Apparatus is provided for moving an object in an oscillatory manner and in an arcuate path through the use of a fluid. The apparatus basically includes a hollow member or elongate tube having a curved portion and means for supplying fluid in pulses or at an increasing rate and then at a decreasing rate of flow to the tube on one side of the curved portion. The change in velocity of the fluid and the rate of change cause the movement of the tube due to inertia and, to a lesser extent, friction of the moving fluid within the tube. The density of the fluid also has a substantial effect on the movement of the tube, although gas alone will cause movement. The object to be moved is engagable by the tube and is usually supported by it. The object moved by the tube and fluid can take many forms, including signs, ornaments, figures, chimes, and clock dials.
A mechanical clock has a driving element and a braking element. The braking action of the braking element is based on a hydrostatic gradient of at least one flowable medium. The driving element exerts a first torque on a first shaft extending along a first axis, and the braking element exerts a second torque on the first shaft, with the second torque being opposed to the first torque. The braking element has at least one drum which is rotatable around a second axis and in which the flowable medium is located.
A dial train of a clock is suspended by a plurality of lines. The arbors of the dial train are pivotally coupled permitting the dial train shape to change as the suspension is altered. These new features result in a dial train that is hung rather than placed which permits the dial train to be viewed and enjoyed from a completely new perspective.
A flow switch with a pressure sensing negative rate membrane. The membrane is designed for integral operation with a venturi element and an actuator. The membrane is a snap action device which, when a differential pressure is sensed, deflects from one position to another to operate the actuator.
