Nose wheel spin up?

[Freddy Fudpucker]

Now here is one for you ole boys: I recall once hearing about a device-mechanical motor- that was placed on Nose wheels to spin them up before landing. For those of you who can recall

1. why and what benefits? If for aquaplanning then why only the nose wheel?

2. why are they not common now?

3. what aircraft were they on?

Thanks in advance.
Freddy