Abstract: An apparatus for processing socks in nested pairs includes the frame and a plurality of processing stations which may include a trimming station, a pressing station, a printing station, and a doffing station as well as a nesting station. The nesting station includes the frame, an assembly mounted to the frame for supporting and positioning a second sock to be disposed in an overlying relationship with the first sock but with both socks being an extended generally flatten condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for boarding socks includes a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of subframes define a path of movement for one or more socks being boarded by the apparatus, an assembly for boarding one or more socks including an assembly for moving a sock board into one or more socks, an assembly for positioning one or more socks for engagement by the sock form, and an assembly for delivering one or more socks to the positioning assembly.

Abstract: The accumulation of lint, debris and other contaminants in the needle and dial slots of a circular knitting machine can be significantly reduced by enclosing an annular air chamber spanning between the cylinder and dial and delivering a pressurized airstream into the chamber. The airstream can necessarily escape from the chamber only upwardly through the spacing between the cylinder and dial where the airstream serves to blow lint, debris and contaminants away from the critical knitting elements (e.g., needles and sinkers) and prevent the accumulation of such materials within the cylinder and dial slots. The conventional need for flushing the cylinder slots can be reduced or eliminated.