Abstract: An apparatus for prestraightening badly bent axial leads on electronic components and the like. The components are seated in notches on the periphery of a carrier disk assembly with the bent leads extending to each side of the assembly. The assembly is rotated about its axis to carry the leads in a circular path. The periphery of the carrier disk assembly is arranged adjacent an inner cylindrical surface or surround surface as it is called. The leads are thus caused to drag and twist against the surround surface. Two notched puller disks are mounted to rotate about nonparallel axes that intersect the axis of the carrier disk assembly at equal and opposite angles. Thus the peripheries of the two puller disks and the carrier disk assembly are closely adjacent at one point on their peripheries at all times. This is the entry point where components are seated in the carrier disk assembly.

Abstract: An automated welding system takes initially randomly oriented negative glow lamps and welds a resistor to each lamp. Lead wires are trimmed to desired lengths and the physical strength of the weld between the lamp and the resistor is tested.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided which both untwists and shears a forward end of twisted conductive strands of a multi-stranded wire (40). A pair of strand receiving members (20, 30) having acutely angled front surfaces (24, 34) are slidably disposed and in spaced relationship by a support (12). To untwist the strands the twisted strands are inserted into and passed through a wire passage (26) and into guide bores (27) of the first strand receiving member (20). To shear the strands, the strands are then passed from the first strand receiving member (20) and into guide bores (37) of the second strand receiving member (30). Strand receiver (30) is then displaced with respect to strand receiver (20) with the strands extending between the front surfaces being sheared apart and provided with an acutely angled end defining an elliptical surface. The strand shearing is preferably across the minor axis of the ellipse.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating first and second lead wires of an electrical component and cutting one of the lead wires to a predetermined length includes a separator blade having a first shearing edge thereon. The separator blade is attached to a carrier assembly for moving the separator blade between the first and second lead wires to separate the lead wires. A length adjustment assembly is operably associated with the separator blade for moving the electrical component relative to the separator blade to a relative position such that the first shearing edge of the separator blade is adjacent a point at which the one lead wire is to be cut. A cutter assembly is operably associated with the separator blade and has a second shearing edge thereon.

Abstract: First end portions (22c) of terminal pins (22) are gripped in a gripping means (54) on one side of a substrate (24) and intermediate portions (22cs) of the pins then are inserted into the substrate. In the insertion operation, second opposite end portions (22i) of the pins are extended into a straightening means (74) on the opposite side of the substrate (24). Tip portions of the first pin end portions (22c) then are disposed in the gripping means (54) and tip portions of the second pin end portions (22i) are disposed in the straightening means (74). To straighten the pins (22), relative reciprocating movement then is caused between the pin intermediate portions (22cs) and the pin tip portions to flex and coldwork the first and second pin end portions (22c and 22i) in a lateral direction simultaneously.

Abstract: A backplane (22) supporting a plurality of pins (21) is supported in a fixture (84) which is mounted on a movable platform (51). A pair of straightening bars (82 and 83) are attached to a movable holding bar (76) above the backplane-supported pins (21) and are spaced at least a distance equal to the spacing between alternate rows of the pins. The straightening bars (82 and 83) are positioned to capture the tips of alternate rows of pins (21). The fixture (84) is then reciprocated in a first direction and then in a second direction to process the pins (21) through a single straightening cycle. Eventually, the straightening bars (82 and 83) and all of the rows of pins (21) are processed in a similar fashion whereby each of the pair of bars processes each row of pins through a single straightening cycle. In this manner, each pin (21) is processed ultimately through two straightening cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to form leads of components prior to insertion into a printed circuit board while, at the same time, straightening bent leads and testing the electronic functioning of each component through the use of a controller which electronically simulates the operating mode of the component. The orientation of the component is also tested.

Abstract: An apparatus for stranding an outer layer of wires on an inner layer cable core is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a tubular stranding machine comprising a rotating tube within which are stationary mounted on the same axis a series of cradles each supporting a spool of wire from which are paid-off the outer wires, means for guiding said outer wires along the outside wall of said tube towards a stranding die located at the front of the stranding machine, means for guiding a cable core originating from the back of the stranding machine along the outside wall of the tube, and a wire straightener stationary mounted at the front of the stranding machine ahead of the stranding die and through which is passed the cable core to eliminate the waviness of the cable core due to rotation during traveling along the outside wall of the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for uncoiling material such as wire, from a coil supported about a horizontal axis by a drum, including separating a loop from the coil, and bending the leading end of the material upon its exit from a pinch roll unit so that it takes a path generally parallel to that of a predetermined passline, and straightening the material once the leading end passes through the straightener roll area. An end bender roll and two of the straightener rolls are mounted on a pivotal frame connected to a piston cylinder assembly which causes the frame to be rotated through an arc in a direction to either bring the end bender roll into an operative position while the two straightener rolls are in an inoperative position, or to bring the end bender roll into an inoperative position while the two straightener rolls assume a nested relationship with a fourth roll in an operative position.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and methods are provided for aging negative glow lamps.

Abstract: A backplane (32) supporting a plurality of pins (31) is clamped to a fixture (86) which is mounted on a movable platform (48). A pin straightening assembly (85) is attached to a movable holding bar (73) above the backplane-supported pins (31). By selective vertical movement of the straightening assembly (85), tips of the pins (31) are captured therein. The assembly (85) is then reciprocated horizontally in the plane of the assembly to straighten the pins (31) in a first plane. The tips of the pins (31) are then captured by other portions of the assembly (85). The platform (48) is reciprocated horizontally in the plane thereof to straighten the pins (31) in a second plane.

Abstract: A plurality of pins (21) supported by a backplane (22) are initially processed through a straightening operation within a pin straightening apparatus (23) while using a preselected straightening amplitude. The centroids of a statistical sample of the pins (21) are then measured to obtain a measure of pin deviation from nominal. The measured data is then processed by a computer (48) to determine statistical values for mean deviation from nominal and standard deviation. Using the statistical values, a determination is made as to whether another straightening operation is required. If another operation is required, a modified straightening amplitude is determined by using the statistical values and is established within the pin straightening apparatus (23). The pins are then processed through the second straightening operation using the modified straightening amplitude.

Abstract: A plurality of pins (21) supported by a backplane (22) are initially processed through a straightening operation within a pin straightening apparatus (23) while using a preselected straightening amplitude. The centroids of a statistical sample of the pins (21) are then measured to obtain a measure of pin deviation from nominal. The measured data is then processed by a computer (48) to determine statistical values for mean deviation from nominal and standard deviation. Using the statistical values, a determination is made as to whether another straightening operation is required. If another operation is required, a modified straightening amplitude is determined by using the statistical values and is established within the pin straightening apparatus (23). The pins are then processed through the second straightening operation using the modified straightening amplitude.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for advancing a strand of wire a specific and predetermined distance. The apparatus can be used in conjunction with a cutting device alone, or with a forming device to also produce articles of desired shapes. An additional aspect of the invention is an anti-backing chuck to hold and move the wire in the advancing apparatus.

Abstract: The machine has a base provided with three rollers between which cambered strip steel is passed to remove or reduce the camber therein. Two of the rollers are mounted extending above the top surface of the base along a longitudinal axis of the base. The third roller is mounted also extending above said top surface on a block which is slidable along a slot extending along the lateral axis of the base. The cambered strip steel is passed across the top of the base between the three rollers. A drive mechanism is provided to apply a force to the third roller which bends the cambered strip steel against the two rollers to remove or reduce the camber. Removable guide strips of a case hardened or other suitable metal are provided in the top as bearing members for the strip steel. The base may be fabricated of assembled components or cast as an integral member for cost economy.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing kinks in steel cable includes two transverse members coupled together in spaced relationship and each supported by a pair of legs. A striking member is supported by and pivotably coupled to the transverse members. Compressed air is coupled through an air valve to an air can which, when activated, forces a portion of the striking member down towards the transverse members. A damaged cable is positioned on the transverse members so as to be struck by the striking member at a desired point.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a closure with a feedpipe into a container comprises a drum arranged for rotation and having a circumferential wall defining outwardly open recesses for holding the closures with feedpipes, and a guide sheet fixedly mounted adjacent the circumferential wall and covering a portion thereof. The guide sheet has two end edges extending in the planes of the end faces of the drum and two oblique side edges downwardly inclined in the direction of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying pre-split wires of a multi-conductor cable into a predetermined coplanar array comprises a guide plate with a recess therein and a lid which closes thereagainst. Side by side wires are pushed into a wire receiving opening of the recess and are gathered into a strait therein and splayed into channels which align the wires for termination to terminals at insertion stations where the channels open on the end of the plate. An insertion ram pushes the leading ends of the wires downward into the terminals while the guide plate pivots downward against the action of a spring. A wire catch is provided to prevent reverse movement of wires in the channels.

Abstract: Elongated magnetic articles 12 are transferred directly from a magnetic bin 17 and transported on a member 80 having deep slots 84 to retain the articles 12 for treatment. In a preferred example, the articles 12 include some articles 13 having undesirably shaped leads 14 and the treatment comprises lead straightening.A system of magnets 30 generates a magnetic field in the bin 17 which suspends and orients a supply of the articles 12 and 13 such that a dense, rotating pattern of articles is formed and urged against member 80. A pair of supports 57 and 58 limit the depth of the slots 84 at a first level to prevent more than one article 12 or 13 to enter therein. As an entered article 12 or 13 advances beyond the supply of articles, the supports 57 and 58 are discontinued and the entered article moves to a second level.

Abstract: Apparatus for stringing electrical components into a belt for convenience in handling, packing and despatch to customers, the components having two connecting wires extending in opposite directions and the belt comprising two runs of double adhesive tape to trap the connecting wires and incorporate the components into the belt in ladder-like formation. The components are fed down a guide and released one-by-one by a blocking slide to a transfer device comprising two rotating discs having slots for receiving the connecting wires and being associated, if necessary, with stationary projections for preventing them from falling out. The transfer discs may be associated with specially shaped rollers for straightening the connecting wires. The components then enter the actual belt make-up machine of the apparatus, comprising a pair of toothed wheels, each in two parts whose spacing is adjustable and each associated with a guide roller and a pressure roller.

Abstract: A machine for straightening metal wire comprises a wire unwinding device rotatable about an axis which is at right-angles to the axis of rotation of a drum forming a part of the unwinding device and which passes through guide means at the outlet of the unwinding device such that this axis coincides with the trajactory of the unwound wire. The machine also comprises means for straightening the wire and means for winding the straightened wire comprising a small drum and a large drum mounted on drive shafts drivable in a helical movement with a pitch corresponding to the width or the diameter of the straightened wire, in order to obtain uniform close helical winding on the drum without overlapping. The winding drum may be retracted when not in use.The machine makes it possible for wire of small diameter or thickness to be straightened continuously, in particular for the manufacture of springs for clock-making.

Abstract: Two movable members are selectable positioned to form a passageway for handling dual in-line packages. A wheel, comprising resilient material, and a spreader member are selectable positioned in correspondence with the movable members to engage the leads on either side of the package and vertically straighten them. Lateral straightness of the leads, as well as various other package anomalies, are detected by optical scanning.

Abstract: A wire straightening apparatus includes a machine stand; a wire straightening device; a mounting for securing the wire straightening device to the stand; an inlet roller pair and an outlet roller pair; a mounting for securing the inlet roller pair and the outlet roller pair to the stand adjacent opposite sides of the wire straightening device for feeding a wire therethrough; and a drive for rotating the roller pairs. The drive comprises a first constant-volume hydraulic motor connected to at least one of the rollers of the inlet roller pair; a second constant-volume hydraulic motor connected to at least one of the rollers of the outlet roller pair; and an arrangement for supplying hydraulic medium under pressure to the motors.

Abstract: The invention is an improved wire straightener die for rotary wire straightener machines and devices used in the production of wire and wire related products from various metals. Each wire straightener die consists of a single unit which is normally used with four other similar dies in a sequence arrangement. The die of this invention is used in any standard rotating wire straightening arbor. Each die in the sequence contains a hardened center core which increases the life of the die. Each die can be installed in the arbor in any one of four different positions, thus giving complete flexibility of use of the die.

Abstract: A hand tool for inserting a MOS integrated circuit into a socket is described. The tool is characterized by a handle having at one end gripping means operative with a collet-like action for receiving the MOS IC. A rotatable sleeve on the handle opens and closes the gripping means, and further means are provided on the handle to eject the IC. The tool is mainly of plastic, with a conductive surface, and means are provided for electrically grounding the tool to avoid damaging the IC.

Abstract: An improved escapement is provided for use with a channel for feeding successive components to insure their continuous and individual release therefrom. The escapement includes elements for holding a next-to-endmost component in cooperation with a land extending lengthwise in the channel, in unobstructive position while the endmost component is released. The invention has particular advantages when one or more components in a stacked series may be of a form tending to overlap or have a small irregularity, such as a protruding flashing for instance, causing shingling and hence resisting automatic feeding one-by-one in the channel.

Abstract: The leads on a Semiconductor Package of the type having a generally round configuration and generally termed a header, are crimped into a conducting relationship for plating by means of an apparatus comprising a track type of conveyer for conveying the headers along a specific path, and a pair of rollers disposed on opposite sides of the track for engaging the leads as the header passes therebetween for crimping the leads together in a conducting relationship. The rollers comprise wheels mounted for rotation in opposite directions at different speeds, such that the header is rotated between the wheels but simultaneously moved in a linear direction along the conveyer.

Abstract: Templet and roller means for deploying a plurality of wires comprising a templet block having a working surface extending thereacross to one end and a triangular deploying surface and staging surface recessed within the working surface at a position intermediate of the surface. A plurality of grooves and ridges diverge from the deploying surface and extend to the one end, each groove being dimensioned to receive one wire. Upon positioning the wires upon the staging surface with the axis extending toward the other end, and upon movement of the roller over the working surface towards the other end, the wires are successively diverted into the grooves and positioned in side-by-side spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying a plurality of twisted pairs of wires and separating the two wires of each pair comprises a templet having recesses extending thereacross in one direction. Each recess has one portion which is dimensioned to receive a single twisted pair of wires and the one portion of each recess merges with another portion comprising two separate recesses, each of which is dimensioned to receive one wire only of a twisted pair. The twisted pairs are pressed onto the recesses by a roller which moves across the surface. A controller is mounted adjacent to, and in advance of, the roller and the twisted pairs extend from beneath the roller over the controller. When the roller approaches the portions of each recess which receive only a single wire, the spacing between the roller and the controller changes so that they are separated by a distance substantially equal to the diameter of a single wire.

Abstract: Apparatus for deploying a plurality of wires in predetermined co-planar relationship to each other comprises a templet plate having a plurality of wire-receiving grooves extending thereacross. The grooves diverge from each other so that wires positioned in the grooves will be located in predetermined spaced-apart relationship. The wires are pressed into the grooves by a roller which is movable across the templet plate. In order to control the wires and to ensure proper placement of the wires in the grooves, a controller member is disposed in front of the roller and movable with the roller across the templet. The controller elevates portions of the wires which are adjacent to the roller and approximately aligns the individual wires with the grooves into which they are to be pressed.

Abstract: Two movable members are selectable positioned to form a passageway for handling dual in-line packages. A wheel, comprising resilient material, and a spreader member are selectable positioned in correspondence with the movable members to engage the leads on either side of the package and vertically straighten them. Lateral straightness of the leads, as well as various other package anomalies, are detected by optical scanning.

Abstract: A tubing sizer and straightener having a first lever and a second lever connected to one another by a linkage which causes the levers to move to and from a position in which the levers are substantially parallel and adjacent to one another. Longitudinally extending jaw parts, one of which is mounted on one of the levers and the other of which is mounted on the linkage, thus move against one another along a common plane when the levers are substantially parallel and adjacent to one another for sizing and/or straightening a length of tubing disposed between the jaw parts.

Abstract: A machine for straightening a wire lead or leads of a device comprises first and second opposing jaws affixed to a base. The first jaw and second jaw, when meshed, exert lateral straightening forces on the leads, and a slot disposed near the base of the leads is provided to prevent the fracture of the leads during the straightening operation and this slot also aligns the leads when there are more than one.

Abstract: A manually operated universal tool for straightening the leads on Dual-In-Line integrated circuit packages so they may be placed more easily into printed circuit boards and sockets. The tool as disclosed can be operated with one hand and primarily includes a split forming rail which is adjustable for the different centers of 0.300, 0.400, 0.500, and 0.600 inch wide Dual-In-Line integrated circuit packages, two forming rollers which are adjustable to adapt to the different manufacturers' thickness of leads on the integrated circuit packages, and adjustment features for adapting to the different form factors and shapes of the lateral leads which protrude outward from the integrated circuit packages, and a base plate.

Abstract: An IC insertion tool comprises a handle having an IC gripping end for holding an IC during insertion into a socket. As the IC pins enter the socket, the gripping end retracts automatically ejecting the IC. As a further feature, a pin straightner is mounted in the handle. The pin straightener is provided with an ejecting bar operatively connected to the retractable gripping end.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing a sheath on a vertically oriented elongated member, the sheath having an open end for receiving the elongated member, comprises an upright magazine for containing a stacked plurality of the sheaths with the openings thereof oriented downwardly, a downwardly extending passage having an upper end communicating with the magazine and a lower end having a discharge opening arranged on a vertical axis with which the elongated member is to be aligned for being received in a respective said sheath discharged from the discharge opening onto the elongated member, a first gate defining the boundary between the magazine and the passage and for blocking transit of the sheath from the magazine into the passage and a second gate below the first gate a distance about equal to the length of a respective said sheath for blocking transit of the sheaths to the discharge opening of the passage, whereby the sheaths may be individually discharged by gravity onto respective said elongated members consecutively

Abstract: A device for sharpening and straightening the pointed tip of a dart of the type used in game play, wherein the device comprises an elongated tubular housing having a sharpening end and a point-straightening end, the central bore of the housing being adapted to receive a sharpening body member held in place by an end cap forceably secured in an enlarged counter bore, the cap having a central aperture aligned with the conical bore disposed within the sharpening body member, the dull point of the tip being positioned within the conical bore and rotated therein, causing a new point to be formed thereon. The straightening end includes a plug fixedly disposed therein having a conical cavity which allows the bent tip of a dart to be inserted and bent back to a straight position.

Abstract: Electronic components, such as DIP's, which have at least one row of generally right angular or generally linear leads projecting from their bodies, are dispensed from their respective columns in a magazine of the machine, one by one, and as predeterminedly selected by a picker controlled by computer means. Due to occasional obstructive slight irregularities in the formation of the bodies and/or their leads, means is provided to insure exact registration of each selected component with a component inserting mechanism. Improved means for rapid, reliable release and transfer of the successive selected components from the magazine, and between the delivery ends of its respective columns and, a lead conditioning means at the locality of such registration, enable efficient coordination with the inserting mechanism whereby continuous output at a higher rate is attainable.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for electrical interconnections wherein the interconnections comprise a crimped splice connector folded upon at least one magnet wire segment, at least one filler wire segment, and at least one other wire segment including the step of and means for ensuring that the filler wire segment is devoid of major bends along its length.

Abstract: A wire straightening machine comprising a motor-driven, rotatable hollow shaft with at least three serially arranged dies mounted thereon, having central apertures through which the wire is passed. The outer end dies are fixed with respect to the shaft, with their apertures located on the axis of rotation. The middle die is movable radially between a first position in which its aperture is coaxial with the axis of rotation, and a second position in which the aperture is eccentrically offset with respect to the axis of rotation. The middle die is carried by a block that slides through a transverse slot in the shaft, and the ends of the block have inclined parallel faces that engage inclined guideways on a slotted link, which slides axially along the shaft. An actuating device is connected to the slotted link so that the latter can be shifted axially to move the aperture of the middle die from one position to the other.

Abstract: A method of continuously processing metal cord is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of twisting a plurality of filaments together to form a cord, collecting the cord on a spool in such a manner that transfer segments are provided; straightening the transfer segments; welding the transfer segment of a first spool to the transfer segment of a second spool; passing the cord continuously through a mechanical straightener and reducing the force exerted by the straightener on that section of the cord containing the welded portion.

Abstract: A DIP lead former including a cabinet housing an electric motor, a pair of lead forming rollers disposed in side-by-side spaced apart relationship and driveably coupled to the motor, an elongated forming rail located between the lead forming rollers for transporting DIPs into engagement with the rollers, an upper guide for guiding the DIPs along the forming rail, and a pair of adjustment knobs for varying the distance between the upper guide and the forming rail.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for straightening the pins of semi-conductor devices such as transistors and the like. The apparatus includes means for holding the head of a semi-conductor device, means for preventing the pins thereof from separating from one another beyond a cylindrical volume defined by the outer diameter of the ring formed by the pins where they join the head and a plurality of pistons in one to one relation with the plurality of pins generally perpendicular to the pins, each piston aiming towards a central axis defined by the pins. Means are provided for inserting the pistons one between each of adjacent of the pins and towards the axis. A round plunger coaxial with said axis is provided, said round plunger having a diameter generally equal to the inner diameter defined by the pins. Means are provided for advancing the plunger axially towards the head between the pins.

Abstract: A combination lead straightening, lead aligning, and dielectric spacing implement for a semi-conductor package of the so-called TO (transistor outline) type. The implement has a generally annular body with hook-like formations or fingers spaced about the perimeter of and projecting into the body opening in a manner such that the implement may be installed on a semi-conductor package by inserting its leads through the body opening in the regions between the fingers and then rotating the body relative to the leads to engage the fingers in gripping relation about the leads. The leads are straightened by sliding the implement along the leads and are aligned with lead receiving holes in a circuit board or other mounting base for insertion into the holes by seating the implement on the base with its fingers aligned with the holes. The implement may be left on the leads of the semi-conductor package after installation on the base to space and insulate the body or can of the package from the base.

Abstract: Axial leads extending from opposite ends of electronic components are strightened by two pairs of fingers having pads which press on the leads and are rotated in opposite directions while they are driven along the leads. The straightening fingers have pads on their ends which are made of a soft resilient material, such as nylon. The fingers each have a cam follower on their ends away from the pads which allows the fingers to be opened and closed by the longitudinal motion of a cam on the end of a rod that is slideably positioned in a rotating tube. One end of the tube is attached to a support member and the fingers are secured to the support member. The finger pads are preferably shaped so that they overbend the lead by a small amount, such as 5.degree..

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening ductile wire leads, as in an integrated circuit container of the T.O. type. The apparatus includes a seat for holding the base of a T.O. device, with leads projecting away from the base. A number of hooks are thrust inwardly by a motive means toward the leads, engaging the leads, and pulling them to a radially outward position. With the leads held in this position, the base of the T.O. device is lifted by another motive means thereby causing the leads to be pulled through respective hooks. The ductile leads are straightened as they are pulled through the hooks.

Abstract: Leading portions of individual wires of a plurality of wires are positioned in spaced apart relationships with respect to each other by a wire separating mechanism which utilizes a template having a generally planar surface with a primary groove defined therein capable of substantially accommodating a trailing portion of each of the wires in a bunched together condition and a plurality of secondary grooves defined therein which emanate from the primary groove along separate, spaced apart paths, each of the secondary grooves capable of substantially accommodating therein the leading portion of only one of the wires. A clamp on the mechanism located near one end of the primary groove holds the trailing portions of the wires within the primary groove in their bunched together condition. A roller element mounted on the mechanism and having a cylindrical surface is moved by the mechanism into engagement with the trailing portions of the wires so as to introduce compressive forces thereon.

Abstract: Axial leads extending from opposite ends of electronic components are straightened by two pairs of fingers having pads which press on the leads and are rotated in opposite directions while they are driven along the leads. The straightening fingers have pads on their ends which are made of a soft resilient material, such as nylon. The fingers each have a cam follower on their ends away from the pads which allows the fingers to be opened and closed by the longitudinal motion of a cam on the end of a rod that is slideably positioned in a rotating tube. One end of the tube is attached to a support member and the fingers are secured to the support member. The finger pads are preferably shaped so that they overbend the lead by a small amount, such as 5.degree..