Abstract: An end effector for installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners comprises a cap-dispenser assembly and a cap-placement assembly. The cap-placement assembly comprises a main housing and a plunger mechanism, comprising an outer plunger housing and an inner gripper. The inner gripper is rotatable relative to the outer plunger housing between a cap-retaining configuration and a cap-releasing configuration. The plunger mechanism is selectively translatable from an extended position to a retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. The main housing is selectively rotatable from a cap-receiving position, in which the plunger mechanism is aligned with the seal-cap-delivery-sleeve central axis, to a cap-installing position, in which the main housing is angularly displaced from the cap-receiving position, and from the cap-installing position to the cap-receiving position.

Abstract: A method of installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners that extend from a surface comprises sequentially delivering the pre-molded seal caps, arranged on a carrier strip, to a plunger mechanism via a feed system. The method also comprises sequentially removing the pre-molded seal caps from the carrier strip using the plunger mechanism, operating in concert with the feed system. The method further comprises individually installing the pre-molded seal caps onto selected ones of the fasteners using the plunger mechanism.

Abstract: An end effector for installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners comprises a cap-dispenser assembly and a cap-placement assembly. The cap-placement assembly comprises a main housing and a plunger mechanism, comprising an outer plunger housing and an inner gripper. The inner gripper is rotatable relative to the outer plunger housing between a cap-retaining configuration and a cap-releasing configuration. The plunger mechanism is selectively translatable from an extended position to a retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. The main housing is selectively rotatable from a cap-receiving position, in which the plunger mechanism is aligned with the seal-cap-delivery-sleeve central axis, to a cap-installing position, in which the main housing is angularly displaced from the cap-receiving position, and from the cap-installing position to the cap-receiving position.

Abstract: A method of installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners that extend from a surface comprises sequentially delivering the pre-molded seal caps, arranged on a carrier strip, to a plunger mechanism via a feed system. The method also comprises sequentially removing the pre-molded seal caps from the carrier strip using the plunger mechanism, operating in concert with the feed system. The method further comprises individually installing the pre-molded seal caps onto selected ones of the fasteners using the plunger mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing pre-molded seal caps onto fasteners that extend from a surface is disclosed. Apparatus comprises a plunger mechanism, configured to individually install the pre-molded seal caps onto selected ones of the fasteners. Apparatus also comprises a feed system, configured to sequentially deliver the pre-molded seal caps, arranged on a carrier strip, to the plunger mechanism. Apparatus additionally comprises a take-up mechanism, configured to collect the carrier strip as the pre-molded seal caps are sequentially removed from the carrier strip. The plunger mechanism is also configured to operate in concert with the feed system to sequentially remove the pre-molded seal caps from the carrier strip.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for installing pre-molded seal caps (210) onto fasteners (301) that extend from a surface (300) is disclosed. Apparatus (100) comprises a plunger mechanism (220), configured to individually install the pre-molded seal caps (210) onto selected ones of the fasteners (301). Apparatus (100) also comprises a feed system (230), configured to sequentially deliver the pre-molded seal caps (210), arranged on a carrier strip (200), to the plunger mechanism (220). Apparatus (100) additionally comprises a take-up mechanism (240), configured to collect the carrier strip (200) as the pre-molded seal caps (210) are sequentially removed from the carrier strip (200). The plunger mechanism (220) is also configured to operate in concert with the feed system (230) to sequentially remove the pre-molded seal caps (210) from the carrier strip (200).