Abstract: A system for handling DIP devices packaged in elongated tubes having releasable closure means normally closing at least one end of the tubes to retain DIP devices therein, a head assembly for transferring tubes from an accumulator station to a DIP processing apparatus comprising a housing having an inlet and a discharge trackway section, a pair of drive rollers rotatably mounted adjacent the inlet end of the housing. The rollers are mounted for floating movement relative to one another in a direction generally transverse to the movement of tubes through the housing, closure removal and re-application mechanism downstream of the drive rollers, means for aligning the tube to ensure flow of DIP devices from the tube to the discharge trackway and tube position sensor means operable to activate mechanism for positioning the head assembly so that the discharge trackway section aligns with an inlet trackway of DIP processing apparatus.