Method and apparatus for processing taped components

Abstract

In a system for processing strips of taped axial lead components of different types and values extending from separate supplies, wherein the leads of the components are joined together by elongated tapes, the strips of the components are advanced linearly through a bank of fluid-operated processing heads of essentially planar configuration arranged in closely spaced side-by-side relationship. As each strip of components is advanced through its respective processing head, each component is automatically centered within the head, regardless of the length of the component's body, and its leads are severed to equal lengths from their respective tapes. As the leads of each component are severed, the component is discharged directly onto a conveyor which carries the component to a test station and then to a station in which the leads of the component are retaped for subsequent use in a component inserting machine. Each processing head also includes a mechanism which, just prior to the severing of the leads of each component, cuts the tapes into small segments to facilitate the ejection, storage and disposal thereof. The processing heads are slidably mounted for movement into and out of operative positions independently of one another, and are retained in their operative positions against vibration by an air-cushion clamping mechanism.