Patent ID: 9719548
Date: 2017-08-01
CPC Classifications: B25B,F16B

Claim:
1. An apparatus for applying pre-molded seal caps, the apparatus comprising: a body defining a first aperture between a proximal end and a distal end of the body; a handle arranged at the proximal end of the body, wherein the handle defines a second aperture that is substantially coaxial with the first aperture; a cap holding fixture attached to the distal end of the body, wherein the cap holding fixture defines a third aperture between a proximal end of the cap holding fixture and a distal end of the cap holding fixture, wherein the third aperture is substantially coaxial with the first and second apertures, and wherein the distal end of the cap holding fixture comprises a socket adapted to grip a pre-molded seal cap; a plunger arranged in the first and second apertures, wherein the plunger is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the plunger includes a proximal end that extends past the proximal end of the handle when the plunger is in the first position and a distal end that extends into a volume of the socket when the plunger is in the second position, wherein the plunger includes an elongate shaft arranged in the first aperture, wherein the elongate shaft includes at least one rifling channel on an outer surface, wherein the first aperture of the body includes a tab extending toward the elongate shaft and engaging the rifling channel such that movement of the plunger between the first and second positions causes the body to rotate about the handle and the plunger, wherein the plunger further comprises a button arranged on a proximal end of the elongate shaft, wherein the button includes a slotted channel, wherein the second aperture includes a tab extending into the slotted channel, and wherein the slotted channel and the tab prevent rotation of the button and elongate shaft relative to the handle; a bearing arranged between the handle and the body to enable the body and cap holding fixture to rotate about the handle and the plunger; and a spring arranged to bias the plunger in the first position.