ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PRESENTATION OF UNOBTAINED LICRICTATE RELATIVE ROTATION BETWEEN THE ENDAYS OF A TRAFFIC ELEMENT

摘要

An apparatus for continuously transmitting electrical energy or a fluid stream between a fixed terminal and a continuously rotating terminal through a flexible continuous transmission element, such as an electric cable or a tube, comprises three rotors having a common axis of rotation, namely an outer rotor, an intermediate rotor and an inner rotor. The outer and intermediate rotors are rotated at approximately equal speeds in opposite directions, and the inner rotor is driven by the torsionally rigid, filiform transmission element in the same direction as the intermediate rotor at a speed equal to twice the sum of the speeds of the outer and intermediate rotors. The transmission element extends between the fixed and rotating terminals in an outer bight supported by the outer rotor and an inner bight supported by the intermediate rotor and is rotatable about its own curvilinear axis relative to the rotors. The bights are shaped like a fishhook or an interrogation mark so that the ends of each bight point in the same direction. A centrifugal separation unit adapted for use with the apparatus comprises a separation container supported by the inner rotor, a bundle of flexible tubes connected to the separation container, and a torque-transmitting sheathing wrapped around the bundle of tubes.