Method and apparatus for transferring drive

Abstract

This invention relates to a drive-transferring apparatus having a constraining guide ( 10 ) carrying a plurality of drive-transferring members ( 11 ) interconnected compressively. Drive members ( 13 ) drive the drive-transferring members ( 11 ) about the constraining guide ( 10 ). One or more elongate apertures such as slots ( 13 ) permit access to the drive-transferring members for connection of further members thereto; and for reading of data carried by the drive-transferring members ( 11 ) or by members connected thereto.

1 . A constraining guide for a drive-transferring apparatus, comprising:  5   a first constraining guide defining a drive-transfer path; and a plurality of drive-transferring members movably captive in the constraining guide, wherein: 
 (i) the first constraining guide includes one or more apertures permitting engagement of one or more of the drive-transferring members with one or more further members in a drive-transferring manner; and  
 (ii) the drive-transferring members are capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide by means of compressive interconnection,  
   the constraining guide comprising three or more parallel rods spaced from one another and supported on one or more supports, the pattern of the rods defining a recess for moveable retention therein of a drive-transferring member.    
     
     
         2 . A constraining guide according to  claim 1  including an enclosure for the rods.  
     
     
         3 . A constraining guide according to  claim 2  wherein the enclosure includes an aperture communicating between the interior and exterior of the constraining guide.  
     
     
         4 . A constraining guide according to  claim 1  wherein the rods are flexible.  
     
     
         5 . A drive-transferring member of an apparatus, array, building or vehicle according to  claim 1 , including a radio frequency identification transmitter.  
     
     
         6 . A drive-transferring member according to  claim 5  wherein the radio frequency identification transmitter is supported on an axle of the drive-transferring member.  
     
     
         7 . A drive-transferring apparatus, comprising: 
 a first constraining guide defining a drive-transfer path; and a plurality of drive-transferring members movably captive in the constraining guide, wherein: 
 (i) the first constraining guide includes one or more apertures permitting engagement of one or more of the drive-transferring members with one or more further members in a drive-transferring manner; and  
 (ii) the drive-transferring members are capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide by means of compressive interconnection.