Abstract: A device to manipulate hosiery comprises a swift-tack apparatus joined to a j-hook magazine which selectively attaches a swift tack to a hosiery stack with or without a j-hook. The hosiery stack is then selectively inverted by a pair of rotatable clamps. The hosiery stack is then selectively rotated to a desired orientation by a turntable. The hosiery stack is then stacked with other hosiery stacks by means of a drop arrangement onto a lift plate. The combined stacks are then selectively attached one to the other by a second swift-tack apparatus. The above manipulations are effectuated preferably by pneumatic power and a plurality of pusher plates and lift plates.

Abstract: This invention is drawn to an apparatus for applying labels to hosiery, specifically sock stacks. The sock stack travels along a first conveyor and are deposited onto a second conveyor. The second conveyor carries the sock stack to a pair of rotatable clamps. The clamps hold the sock stack and stretch it. A pneumatic cylinder moves the pair of clamps upwardly into contact with an adhesive label. The socks are rotated 360 degrees drawing the label onto the sock stack to band the same.

Abstract: An automated bagging apparatus for use in the hosiery industry which tightens the bag around the hosiery articles prior to sealing to eliminate any extra bag space. This tightening effect is accomplished by holding the articles in place while extending the bag from the articles. The bag, while extended is sealed and trimmed prior to moving the sealed bag onto a conveyor belt for further handling.

Abstract: A sock processing apparatus provides devices for folding, trimming, stacking, and compressing socks. The method provides folding socks by tucking them into a slot in a plate, closing a pair of rollers beneath the plate upon the socks, and thereafter pulling the socks through the slot under roller compression. The socks then move to a trimming station, where they are held in place while a trimmer removes excess threads. The socks are then stacked and moved to a compression station for compression prior to packaging.

Abstract: An automatic boarding machine and method provides convenience, precision and efficiency of operation. Boarding forms are horizontally positioned for easy loading and ergonomic advantage. Microprocessor controls allow variable speed and cycle times while independent temperature controls permit precise temperature adjustments for a series of thermal pressers. The boarding machine is configured to provide space saving circular movement of a plurality of forms which pass sequentially through a moisture treatment, heated presses, and an unloader. The processed hosiery is then stacked on a conveyor, and excess yarn ends are removed by an electrical trimmer. A control panel allows the operator to change and adjust all phases of the operation easily and quickly to insure uniformity of the finished product.

Abstract: A piston assembly employs a central velocity tube which provides an increase in speed of the initial downward stroke phase while requiring less power than conventional hydraulic cylinder assemblies. A second stage hydraulic surge causes the piston to forcefully descend the final increment of the downstroke for an increase in power of the piston. The return or upstroke of the piston is of conventional hydraulic design.

Abstract: A piston assembly employs a central velocity tube which provides an increase in speed of the initial downward stroke phase while requiring less power than conventional hydraulic cylinder assemblies. A second stage hydraulic surge causes the piston to forcefully descend the final increment of the downstroke for an increase in power of the piston. The return or upstroke of the piston is of conventional hydraulic design.

Abstract: A high torque, low speed hydraulic motor is disclosed which comprises a gerotor type rotary displacement assembly which is composed of an outer ring and an internal, eccentrically mounted star. The outer ring of the assembly is fixed to and rotates with the drive shaft, and the inner star is held against rotation by a universal shaft linkage. A fluid valve is provided for the gerotor assembly which comprises a timing plate and a spool having cooperating flat faces, and the two faces are adjustably biased together to permit control of fluid leakage therebetween.

Abstract: The disclosure is of electrostatic recording apparatus including a plurality of groups of printing electrodes on one side of a sheet of printing paper and a plurality of base or counter electrodes on the other side of the paper. Corresponding electrodes in each group of printing electrodes are connected together to form sub-groups of printing electrodes. Data signals, to be printed, are connected to electrodes in all of the sub-groups of printing electrodes at the same time, and selected base electrodes are energized to select the associated printing electrodes which actually perform a printing operaion.According to the invention, the counter electrodes are operated in pairs, with two adjacent counter electrodes being energized at any instant. However, the counter electrodes are not operated sequentially in pairs, buy they are paired randomly in the series, with favorable spacing being provided between sequentially operated pairs.

Abstract: A universal swivel hose coupling which is adapted to be sealably connected to dissimilar externally threaded male fittings. The hose coupling includes a tubular stem having one end adapted to be received into the end of a hose and an opposite end having a forwardly facing frusto-conical surface. A nut is rotatably carried by the stem and includes an entry end portion at the outer end thereof. The frusto-conical portion of the stem is adapted to sealably mate with a male "flare" fitting having a conically tapered forward end conforming to the taper of the frusto-conical portion, and the entry end portion of the nut is adapted to sealably engage the O-ring of a male "straight thread O-ring boss" fitting.