Self-centering sealant applicator

An apparatus comprising:

• a shaping portion having a cavity and a number of interlocking sections configured to move independently of other interlocking sections, in which the shaping portion is configured to:
• receive a fastener system in the cavity;
• and
• receive a sealant within the cavity to form a layer of sealant over the fastener system;
• a centering portion moveably located within the cavity of the shaping portion and having a channel and an interlocking base section, in which the centering portion is configured to:
• position the shaping portion in a position around the fastener system when the fastener system is received in the cavity;
• move between an extended position and a retracted position such that the shaping portion is in the position around the fastener system when the centering portion is in the extended position, in which the centering portion moves along an axis extending centrally through the fastener system when moving between the extended position and the retracted position;
• receive the fastener system in the channel when in the extended position and move the fastener system out of the channel when in the retracted position, in which the interlocking base section is configured to engage with an inner surface in the cavity of the shaping portion when the centering portion is in the retracted position;
• and
• deliver the sealant into the cavity of the shaping portion when the centering portion is in the retracted position to form the layer of sealant with a thickness corresponding to the retracted position of the centering portion;
• and
• a support system physically associated with the shaping portion and the centering portion selected from at least one of a vacuum sealing device, a magnet clamping system, a lock, a clip, a track, a mechanical relative position location device, or a robotic arm, the support system comprising a number of support elements configured to secure the number of support elements to a surface of an object in which the fastener system is installed, in which the support system is configured to:
• hold the apparatus in the position when the centering portion and the shaping portion retract to form the layer of sealant over the fastener system;
• maintain the position of the centering portion as the centering portion moves between the extended position and the retracted position;
• and
• maintain the position of the shaping portion as the shaping portion is removed from the fastener system, in which the shaping portion, the centering portion, and the support system form one of a sealant applicator or an automatic sealant applicator
• wherein the number of support elements are configured to secure the shaping portion and the centering portion to the surface of the object in which the fastener system is installed when receiving the fastener system, applying the layer of sealant to the fastener system, and retracting from the fastener system;
• and
• wherein the shaping portion, the centering portion, and the support system form at least one of the sealant applicator or the automatic sealant applicator, and wherein the thickness of the layer of sealant stays substantially the same during all phases of application and removal of the sealant applicator or the automatic sealant applicator.