February 28, 2005, 14:11
Joseph T. Collins3rd Question of the Week
Should you know the answer please don't post it. I will post the answer on Sunday.In 1666 Dr. Robert Hooke designed the anchor or recoil escapement. In 1671 William Clement used this design in a tall clock. After about 1675 they became commonplace.
Question:
What is the greatest benefit provided by this design? The answer will be posted on Sunday evening with a new question to follow on Monday.
Joe
March 01, 2005, 12:57
Andy KrietzerDoes it have to do with the type of pendulum used (or is that a major part of it)?
Andy
March 02, 2005, 10:27
Joseph T. CollinsHi Andy,
You are on the right track again.
Joe
March 06, 2005, 21:24
Joseph T. CollinsThe answer as promised.
From the book 'In quest of Clocks' by Kenneth Ullyett.
"The angle of swing (arc) of the pendulum is reduced compared with crown-wheel escapement, so Hook's discovery opened the way for longer, more accurate pendulums and escape mechanism, and also enabled the swinging pendulum, moving in a small arc, to be enclosed in a narrow trunk case. Thus for the first time long cased clocks with one-second pendulums (39.13 inches) and even longer became possible."