Abstract: An apparatus for continuous loading and accumulation of rows of suspendedly handled items includes a feed jig at a top of the apparatus with one or more feed channels having grippers for holding the row, and a continuous-motion loader at a bottom of the apparatus having panels or walls on an outer periphery to define a plurality of passageways, wherein the continuous-motion loader has a length defining a row loading area, which is defined by the feed jig, and a pickup area for the rows so loaded, external to the feed jig.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and method for continuous loading and accumulation of rows (12) of suspendedly handled items (5) includes, at the top, a feed jig (2) with one or more feed channels (3) having air conveying means and grippers (4) for holding the items and, at the bottom, a continuous-motion loader (6) having movable panels (7) or fixed walls (8) on the outer periphery to define a plurality of passageways (9). The continuous-motion loader (6) is of such a length as to define a row loading area, defined by the feed jig (2), and a row pickup area external to such jig (2): an additional section may be provided between the feed area and the pickup area for maintenance and accumulation of the loaded rows (12) of items.