EP 1 985 732 A1 "| oD) MUTUAL ty EP 1 985 732 A1 (12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION (43) Date of publication: (51) Int 29.10.2008. Bulletin 2008/44 Dosb sans eo") (21) Application number: 081549545, (22) Date of fing: 22.04.2008 (64) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventor: Burton, Michael Winspear ATBEBGCHCYCZDEDKEEESFIFRGBGR | Stourbridge, West Midlands DY9 OLB (GB) HR HUIE IS IT LILT LU LV MC MT NLNO PL PT RO SE SISK TR (74) Pepresentatve: Finnie, Peter John Designated Extension States: Gill Jennings & Every LLP ALBA MK RS Broadgate House 7 Eldon Street (90) Priory: 28.04.2007 GB o7a7ec2 London EC2M 7LH (GB) (71) Applicant: BRINTONS LIMITED Kidderminister Worcestershire DY10 1AG (GB) (64) Yarn tuft transter system (57) _Ayamntutttranstersystem (10) fora carpetman Ufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices (20) secured to abett (12) orchain. The or each ‘mounting device (20) includes a functional link element (21) having a mounting (24) for a payload, frst securing ‘means (27) rotatably mounted on the functional ink ele ‘ment about a fist axis for securing the functional lnk element onto the belt orchain ata firstpositon, and sec- ‘ond securing means (81) for securing the functional lnk clement onto the belt or chain at a second postion spaced rom the fis, saldmeane being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis. The first securing means is moveable relative to the second securing means along a ine perpendicular to and inter secting he frstand secondaxes. The system (10)further ‘comprises yam tut holder (11) mounted on the or each payload mounting (24), Also, acarpet manufacturing ma: chine including the yam tut transfer system, anda meth ‘od for making carpet using the carpet manufacturing ma- chine, Fig. 51 EP 1.985 732 A1 2 Description Field of the Invention [0001] The invention relates to @ device for mounting ‘a payload upon a bett or chain, particularly fora transfer system. Background to the Invention [0002] Attachments to dive bets, particularly toothed drive bets, or chains are typioaly at only a single point and generally the exact postion of the attachment is nat critical for conveying or transport applications. Attach ‘ments may be made through protrusions extruded into Cr bonded tothe back ofthe toothed belt or screwed or ‘vetted through the belt from the tooth sid, In some ex: ‘amples the attachment is concealed within the tooth, such as dsclosedin EP1092657A where acaptiveinsert 's buried in the tooth, or within the root ofthe tooth gap, such @s disclosed in JP2005-075488A. In others It pro trudes from the tooth side and requires modification of ‘mating pulleys, to avoid the attachment, such as cis: closed in JP2000-095316A. A disadvantage of a single ‘attachment point is that ft eles on belt tension to make it stable. Any loading on protruding attachments willtend to flex the bett easily [0003] DE102004032736A discloses a toothed belt having attachments each connected to the belt at two points. The stabilty ofthe attachment is improved over those having a single attachment point but the attach ‘ment points are too close to provide a precise position when the attachment i loaded. [0004] P1245510A discloses a device that attaches toa toothed belt at two points. Due to the width of the device, itis necessary thatthe device bends the bett so thatcan more easly ride aroundthe cogrolers. However, intime, this willeadto localised stretching ofthe beltand inaccurate positioning [0005] transfer system's requiredin whicha payload 's loaded onto an attachment ofa bet, or the Tike, while positioned on a pulley. Existing systems will not provide Sufficient accurate and repeatable positioning. Ths is particulary evident where the loading invoWves exerting force on the transfer system to lack the payload onto it [0006] There is therefore a need in the at for an im: proved attachment for sacuring onto a bel or chain that 's more stable when secured and can be used to provide accurate and repeatable positioning ‘Summary of the Invention [0007] According toa fist aspect ofthe invention there 's provided a yarn tut transfer system for a carpet man Uufacturing machine, comprising one or more mounting devices secured toa belt or chain, the or each mounting deviee including: € functional link element having a mounting for @ payload, first securing means rotatably mounted on the func- tional lnk element about a first axis for securing the functional ink element onto the belt or chain ata fst postion; and ‘second securing means for securing the functional link element onto the belt or chain at @ second posi- tionspacedtromthe first, saidmeansbeingrotatable relative tothe functional link lement abouta second ‘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; and the system further comprising: fa yarn tuft holder mounted on the or each payload mounting [0008] The yam tut holder may be similar to that de- sctibed in applicant's co-pending UK patent application ne. 0707800.9 filed under Attorney Reference PJFO2245G8 on even date, entitled "Yarn Tuft Holder’ cr any other suitable yam tut holder. [0009] According to a second aspect ofthe invention there is provided a carpet manufacturing machine com- prising the yarn tuft transfer system ofthe first aspect. [0010] Accordingtoathirdaspectoftheinventionthere is provided a method for making carpet using the carpet manufacturing machine of the second aspect, compris: ing the steps of: Inserting yarn tuts into one of the yarn tuft holders ata first position; ‘moving said yar tuft holder to a second positon removing sald yarn tufts from sald yarn tuft holder, and securing the removed yarn tufts into a backing, [0011] The machine may be a carpet weaving loom similar to that described in WO 95/91594 or WO 02100978, or any other suitable carpet manufacturing machine, [0012] Preferably, the device further comprises @ con- trol link element articulated with respect tothe functional link element, the second securing means being rotatably ‘mounted on the control link element about the second ‘axis. The control ink element acts to control the angle ot the functional link element relative tothe pulley radi. ‘The articulation between the contol lnk and the func- tional ink permits displacement of the frst and second securing means towards and away from one another in fa constrained manner. [0013] Inapreferred embociment, apluralty ofthe de- Vices are attached to a toothed belt wound in tension round a set of pulleys. The devices are attached tothe belt attwo spaced apart attachment points. Itutlises the8 EP 1.985 732 A1 4 accuracy of the belt pitch and well defined belt positon while on the pulley to glve an accurate and repeetable position and angle tothe functionallink, particularly while fon the pulley. [0014] The functional links able to resis forces along the belt running direction, It's also able to resist forces perpendicular to the belt and resist moments about an ‘axis parallel to the pulley rotational axis while onthe pul ley. [0015] Resistance to moments may be greater than fromthebetttension alone where the beltteeth arelocked Into a zero backlash pulley profi, [0016] _Inapreferred embodiment, the securing means ofthe ink elements includes a two part clamp arrange: ‘mentthat traps the bet. Preferably, one part ofthe clamp passes between teeth of the belt onthe lower side ofthe bet [0017] Preterably, the inks have ctferentlengths. The functional ink may be the longer ink. [0018] Preferably, the two bett attachment points are spaced by approximately the pulley radius apart (tothe ‘nearest tooth interval) to provide good resistance to mo- ‘ments on the functional nk [0019] The lengths of the functional link and control link should be chasen to make the control ink perpen dicular to the functional ink when the device is on the pulley. The functional link length should be as long es practical and the control ink as short as practical, This arrangement gives the best angular stability and accu racy tothe functional nk [0020] Pulley teeth may be cutout at regularintervals, Where necessary, toclearthe securingmeans, The nom: inal number of teeth on the pulley should be @ mutiple ‘ofthe tooth spacing between the two securing points of the device. na preferred embodiment, there is provided 2.80 teeth pulley and a 5 teeth securing point spacing such that 6 teeth are cut out [0021] In a preferred embodiment, the clamps pass ‘over the upper and lower surfaces ofthe belt and hold the belt by a snug fit but without pressure. The clamp ‘may include a bar that passes on the tooth side of the belt anc may be shaped in any way to fit within the tooth form, and may extendfurther autside the tooth form, This ‘may lead to 2 clearance between the clamp bar and the belt tooth flanks while the belts between pulleys and @ sug fit between the flanks while on each pully, [0022] Preferably, the axis of rotation of the securing ‘means passes through or immediately adjacent one or ‘more tension members embedded inthe bel, such that they do nat cause twisting in the tension members when the functional link s loaded. [0023] The control link may comprise two separate links, one each side of the belt, but stabilty may be im: proved, if required, through making the two links as a single piece. Inthe case of the latter, cut out sections ‘may be formed in the single piece control link for the functional ink andthe securing clamp of the contol ink [0024] Preterably, zero or low backlash joints ar pro: ‘vided between the links andior between the link(s) and their securing means. Brief Deseri n of the Drawings: [0025] Examples of the present invention wil now be descrived in detail wth reference to the accompanying drawings, in whic Figure 1 is @ partly sectioned side elevation of the loom; Figure 2s a schematic side elevation ofthe weaving section ofthe loom Figure 3s a side elevation of the yam tuft transfer system ofthe loom Figure 4is an isometric view ofthe yarn tuttransfer system of Figure 3; Figure 5 isan isometric view ofa par ofthe transfer system of Figure 3 Figure Bis aside elevation ofthe part of the transfer system of Figure 5; Figure 7 isa sectioned side elevation ken through the centresine of the transfer system of Figure §; Figures a to &c are schematic sectioned side ele- vations of altemative clamping arrangements; Figure 9s an isometvic view of an altemative clamp- ing arrangement; Figure 10s aside elevation ofthe clampingarrange- ‘ment of Figure 9; and Figure 11 isa sectioned view along line X-X of Figure 10. Detailed Description [0026] The carpet weaving loom of a preferred imple: ‘mentation of the invention is shown in Figures 1 and 2, “The loom includes one or more tuft forming units 1 each cof which supplies yarn tutsto one or more diferentweav- ing points and each of which includes @ yarn inserting device 2, a movable creel 3 for holding supplies of yarn, ‘and guides 4 to guide yarn trom a supply & onthe creel 810 the or each tuft forming unit 1. The creel Sis located inthe front ofthe loom and behind the weavers postion 7. This is onthe opposite side ofthe loom from the warp beam (not shown) from which the warp threads 8 are provided, Alternatively the creel 3 maybe located above ‘remainder ofthe loom 6, The completed carpet is col lected on a roll, [0027] The loom includes a yam tuft transfer system 10 including five yarn tuft holders 11 mounted on belts 12. The belts 12 are arranged for movement around a closed loop to sequentially present each ofthe yarn tut holders 11 to the yam tuf insertion devices 2. A set of grippers 13 are adapted to unload the lowermost yarn tuftholder 11 thats filed wth tuts and transfer these to their respective weaving point 15. [0028] Inthe preferredimplementation shown with ret- ference to Figures 1 and 2, asthe tuft forming units 15 EP 1.985 732 A1 6 traverse across theloom, tufts are placedby the insertion devices 2intuttretention sites formed alongthe top edge of the yarn tuft holder 11. When al of the tuft retention sites have been loaded, the yar tut holder 11 rotates clockwise (as seen in figure 2) to move the loaded tuft holder 11 towards the lowermast position and to move ‘an empty yarn tuft holder 11 towards the uppermost po- Stion. The insertion devices 2 ofthe tu forming units 1 then load tuts into the uppermost yarn tuft holder as they traverse back across the loom in the opposite direction, [0029] The grippers 13 move upwards, counter-clock- Wise as seen in Figure2, wth their beaks open and then close to grip all ofthe tufts held by the lowermost yam tuftholder 11. The grippers 19 then rotate inthe opposite direction to move the ttt to the weaving point 15 where the tuts are woven into the carpet and the grippers 13 ‘open to release the tuts. The beat up reeds and welt Inserion mechanism have been omited from Figure 1 for clarity but are entirely conventional and similar to those used on the conventional gripper Axminster carpet looms. [0030] The yam tut transfer system 10 shown with et ference to Figures 3 and 4 includes two sets of toothed pulleys 14,16, 18 rotatably mountedon beam 17 via bear: Ing blocks 19. Pulays 14 are located on a common shaft and driven by a motor (not shown) at one end of the ‘common shaft, The motor and shaft have a low backlash Coupling and low backlash gearbox is disposed between the motor and the shaft. The gearbox provides sufficient accuracy in the postioning of the pulleys 14 andto allow the motor to resist movement of the pullays 14,16 as forces are applied by the insertion device(s) 2 during loading ofthe yarn tutts and unloading by the loom grip pers 13. twould also be possible to employ a brake sys: tem to lock the shaft through pullays 14 in the correct position to prevent any movement from the loading/un Toading't higher forces wereto be applied. Wound around ‘each set of pulleys 14,16,18 is a toothed bett 12. Teeth ofthe belts 12 engage with teeth ofthe pulleys 14,16, 18, The five yarn tut holders 11 are mounted upon the belts 12, The motor drives the belts 12 synchronously such that the yam tuft holders 11 mounted on the belts 12 remainperpendiculartothebelts 12.Themotormay dive the belts 12 either continuously or in a stepped manner. [0031] Of course, the arrangement of the yam tuft transfer system 10 may be altered such thatthe nunber cof yam tuft holders 11, the number of pulleys 14,16, 18, the number of motors, and the path ofthe belts 12 may be altered. For example, a greater or fewer number of yar tut holders 11 may be mounted on the betts 12; a ‘greater or fewer number of the pulleys may be driven; ‘and a greater or fewer numberof pulleys may be provid: ed. [0032] The mounting of each end ofthe yarn tuft hold ers 11 tothe belts 12willnowbe describedwith reference to.8 preterred embodiment shown in Figures 5-7. The ‘mounting comprises an articulated linkage 20 including ‘functional ink element 21 and a pair of contol ink el ements 22. The functional link element 21 includes ‘mounting holes 23 spaced on either side of a mounting Platform 24 to which one end ofayam tuttholder 11 may bbe mounted. The mounting may be by means of screws, {or example, for ease of mounting and demounting of the ‘yarn tuft older 11, The control link elements 22 are er ticulated with respect tothe functional ink element 21 by ‘means of a spindle 25 held in position by locking nuts 26. Of course, other means of articulation may be pro- Vided as will be apparent to those stile in the ar. [0033] The functionallink elementincludes.aclamp 27 ‘that passes over both upper 12a and lower 12b surfaces ofthe belt 12. The clamp 27 is rotatably mounted with respect to the functional link element 21 such that the ‘unctionalink element can rotate with respect to the belt 12s the belt passes around the pulleys. The clamp 27 Includes a fist bar 28 that passes over the upper surface 12a of the belt and a lower bar 29 that passes over the lower surtace 120 ofthe belt. The upper bar 28 has a flat lower surface such thatthe upper bar 28 les fish with the upper surface12a ofthe bettas the belt 12 runs be- tween the pulleys 14,16,18, The lower bar 29 has a form ‘that just fits snugly within the tooth form of the lower sur- {ace 120 ofthe bettas the belt 12 encounters the pulleys 14,16. This generates aclearance between the lowerbar 29 and the toothed profile ofthe lower surface 126 ofthe bettas the belt 12 runs between the pulleys. [0034] The ciamp 27 is ttted onto the belt 12 by post- tioning the upper bar 28 over the belt 12 and sliding the lower bar 29 through from one side ofthe upper bar 28 tots other side and then locking the lower bar 29 in po- sition by cips 30 on each side ofthe clamp 27. The clips 30 preventlateralmovementbetween the upper andlow- er bars 28,29, The clamp 27 can similarly be removed ‘rom the belt 12 by releasing the clips 20, sliding out the lower bar29 and removing the upper bar 28 from the bet 12, [0035] The controlink elements 22 aremountedto the belt 12 by a clamp $1 constructed in the same manner fas the clamp 27, [0036] The pulleys 14,16,18 have teeth cut out at reg: Ula intervals 32 such thatthe clamps 27,31 do nat ob- struct engagement between the pulley teeth and the bet teeth [0037] The articulated linkage 20 solves the problem Inthe pri an, and provides an accurate and repeatable postion fora transfer system whore the payload support is to be loaded whist postioned on one of the pulleys. ‘The articulated inkage 10 is therefore particulary suta- ble forthe yarn tuft transfer system 20 of the invention, [0038] The articulated linkage ulises the accuracy of the belt pitch and well defined belt position while on the pulley, due tothe zero backlash pulley profle and accu rate control ofthe motor, to give an accurate and repeat- able position and angleto the functional ink element 21, particulary whilst positioned on one of the pulleys. The functional link element 21 is able to resist forces in @ dlrection along the bel 12 It also resists forces perpen-7 EP 1.985 732 A1 8 icularto the belts 12 and resists moments about an axis parallel to the puley rotational axis while on the pully. Resistance to moments is greater than from the belts tension alone, as the belt teeth are locked into a zero backlash pulley profle, [0039] The functional ink element 21 is longer than the contol link elements 22, The control lnk elements 22ccontrol the angle ofthe functional ink element 21 with respect tothe pulley radius. The clamps 27,81 are pos tioned such that the two belt attachment points forthe articulated linkage 20 are spaced by approximately the pulley radius apart to provide good resistance to mo: ‘ments when a payload, such as the yam tufts ofthe pre ferred embodiment, is loaded onto a payload support, such asthe yam tuft holder 11, mounted on the mounting platform 24 ofthe articulated linkage 20. [0040] The lengths of the functional link element 21 ‘andthe controlink elements 22 have been selectedsuch thatthe contro ink elements 22 are substantially per Ppencicular tothe functional nk element 21 when the ar ticulated linkage 20 is positioned on one of the pulleys, For improved angular stability and accurate positioning (ofthe functional Ink element 21, the functional lnk ele ‘ment 21 is as long as practical and the contal lnk ele ments 22 are as short as practical [0041] The cut cu teeth at positions 32 on the pulleys for clearance of the clamps 27,31 dictate the nominal ‘number of teeth on each pulley. The nominal number of teeth on each pulley must be a mutipl ofthe tooth spac: ingbetween agjacent attachment positions 32. Inthe em bodiment shown with referencato Figures 5-7, the trans: fer system has thirty teeth pulleys having a five teeth attachment point spacing such that there are six teeth cut out at locations 32 [0042] ternative profiles of the lower bar 29 are con templated within the scope ofthe invention andithese are llustrted in Figures 8a to 8 In the Figure @a embod! ‘ment, the lower clamp bar 29ais cylindrical. In the Figure {8b embodiment, the lower clamp bar 29b has a trapezol- dal cross-section that fts within the tooth profile of the bt 12 and does not extend beyond that profile. In the Figure 8 embodiment the lower clamp bar 29c has a flattened cylindrical shape similar tothe lower clamp bar 29 but leaving a slight clearance near the tooth route of the belt 12 [0043] The lower clamp bar 29a leaves the greatest ‘gap within the belt tooth profie and so requires larger cut ‘outs inthe pulleys leading to reduced suppor of adjacent teeth. However, the cylindrical shape ofthe bar 29a has ow manufacturing costs and is strong. The bar 296 fits snugly within the belt tooth profle and so gives aceurate positioning and high strength with good transfer of loads ‘between the bar and the tocth flanks. The cutouts inthe pulley also do nat interfere with suppor of adjacent teeth However, the bar 290 is expensive to manufacture and less rigidthan other embodiments. The bar29c Is cheap- fer to manufacture and is stronger than the bar 29b and provides reasonable support of adjacent teeth [0044] A clamp 27:31 constructed having the lower clamp bar 2b is shown in Figures 9-11. The belt 12 is shown having tension members 33 running longitudinally there through and these are also preferably provided in the embodiment shown with reference to Figures 5-7. ‘The clamps 27,31 preferably have thelr axes of rotation intersecting the tension members 33 so thatthe clamps 27,31 do not cause twisting in the tension members 83 when the functional link element is loaded. In practice, the approximation ofthe rotation axis close tothe tension members 33 has proved satisfactory and avoids larger bearing diameters and more complex attachment con figurations. [0045] Inthe embodiment described with reference to Figures 5-7, the contol link elements 22 are illustrated 18 two seperate link elements, one on each side of the belt 12. However, stabilty may be improved, If required, ‘through manufacturing the contrllink elements as asin gle body having cutout sections for the functional link element 21 and the control link element clamp 31 [0046] Torminimise backlash andto improve the post- tional accuracy of the transfer system 10, zero backlash revolute joints are provided between the functional link element 21 and the contol lnk element{s) 22 and be- ‘ween the functional link element 21 and the clamp 27 and the control link element(s) 22 and the clamp 81 in the preterred embodiments [0047] Whilst various clamps have been described in ‘the foregoing it willbe appreciated by those skilled in the at that other means for securing the functional lnk ele- ‘ment 21 and the contallink element(s) 2 tothe belt 12 are envisaged within the scope of the invention. As de- sctibed above, itis beneficial for the forces onthe clamps tobe aligned with ornearto the belttension members 33. [0048] Whilst the invention has been described with referencetoan ariculated inkage havingtwo attachment points tothe bett 12, itis envisaged that articulated link ‘ages having a greater number of attachment points also lie within the scope of the Invention, The three or more attachment points would needte be equally spacedit the clamps of the above described system are to be em ployed. Otherwise, many teeth would need to be cut out ‘rom the pulleys. However, itwillbe appreciated by those skied in the art that altemative securing means, such 28 bolts or mouldings, other than the above described clamps could be employed to overcome ths restriction [0049] In a further aternatve embodiment, the articu lated linkage comprises a functional nk element, similar toitem 20 described above, having amounting fora pay- load, The functional ink element has-a clamp atone end, similar to item 27 described above, However, atits other tend a slot is provided, A second clamp, similar to tem 31 described above, is frealy rotatably mounted in the slot and is moveable within the slat in the slat arection, “The functional link element is constrained from rotation by the second clamp. The slot length allows forthe dit- ference in length between the attachmentpintsbetween chordal and circumferential lengths on the pulleys.8 EP 1.985 732 A1 10 [0050] In yet further alternative embodiments, the ar ticulated linkage may be secured onto a chain, rather than a bett. In one embodiment the chain is ofa hollow roller type and attachment between the articulated link: ‘age and the belt is provided by shafts passing through the hollow rollers. he beltclamps ofthe above described embodiments could be replaced by such shafts for ‘mounting onto a chain as willbe readily appreciated by those skilled in the ar. The embodiments described ‘above including one or more control ink elements and those having a sit could.be employed for attaching to a chain inthis manner. [0051] In the preferred embodiment, the transfer sys: tems a yam tuft transfer system and a yam tuft holder 11 is mounted on the or each payload mounting 24. The yarn tuft holder 11 may take many diferent forms for securely holding each tut. The tut holder may be rigid and the profile of each slot defining a tuft retention site ‘may be shaped such that the inherent elastcty of the tuft holds the tuft atthe bottom ofthe slot when pressed therein. Aternatively, oe or both opposing sides of each slot may be formed ofa resilient material capable of grip ping a tuft presented into the slt, Yet further, the sides (of each slot may be rigid and a resent clip may be pro Vided to hold the tuft in plac. [0052] Preferably, the yam tuft holder 11 is similar to thet descrised in applicant's co-pending UK patent ap- plication no, 0707800.9 fled under Attomey Reference PJF02245GB on even date, enttled "Yarn Tutt Holder. ‘Such ayam tuftholder comprises aresilintiy deformable comb portion for receiving and holding yam tufts, and a Figid comb portion disposed adjacent the resiliently de- formable comb portion and for the guiding grippers 13 ‘adapted to remove yarn tufts held by the resiliently de- formable comb portion. This provides improved control ‘over the yarn tufts and the grippers 13 leading to more roliabletranster ofthe yarntuftstothelrweaving postions 16, [0053] In the preferred yam tuft holder the resiliently deformable comb portion is of plastics material and formed having an array of teth separated by slots. The teeth are shaped so as to define a stem portion and a head portion wider than the stem postion. The length and form of the stem defines the degree of flexibilty of each tooth a shorter, fatter stem producing astitfe tooth. The head portion has a cut out for forming a cavity with an ‘agjacent tooth, the cavity being adaptedforreceivingand hoidinga yar tuftata yam tuftretentionsite,Adimension ofthe cavity s sutable fr firmly holding the yam tuftand yet enabiing removal ofthe yarn tut by the grippers eas- ly. A lip extends from the top ofthe cavity towards the ‘adjacent tooth to help keep the tuft in position. The head portion is tapered towards the top so thatthe tooth does ‘ot undergo a large deflection as the yarn tuts loaded ‘and as the Insertion device is retracted. Ths feature is particulary beneficial where the yarn tut holder simple: ‘mented in a loom where the yarn tut insertion device(s) Continuously traverse across the length ofthe stationary ‘yam tuft holder loading tufts therein. Claims 1 Ayam uttranstersystem foracarpet manufacturing ‘machine, comprising one or more mounting devices ‘securedto a belt or chain, the or each mounting de- Vice including: ‘a functional ink element having a mounting for payload; first securing means rotatably mounted on the functional link element about a frst axis for se curing the functional ink element onto the belt ‘or chain ata frst position; and ‘second securing means fer securing the func tional fink element onto the bett or chain at a second position spaced from the first, said ‘means being rotatable relative to the functional link element about a second axis; \hereinthe rst securingmeans is moveable relative tothe second securing means along a line perpen- dicular to and intersecting the frst and second axes; and the system further comprising: ‘a yarn tuft holder mounted on the or each pay- load mounting ‘Ayamntuttransfer eystem according ta clam 1, ur thercomprisinga contro inkelement articulated with respect to the functional link element, said second securingmeansbeing rotatably mountedonthe con- tro link element about said second axis, ‘A yam tuf transfer system according to claim 2, \Whereinthe functionalandcontrollinkelementshave ditferent lengths, ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to claim 3, Wherein the functional nk elementis longer than the contal nk element, ‘Ayarn tut transfer system according to any preced- Ing claim, Including zero or low backlash joints. ‘Ayam tuttransfer system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the control ink element is formed of two link elements, ane on each side of the belt or chain, ‘Aya tut transfer system according to any preced: ing cizim, wherein the bett or chain is endless and wound around at least one pulley. AA yam tuft transfer system according to claim 7, Wherein the two securing postions of the or each10. 1 2 2 1“ 18. 16. . 18. 9, 20. " EP 1.985 732 A1 mounting device are spaced by approximately the pulley radius. ‘A yam tuft transfer system accorting to claim 7 of 8, when dependenton claim2, whereinthe functional ‘and controlink elements le substantially perpen: ular when positioned around the pulley ‘Ayartutttransferystem according to any of ciaims 20 9, wherein the securing means of the functional ‘andior control ink elements includes a clamp for passing over upper and lower surfaces of the bet. ‘Ayam tut transfer system according to any preced: ing claim, wherein the belt is a toothed belt having teeth on its Innerside, ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to claims 10 and 11, wherein the clamp includes a ber, the bar passing on he inner side ofthe belt and shaped so 8 to fit atleast partially within the tooth form ofthe belt ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to claim 12, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the pulley has at least one recess for receiving a portion of the clamp bar thet extends from within the tooth form of the bet ‘Ayamtufttransfer system accordingto any fciaims 111to 13, wherein the belt includes tension members ‘embedded therein. ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to ciaim 14, Wherein the axes of rotation of the securing means passes through or immeciately agjacent the tension members. ‘Ayam tufttransfer system according to any of claims 11t0 9, wherein the chain is @hollow ollertype chain, ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to claim 16, when dependent on ciaim 2, wherein the securing ‘means ofthe functional andior contol ink elements includes @ shalt for passing through a hollow roller ‘of the chain, ‘A yam tuft transfer system according to claim 17, \wherein the or each shaft passes through a respec: tive hollow roller of the chain ‘A carpet manufacturing machine comprising a yam ‘uf transfer system according to any preceding claim, ‘A method for making carpet using a carpet manu: facturingmachine in accordance with claim 19, com- prising the steps of 12 inserting yarn tutis nto one ofthe yarn tft hold- cers ata first postion ‘moving seid yarn tuttholdertoa secondposition; removing sed yarn tuts from sald yarn tut hold- er,and ‘securing the removed yam tufts into a backingFig. 1EP 1.985 732 A1 Fig. 2EP 1.985 732 A1 eg Fig. 4Fig. 5EP 1.985 732 A1EP 1.985 732 A1 aEP 1.985 732 A1 29c Fig. 8cEP 1.985 732 A1 29b Fig. 14EP 1.985 732 A1 » pale tase EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT popteten nunber EP 08 15 4954 ‘ton of ccurers wth inoaton where aera, Feeeent oateron] siromvan penages Daa X JUS 2.954 805 A (GUNTER WILKESMANN) 1,19,20 4 October 1960 (1960-10-64) * column 9, line 8 = colum 10, line 54; figures 3-5 * A US 2 747 647 A (CECIL BRINTON ESME TATTON |1,19,20 ET AL) 29 May 1956 (1956-05-29) * column 4, line 35 - line 61; figures 34,6 * A [ep 1 156 146 A (BRINTONS LTD [68)) 21 Novenber 2001 (2001-11-21) * the whole document * IN. 003039/08, esr 03D 4 5 The Hague 10 July 2008 Schneider, Mare 3) para rt aan oe 3) ewtietece Smee ster oher tse 2] A echmogesttoroma 7 {) osmecee {pene aft ane pean, ameapordg 16EP 1.985 732 A1 ANNEX TO THE EUROPEAN SEARCH REPORT ‘ON EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION NO. EP 08 15 4954 ‘This aes nts the ptr ey mabe ling te patent cians ced i the abovernetioned Esropen search repo ‘The namo et ealainad ne European Par Olles EDP leon ‘The European Peer ce in ro way fable or hee paricuar hin are merely ge rhe purpose cl infomaton, 10-07-2008 Patent cocument| Pablesion Peery Pablesion eedineahpet ‘oo monbere) ‘ane US 2054805 A —«4-10-1960 DE «1485455 AL 19-02-1970 68 853943 A 16-11-1960 6B 891509 A 14-03-1962 US 3160125 A 08-12-1964 US 2747647 AS«29-05 +1956 BE 535132 A oe 955223 C 03-01-1957 FR 1121990 A 29-08-1956 6B 751969 A 04-07-1956 EP 1186146 =A 21-11-2001 AU 7842201 A 08-01-2002 AU 2001278422 82 24-06-2008 cz 20023612 A3 14-05-2003 WO 0200978 Az 3-01-2002 JP 2004502044 T 22-01-2004 Nz 522359 A 28-11-2003, PL 365790 AL 19-01-2005 US 2003145897 AL 7-88-2003, 5 For more details about this annex se0 Oficial Journal of he European Patent Office, No, 12782 ”EP 1.985 732 A1 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant i forthe reader's convenience only. It does nat form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be ‘excluded and the EPO disclaims all abit in this regard, Patent documents cited in the description + EP 1092657 A [0002] + EP 1245510 A [0004] + JP.2005075488 A [0002] ‘+ GB 0707800 A {0008} [0052] + JP.2000095816 A [0002] © Wo 9sa1594 A foo11] + DE 102004092736 A [0003] = wo 0200978 A [0011] 18