Yarn tuft transfer system

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.

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.

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.