Method for closing automatically an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it in an inside-out configuration, and apparatus for performing the method

A method for closing an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it in an inside-out configuration, comprising sequentially:

• a step of positioning the manufacture, in a right-way-out configuration, at a sewing or linking station, arranged so that an axis of the manufacture is substantially vertical and so that it hangs, by means of a first axial end to be closed by sewing or linking, from an annular handling device, said manufacture extending below said annular handling device;
• a step of inserting the manufacture, retained by said annular handling device, inside an upper reversing tube that is or can be positioned, with its lower axial end, above said annular handling device for the passage of the manufacture through said annular handling device, said passage arranging the manufacture in the inside-out configuration;
• a step of closing said first axial end of the manufacture by sewing or linking;
• a step of disengaging the manufacture from said annular handling device;
• a step of removing the manufacture through the upper axial end of said upper reversing tube.