Apparatus for handling protectors for elongate objects

A method of applying a protective cap to the end of an elongate member using a protective cap application apparatus, the protective cap having a hard base portion and a cover portion of flexible, resilient material, extending from the base portion and operative to cover a portion of an outer surface of the elongate member,

• the protective cap application apparatus comprising:
• a gripping mechanism operative to grip the hard base portion of the protective cap;
• a drive mechanism, connected to the gripping mechanism, operative to move the protective cap to and from the end of the elongate member;
• and
• a tool configured to unfurl the cover portion to secure it to the outer surface of the elongate member;
• and
• the method comprising:
• using the gripping mechanism to grip the hard base portion of the protective cap;
• using the drive mechanism to move the protective cap to the end of the elongate member;
• and
• using the tool to unfurl the cover portion to secure it to the outer surface of the elongate member.

A method of removing a protective cap from the end of an elongate member using a protective cap removal, the protective cap having a hard base portion and a cover portion of flexible, resilient material, extending from the base portion and operative to cover a portion of an outer surface of the elongate member,

• the protective cap removal apparatus comprising:
• a gripping mechanism operative to grip the hard base portion of the protective cap;
• a drive mechanism, connected to the gripping mechanism, operative to move the protective cap to and from the end of the elongate member;
• and
• a tool configured to furl the cover portion to detach it from the outer surface of the elongate member;
• the method comprising:
• using the tool to disengage the cover portion from the outer surface of the elongate member, while gripping mechanism grips the hard base portion of the protective cap;
• and
• using the drive mechanism to remove the protective cap from the end of the elongate member.