Method and apparatus for making molded photointerrupters

An apparatus for making molded photointerrupters by using first and second leadframes, the first leadframe carrying a plurality of light emitting devices each having a light emitting face, the second leadframe carrying a plurality of light receiving devices each having a light receiving face, the apparatus comprising:

• a molding unit which is openable and closable, the molding unit including means for supporting the first and second leadframes in a generally horizontal posture with the light emitting faces of the light emitting devices directed toward the light receiving faces of the light receiving devices, the molding unit forming a plurality of molding cavities when the molding unit is closed;
• a first transfer track extending toward the molding unit for transferring one of the first and second leadframes in a generally horizontal posture;
• a second transfer track arranged side-by-side in parallel to the first transfer track and extending toward the molding unit for transferring the other of the first and second leadframes in a generally horizontal posture;
• and
• inverting means for turning over said other leadframe and for bringing said other leadframe to the first transfer track before the light emitting devices and the light receiving devices are introduced into the molding unit so that the light emitting faces of the light emitting devices are directed toward the light receiving faces of the light receiving devices.