An alignment apparatus is configured to include an alignment mechanism. At least one of first legs or second legs of electric conductors are retained so as to be aligned in an arcuate shape or a circular shape by a plurality of holders that make up the alignment mechanism. Thereafter, the plurality of holders are rotated. Accordingly, the electric conductors, which are aligned in an arcuate or circular shape, are rotated and arranged on the same circumference. In other words, the electric conductors are aligned in an annular shape.

An alignment apparatus is configured to include an alignment mechanism. At least one of first legs or second legs of electric conductors are retained so as to be aligned in an arcuate shape or a circular shape by a plurality of holders that make up the alignment mechanism. Thereafter, the plurality of holders are rotated. Accordingly, the electric conductors, which are aligned in an arcuate or circular shape, are rotated and arranged on the same circumference. In other words, the electric conductors are aligned in an annular shape.

A winding assembly for a rotary electric machine includes a stator. Also included is a plurality of radially extending teeth defining a plurality of slots therebetween. Further included is a winding segment disposed within each of the slots, the winding segment having a constant cross-sectional area along an entire length thereof and a cross-sectional geometric shape that varies at each turn along a height of the teeth.