US2949728A - Clock - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 23, 1960 o. H. DICKE EI'AL 2,949,723

' CLOCK Filed July 5. 1956 s Sheets-Sheet 1 IN V EN TORS OSCAR H. DICKE BY ROBERT H. DICKE AGENI Aug. 23, 1960 o. H. DICKE ETAL 2,949,728

CLOCK Filed July 5, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

l 192 l 79 e 1: O I/ INVENTORS I OSCAR H. DICKE BY ROBERT H. DICKE AGENT 1960 o. H. DICKE EI'AL 2,949,728

CLOCK Filed July 5, 1956 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII IlllllllllllU I INVENTORS OSCAR H. DICKE y ROBERT H. DICKE AGENT United States Patent CLOCK Oscar H. Dicke, 211 S. Washington St., New Bremen, Ohio, and Robert H. Dicke, 37 Jefferson Road, Princeton, NJ.

Filed July 5, 1956, Ser. No. 596,067 14 Claims. (Cl. '58-109) This invention relates to clocks and/or watches which are hand set, in which rate regulation is provided for and in which a limited amount only of such rate regulation correction, irrespective of the extent of setting imposed, takes place; so that if the clock, or watch, is set a large amount because it had stopped, due to failure of main spring energy, the erroneous correction is meager and imposes only a small amount of error in the rate of operation of the time piece, and this will be removed during the next setting of the time piece.

One of the difficulties of watch or clock performance is to get them properly rate regulated to keep correct time. Sometimes, as in the copending application of O. H. Dicke, Serial No. 447,271, filed August 2, 1954, the extent of rate regulation imposed is proportional to the extent the clock or watch is set. This may, unless special provision is made, cause the rate regulation to be wrongly adjusted as in case the clock or watch is set to a large extent because it had stopped for failure of main spring energy. Also in the case of a stem-wind,

stem-set watch an error may be imposed while the stem is adjusted for setting purposes and is left in that position for some time, in that the watch will under this condition adjust its own rate regulating means erroneously.

In view of the foregoing and other important considerations, it is proposed in accordance with the present invention to provide means for adjusting the rate regulation in proportion to a limited amount only of the setting imposed at any time, so that if the timepiece is set to a large extent, due to failure to rewind the time piece, only a small amount of error, in case the time piece was already properly rate regulated, is imposed.

Another object of the present invention resides in the provision of a slip clutch, including a clutch plate, included in movable mechanism that operates the rate regulating means together with stop means to limit the extent of movement of the clutch plate, and spring means biasing such clutch plate to an intermediate position between such stop means, whereby the momentary release of the clutch causes said clutch plate to assume the intermediate position by spring action and means for releasing the clutch between successive setting operations.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of means for assuring the release of such clutch between setting operation.

Another object of the invention resides in assuring the release of such clutch periodically by the operation of the clock or watch mechanism itself.

Another object of the invention includes a planetary gear structure in the clock gear train so that no gear shifting for performing a setting and rate regulation function is required.

Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of examples, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, of applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic showing, in side elevation of a clock embodying the present invention, with certain of the parts illustrated in section;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view of a portion of the view of Figure 1, but wtih the clock setting key added in a stored position whereby the biased-to-neutral clutch plate is released;

Fig. 3 shows a top view of the structure shown in Fig. 2 exclusive of the key 51;

Fig. 4 shows a top view of the structure shown in Fig. 2 with the cluch plate in its intermediate position;

Figure 5 is another fragmentary view of a portion of the view of Figure 1 showing a modified construction of the biased-to-neutral clutch plate releasing means;

Fig. 6 is a schematic showing in side elevation of a watch embodying the present invention, with certain of the parts illustrated in section;

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is another fragmentary view of a portion of the view of Figure 1 showing a further modified construction of the biased-to-neutral clutch plate releasing means.

Fig. 1 stlucture.In Fig. 1 the spring barrel 12 contains a main spring driving through gears 3, 5, 7 and 9 and pinions 4, 6, 8, and 10 the escape wheel 11. This escape wheel 11 has its rotation retarded by the escapement pallet 14, which has a bifurcated extension through which the strap spring 15, supporting the pendulum 16, having a pendulum bob 16a, passes. This strap spring 15 passes also through the split pin 17 pivotally supporting the escapement pallet 14. This strap spring 15 is supported by a threaded stub bolt 18 which is prevented from rotating by a key 21 over which the keyway 18a in said bolt 18 slides. The threads of this threaded bolt 18 rest on the threads of the wormwheel 2'9, so that rotation of this worm-gear 20 will change the effective length of the pendulum, because the effective upper end of this pendulum 16 terminates at split pin 17. The gear ratio of the gear train and the length of the pendulum 16 is such that the shaft 40 driven by pinion 4 rotates at substantially one fourth revolution per hour r.p.h.).

This shaft 49 passes through the axial supporting member and freely rotates therein but is pinned to gear 152 as by a pin 156. The planet supporting member 150 is provided with a radially located pin 151 which serves as a bearing for planetary pinion 153 and planetary gear 154 integral therewith. The planetary gear 154 meshes with pinion 155 integral with sleeve 69 supported by shaft 48 having a round head in a socket in said sleeve 69. Since the pinions 153 and 155 are half the pitch diameters of gears 152 and 154 the sleeve 69 rotates at four times the speed of rotation of shaft 40 so that the sleeve 69 rotates at substantially one r.p.h. Any other gear ratio either positive or negative may be used, if desired.

The sleeve 69 supports and is integral with pinion and minute hand 71 or any other suitable time manifesting means. The sleeve 69 has rotatably supported thereon a second sleeve 169 having integral therewith a gear 173 which sleeve 169 supports the hour hand 71. The gear 173 is rotated at one twelfth the speed of rotation of sleeve 69 through the medium of integral gear 171 and pinions 172 and 171).

The planet supporting gear 150 is meshed with pinion 164 meshing with a pinion 124 which has a hub having a square hole into which the square end of a key 51 may be inserted for setting purposes. The pinion 124 is further provided with a brake drum 116 which is spring bore of planet 3 braked against free rotation by a spring pressed brake 115. The shaft 22 is driven through the medium of shaft 123 and worm 165. The shaft 22 is connected to worm'74 through the medium of a disengageable clutch 7778 which may be released by operating lever CL against the compression of spring 79. The worm 74 drives the worm-wheel 75 connected to a shaft supporting a worm 76 engagingthe teeth of the worm-wheel 20 heretofore described. From this construction it will be understood that the planet supporting gear 150 may rotate worm-wheel 20 through the medium of clutch 77-78 but is friction braked by brake 115116.

It will be seen that clutch 77-78 is provided with a clutch plate 175 having an extension 175a. The clutch plate 175 is limited in its rotation by pins 176 and 176a (see Fig. 3), limiting the movement of extension 175a around the axis of shaft 22. This extension 175a is biased by spring 179 to a position intermediate between the pins 176 and 17611 but this extension is only free to assume this intermediate position if the clutch is released by separating the clutch members 77 and 78 to an extent to free the clutch plate for rotation.

The shaft 123 may be turned through the medium of setting key 51 for rotating planet supporting gear 150 and in turn setting the clock hands 70 and 71. Such setting is possible because gear 152 is held relatively stationary through the medium of escape wheel 11 and the turning of planet supporting gear 150 will cause rolling of pinion 153 around gear 152 and in turn case gear 154 to rotate pinion 155 and minute hand 70. During such rotation of planet supporting gear 150 and clock hand 70 by the setting knob the worm- 74 will also be rotated unless clutch lever CL is at this time assuming its released position. Such rotation of worm 74 will however be limited by the limited rotation of the clutch plate 175, in that its extension 175a will strike one of the stop pins 176 or 176a. As shown by the dotted and closed position of the clock door 190- this door cannot be closed unless the key 51 is first removed from the socket in pinion 124. As the key 51 is removed it will be placed in the key holder comprising the lever CL and the fixed bracket 191. Both of these elements have an outwardly tapered flange to facilitate insertation of the key 51.

In another form of the invention, see Fig. 5, the key need not be removed from shaft 123 but in this form the clockdoor 192 cannot assume its closed dotted position without operating the angle lever 193 to its released position. It is thus seen that in both Fig. 1 and Fig. 5 of the invention it is substantially assured that the clutch 77-7t'5 will be released after each setting operation so that the clutch plate 175 will obtain a new lease of life, so to speak, so that it may operate from its intermediate position, to which it is operated by spring 171*, to a position against one of the stops 176 or 17641 to thereby impose limited rate regulation. Fig. 8 shows another way in which release of the clutch 7778 may be assured.

Operation of Fig. 1.When the clock shown in Fig. 1 is first set into operation its rate regulating means may not be very well adjusted and the clock may keep very poor time. Let us assume that it is actually nine oclock but that the clock hands indicate six oclock. The clock will first be wound by key 13, the pendulum 16 will be started oscillating and then the key 51 will be removed from its key holder CL-191. It will be understood that the clutch plate now assumes its intermediate position to which it was operated by spring 179 when the key 51 was inserted into its holder. The square key 51 will now be inserted in the square hole in pinion 124 and the key 51 will be turned until the clock hands 70 and 71 indicate nine oclock. During this setting operation the rate regulating worm-Wheel will be operated in the fast direction. This change in the rate adjustment will however be very small by reason of the limited rotation of clutch plate 175 possible by reason of limits imposed by stop pins 176 and I 17601, and the adjustment may be in the wrong direction. The clock will now operate but will probably keep very poor time because it was assumed to be poorly adjusted at the outset. Each time the clock is set thereafter because it was off by reason of poor time keeping, will cause it to be rate adjusted in a direction to improve the time keeping quality of the clock or watch. Since the probability is that the clock will seldom be set because it had stopped by reason of the failure of main spring energy but will be ofen set, so long as it is poorly adjusted, because it indicated time inaccurately the clock will eventually keep correct time because it will be rate adjusted at each setting to a small extent as limited by the stop pins 176 and 176a or less and it will be adjusted in a direction toward better time keeping. To make this more clear when the clock is set forward because it stopped for failure of main spring energy it is always regulated toward fast; whereas if it is set by reason of poor time keeping it may be set forward or backward and when it is set forward it will also be regulated toward fast and if it is set backward it will be rate regulated toward slow. Since it must be assumed that the clock is often set because it is slightly off but is seldom set because it had stopped, the clock will eventually be adjusted to keep correct time. Also, if automatic winding is employed the clock should seldom be set by reason of failure of main spring energy or due to moving it from one location to another. Between each of successive manual setting operations the key 51 will be placed in its holder 191-CL which will result in releasing clutch 77--78 to thereby cause the clutch plate 175 to return to its intermediate position. This key will be placed in the holder because the door 190 (shown in dotted lines only) cannot be closed unless the key 51 is first removed from shaft pinion 124. In the Fig. 5 construction release of the clutch plate 175 is assured because the closing of door 192 will actuate angle lever 193 which will result in the release of clutch 7778 through the medium of lever CL to thereby allow the clutch plate 175 to return to its intermediate position. Also, in the Fig. 8 constructive release of the clutch 77-78 is assured by the operation of the clock or watch mechanism itself.

It is of course understood that rate regulation is imposed because when the setting knob 51 is rotated it results in the rotation of both the planet supporting gear and in turn the clock hands and also results in rotation of the worm wheel 20. The worm wheel 20 when rotated causes a change in the rate adjustment. Also the planet supporting gear 150 when rotated causes rotation of clock hand 70 and pinion integral therewith. Such rotation of pinion 155 is brought about because gear 152 is relatively stationary due to the stubborn behavior of the escape wheel 11 and rotation of planet supporting gear 150 causes the pinion 153 to roll over gear 152 and thereby will cause gear 154 to rotate pinion 155 and minute hand 70.

Wrist-watch modified construction, Figs. 6 and 7.In Fig. 6 only those of the well-known elements of a watch that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention have been shown. It is to be understood, of course, that the omitted elements such as the mainspring, the escapement pallet, the gearing interconnecting these elements with the parts shown, mounting plates, and case are of conventional design and would be incorporated in any watch, including one embodying the present invention.

The watch shown in Fig. 6 is wound, set, and automatically rate regulated, as an incident to a setting operation, by the conventional setting and winding knob 225 which is exteriorally disposed of the case (not shown), which knob is pulled outward for setting operations and pushed to its normal inward position for winding. The knob 225 is secured to a stern 230 which has annular grooves 261 and 262 which coact with a detent spring 260 to define the two positions of operation. Upon the stem are seriately disposed the winding gear 222, the

barrel member 220, clutch plate 250, worm 232, and bearing block 231, the stem terminating in a shouldered portion 230a. Of the above elements disposed on stem 230 only the barrel member 220 is rotationally bound to the stem as by key and keyway structure 269 which permits an axial movement of the barrel 220 with respect to the stem 230.

The unwinding of the mainspring (not shown) is transmitted through gearing (also not shown) to shaft 265 through the frictional connection 264 to gear 218 and thence to the minute hand 270. Through gear 217, in mesh with gear 218, and gears 216 and 215 the rota tional movement of minute hand 270 is transmitted in one-twelfth ratio to the hour hand 271. The above speeds are of course governed by the rate of oscillation of the balance wheel 211 by means of a conventional escapement and gearing (not shown).

In the normal position of the winding stem, wherein the knob 225 is closer to the case, the detent spring 260 is detented in groove 261 and the stem 230 is slid axially downward (as viewed in Fig. 6) so that the shouldered portion 230a thereof pushes against rock lever 241, pivoted at 242 to rock it counter-clockwise, compressing spring 240. The rocking of lever 241, through pinned connection 243 and slot 245e causes the slide bar 245 to slide upwards, guided by screws 246 and 247 in slots 24511 and 2450. The upward movement of slide bar 245 is transmitted through screw 249, and yoke 248 to the barrel structure 220 causing it to move upwardly. It will be noted that the yoke 248 is yieldably connected to slide bar 245 through the spring 224 and the upturned stop tab 245d, so that the barrel member can yield to disengage the teeth 220a and 222a during a backward rotation of the winding stem to provide a ratcheting action.

In the position of the winding stem above-described the complementary teeth 229a and 22211 are enmeshed by the upward movement of the barrel member 220. Thus when the winding knob 225 is rotated in a winding direction (clockwise as viewed from above) the rotation thereof is transmitted through stem 239, keyed connection 269, barrel 22d), teeth 220a (integral therewith), teeth 222a to gear 222 which is connected through gearing not shown to the winding structure of the mainspring (not shown). Gear 222 is restrained from axial movement by pads 22?: so that the teeth 220a and 222a remain enmeshed so long as rotation is in a winding direction. If the Winding knob is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, then the gear 222 is restrained from backwards rotation by the winding ratchet structure in the winding mechanism and because of the configuration of the teeth 222a and 220a the barrel member 220 is cammed downward by the interaction of the teeth, the yoke 248 yielding against the tension of spring 224 so as not to move the stern 230 out of its detented position in groove 261.

In the position of the parts shown in Fig. 6 the stern 230 is shown in the position for a combined setting and rate-regulating operation. To effect this position the knob 225 is grasped and pulled outward from the case to move the stern 230 accordingly and detent the spring 260 in groove 262. With stern 230 in its upward position the rock lever 241 and its rounded end 241a is urged to follow said movement by the action of compression spring 240. The clockwise rotation of rock lever 241 is transmitted through the slide bar 245 and yoke 248 to move the barrel member 220 downward, thus disengaging teeth 220a from teeth 222a and engaging the crown teeth 22012 (integral with barrel 220) with the teeth of gear 219 which is in turn meshed with gear 218 in the drive train for the hands 275 and 271i, previously traced. Thus rotation of the knob 225 in either direction will through stem 230, keyed connection 269, barrel 220, teeth 22%, and gear 219 efiect a setting of the hands. During this operation the friction clutch 3 264 permits relative movement between gear 218 and the escapement-restrained shaft 265 to permit setting.

In this same position of the parts as shown in Fig. 6, and as an incident to the setting of the hands, a correction is applied to the oscillation rate of the balance wheels so as to compensate for the inaccuracies of the timepiece, as manifested by the direction and magnitude of the hand setting, with the limitation that corrections to the timekeeping rate in excess of a predetermined amount are prevented. When the barrel 220 was moved downward by the action above-described, the lowermost face thereof formed on the reduced pontion 22% is frictionally engaged with the upper face of clutch plate 250, which is loose on stem 230. The lower face of clutch plate 250 is frictionally engaged with the platelike upper end of worm 232, which is restrained from downward movement by bearing 231. Thus the clutch plate 250 is sandwiched between the lowermost face of barrel 220 and the upper face of worm 232. The clutch plate 250 has a radially extending arm 250a (see also Fig. 7) which is free to rotate between limits defined by the pins 251 and 252, but is biased toward a mid-position by spring 253. Thus when the knob 225 is rotated for a setting operation, the attendant rotation of barrel 2 2i] is transmitted through clutch plate 250 to the worm 232 to worm wheel 233, gear 234, gear 235, and the gear segment 213 having its center on the axis of the balance wheel 211. Connected to the gear segment 213 is a pin 213a through which a coil of hairspring 212 passes. Thus the eifective vibration length of hairspring 212 can be adjusted to regulate the rate of the balance wheel 211.

When the timepiece of Fig. 6 is set, the magnitude and direction of the setting is transmitted through the clutch assembly including the clutch plate 250 to worm 232 and thence through the gearing hereinabove traced to rotate gear segment 213 and pin 21301 to lengthen or shorten the effective length of hairspring 212 so as to slow or speed the timekeeping rate. If the setting required of the hands is of large magnitude the clutch plate 250 can only rotate until the radial arm 253a strikes one or the other of the pins 251 and 252, and thereafter the drive to worm 232 is interrupted by the slipping of the clutch. Thus the amount of rate correction that can be applied for one setting operation is limited by the displacement limits imposed on clutch plate 250 by the pins 251 and 252.

When the setting stem 230 is returned to its normal or winding position the compression on clutch plate 250 is removed and the centering spring 253 restores the clutch plate 250 to its central position in readiness for a subsequent setting operation.

From the above description it will be seen that for each setting operation the timekeeping rate of the watch will be improved so that after a few such settings the rate will be substantially correct, and only seasonal variations will necessitate further setting. This is particularly true if the watch is not permitted to stop through neglecting to wind it and if the setting operation is performed at the same time every day. In the event the watch stops and a large setting of the hands is required upon restarting the limits imposed upon the rate-regulating feedback prevents a serious maladjustment of the rate mechanism. The hand settings subsequently performed will soon bring the timekeeping rate back to the correct value.

It will now be understood from the foregoing description when taken in the light of the accompanying drawings that a clock or watch embodying this invention may be set at any time and as often as is deemed necessary or advantageous and that for each setting due to poor time keep ing the rate-regulating portion of the time piece will be operated to a better time keeping condition. Also that if the clock, or watch, is set after it has stopped it will also be rate regulated to a very small extent and that the latter rate regulating adjustment may be in the wrong direction but that it is so small that it will be fully corrected during the next setting if this next setting does not take place plate 250 to move the full are from its intermediate position against one or the other of stops 251 or 252.

Another, and very assuring, way of releasing the clutch 7778 between successive setting (and rate regulation) of the clock is to have the clock itself release the clutch, say once or twice, each day. In ordinary circumstances a clock is not set oftener than once each day so that if the clutch is released during the night a new limited extent of rate regulation will be imposed by limited rotation of the clutch plate 75 during the next setting of the clock. Structure for accomplishing this function has been shown schematically in Fig. 8, which shows the hour gear 173 of Fig. 1 and also shows the clutch 77-78 of Fig. 1 having a clutch plate 175 biased to an intermediate position between stop pins 176 and 176a by a spring 179. It will be seen that the arm 275 is pivotally supported on a support 27 6 and has one end engaging the groove of the lower clutch plate 78. The hour gear 173 has a bump, or lifting cam 277, fixed to its hub on which hub the roller 278 fastened to the end of a lift rod 279, runs. The upper end of this lift rod 27 9 is pivoted to the arm 275 and this lift rod 279 is arranged to slide through holes in supports 28!) and 281. It is thus seen that the lift rod 279 is lifted at twelve hour intervals so that if the clock is not set oftener than once each day, which is believed more than adequate, there is a definite assurance that the clutch 77-78 is released between successive settings of the clock or watch. A structure for automatic self releasing of the clutch by the clock or watch has thus been disclosed in Fig. 8.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention, therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In combination; time manifesting means; mechanical time measuring mechanism including a main spring and escapement mechanism for driving said time manifesting means; rotatable rate regulating means for determining the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism; rotatable setting means for setting said time manifesting means; a clutch connecting said setting means and said rate regulating means; said clutch comprising a rotatable friction driving member, a friction driven member coaxial with and biased toward said driving member, a clutch plate coaxial with and between said driving member and said driven member, stop means to permit limited rotation of said clutch plate in either direction and spring means for biasing said clutch plate to an intermediate rotated position with respect to said stop means; the operative connection afforded by said clutch between said setting means and said rate regulating means is such that if the time manifesting means is set forward the rate regulating means is operated in a direction to increase the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism and if set backward the rate regulating means is operated in a direction to decrease the rate of operation of the time measuring mechanism and in each event the extent of rate regulation is limited to the extent afforded by the limited rotation of said clutch plate as determined by said stop means; and restoring means for temporarily separating said driving member and said driven member to an extent to permit said spring means to return said clutch plate to its intermediate rotated position after a setting operation.

2. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 1 and including in the restoring means a stem which when in one slidable position separates said driving member and said driven member to an extent to allow said spring I 8 means to return the clutch plate to its intermediate position and when rotated winds said main spring and when in another slidable position when being rotated sets said time manifesting means and through the medium of said clutch adjusts said rate regulating means but only to an extent as permitted by the limited rotation of said clutch plate as limited by said stop means.

3. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the restoring means includes a detachable setting key for setting said time manifesting means and in turn through the medium of said clutch adjusting to a limited extent said rate regulating means, storing means for holding said setting key, and means operated by said storing means when said setting key is in its stored position for separating said driving member from said driven member to an extent to allow said spring means to operate said clutch plate to its intermediate position.

4. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the restoring means includes a detachable setting key for setting said time manifesting means and in turn through the medium of said clutch adjusting to a limited extent said rate regulating means, a cover for enclosing said time measuring mechanism which can be closed only when said setting key is removed from operative attached location, storing means for holding said setting key, and means operated by said storing means when said setting key is in its stored position for separating said driving member from said driven member to an extent to permit said spring means to rotate said clutch plate to its intermediate position.

5. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 1, and wherein the restoring means includes a cover for enclosing said time measuring mechanism and which cover must be open to permit setting of said time manifesting means and in turn adjustment of said rate regulating means, and means operated by said cover when in its closed position for separating said driving member from said driven member to an extent to allow said spring means to rotate said clutch plate to its intermediate position.

6. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the restoring means includes a member driven by the mechanical time measuring mechanism for periodically separating said driving member and said driven member to an extent to allow said spring means to rotate said clutch plate to its intermediate position.

7. A time measuring mechanism comprising in combination, a planet supporting member, a main spring, an escape wheel, a gear train driven by said main spring and driving said escape wheel and also driving planet gears supported non-coaxially on said planet supporting member, a pallet for by its oscillation allowing rotation of said escape Wheel, oscillatory means having a natural frequency of oscillation for governing the oscillation of said pallet, rate regulating means for changing the natural frequency of said oscillatory means and operatively connected to said planet supporting member through the medium of a clutch, said clutch consisting of a driving surface, a driven surface and a clutch plate between said driving surface and said driven surface, said clutch plate having means to limit its extent of rotation including stop means, spring means biasing said clutch plate to an intermediate rotated position, time manifesting means operated by said gear train through the medium of said planet gears, and setting means for setting said time manifesting means and in turn, due to the stubborn behavior of said escape wheel causing operation of said planet supporting member and in turn causing operation of said rate regulating means to a limited extent as permitted by the limited rotation of said clutch plate as limited by said stop means.

8. A time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 7 including means for temporarily separating said driving surface and driven surface to an extent to allow said spring means to return said clutch plate to its intermediate rotated position.

9. A time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 7, including means for temporarily separating said driving surface and said driven surface to an extent to allow said spring means to return said clutch plate to its intermediate rotated position and operated automatically and wholly by said gear train.

10. Time measuring mechanism including an escape wheel, a gear train for driving said escape wheel, a main spring for driving said gear train, a pallet for by its oscillation allowing rotation of said escape wheel, time manifesting means driven by said gear train, oscillating means having a natural frequency of oscillation for controlling the rate of oscillation of said pallet, rate regulating means for determining the natural frequency of oscillation of said oscillatory means, a clutch which for each operation is capable of transmitting a pre-determined maximum extent of rotation only and thereafter may transmit such predetermined maximum extent of rotation only if it has been restored to its normal condition, setting means for setting said time manifesting means and connected through the medium of said clutch to operate to a limited extent said rate regulating means, and means operated by said gear train for periodically restoring said clutch to its normal condition.

11. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 10, wherein the clutch includes a clutch plate biased to an intermediate position, and stop means to allow said clutch plate to rotate only through a predetermined angle of rotation in either direction.

12. Time measuring mechanism as claimed in claim 10 wherein the clutch includes a clutch plate which may be rotated in either direction from an intermediate position to a predetermined extent only and wherein the restoration of the clutch to its normal condition resides in the restoration of the clutch plate to its intermediate position.

13. In combination; time manifesting means; mechanical time measuring mechanism including a main spring and escapement mechanism driven thereby and allowing operation of said time measuring manifesting means; rotatable rate regulating means for determining the rate of operation of said escapement and time measuring mechanism; rotatable setting means for setting said time manifesting means; a clutch connecting said setting means and said rate regulating means; said clutch comprising a friction driving member, a friction driven member, and a clutch plate between said driving member and said driven member; stop means to permit limited rotation of said clutch plate in either direction and thereby allow limited driving of said nate regulating means by said setting means, and spring means for biasing said clutch plate to an intermediate position with respect to said stop means; the operative connection afforded by said clutch between said setting means and said rate regulating means is such, that if the time manifesting means is set forward, the rate regulating means is adjusted in a direction to increase the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism, and if set backwards, the rate regulating means is adjusted in a direction to decrease the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism and in each event the extent of rate regulation adjustment is only to the extent afforded by the limited rotation of said clutch plate as determined by said stop means; and restoring means operated by said time measuring mechanism for temporarily separating said driving member and driven member periodically to permit said spring means to return said clutch plate to its intermediate rotated position after a setting openation to afford additional limited rate regulation at the next setting.

14. In combination; time manifesting means; mechanical time measuring mechanism including a main spring and escapement mechanism driven thereby and allowing operation of said time measuring manifesting means; rotatable rate regulating means for determining the rate of operation of said escapement and time measuring mechanism; rotatable setting means for setting said time manifesting means; a clutch connecting said setting means and said rate regulating means; said clutch comprising a friction driving member, a friction driven member, and a clutch plate between said driving member and said driven member; stop means to permit limited rotation of said clutch plate in either direction and thereby allow limited driving of said rate regulating means by said setting means, and spring means for biasing said clutch plate to an intermediate position with respect to said stop means; the operative connection afforded by said clutch between said setting means and said rate regulating means is such, that if the time manifesting means is set forward, the rate regulating means is adjusted in a direction to increase the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism, and if set backwards, the rate regulating means is adjusted in a direction to decrease the rate of operation of said time measuring mechanism and in each event the extent of rate regulation adjustment is only to the extent afforded by the limited rotation of said clutch plate as determined by said stop means, and means for separating said driving member and driven member.

Rabinow Feb. 20, 1951 Rabinow Oct. 28, 1958

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