Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for automatically loading socks on forms (1) comprises a suction unit (20) at an inlet, a carousel (10) with several stations (2, 3, 4, 5), a positioning unit (30) of the sock (S), a tucking-up unit (40) and a pick-up robot (50). The carousel has intermediate supports (12) onto which can be put, partially or completely, the socks (S). The carousel (10) brings the intermediate supports (12) through successive stations (2, 3, 4, 5) up to a pick-up station (5), where an arm (52) is connected pivotally (55a) to a carriage sliding on an upright (53). Means are provided for translating (53a) vertically the carriage vertically upwards or downwards, along the upright (53), and for rotating (55a) integrally the arm (52) about said horizontal axis (55). Pick-up fingers (56) are provided at a first end (52b) of said arm (52) associated to means for opening (56a) and closing them. The arm is movable between at least a first and a second position; in the first position the fingers (56) are oriented downward and capable of entering through the band portion between the sock (S) and an intermediate support (12) onto whose the sock (S) is put with tip portion orientated downward; in the second position the pick-up fingers (56) are oriented upward and capable of placing the sock (S) with tip portion towards the above on a steaming form (6) oriented upwards.

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First Claim