Apparatus for severing an article from a carrier and for positioning the severed article

Apparatus 30, FIG. 2 for severing an article 12 from a carrier strip 10 and for positioning the severed article is disclosed. The apparatus includes a die 33 having an aperture 32 exiting therethrough from an entrance end 35 to an exit end 36. A ramped shaped wall 37 is located on one surface of the aperture to taper the aperature as it extends from the entrance end to the exit end such that the exit end has a rectangular block "C" shaped opening. A punch 31 in axial alignment with the aperture for entering into and extending through the aperture, has a cavity 43 on one surface to accept ramped shaped wall 37 as punch 31 extends into aperture 32 and to form a block "C" shaped surface on the bottom face 42 of punch 31. When an article 12 is placed between punch 31 and aperture 32 and punch 31 is moved into the aperture, article 12 is severed from carrier strip 10 and is pushed by face 42 into the aperture. As the punch 31 moves into aperture 32, ramped shaped wall 37 moved the severed article 12 to position it at exit end 36 of aperture 32.