How the Atmos clock functions

Discussion (7 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews

chaoticmass•about 13 hours ago

I’ve seen so many of these clocks at antique stores, estate sales and such with with IBM plaques on them with someone’s name. Apparently IBM used to gift these to employees for 25 years of service or something to that effect. Given the cost and the potential longevity of the clocks it’s quite a statement for a loyalty gift.

s0rce•1 day ago

I wonder why Chloroethane / ethyl chloride was chosen. I don't think I've ever seen this for anything, other than a synthesis precursor to useful stuff.

Cerium•1 day ago

My guess: it is a relatively safe compound with the right properties to act as a working fluid for this movement. The text linked below mentions the working fluid and the property that the vapor pressure is highly variable over the range of normal room temperatures.

Here is a document with details and history about these clocks: https://www.physics.rutgers.edu/~matilsky/documents/Atmos/At...

dmitrygr•1 day ago

I got my sister a Atmos VIII as a present a few years back, and it took us a few attempts to get it running at the proper speed via the adjustment lever. Now it gloriously stands there, never needing to be touched to keep time.

How the Atmos clock functions

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Discussion (7 Comments)Read Original on HackerNews