'Synchronome' self-winding clock

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'Synchronome' self-winding clock
Manufacturer	F. Hope-Jones and G. B. Bowell
Production years	late 19th century
Production location	(unknown)

This self-winding clock, made by the inventors, F. Hope-Jones and G. B. Bowell, in 1895, is an ordinary mechanical clock driven by a weighted lever which is lifted every half-minute by an electro-magnet.

[edit] How it works

For contact-making it employs the ‘Synchronome’ switch, a type now widely used in master clocks, the essential features of which are that the contacts are pressed together by the force which re-winds the clock and not by forces derived from the pendulum or wheel-work, and that momentum is made use of to secure a quick break. The clock was designed for use as a master clock to drive a number of impulse dials. The clock is driven by a gravity lever acting upon a pawl and ratchet wheel, and every half-minute the lever as it falls makes contact with the end of a hinged armature. The circuit of an electro-magnet is then closed and the armature is immediately pressed against the weighted lever, reinforcing the contact. The lever is thrown up, and as the armature comes against a stop the lever continues in motion under its own momentum, the contact being thus sharply broken. The two features- a decisive ‘make’ and a sharp ‘break’ of contact – ensure that a singe well-defined current impulse shall be sent out to the dials.

[edit] Memories

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[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. No: 1912-235