Abstract: The end closure apparatus is incorporated in the cylinder of a circular knitting machine in surrounding relation to tubular knit fabric advancing from the knitting needles. The apparatus includes constricting elements that are operable simultaneously to close radially on the surrounded tube to constrict it into a compact substantially solid mass. Each constricting element is formed with an intermediate slit so that the elements constrict the fabric at two zones with a space therebetween for heat severing and sealing operation of an electrical resistence heating tool that moves in the slits through the mass of fabric between the zones and dwells thereat to complete sealing and form a small disc-like heat set closure core connecting the yarns of the fabric into a closed end both on the severed tube portion and on the tube portion remaining depending from the needles of the machine.

Abstract: Process for forming a panty-hose with a continuous rotational motion of the needle cylinder, in a circular hosiery machine.After forming a first leg portion, the body porton is formed by going on knitting along a needle arc, by cyclically activating and disactivating, along two semiarcs, variable needle arcs by anchoring the produced partial courses to the continuous ones, thus forming two about disc shaped areas - front and rear - and an arcuated and tapered knit; after closure of said disc shaped areas, working is resumed to form the second leg portion.