Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping the winding end turns of a stator assembly wherein the outside diameter of the end turns is first engaged by a set of alternate segments in a circular array and is thereafter engaged by a set of intervening segments of the array while the first set remains engaged. The motion and configuration of the segments avoids the risk of pinching a wire of the winding by eliminating relative circumferential closing movement between adjacent segments. The inside diameter of the end turns is shaped by an expandable mandrel assembly that includes interengaged shoes that have a sliding movement in expansion and contraction that also avoids the risk of pinching strands of the winding.

Abstract: A lead straightening and trimming apparatus for the leads of electrical components such as stators. The apparatus includes a pallet having positioning posts which position the stators on the pallet and also position coils within the stator. The apparatus also includes a rotating helical pick-up tool which is movable between a retracted position and an extended position adjacent to a component supporting pallet having lead retaining posts. The pick-up tool operates to capture the free ends of leads extending from posts provided by the pallets. Upon retraction, the pick-up tool moves the associated free ends of the leads to a partially straightened gripping position. The apparatus also includes a combined gripper straightening and cutting apparatus which grips the associated lead adjacent to the pallet post with a force insufficient to cut the lead. Retraction of the gripper straightens the portion of the lead extending from the retaining post of the pallet.

Abstract: A blade replacement technique for removing and replacing the wedge guide, coil feeder and/or pusher blades of coil inserter tooling is disclosed. The tooling includes a circular array of coil feeder blades and a circular array of wedge guide blades, with the wedge guide blades being in face-to-face apposition with the feeder blades and being radially outwardly of the feeder blades. A collet encircles the wedge guide blades and has a first surface restraining an intermediate portion of each wedge guide blade against axial and radial displacement and second surface facing and spaced from each wedge guide blade and defining a clearance zone. Each wedge guide blade is supported and restrained at its proximal end by being received in an annular groove in a support plate. Each coil feeder blade has its proximal end received in a slotted ring and each feeder blade is axially restrained by a pin projecting radially outwardly in each slot.

Abstract: Transfer and inserter tooling for receiving coil windings from a coil winder such as a shed winder, and for inserting the coils into a dynamoelectric component such as a motor stator. The tooling includes a transfer tool molded of plastic and providing a cylindrical array of cantilever-supported fingers. The coils formed on the winder are positioned in a predetermined arrangement within the spaces between the fingers. Also included is an inserter tool having a cylindrical array of cantilever-mounted fingers and operable to insert coils positioned within the spaces between the fingers into the slots of a stator and the like. The transfer tool and inserter tool fingers are provided with interfitting alignment and guide means which properly position associated fingers of the two tools when the tools are assembled for transfer of the coils from the transfer tool to the inserter tool.