Abstract: A drive system for a machine including a transmission for converting rotary motion into linear reciprocating motion for driving a rack and a pinion is disclosed for use in connection with moving the pinion in oscillating rotary fashion to be the input for a differential. The differential is selectably controlled to either rotate or remain fixed and permit at least one of its outputs to rotate. The result of the drive system is to either swing a member connected to the differential output which member holds a stack of disc-like objects from vertical to horizontal or alternatively to hold a plurality of such stakes in vertical position and rotate them.

Abstract: A manually-operable tool for holding a magazine containing a plurality of stacked, individual electrical components and selectively dispensing the components from the tool in predetermined orientation for loading on a printed circuit board, or the like. The magazine is inserted into an appropriately configured opening in the tool which is held by the operator with the magazine substantially vertical so that components are gravity fed to the lower end. Depression of a spring loaded rod by the operator's thumb moves a plunger to push a component out of engagement between a pair of gripper members. On the return stroke of the rod, a component transport member is moved thereby to carry the lowermost component fed by gravity from the magazine to engagement between the gripper members for ejection on the next depression of the rod and plunger.

Abstract: An automatic system for accumulating, counting, stacking and bagging can ends. The system is designed to protect the end against damage by minimizing the handling of the end. An automatic dispenser counts and dispenses can ends to one of a pair of end stacks which are mounted for rotation about a vertical axis. The end stacks are indexed from a loading position to an unloading position where the filled stack is pivoted from a normally vertical attitude to a horizontal discharging attitude. Ends are discharged to an automatic bagging system for packaging and storage.