Device and method for preparing mandrels, device for collecting the wound mandrels and device and method for handling the mandrels

A device for preparing a set of mandrels (1′) to be fitted onto a rod (7) and spaced apart from one another, comprising at least two grooves (2, 3) arranged in proximity to one another, namely:

• a supply groove (2) for receiving the mandrels (1) aligned along the axis of said supply groove (2) and juxtaposed via their end face, said supply groove (2) being associated with means for juxtaposing said aligned mandrels (1), the means for juxtaposing the mandrels (1) arranged in the supply groove (2) comprising a unit for conveying the mandrels along the supply groove (2), said unit being associated with an abutment (4) at one end of the supply groove (2) for immobilizing axially the mandrels (1) aligned in said supply groove (2) in a juxtaposed position, and
• a receiving groove (3) for receiving mandrels (1′) selected from the aligned mandrels (1) the supply groove (2), said receiving groove (3) being equipped with abutment members (6) that can be positioned in said receiving groove (3) along the axis of said receiving groove (3) in order to define individual housings (18) for receiving the selected mandrels (1′), the device also comprising means (5) for transferring the selected mandrels (1′) from the supply groove (2) toward said individual receiving housings (18).