Abstract: Electronic components, such as resistors with bodies of different lengths and axially protruding leads, are fed along a feed path and between a pair of rotating members. Each rotating member has fingers that are flexed away from the feed path for reception of the component bodies between cooperating fingers of the rotating members, after which these fingers close onto the bodies to center them on the feed path.An opposed pair of the flexible fingers, one from each rotating member, retain each component in a centered condition along the feed path until corresponding leads of consecutive components are taped together at a subsequent taping station to form a ladder-like belt of components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for adapting a variable center distance electronic component insertion machine to form and insert the leads of components into particularly closed spaced mounting holes of a circuit board.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sequentially centering off-center bodies of a series of taped electrical components such that the component leads may be formed or bent closely to the bodies to realize denser population of the components on a circuit board. Fragile-lead components are protected by trimming the leads to remove the components from the tapes prior to centering the bodies.

Abstract: In a centering device for electronic components equally spaced and traveling on a continuous conveyor, an actuator provided including a pair of pivoting, spring-loaded blades for positioning the bodies of the components before they are transferred from the continuous conveyor into a taping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a plurality of electrical components having a body portion and coaxial leads extending in opposite directions therefrom and securing said components in lengths of heat sealed tape on their extremities.