Spiral clock

[Notebook]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8461652.stm

I wonder if the speed of rotation changes, or the shorter path compensates as the ball gets nearer the centre?

Nice idea, the second hand(ball?) could be dangerous though.

N.

 

[tblaxland]

I wonder if the speed of rotation changes, or the shorter path compensates as the ball gets nearer the centre?

It spins at a constant angular velocity. The angular distance between consecutive hour marks is always the same.

 

[Andy44]

It's a neat idea, but there's nothing new about the actual time-keeping mechanism, since it just rotates at a constant speed like any other clock. It shouldn't be too difficult to construct one of these yourself. I imagine the one shown is battery or electrical powered, but there's no reason the movement couldn't be mechanical.

 

[Notebook]

You folk say that, you will be telling me next that a candle clock works as good!

N.

 

[Dig Gil]

Yes it does! Unless you are using a very impure wax.