Abstract: An axially leaded diode (12), travelling at a high rate of speed in a longitudinal direction, is terminated within a bin assembly (18). The bin (18) has first and second ends (43 and 44) and first and second sidewalls (21 and 22) including magnets (33-41) therein to orient a diode (12) transversely to such sidewalls. A tube (48) guides the diode (12) on a path forming a given angle "A" with the sidewalls (21 and 22). A discharge end (49) of tube (48) is located at the first sidewall (21) such that the diode (12) is discharged toward the second sidewall (22). A deceleration apparatus (54) is provided at discharge end (49) of tube (48) and spaced therefrom. Apparatus (54) includes a vertical bar (65) with a row of deceleration elements (66) extending therefrom toward the first end (43) of the bin (18). The row of elements (66) provides a penetrable restraint (64) such that a first lead (14) of a diode (12) discharged from tube (48) penetrates between the elements (66).

Abstract: Elongated magnetic articles 12 are introduced into vacant positions 31 on a carrier wheel 18 for a given operation. A magnetic bin 40 has a feed end in communication with wheel 18 and includes spaced sidewalls 41-44, with arm sections 43-44 thereof extending substantially beyond the periphery of wheel 18 and along the sides thereof. There is established between said sidewalls 41-44 a first, magnetic field and a second, stronger field to orient and suspend the articles 12 in bin 40. However, the field between arm sections 43-44 is established substantially within the periphery of wheel 18 and such field includes the stronger second field located in a specific region of arm sections 43-44.For loading articles 12 into continuously occurring vacant positions 31 which are advanced in an ascendent path, the stronger second field is located in a lower region of arm sections 43-44.

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: Elongated articles (13), having an undesirable shape caused by a bent lead (14), are distinguished from elongated articles (12) which are desirably straight. The bent articles (13) are separated from a mass of articles (12 and 13), most of which are substantially straight. The articles (12 and 13) are typically axially leaded diodes having leads (14) which are magnetic. Such diodes (12 and 13) are successively introduced between sidewalls (11 and 22) of a bin (17) having a magnetic field which orients each article transverse to guide members (28 and 29) extending lengthwise of the bin (17). Each oriented diode (12 and 13) presents a distinctive configuration according to its shape when viewed against a plane transverse to the guide members (28 and 29). The major portion of a bent diode (13) will be disposed lower than the major portion of a straight diode (12).