Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a mechanism for convergence of a multitude of wires (1-4) wire rods, tubes, or other material of prismatic cross section to one particular line (00), where the material may be cut and stored or may be cut and bent or may be cut and welded or may be cut and processed in another way. The method depends on the elastic properties of metals, which can be temporarily deformed when under stress, and are restored to their original shape when the stress load is removed, as long as the stressing of the metal remains in the elastic region. Hence, during the convergence of wires, there is a minimum distance between the feeding-straightening (6-9) units and the point of convergence to a common line, which is defined by the material with the weakest elastic properties and by the locations of the feeding lines. The method can be applied to feeding line, which are parallel with each other or not, and for feeding lines, which lie or not on the same plane.

Abstract: A hand held cable-untangling tool with a fanned array of ridged tines (11) bent at a 85 degree angle (17) with rounded tips (12) at one end. The tines do provide a separation (13) to allow material, like low voltage cable to pass between them. At the other end to grasp and maneuver the tool a prolate rigid handle (14), Providing a loop (15) to hang the tool.

Abstract: In a cable processing equipment a cable changer stands perpendicularly relative to a base plate, at which a straightening unit and a cable transport unit are arranged. The cable changer is movable upwardly or downwardly and consists of a frame with horizontal frame members and vertical frame members. Cable guides are arranged at the vertical frame members. Cable guides which are at the inlet side as seen in cable transport direction are provided with clamping/retracting units, and cable guides at the outlet side are provided with clamping units. The clamping/retracting units at the inlet side are switchable by means of a first actuating device arranged at the base plate. The clamping units at the outlet side are switchable by means of a second actuating device arranged at the base plate. Cables which are not at the moment transported in the cable transport direction, are clamped by the clamping/retracting units and the clamping units.

Abstract: A pin straightening tool including a shaft terminating in an end assembly, a chamber in the end assembly for receiving a bent pin therein, the chamber terminating in a shelf inside the end assembly, and a bore located in the chamber for straightening the bent pin as the shaft is rotated urging the distal end of the bent pin into the bore.

Abstract: An amorphous magnetic core is produced by wrapping cut strips of amorphous metal about a mandrel to form a distributed gap core. The cut strips are secured to the mandrel during assembly by wrapping the strips with amorphous metal ribbons that have been weakened in predetermined areas but not fully parted. After the core has been built to its desired size, the weakened ribbons are completely parted. This method of making an amorphous magnetic core produces a tightly wound distributed gap core without the need for a belt winder or specialized strip holding devices.

Abstract: A pin straightening tool including a shaft terminating in an end assembly, a chamber in the end assembly for receiving a bent pin therein, the chamber terminating in a shelf inside the end assembly, and a bore located in the chamber for straightening the bent pin as the shaft is rotated urging the distal end of the bent pin into the bore.

Abstract: A device for combing and straightening wires or cables in an assembly. The device includes a plurality of passages extending therethrough each sized to receive a separate wire or cable. The device is pulled the length of the multi-wire or cable assembly thereby straightening the wires or cables.

Abstract: For the removal of a connector from a printed circuit board (12, 28) wherein the connector consist of a connector housing (14) including contact pins (16) being of the right angle type (bent at an angle of about 90°), whereby a portion of the contact pins include a compliant attachment (press-fit) area by means of which the connector is attached to the board, and wherein use is generally made of a press with a push ram (10) and a table (11) provided with an anvil, whereby the anvil (20) comprises a base portion (22) and an upper hook-shaped portion which is formed as a comb (24) wherein the openings or slots (26) are in register with the position of the contact pins (16) along the longitudinal direction of the connector (14) and which is introduced into an open side of the connector housing up to the level of the contact pins in order to provide appropriate support to the printed circuit board while the compliant attachment area's of the contact pins are being pushed out of the holes of the board.

Abstract: The method of fabricating low-cast, high-yield strength weld wire for welding includes displacing the weld wire through a rotary straightener having a pair of dies rotatable in opposite directions. Each die has a slider for introducing a bend in the wire as the wire is fed through entry and exit openings of the die. By rotating the dies in opposite rotational directions with bends introduced in the wire in the dies, the wire is cold work-hardened. The wire exiting the dies is wound on a spool. The weld wire when unwound from the spool has a low-cast and a high-yield strength.

Abstract: When a wire “a” is pressed into a pressure connection terminal of a connector C, an end portion of the wire “a” is clamped by a wire curvature correcting chuck 47, and the wire curvature correcting chuck 47 is slid in a pulling direction along the surface of a sheathing of the wire “a” in a state in which the feeding of the wire “a” is stopped, thereby correcting a curvature in the wire “a” so as to allow a press-in blade S to reliably grip the wire “a” and depress the same. In addition, in conjunction with the retraction of the wire curvature correcting chuck 47, its open/closed state is monitored by an opening/closing sensor to detect the amount of the projecting allowance of the wire “a” with respect to pressure connection, and a required measure can be adopted if the projecting allowance is insufficient.

Abstract: A system for conditioning the leads of a semiconductor device. The system includes a base having anvil surfaces configured to form the leads to a predetermined shape, and forming arms mounted to the base. An actuator is movable relative to the base to move the forming arms from a first position, with the forming arm spaced from the leads, to a second position, with the forming arm urging the leads against the anvil surface to form the leads to a predetermined configuration. Adjustment means adjust the position of said anvil and arms. A video scanner scans sample semiconductor devices and generates lead dimension and configuration signals. A processor processes said signals and applies the processed signals to the adjustment means to form leads of a semiconductor device to predetermined dimensions and configuration.

Abstract: A badge pin straightening and aligning tool for straightening and aligning bent pins on badges, service ribbons and decorations. The badge pin straightening and aligning tool includes a plate with first and second faces, a spaced apart pair of end edges, and a spaced apart pair of side edges extending between the end edges of the plate. The plate has a cutout adjacent a first of the end edges of the plate and a first of the side edges of the plate to form an extent portion of the plate adjacent the first end edge of the plate and a second of the side edges of the plate. The plate has a bore extending therethrough between the first and second faces of the plate located towards a second of the end edges of the plate.

Abstract: A refurbishing device (10) for a fish tape (12) comprising a base (14) and three studs (16). An assembly (18) is for attaching the studs (16) in equally spaced apart locations through the base (14), so that the studs (16) will extend from a bottom side (20) of the base (14). A handle (22) is also provided. An assemblage (24) is for securing the handle (22) to a top side (20) of the base (14) opposite from the studs (16). A person (28) can grasp the handle (22) with a first hand (30) and pull the coiled fish tape (12) between the studs (16) approximately three times with a second hand (32), thus reconditioning the fish tape (12) to like a new, straight and usable condition.

Abstract: A wire straightener is provided which uses three roller sets in one plane to apply deflection forces to a wire, which may have bends or coiling memory in more than one plane, so that the wire exits the wire straightener essentially straight, and free of bends or the tendency to coil and kink. The wire straightener adjusts for changes in pull angle as a means of accommodating different sizes of wires, by freely rotating around a pivot point, so that the amount of wrap of a wire around the last roller automatically adjusts. The wire straightener can straighten more then one wire at a time, and has multiple wire guides for feeding the wire onto the rollers. It is designed so that the wire may be threaded onto the wire straightener in the middle of a length of the wire, without having to feed the wire on using the end of the wire. The wire straightener is adapted for use with wire which has been wound onto a cylindrical spool for storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A pin leading device (1) comprises a hollow plate holder (8) having a hollow frame (9) and a hollow cylinder (10) disposed on the hollow frame (9), a threaded hole (101) formed in the hollow cylinder (10), a sleeve (2) having a recess hole (21) and a threaded end (20) engaging with the threaded hole (101), an elastic spring (3) inserted in an upper portion of the sleeve (2), a rod (4) inserted in the recess hole (21) and surrounded by the elastic spring (3), and a press head (5) disposed on an upper end of the rod (4). The hollow frame (9) has two opposite lateral plates (90) defining a spacing on a bottom of the hollow frame (9). A pin leading plate (6) is disposed on the bottom of the hollow frame (9). The pin leading plate (6) has a center hole (60) and two serrated lateral sides (7). The spacings between the lateral plates (90) of the hollow frame (9) and the lateral sides (7) of the leading plate (6) receive two rows of pins of an integrated circuit component.

Abstract: Apparatus for straightening elongate material, such as wire, has a rotary member which includes an internal passage through which the material is passed. Guide means in the rotary member guide the material through the passage and include deflection means for deflecting, and thus flexing, the material as it passes through the rotary member. The deflection means is so shaped as to cause the path taken by the material to have a first, curved portion which is directed away from the axis followed by a second portion, which is substantially parallel with the axis of rotation or is less tightly curved as the first portion, both portions being spaced from said axis of rotation, and preferably preceding a third curved portion which is substantially the same radius of curvature as the first curved portion and which directs the wire back towards said axis of rotation.

Abstract: An electronic device package lead conditioning method and system corrects bowed-in J-leads (36) of an electronic device package (30) by inserting between a bowed-in J-lead (36) and electronic device package (36) a comb-like tooth (42) having a graduating-width edge, the graduating width edge graduating from a minimum width (112) to a maximum width (114). The minimum width permits the graduating width edge (112) to be inserted into a space (110) separating the bowed-in J-lead (36) from electronic device package (30). The maximum width (114) at least equals the width of a desired spacing for the bowed-in J-lead (36) from the electronic device package (30) for correcting for the bowed-in-condition of the bowed-in J-lead (36).

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for forming the external leads of an IC, wherein the coplanarity of the tips of the plurality of external leads after external lead formation can be improved even with an IC in which the resin portion is curved. The apparatus comprises a plurality of resin support projections which each support part of a resin portion from underneath, and a plurality of support pins respectively opposing the resin support projections, which each press on part of the resin portion from above.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reforming a radial lead of an electronic device and for being mounted on an assembly of a sequencer inserter machine, include first and second die bars, the second die bar being a movable die bar actuated by a stroke of the assembly of the sequencer inserter machine, and at least one push rod for actuating the second die bar in a direction toward the first die bar. As electronic component passes between the first and second die bars, leads of the electronic component are reformed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening bent leads for an electrical component having a tiebar attached to the distal end of the component leads includes a repair surface with a repair stage mounted thereon. The repair stage has a series of combs projecting therefrom and defining a series of recesses there between. The recesses conform to the lead pattern of the component. A cutout is located along an edge of the repair stage, terminating a recess. An alignment means is also mounted to the repair surface and located relative to the cutout such that a form punch can be inserted into the aligning means and into the cutout. The bent lead of the component is positioned on the repair stage with the tiebar against the edge of the repair stage having the cutout disposed thereon. As the form punch enters the cutout the bent lead is also forced into the cutout thus pulling the remainder of the lead into the recess terminated by the cutout and straightening the remainder of the lead.

Abstract: A lead conditioning system (10) conditions leads (74) of electronic component package (30) and includes a rotary table (16) for holding electronic component package (30) and making accessible the leads (74). A conditioning tool (20) includes conditioner arm (34) and conditioner blade (70) that selectively contacts a predetermined number of the leads (74). A manipulator (22) moves conditioning tool (20) to positions that contact a predetermined number of leads (74) to condition leads (74). A control system (24) controls the operation of manipulator (22).

Abstract: A wire preparation tool comprising a planar base member with two adjacent projections extending upwardly at one end of the base, a wire path defined between the projections and a plurality of wire grooves disposed below the wire path.

Abstract: A fixture (90) is disclosed for repositioning at least one mispositioned component (28, 78) mounted via at least one deformable connector (74,76) on and extended outward from a circuit board (20). The fixture includes a base (92); means (94-116, 126-134) supported by the base for simulating a mounting geometry for the circuit board in an apparatus (10) into which the circuit board is to be installed; and camming means (118-124) supported by the base for engaging the component to deform the connector and thereby reposition the component to a desired position for installation in the apparatus. When the circuit board is placed on the means for simulating, the component engages the camming means to deform the connector and reposition the component to the desired position. A corresponding method is disclosed.

Abstract: A pin straightening tool for aligning a pin in a multi-pin connector. The pin straightening tool includes an electrically conductive handle having a beveled end and a hollow recess extending longitudinally into the beveled end. An alignment tip is connected to the end of the handle and used to align the pin. The alignment tip includes a shaft which is inserted into the recess of the beveled end of the handle and a tube which extends longitudinally from the shaft and away from the handle. The tube has a hollow recess having an inner diameter sized for receipt of the pin and the outer diameter of the tube is sized for placement of the tube between adjacent pins in the multi-pin connector. Engagement means is provided between the alignment tip and the handle so that the alignment tip can be engaged and subsequently removed from the handle. A pocket clip is attached to the handle for clipping the pin straightening tool when the pin straightening tool is not in use.

Abstract: A ceramic guide for a rolling line, used for wire rod transfer in a rolling line, which has a cylindrical contour and a throughhole for wire rod transfer. The throughhole includes a tapered hole and a straight hole of constant diameter, the tapered hole being provided at the wire rod inlet side of the guide. This ceramic guide, when used in a rolling line, is less liable to cause seizure with a wire rod and has higher durability.

Abstract: A device for aligning contact feet extending from the edge of an integrated circuit (IC) component has a toothed adjusting tool whose prongs are moved in the gaps between the contact feet. When the adjusting tool moves upward in the direction of the Z axis, a first adjusting plate, located below the prongs and overlapping the gaps between the prongs, comes into contact with the contact feet, which are thereby bent upward. When the adjusting tool is subsequently moved downward, a second adjusting plate, located above the prongs, comes into contact with the contact feet and bends all of them downward to a nominal size.

Abstract: A method for aligning leads of an SOJ device having a body portion and a plurality of leads extending from the body portion having inwardly curled terminal ends consisting of the steps of supporting the component body between an anvil having reforming surfaces overlying the rows of leads and a trackway. Moving slide assemblies having a plurality of spaced confronting fingers interengaging between the rows of leads on either side of body portion of the SOJ device first through a combing cycle to space the adjacent leads a predetermined distance relative to one another and then engaging between the curled terminal ends and displacing the slide assemblies transversely relative to the trackway to engage the terminal ends with the reforming surfaces and then reversing the direction movement of the SOJ device to recurl the terminal ends of the leads in the opposing row.

Abstract: In a system, method and apparatus for reforming leads of a device having a plurality of generally straight sides and rows of leads of J-shaped configuration extending from the sides of the body portion reforming the leads of a pair of first opposing rows of leads at a first reforming station by moving combs of a lead straightening mechanism through the leads to space the leads a predetermined distance relative to one another. The leads of one row engage against reforming surfaces with the combs engaging between the J-shaped terminal ends. The device is then relocated to present a second pair of opposing rows of leads to a lead straightening mechanism. The second opposing parallel rows of leads are reformed by moving combs through the leads to space the leads a predetermined distance relative to one another by engaging the leads of one row against reforming surfaces with the combs engaging between the J-shaped terminal ends.

Abstract: Wire is straightened as an incident to being pulled through axially spaced upstream, intermediate and downstream straightening dies carried within a rotating arbor. Each die is formed with a groove which is specially shaped to cause the wire to tend to follow its natural path as the wire is straightened, the shape of the grooves reducing high stress concentrations on the dies and increasing the service life thereof.

Abstract: A kit tools for use in repairing bent leads on fine pitch surface mount electronic components and a method of repairing such bent leads. The kit basically comprises a plate having a precisely flat surface and a template having a plurality of recesses corresponding to the lead pattern on a component to be repaired. The template is secured to the plate surface, such as by tape extending across tabs extending from the template. A means such as a vacuum pen is used to lift and move the component without touching the leads. A variety of probes, tweezers and the like are used to bend leads back to proper positions. The component may be placed directly against the surface when checking and correcting lack of lead coplanarity and linearity. Grossly bent leads may be corrected with the component on the surface, while precise positioning is accomplished with the component in the template, since fine adjustments can be made and the minor non-alignment can be easily observed and corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening wire stock includes a support member defining a generally elongated opening adapted for advancement of the wire stock therethrough, at least a first pair of engaging members associated with the support member and extending from a first direction sufficiently to engage the wire stock during advancement through the opening, at least a second pair of engaging members associated with the support member and extending from a second direction sufficiently to engage the wire stock during advancement through the opening, a mechanism for rotating the first and second pairs of the engaging members about an axis in general alignment with a longitudinal axis defined by the support member and a mechanism for selectively adjusting the positions of at least one of the first and second pairs of the engaging members relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A device for correcting the lateral bending of IC leads including a mold having comb-shaped pawls which are inserted into respective gaps between IC leads, wherein each of the comb-shaped pawls of the mold includes a contact member which is contacted with only the end portion of each IC lead, the end portions of the IC leads being pushed and spread out in a lateral direction by the contact members of the pawls when the pawls of the mold are inserted into the gaps. Each of the contact members is designed in a wedge shape.

Abstract: A method for aligning leads of an SOJ device having a body portion and a plurality of leads extending from the body portion having inwardly curled terminal ends consisting of the steps of supporting the component body between an anvil having reforming surfaces overlying the rows of leads and a trackway. Moving slide assemblies having a plurality of spaced confronting fingers interengaging between the rows of leads on either side of body portion of the SOJ device first through a combing cycle to space the adjacent leads a predetermined distance relative to one another and then engaging between the curled terminal ends and displacing the slide assemblies transversely relative to the trackway to engage the terminal ends with the reforming surfaces and then reversing the direction movement of the SOJ device to recurl the terminal ends of the leads in the opposing row.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for first inserting wire pins in a printed circuit board and then bending the pins in progressive die fashion by means of a bending ram. The apparatus consists of an improved insertion and bending ram for use with a pin insertion machine. The improved insertion and bending ram comprises primary and secondary rams held in position by a tooling head, each ram comprising at least two bending notches. The primary ram is designed to first insert the pin vertically into a hole on a printed circuit board. While the primary ram inserts a second pin vertically, a bending notch of the primary ram bends the first pin downward. While the primary ram inserts a third pin vertically, the second pin is bent downward and the first pin is bent so that it contacts the printed circuit board. The primary ram has at least one bending notch. The secondary bending ram functions in the same manner as the primary bending ram but is used to reach pins not bent by the primary bending ram.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightener with rollers, that can be used in particular for straightening steel bars for concrete.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning the leads of integrated circuit devices having a plurality of sequential stations. The flat device packages have rows of J-shaped leads along the edges. Individual devices are picked up at an input station and moved to a precising nest where the device is accurately located. The device is moved, preferably by a vacuum chuck transport mechanism, to a first conditioning station where a precising bar adjusts lead spread, then a needle is inserted through the row of leads to adjust lead standoff. A coining die reforms the "J" configuration and establishes a precisely uniform seating plane for all leads. A combing blade arrangement then establishes the lead spacing and lead sweep. After leads along two opposite sides of the device are conditioned, the device is moved to a second conditioning station (if required) where these operations are repeated on the other two sides of the device.

Abstract: Distortions of electrical leads projecting from an integrated circuit chip are corrected simultaneously instead of in sequence to prevent a corrected distortion from reappearing.Semiconductor components are manufactured by means of electrically conductive plastic tools instead of steel tools thereby greatly reducing the cost of manufacture and handling.

Abstract: The excise and lead form of TAB leads bonded to an integrated circuit chip. Leads extending beyond a sidewall are clamped between a first clamp and a form anvil at a first portion spaced from the chip. The leads are also clamped between an excise/form tool and a second clamp at a second portion spaced further from the chip than the first portion. An excise blade cuts the leads outside the second portion. Then the excise/form tool, second clamp and excise blade move downwards in a curved path toward the chip to form a first lead corner against the form anvil and a second lead corner against the excise/form tool without splaying or galling the leads.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for conditioning the leads of a semiconductor device having parallel leads projecting in a predetermined configuration. The apparatus includes a device for engaging and massaging the leads to reintroduce a predetermined spacing between the leads, bringing the leads into parallelism. The apparatus further includes a device for forming the leads to at least partially remove any bends in the leads, and a device for reforming the leads to a predetermined configuration. The lead conditioning method includes the steps of bringing the leads into parallelism, forming the leads to a partially unbent condition, and shaping the leads in a desired lead configuration.

Abstract: A lead conditioning system (10) provides an offset conditioner (12), a planarity conditioner (14) and a tweeze conditioner station (16), a centering station (18), a transport assembly (20), a cabinet (22) having an input station (24) and an output station (26), and a control electronic control apparatus (28). Offset conditioner (12) conditions the offset spacing between leads of a gull-wing semiconductor device by shifting the leads axially in both directions and returning the leads to a center position according to a predetermined specification. Likewise, planarity conditioner station (14) deforms the leads of the semiconductor device so that the leads are essentially upright then repositions the leads by exerting forces downwardly on the tips of the leads so that the tips of the leads of the semiconductor device are essentially shifted to a coplanar position according to a predetermined specification.

Abstract: The present invention is a hand operated tool for flattening a portion of a ribbon cable preparatory to installing a cable tap. The tool includes a set of rollers which are closeable upon the cable. The rollers are then rotated, first in one direction and then the other while varying the pressure on the rollers to effect removal of kinks and to generally flatten a portion of the cable.

Abstract: The excise and lead form of TAB leads bonded to an integrated circuit chip. Leads extending beyond a sidewall are clamped between a first clamp and a form anvil at a first portion spaced from the chip. The leads are also clamped between an excise/form tool and a second clamp at a second portion spaced further from the chip than the first portion. An excise blade cuts the leads outside the second portion. Then the excise/form tool, second clamp and excise blade move downwards in a curved path toward the chip to form a first lead corner against the form anvil and a second lead corner against the excise/form tool without splaying or galling the leads.

Abstract: A forced aligning jig for forcedly aligning a plurality of loose wires. It is provided with a retaining means for retaining the plurality of loose wires, a guiding means which has one end and the other end and one end is fixed to the retaining means and an aligning means which is slidably supported by the guiding means and forcedly aligns the plurality of loose wires, and the aligning means is provided with an aligning groove for aligning and storing the plurality of loose wires retained by the retaining means and a holding means for holding the plurality of loose wires have been stored in the aligning groove in an aligned state.

Abstract: A tool used for straightening and spreading damaged electrical stage pin connectors. The tool consists of a handle and a tube which form a T-shape, there are two opposing holes on the handle for strightening bent pins with one end of the handle being tapered for tight fits. The tube embodies a blade affixed in the bottom of the tube and recessed from the mouth of the tube for prevention of laceration.

Abstract: A needle bending device for bending a needle to any desired length without damaging the lumen of the needle and while maintaining sterile conditions, comprise a plastic casing having an open aperture and elongated chamber. The chamber is maintained sterile and the aperture is provided with a curved crown so that the needle can be bent around the crown. Graduated markings on the outer surface of the casing can be used in conjunction with transparent material for the casing, to see the length of needle within the casing and provide a bend of suitable length. Bends having angles of 90.degree., more than 90.degree. or less than 90.degree. can also be provided by bending the needle to any desired extent around the curved crown.

Abstract: A wire straightener (10) for accommodating different size wires (12) includes first and second wire-bending stations (15a) and (15b) located on opposite sides of a central member (14). Each of the wire-bending stations (15a,15b) includes a pair of opposed, complementary contours (56,60), the individual length of which, and the spacing relative to the other contour, may be adjusted. Extending between the contours (56,60) along their respective lengths is a wire-receiving passage (62) which communicates with the wire-receiving passage in the other station. The opposed, complementary contours (56,60) of each wire-bending station are orthogonal to those of the other station so that as the wire is forced through the wire-receiving passage (62), the wire is bent in each of two orthogonal planes, causing it to be straightened upon exiting the second station.

Abstract: A simple, manual tool for re-aligning lead pins on a pin grid array (PGA) integrated circuit (IC) chip or the like. The tool has a series of removable, parallel bending plates mounted between a top and a base. The bending plates fit between the lead pins to be re-aligned. Re-alignment is accomplished by displacing the top relative to the base (which is stationary), which causes the bending plates to swivel from the base and impinge upon the lead pins at the upper ends of the bending plates. Permanent re-alignment is achieved by bending the lead pins past their elastic limit to a desired point. The top remains parallel to the base at all times. Maximum displacement of the bending plates is limited by an outer skirt when it contacts the base. Four springs bias the tool toward the neutral position. After the lead pins are re-aligned in one direction, the PGA is removed, rotated 90 degrees, and the re-inserted, whereupon the re-alignment routine is performed again to complete the re-alignment process.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for aligning the leads of electronic devices having a body portion and plurality of leads extending from the body portion having pads at the free terminal ends comprising means for positioning the electronic device at a lead straightening station. A pair of lead straightening heads comprised of a plurality of fingers engages between the leads on opposite sides of the electronic device. The lead straightening heads are actuated relative to the electronic device through a straightening cycle including a first phase where the fingers engage between leads of the electronic device while in a floating condition and a second phase after the electronic device is clamped in place on a support surface to pivot the leads on either side of a plane extending transversely to the body portion and thereby align each of the leads relative to this plane. Coplanarity means is provided for positioning the pads of the leads so that they all lie in a common plane.

Abstract: A device for straightening leads in which a housing having a outer casing is provided with a fixed separator blade mounted on the outer casing. The case also provides a work rest place for positioning the leads. Also includes is a trigger which is operably connected to the housing and has biasing means urging the trigger in a first position. The trigger is movable to a second position by overcoming the bias. A movable wiper blade is attached to the trigger and has a wiper blade on one end thereof. The blade is movable to engage the separator blade by moving the trigger to the second position. The wiper blade and the fixed separator blade are aligned to conform the orientation of leads positioned by the work rest place.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for handling a component having a body and one or more members protruding therefrom, such that the protruding members are put in proper, mating registration with corresponding holes of a substrate or the like. The components are handled during transport and insertion by gripping of the bodies thereof, and the method and apparatus of the invention compensates for any offset in X, Y, and .theta. between the profile of the body and a particular pattern or location of the protruding members relative to the profile of the body.