Patent ID: 7117712

Claim:
A removal tool for removing a seal pin from a security cover on a shipping container, the seal pin of the type having an elongated shaft with end caps attached at each end, and the security cover of the type secured over a hasp and handle on a shipping container with only the end caps of the seal pin exposed, the removal tool comprising: an operable pump mounted within a housing, the housing having upper and lower ends and a sidewall; a pump handle connected to the pump and operable to selectively pump up pressure within the pump housing; an operable release valve for selectively permitting or preventing the build-up of pressure in the pump upon operation of the pump handle; a piston reciprocatingly mounted within a cylinder attached to the lower end of the pump, the piston operable to move downwardly in response to a build up of pressure within the pump; a fluid reservoir fluidly connected to the pump, for supplying fluid to be placed under pressure in the pump; a solid steel punch secured to the piston for movement therewith, the punch having a free lower end; a punch housing secured to the lower end of the pump and enclosing the punch therein, said punch housing having a closed lower end with an aperture through which the punch lower end will slide and project upon operation of the pump to move the piston downwardly; and means on the lower end of the punch housing for gripping a cylindrical seal pin end cap and retaining the cap in a position coaxial with the punch and in contact with the lower end of the punch housing during operation of the punch to a lower position projecting from the punch housing; and said means for gripping a seal pin end cap includes: a semi-cylindrical wall projecting downwardly from the lower end of the punch housing, coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the punch; and a flange projecting radially inwardly from an inward face of the semi-cylindrical wall, to form a C-shaped ring for receiving a projecting flange on the seal pin end cap.