Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, a traversing shuttle automatically selects one component among a plurality of radially leaded components stored on continuous component belts, centers the component, shears the selected component from the belt, and conveys the component to a pivotable insertion head. The insertion head clamps onto the component leads, pivots and inserts the component leads into predrilled holes in a positioned printed circuit board. A mechanism beneath the board, cuts the leads and clinches the shortened leads to the board. The board is repositioned and another radial lead component of the same or different type and electrical size is selected and the cycle is repeated. Different spacings of components on the storage belts and different lead spacings are automatically accommodated.

Abstract: Under direction of a machine controller, a traversing shuttle automatically selects one component along a plurality of radially leaded components stored on continuous component belts, centers the component, shears the selected component from the belt, and conveys the component to a pivotable insertion head. The insertion head clamps onto the component leads, pivots and inserts the component leads into predrilled holes in a positioned printed circuit board. A mechanism beneath the board, cuts the leads and clinches the shortened leads to the board. The board is repositioned and another radial lead component of the same or different type and electrical size is selected and the cycle is repeated. Different spacings of components on the storage belts and different lead spacings are automatically accommodated.