Bain electric clock

From Object Wiki

Bain electric clock
Manufacturer	(unknown)
Production years	19th century
Production location	(unknown)

Alexander Bain was one of the pioneers of electric clocks, and his patents extended over the years of 1845-7; the clock exhibited is an early example of his work.

[edit] How it works

The circular pendulum bob is magnetised, and at the end of a swing it enters one or other of two coils mounted on the clock case. An electric contact is made every double swing by means of a metal slider which runs in two grooves in discs one of which is partly of metal and partly of insulator. When the contact is made a magnetic impulse is given to the pendulum, making good the losses of energy due to friction. The clock hands are moved forward by a simple ratchet wheel and pawl mechanism, the pawl being attached to the pendulum near its top.

[edit] Memories

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[edit] In the Science Museum's Records

Inv. No: 1962-131