.g., inserting or removing a filter, such as filter 405 in FIGS. 4A-4D). In various embodiments, handle 190 may be ribbed, patterned, or otherwise textured to provide sufficient gripping capabilities.

[0027] 1A-1H, according to various embodiments, the cylindrical member 110 has a diameter 112 of 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] According to various embodiments, the circular opening 130 of the cylindrical tube 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] According to various embodiments, the circular opening 170 of the cylindrical tube 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, the circular opening 130 and the circular opening 170 have the same diameter. In various embodiments, the circular opening 130 and the circular opening 170 have slightly different diameters. In various embodiments, the circular opening 130 and the circular opening 170 have a diameter difference of about 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10%.

[0031] In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube 120 has a base surface 124 that is spaced a distance 126 away from the circular opening 130, as shown in Figure 1C. In various embodiments, the distance 126 is determined so that at least a portion of a filter (e.g., filter 405 of Figures 4A-4D) can be fitted into the cylindrical tube 120 for removal from the filtration tube 408 of Figures 4A-4D.

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

[0033] 1E, an overhead view of the tool 100 shows a protrusion 140 disposed on the inner surface 122, according to various embodiments. FIG. 1F shows the tool 100 with three protrusions 140 disposed on the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the tool 100 can include a second protrusion, a third protrusion, or any suitable number of protrusions (e.g., multiple protrusions 140) that can be disposed on the inner surface 122. In various embodiments, the multiple protrusions 140 can be disposed equidistantly from one another along a circumference on the inner surface 122 of the cylindrical tube 120. When there are two protrusions 140, the first protrusion 140 and the second protrusion 140 can be disposed equidistantly 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, may be oriented in the same direction and spaced a distance 128 away from the circular opening 130. In various embodiments, the distance 128 may be less than or about 1 mm from the circular opening 130. In various embodiments, the distance 128 may 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 can include polylactide (PLA), a thermoplastic material derived from lactic acid monomers. In various embodiments, tool 100 can include any plastic material, metal, alloy, etc. In various embodiments, tool 100 can be manufactured by any suitable process, including, but not limited to, additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing, injection molding, extrusion, etc.

[0036] 2A and 2B show schematic diagrams of a tool 200 according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2A and 2B, 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. As shown in FIG. 2B, according to various embodiments, the protrusion 240 protrudes vertically away from the inner surface 222 and has a height that varies along the length of the protrusion 240. In some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 gradually increases from a first end 242 of the protrusion 240 to a second end 244 of the protrusion 240.

[0037] In various embodiments, the protrusion 240 may be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the circular opening 230, as shown in FIGS. 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, and in some embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 is a sharp edge or a sharp tip at the furthest point away from the inner surface 222. In various embodiments, the varying height of the protrusion 240 is gradually varying, e.g., increasing, away from the circular opening 230, as shown in FIG. 2B. As illustrated in FIG. 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 the same or substantially the same as the protrusion 140 described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1H.

[0038] In various embodiments, tool 200 also includes a handle 290 coupled to cylindrical member 210, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In various embodiments, handle 290 is configured to provide a grip for removing a filter, such as filter 405 of Figures 4A-4D. In various embodiments, handle 290 may be ribbed, patterned, or otherwise textured to provide sufficient gripping ability. In various embodiments, tool 300 may not include handle 390.

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

[0040] 3A and 3B show schematic diagrams of a tool according to various embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3A and 3B, the tool 300 includes a cylindrical member 310 having a cylindrical tube 320 with a circular opening 330 at a first end of the cylindrical member 310. In various embodiments, the cylindrical tube 310 has an inner surface 322, but no protrusions are disposed on the inner surface 322. In various embodiments, the inner surface 322 is a smooth surface. In other words, the cylindrical tube 310 is the same or substantially the same as the cylindrical tube 160 described with respect to FIG. 1A-1H, and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, tool 300 also includes a handle 390 coupled to cylindrical member 310. In various embodiments, handle 390 is configured to provide a grip for insertion of a filter, such as filter 405 of Figures 4A-4D. In various embodiments, handle 390 may be ribbed, patterned, or otherwise textured to provide sufficient gripping capabilities. In various embodiments, tool 300 may not include 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 in the cylindrical tube portion 320 are the same or substantially the same as the cylindrical member 110, the cylindrical tube portion 160, and the circular opening 170 in the cylindrical tube portion 160 of the tool 100 described with respect to Figures 1A-1H, respectively, and therefore will not be described in further detail.

[0043] 4A-4D show images of a tool 400 for manipulating a filter 405, according to various embodiments. According to various embodiments, the tool 400 is the same as or substantially identical to the tools 100 and 200 shown and described with respect to FIGS. 1A-1H and 2A-2B, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4D, the tool 400 can be used to insert or remove a filter 405 from a filter tube 408. FIG. 4A shows the filter 405 housed inside the filter tube 408. FIG. 4B shows the tool 400 being inserted into the filter tube 408, with a cylindrical tube portion (e.g., cylindrical tube portion 110 or 210) of the tool 400 positioned within an opening of the filter tube 408 over an outer diameter of the filter 405. A twisting motion while inserting tool 400 into filter tube 408 allows the protrusions (e.g., protrusions 140 or 240) to lock onto filter 405, and filter 405 is removed when tool 400 is retracted from filter tube 408. Figure 4C shows tool 400 with filter 405 still hooked onto the protrusions on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion of filter 400. Figure 4D shows filter 405 removed from tool 400. Slanted etched lines on removed filter 405 show the "tooth marks" of the protrusions.

[0044] According to various embodiments described herein, a system for quickly and inexpensively replacing a filter is achieved via tools 100, 200, 300, and 400 described with respect to Figures 1A-1H, 2A-2B, 3A-3B, and 4A-4D.

[0045] While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended that the present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary, the present teachings encompass various changes, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The present description provides preferred exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure. Rather, the present description of preferred exemplary embodiments provides those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing various embodiments.

[0046] It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, such modifications and variations are deemed to be within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the terms and expressions used are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions to exclude equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0047] In describing various embodiments, the specification may present a method and / or process as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps described herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular order of steps described, and one of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate that the order may be altered and still be 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 including instructions that, when executed on the one or more data processors, cause the one or more data processors to perform some or all of one or more methods and / or some 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 including instructions configured to cause the one or more data processors to perform some or all of one or more methods and / or some or all of one or more processes disclosed herein.

[0049] Specific details are given herein to provide an understanding of the embodiments. However, it is understood that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, networks, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments in unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

Claims

1. A cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, A protrusion is positioned on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion, Equipped with, The protrusion extends vertically away from the inner surface and has a height that varies along the length of the protrusion, with the varying height gradually increasing from the first end of the protrusion to the second end of the protrusion. tool.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the projection is arranged at an angle inclined with respect to the circular opening, and the first end of the projection is closer to the circular opening than the second end.

3. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the protrusion is an elongated wedge, and the changing height has a sharp edge at the point furthest from the inner surface.

4. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the changing height of the protrusion gradually increases so as to move away from the circular opening.

5. The aforementioned protrusion is the first protrusion, and the tool is The cylindrical tube portion further comprises a second projection positioned on its inner surface at an equal distance from the first projection along the circumference, along the circumference. The tool according to claim 1.

6. The tool according to claim 5, wherein the first projection and the second projection are oriented in the same direction and are positioned at the same distance from the circular opening.

7. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of protrusions, wherein the plurality of protrusions are arranged on the inner surface of the cylindrical tube portion at equal distances from each other along the circumference.

8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical member further comprises a closed end at the second end of the cylindrical tube portion.

9. The cylindrical portion of the cylindrical member is the first cylindrical portion, the circular opening of the cylindrical portion is the first circular opening, and the cylindrical member is The cylindrical member further comprises a second cylindrical tube portion having a second circular opening at its second end. The tool according to claim 1.

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

11. The tool further comprises a handle coupled to the cylindrical member, the handle being configured to provide a grip for operating the cylindrical member, and the tool being configured to remove and / or insert a filter. The tool according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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

13. A cylindrical member having a first cylindrical tube portion at a first end and a second cylindrical tube portion at a second end, A protrusion is disposed on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube section, A tool equipped with [the necessary components].

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

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

16. The tool according to claim 14, wherein the projection forms an elongated wedge having a first end and a second end, the second end having a sharp edge, and the projection is oriented at an angle inclined with respect to the first circular opening such that the first end is closer to the first circular opening than the second end.

17. The tool according to claim 13, wherein the projection is a first projection, the tool further comprises one or more projections, and the first projection and the one or more projections are arranged on the inner surface of the first cylindrical tube portion at equal distances from each other along the circumference.

18. A cylindrical member having a cylindrical tube portion with a circular opening at a first end of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member having a diameter of less than 12 mm, and the circular opening of the cylindrical tube portion having a diameter greater than 9 mm, A handle connected to the cylindrical member, configured to provide a grip for operating the cylindrical member, A tool equipped with [the necessary components].

19. The circular opening is the first circular opening, and the cylindrical member is The second end of the cylindrical member has a second cylindrical tube portion with a second circular opening, Multiple protrusions arranged on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube section, The tool according to claim 18, further comprising the following:

20. The tool according to claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions has a sharp tip, is equidistant from one another, and is arranged circumferentially on the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube portion.