Electronic component lead straightening device and method

Abstract

An electronic component lead straightening device and method for conditioning, or reconditioning, electronic devices having an elongated body portion of possible different sizes and materials, and a plurality of metal leads extending from opposite edges of the body portion. The leads, for appropriate use of the electronic component in a circuit, such as a printed circuit on a mounting board, requires their disposition at a preferred predetermined angle to the body, and in substantial parallel mutual relationship, one to another. The present apparatus and method include an elongated generally upward angularly disposed elevated trackway, and a lead spreader and lead aligning work station, positioned on the trackway, compound work means in the station operable on an electronic component positioned in the station, with leads on opposite side edges of the body, to initially spread the leads to a predetermined appropriate angle with respect to the body, then untangle and remove overlapping of leads, if necessary, and subsequently the leads are oriented into substantially parallel relationship with respect to each other. Subsequent to the untangling or orienting and aligning steps, and in the same station, the leads can be, if desired, subjected to an oscillating movement of a nature to reduce elastic memory of the metal in the leads to ensure continued appropriate positionment thereof.