Patent ID: 6212799
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: E01H,F41H

Abstract:
Rotary drive apparatus, wherein:the apparatus includes left and right motors, the motors being spaced-apart, physically separate structures, arranged co-axially;in respect of each of the left and right motors, the motor includes a rotary shaft, and includes a non-rotary casing, fixedly mounted in a frame of the apparatus, which surrounds the shaft in a radial sense, and from which the shaft protrudes in an axial sense;the apparatus includes a rotary drum, of a tubular form, having a hollow interior;in respect of each of the left and right motors, at least a portion of the casing lies contained inside the hollow interior of the drum, in the radial sense;in respect of each of the left and right motors, at least a portion of the casing lies contained inside the hollow interior of the drum, in the axial sense;the apparatus includes a functional rotary element carried on the outside of the drum;the functional rotary element is adapted for performing a purposeful, forceful, manipulative operation upon a surface situated outside and alongside the drum;in respect of each of the left and right motors, the motor includes shaft-bearings, which guide and support the shaft for rotation relative to the casing;in respect of each of the left and right motors, the shaft-bearings of the motor are housed and contained within the casing of the motor;the apparatus includes a coupling means;the arrangement of the apparatus is such that the coupling means is effective to drive-couple the rotary drum directly to the shaft of the right motor and directly to the shaft of the left motor;the arrangement of the apparatus is such that the drum is guided and supported for rotation by and between the shaft-bearings of the left and right motors;the arrangement of the apparatus is such that the drum is free of, in the sense of being mechanically unconstrained by, any means for rotationally guiding and supporting the drum, other than the said shaft-bearings which are contained in the casings of the left and right motors.