Yarn tuft transfer system

1. A yarn tuft transfer system for a carpet manufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices secured to a belt or chain, each mounting device including:

a functional link element having a mounting for a payload;

first securing means rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a first axis for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a first position; and

second securing means for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a second position spaced from the first, said second securing means being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis;

wherein the first securing means is moveable relative to the second securing means along a line perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second axes;

wherein the system further comprises:

a yarn tuft holder mounted on each payload mounting; and

a control link element articulated with respect to the functional link element, wherein said second securing means is rotatably mounted on the control link element about said second axis, and

wherein the control link element is formed of two link elements, one on each side of the belt or chain.

2. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 , wherein the functional and control link elements have different lengths.

3. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 2 , wherein the functional link element is longer than the control link element.

4. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 , including zero or low backlash joints.

5. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 , wherein the belt or chain is endless and wound around at least one pulley.

6. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 5 , wherein the two securing positions of the or each mounting device are spaced by approximately the pulley radius.

7. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 5 , wherein the functional and control link elements lie substantially perpendicular when positioned around the pulley.

8. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 , wherein the belt is a toothed belt having teeth on its inner side.

9. A yarn transfer system according to claim 8 , wherein the belt includes tension members embedded therein.

10. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 9 , wherein the axes of rotation of the securing means passes through or immediately adjacent the tension members.

11. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 , wherein the chain is a hollow roller type chain.

12. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 11 , wherein the securing means of the functional and/or control link elements includes a shaft for passing through a hollow roller of the chain.

13. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 12 , wherein the or each shaft passes through a respective hollow roller of the chain.

14. A carpet manufacturing machine comprising a yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 1 .

15. A method for making carpet using a carpet manufacturing machine in accordance with claim 14 , comprising the steps of:

inserting yarn tufts into one of the yarn tuft holders at a first position; moving said yarn tuft holder to a second position;

removing said yarn tufts from said yarn tuft holder; and

securing the removed yarn tufts into a backing.

16. A yarn tuft transfer system for a carpet manufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices secured to a belt or chain, each mounting device including:

a functional link element having a mounting for a payload;

first securing means rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a first axis for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a first position; and

second securing means for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a second position spaced from the first, said second securing means being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis; wherein the first securing means is moveable relative to the second securing means along a line perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second axes; wherein the system further comprises:

a yarn tuft holder mounted on each payload mounting: and

a control link element articulated with respect to the functional link element, wherein said second securing means is rotatably mounted on the control link element about said second axis, and

wherein the securing means of the functional and/or control link elements includes a clamp for passing over upper and lower surfaces of the belt.

17. A yarn tuft transfer system for a carpet manufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices secured to a belt or chain, each mounting device including:

a functional link element having a mounting for a payload;

a first securing device rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a first axis which secures the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a first position; and

a second securing device which secures the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a second position spaced from the first, said second securing device being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis; wherein the first securing device is moveable relative to the second securing device along a line perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second axes; wherein the system further comprises:

a yarn tuft holder mounted on each payload mounting; and

a control link element articulated with respect to the functional link element, wherein said second securing device is rotatably mounted on the control link element about said second axis, and

wherein the control link element is formed of two link elements, one on each side of the belt or chain.

18. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 16 , wherein the clamp includes a bar, the bar passing on the inner side of the belt and shaped so as to fit at least partially within the tooth form of the belt.

19. A yarn tuft transfer system according to claim 18 , wherein the belt or chain is endless and wound around at least one pulley, and

wherein the pulley has at least one recess for receiving a portion of the clamp bar that extends from within the tooth form of the belt.

20. A yarn tuft transfer system for a carpet manufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices secured to a belt or chain, each mounting device including:

a functional link element having a mounting for a payload;

a first securing device rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a first axis which secures the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a first position; and

a second securing device which secures the functional link element onto the belt or chain at a second position spaced from the first, said second securing device being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis; wherein the first securing device is moveable relative to the second securing device along a line perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second axes;

wherein the system further comprises:

a yarn tuft holder mounted on each payload mounting: and

a control link element articulated with respect to the functional link element, wherein said second securing device is rotatably mounted on the control link element about said second axis, and

wherein the securing device of the functional and/or control link elements includes a clamp for passing over upper and lower surfaces of the belt.