Method for performing the automated closure of an axial end of a tubular manufacture and for unloading it inside out and apparatus for performing the method

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

• a step of positioning the manufacture right away out at a sewing or liking station, arranged so that its axis 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 being extended below said handling device;
• a step of turning the manufacture inside out, in which the manufacture, retained by said annular handling device, is passed through said annular handling device, said passage arranging the manufacture inside out above said annular handling device;
• a step of closing said first axial end of the manufacture by sewing or linking;
• a step disengaging the manufacture from said annular handling device;
• a step of moving the manufacture away by means of suction through the upper axial end of a lower spacing tube that faces, with its upper axial end, below said annular handling device;
• said annular handling device being capable of engaging a first axial end of the manufacture to be closed by sewing or linking;
• a reversing device adapted to bring the manufacture, which hangs with said first axial end from said annular handling device, to the inside out configuration above said annular handling device;
• a lower spacing tube that faces, with its upper axial end, below said annular handling device;
• a device for sewing or linking said first axial end of the manufacture that can be operated to close said first axial end of manufacture that is engaged with said annular handling device and is arranged inside out above said annular handling device;
• said annular handling device being disengageable on command from the manufacture and said lower spacing tube being connectable to suction means in order to aspirate the manufacture through its upper axial end and to move the manufacture away upon its disengagement from said annular handling device.