Inserter device for electronic components

Apparatus for the automatic insertion into a PC board or the like positioned at an insertion station of an electronic component having a central body portion and axially extending leads projecting beyond the opposite ends of said body portion comprising a component forming station, means for feeding seriatum a sequence of said components to said forming station along a first path, an anvil member movably mounted at said forming station, said anvil member including a support surface defining a portion of said station, the transverse dimension of said support surface being not substantially greater than the length of said body portion, an applicator assembly movable toward and away from said insertion station along an insertion path intersecting said forming station, said applicator assembly including a bifurcate member having tines spaced apart a distance greater than the length of said body portion and less than the length of said leads, means for shifting said bifurcate member toward said insertion station along said insertion path to a position in spanning relation of said support surface whereby the said leads of a component on said support surface are deflected to a position at right angles to said body portion and are directed toward said insertion station, and means for shifting said support surface of said anvil to a posiion clear of said insertion path following deflection of said leads, whereby a component having deformed said leads is advanced between said tines through said forming station and toward said insertion station.