. . Anyway the comb isn't constantly rotating it just flips 180 degrees twice a day during the active season, so the "up-down" axis of the hive is essentially fixed almost all the time, it's just reversed for half the time.
The frames of the broodnest are circular and rotate by 180 degrees at a determined pace. The alteration of up and down stops the quiet conditions necessary for the reproduction of the mite.
A single rotation in a day does not disturb the bees.
http://www.apiservices.com/articles/us/pictures/rotating_beehive_3.jpg Hedgerow Vlad says rotating and not flipping and so is 180 degrees changed twice a day, consistent with continuous rotation throughout a 24 hour period. Y
I believe that you are the first person in two years to have interpreted the motion as flipping and not one of continuous rotation, and would be interested in your view of why this might be and how it might be accomplished. High speed flip or continuous slow motion flip. LOL
From looking at the frames, I would ascertain that the drive mechanism is by friction roller against the bottom edge of the frame, with a couple of guide rollers in the roof.