Patent ID: 6125993
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
A fluid drive roller for use with an endless conveyor system comprising:a cylindrical shell having a first end, a second end, an inner surface and a peripheral surface;a first flange fixedly mounted to the inner surface of the shell proximate to the first end of the cylindrical shell, and a second flange fixedly mounted to the inner surface of the shell proximate to the second end of the cylindrical shell;a fluid motor disposed within the cylindrical shell and having a housing, a driven shaft having a first end disposed in the housing and a second end extending from the housing, a fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port wherein the driven shaft is directly linked to the second end flange at its second end so that rotation of the driven shaft results in a corresponding rotation of the second flange; anda fluid conduit having a first end, a second end, a discreet delivery subconduit fluidly coupled to the motor fluid inlet port and a discreet return subconduit fluidly coupled to the motor fluid outlet port wherein the fluid conduit is mounted to the motor housing at the first end and is rotatably linked to the first flange,whereby the fluid motor remains stationary when the driven shaft rotates, thereby causing rotation of the cylindrical shell.