Axial lead component feeder with anti-bunching mechanism

An axial lead feeding apparatus having an input end and an output end for feeding axial lead components to a conveying means comprising a magnetic feed bin having magnetic elements which supply a magnetic field that suspends said electrical components in said bin, a pick-up wheel for transferring said components from said feed bin to said conveying means having a plurality of pairs of notches on its periphery and a magnet associated with each of said notches for attracting the leads of said electrical components so that the leads of one of said components can be drawn into each pair of said notches, drive means for rotating said wheel adjacent the output end of said magnetic feed bin and rocking means synchronized with the rotation of said magnetic feed wheel for periodically rocking said magnetic feed bin in order to prevent bunching of said components and to maintain a satisfactory feeding distribution of said components in said feed bin, including means which contacts the input end of said feed bin and is constructed to periodically rock said input end of said feed bin up and down.