Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating flexible articles comprising an openable dispenser (116) for retaining one article (123) disposed along the dispenser (116) and arranged so that the (116) dispenser continues to support the article (123) when it is opened and in that the apparatus includes movable gripping means (400) arranged to grip the hose (123) at two predetermined positions and thereafter lift the article (123) from the dispenser (116). The gripping means (400) may comprise a pair of spaced-apart grippers (402) or a gripper and suction tube arrangement mounted on a common support (404) and moveable towards and away from the dispenser by a pneumatic or hydraulic piston and cylinder (406) arrangement. A method of manipulating a flexible article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for orienting flaccid material such as hose blanks having toe ends and bulkier welt ends while they are being conveyed from a supply point to a receiving point to ensure that blanks arriving at the receiving point are received, for example, toe end first. The apparatus includes first and second suction conduits in communication with an outlet. The first conduit has an inlet to which hose blanks are successively presented. An orientation determining mechanism senses which end of a blank enters the inlet. If a toe end is sensed, the hose is permitted to travel unhindered to the outlet. If, however, a welt end is sensed at the inlet, suction is created in the second conduit, and the welt end is temporarily drawn into the second conduit. While the welt end is thus located, suction in the first conduit causes the toe end to be drawn therealong, past the second conduit and toward the outlet.