Component alignment and transfer apparatus

A component alignment and transfer apparatus for transferring a plurality of components aligned in an accumulator, said component alignment and transfer apparatus comprising;

• a transfer mechanism for transferring components from the accumulator, said transfer mechanism comprising;
• a transfer head including a scissor mechanism having a plurality of sections, each section including a pair of scissors arms intersecting at a pivot point and a suction pickup disposed at the pivot point, the plurality of sections being pivotally connected and movable between a first position wherein the suction pickups exhibit a first spacing therebetween adapted for engaging components at said accumulator and a second position wherein the suction pickups exhibit a second spacing, said transfer head further comprising an actuator for moving the suction pickups between the first position and the second position;
• and
• an arm for moving the transfer head to convey components from the accumulator.