Abstract:
A balanced hands clock. The clock utilizes a single movement, which movement may be located in the minute hand. A gear drive mechanism provides leverage from said movement via a first pivot shaft to drive the hour hand. The clock is mounted in a base for time indicating movement. Covers may be provided to hide the single movement and the gear mechanism so that no visible drive configuration is visible to an observer.

Description:
COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The patent owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    This invention relates to clocks, and more particularly, to clocks utilizing balanced hands, and in one embodiment such clocks as are further designed for display in a manner wherein the drive mechanism remains unseen by an observer. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    In the art of building “mystery clocks”, drive mechanisms may or may not be visible. However, in “mystery clocks” the driving mechanisms are intentionally designed to impede the unwary observer when trying to understand how the drive actually functions. 
         [0004]    A few clocks with two independent balanced hands have been built in the past. Some of the basic principles utilized in the design and operation of balanced hand clocks are described in an article entitled “The Balanced-Independent-Hand Clock”, by Rubens A. Sigelmann, The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors, Inc. (“NWACC”) Bulletin, Vol. 44/2, pages 177-182, April, 2002. The basic principles as previously known in the art are illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . One type of a balanced-hand for a clock can be represented by the simplified illustration provided in  FIG. 1 . The balanced hand  10  is represented as extending between (a) a center of mass m 1  located for reference purposes as at the pointing end  12  of indicating arrow  14 , and (b) a center of mass m 2  situated for reference purposes at location identified by reference numeral  16 . The balanced hand  10  is suspended from, and rotates freely around, a pivot axis  18 . The mass m 1  represents all the mass above the point of suspension or pivot axis  18 . Distance I 1  represents the distance between the center of mass for mass m 1  and the point of suspension at pivot axis  18 . Similarly, m 2  represents all mass, except for mass m 3  discussed below, below the point of suspension and pivot axis  18 . Distance I 2  represents the distance between the center of mass for mass m 2  and the point of suspension at pivot axis  18 . Also as indicated in  FIG. 1 , the mass m 3  rotates along a circle  20  of radius r. 
         [0005]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , consider the case when mass m 3  rotates by an angle beta (β) in the counterclockwise direction. Due to the force of gravity GR as indicated downward along reference line  22 , the new position of the balanced hand  10  is given by the angle alpha (α) from the vertical reference line  22 . A balanced hand exhibits no eccentricity if, when the angle beta (β) is equal to zero (0), the balanced hand aligns along the gravity direction of reference line  22 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . Thus, for a balanced hand without eccentricity the angles alpha (α) and beta (β) are related by the equation [1]: 
         [0000]        m   1   l   1  sin(α)=( m   2   +m   3 ) l   2  sin(α)+ m   3   r  sin(α−β) 
         [0006]    Thus, as described by the equation [1], in the event that the mass and distance balance relationships of the balanced hand is described by the equation [2] below 
         [0000]        m   1   l   1 =( m   2   +m   3 ) l   2    
         [0000]    then the only way the equation may be satisfied is if the angle alpha (α) equals the angle beta (β). This is the condition for the balanced hand being balanced. Consequently, in a precisely balanced hand, when the mass m 3  rotates a prescribed angle beta (β) in the counterclockwise direction about the movement axis at  16  of movement  17 , the balanced hand rotates exactly the equivalent angle alpha (α) in the clockwise direction about the pivot axis  18 . 
         [0007]    Prior art clocks as described in the article noted above utilize two independent balanced hands, namely, one for the minute hand and one for the hour hand. In those clocks, a quartz movement drives a mass m 3  in each of the balanced hands. However, in such prior art clocks, the minute balanced hand mass m 3  (minute) is attached to the axle  16  of the movement in the minute hand  10 , and a the hour balanced hand mass m 3  (hour) is attached to an axle of the movement in an hour hand, with construction similar to that shown for the minute hand depicted in the prior art minute hand design depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    I have now developed a one-movement balanced hands clock. The clock has a body, and a first pivot shaft rotatably supported by and extending from the body. A balanced minute hand is secured to, and rotates with, the first pivot shaft. In an embodiment, the balanced minute hand is securely affixed to, and turns with, the first pivot shaft. The balanced minute hand has a single clock movement provided as a component thereof. The single clock movement includes one rotating mass in the minute hand, and one rotating mass in the hour hand. The minute hand is operably balanced about the first pivot shaft. A balanced hour hand is provided, and it is also operably balanced about the first pivot shaft. The balanced hour hand is movable respect to the minute hand, and is operable by the minute hand through a drive mechanism so that the minute hand rotatably operates the hour hand about the first pivot shaft. The drive mechanism includes a first gear that is provided with, and as a part of, the balanced hour hand. The drive mechanism also includes a second gear that rotates in concert with the first pivot shaft, and in an embodiment, is detachably affixed to the first pivot shaft at a selected operating location. 
         [0009]    The first gear also is provided with a first gear mass at a selected first gear orientation position, and in an embodiment, the first gear mass biases the selected first gear orientation downward in the direction of gravity forces, i.e., the first gear mass continually tugs the first gear so that the first gear remains, or more precisely, moves in response to movement of the second gear, toward a position where the first gear orientation position is such that the first gear mass is downward, in the gravity direction. In an embodiment, the first gear and the second gear each are toothed gears. In such a configuration, the gear ratio R, being the number of teeth in said first gear divided by the number of teeth in said second gear, is eleven (11). In an embodiment, a gear housing is provided and the first pivot shaft is journaled for rotary movement within said gear housing. One configuration for journaling by the gear housing is to provide a first pair of ball bearings, where the first pair of ball bearings is sized and shaped for accommodating the first pivot shaft and is adapted to provide friction minimizing passage of the first pivot shaft through the gear housing. The hour hand includes a baseplate and a second pivot shaft. In an embodiment, the second pivot shaft is fixedly secured to the baseplate. The second pivot shaft is journaled for rotary movement of the first gear about the second pivot shaft, i.e. the first gear freely turns on the second pivot shaft. A first gear bearing is provided for journaling of the second pivot shaft, and in an embodiment, the first gear bearing may be a ball bearing. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the balanced hour hand and the balanced minute hand may each have arms that extend outward to a distal end. Each of the balanced hour hand and the balanced minute hand may also include balancing weights, i.e., a suitable mass that is sized and shaped for being adjustably secured, with respect to the center of mass of the balancing weight, at a suitable balancing location B L  along the length of the respective balanced hour hand arm or balanced minute hand arm. One useful embodiment is to provide the respective arms in a long generally round or cylindrical shape, and to provide the respective balancing weights in an annular cylindrical shape of complementary size, shape, and suitable weight. Adjustment mechanisms may also be provided to avoid eccentricity. 
         [0011]    The foregoing briefly describes a one-movement balanced hands clock. The various objectives, features and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with careful examination of the accompanying figures of the drawing. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
         [0012]    In order to enable the reader to attain a more complete appreciation of the invention, and of the novel features and advantages thereof, attention is directed to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  provides a schematic representation of a prior art balanced hand clock component, when the balanced hand is aligned vertically. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  provides a schematic representation of a prior art balanced hand clock component, when the balanced hand has rotated clockwise by an angle alpha (α). 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  provides a schematic representation of a design for an hour hand for a one-movement balanced hands clock, when the balanced hand is aligned vertically. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  provides a schematic representation of a design for an hour hand for a one-movement balanced hands clock, when the balanced hand has rotated clockwise by an angle sigma (σ). 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  provides a detailed schematic of an exemplary design for an hour hand for a one-movement balanced hands clock, when the balanced hand has rotated by an angle sigma (σ). 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  provides a side elevation view of one-movement balanced hands clock, without any cover on the key components, so that the reader my appreciate the operational components and their basic relationship. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a one-movement balanced hands clock, showing both the minute hand and the hour hand mounted on a base, in a representative operational relationship. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a partial perspective view of the reverse side of a minute balanced hand, illustrating the relationship of a mass relative to the movement axis and the movement housing. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view of various components of a one-movement balanced hands clock, showing the minute balanced hand and the hour balanced hand, in a representative operational relationship similar to that just depicted in  FIG. 7  above. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of various components of a one-movement balanced hands clock, showing the minute balanced hand and the hour balanced hand, the interrelated operational components, and the working relationship between the minute hand and the hour hand. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is an exploded perspective view of various components of a one-movement balanced hands clock, similar to  FIG. 9  above, but now showing further details of the various components that may be utilized to assemble one embodiment, and showing the minute balanced hand and the hour balanced hand, and the interrelated operational components and their working relationship. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of an hour balanced hand, showing a toothed gear situated for movement about a ball bearing, and the indicating arm attached to the toothed gear, as well as a balance mass on the arm. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view, taken looking down at various components, with the section being taken along the pivot axis of the clock at the point of insertion of the first pivot shaft axis into the base. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a side elevation of a second embodiment of a minute hand for a one-movement balanced hands clock, here showing the reverse side, so that the mass suspended from the movement axis may be seen, as well as the adjustable mass mechanism on the minute arm. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  provides an illustration of a reverse side cover for the minute hand to cover the reverse side of the movement compartment in the minute hand. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  provides is a side elevation of the obverse side of a minute hand for a one-movement balanced hands clock, showing the movement nested in a movement compartment, as well as the adjustable mass mechanism on the minute arm. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  provides an illustration of an obverse side cover for the minute hand to cover the obverse side of the movement compartment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  illustrates the hour hand for a second embodiment of a one-movement balanced hands clock, here showing the reverse side, showing the gear compartment that houses the large gear and mass in the hour hand, as well as showing the adjustable mass mechanism on the hour arm. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  provides an illustration of an inside reverse side cover for the hour hand, to cover the reverse side of the gear compartment in the hour hand. 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  illustrates the hour hand for the second embodiment of a one-movement balanced hands clock, as just provided in  FIG. 18 , providing a view of the gear and mass in the gear compartment, as well as the first pivot shaft, and an adjustable mass mechanism on the hour arm. 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  provides an illustration of an outside reverse side cover for the hour hand, to cover the reverse side of the gear compartment in the hour hand. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  illustrates a the fully assembled second embodiment of a one-movement balanced hands clock, showing the balanced minute hand and the balanced hour hand mounted on a see-through base, and also showing a stand for supporting the base. 
       
    
    
       [0035]    In the various figures of the drawing, like features may be illustrated with the same reference numerals, without further mention thereof. Further, the foregoing figures are merely exemplary, and may contain various elements that might be present or omitted from actual implementations of various embodiments depending upon the circumstances. An attempt has been made to draw the figures in a way that illustrates at least those elements that are significant for an understanding of the various embodiments and aspects of the invention. However, various other elements of a one movement balanced hands clock, especially as applied for different variations of the functional components illustrated, as well as different embodiments of artistic elements such as a shape of components or visual design of various elements, may be utilized in order to provide a useful, reliable, visually attractive and intellectually challenging timepiece. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0036]    Attention is directed to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5  of the drawing, which depict certain aspects of novel design concepts useful for a one-movement balanced hands clock. These  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5  provide basics for a understanding the structure of an hour hand for a balanced hand clock. First gear  30  and second gear  32  are placed in responsive proximity each to the other. First gear  30  and second gear  32  are related by a gear ratio R. In the case of toothed gears, R is the ratio of the number of teeth G 1  in first gear  30  divided by the number of teeth G 2  in second gear  32 . For conventional clocks, the minute hand travels twelve (12) times faster than the hour hand of the clock, and thus this relationship must be observed in determining the number of teeth in each of the first gear  30  and second gear  32  that result the gear ratio R. In any event, the radius r 30  of first gear  30  and the radius r 32  of the second gear  32 , as indicated for an embodiment in  FIG. 3 , as well as the number of teeth in each of the first gear  30  and second gear  32 , must be taken into account by the clock maker. 
         [0037]    First gear  30  has provided therewith a mass  34  that biases the position of first gear  30  so that the mass  34  is located in the gravity GR direction from the center of rotation  36  of first gear  30 . When second gear  32  is rotated an angle delta (Δ) in the clockwise direction, then first gear  30  rotates an angle gamma (γ) in the counterclockwise direction. The angle gamma (γ) is equal to the angle delta (Δ) divided by the gear ratio R. 
         [0038]    Because the balanced hour hand represented by length  38  rotates an angle sigma (σ) in the clockwise direction, mass  34  rotates an angle sigma (σ) divided by the gear ratio R in the clockwise direction (specifically, σ/R). As shown in  FIG. 4 , the angle theta (θ) is the result of the contributions of two angles, one due to the rotation delta (Δ) of the second gear  32  in the counterclockwise direction, and the other due to the rotation sigma (σ) in the clockwise direction. 
         [0039]    As seen in  FIG. 4 , since the angle theta (θ) and the angle sigma (σ) as a result of these two motions are identical, the relationship of such motion may be determined. Angle theta (θ) equals angle delta (Δ) divided by R less angle sigma (σ) divided by R, according to equation [3]: 
         [0000]    
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   σ 
                   = 
                   
                     
                       Δ 
                       R 
                     
                     - 
                     
                       σ 
                       R 
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   [ 
                   3 
                   ] 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
         [0040]      FIG. 4  clearly shows that angle theta (θ) equals angle sigma (σ). Since angle delta (Δ) is the angle of the minute hand and angle sigma (σ) is the resultant angle of the hour hand, according to the equation [4]: 
         [0000]      Δ=12σ  [4] 
         [0041]    Consequently, by substituting values in the above equation [3] it is concluded that R=11. In this manner, the gear drive relationship of a suitable first gear  30  and a second gear  32  for use in a one-movement balanced hands clock  40  such as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , may be determined. 
         [0042]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a suitable embodiment is conceptually depicted for a balanced hour hand  42  that functions as just described above in relation to  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The balanced hour hand  42  includes first gear  30  that is pivotally attached to a baseplate  44 . First gear  30  is provided with first gear mass  34  for use in biasing the first gear mass  34  downward in the direction of gravity, and thus, biasing the first gear  30  in such an orientation. At the center of rotation  36  of first gear  30 , a bearing, such as a ball bearing assembly  48 , may be provided, to minimize or eliminate friction to the extent possible as first gear  30  turns with respect to baseplate  44 , as will be further described herein below. A fastener such as screw  50  is used to affix hour arm mount  52  to baseplate  44 . The hour arm  54  extends from hour arm mount  52  to a distal end  56 . In one embodiment, a balancing weight  58  may be adjustably affixed to hour arm  54 . In an embodiment, the balancing weight  58  may be provided in an annular cylindrical form having an interior diameter  59  (see  FIG. 11 ) sized and shaped to allow a cylindrically shaped hour arm  54  to slidably fit therethrough, and wherein the balancing weight  58  may be adjustably secured to the hour arm  54 . As noted in  FIG. 12 , the center of balance B L  of balancing weight  58  may be located a distance L 4  from the first pivot shaft  46 . The center of rotation of first gear  30  is a distance L 3  from the first pivot shaft  46 . The balancing weight  58  is adjusted along a portion of the length L 4  to provide a balanced hour arm  54 . 
         [0043]    As best seen in  FIG. 13 , but also noted in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , for an embodiment of a one-movement balanced hands clock, the balanced minute hand  60  does not rotate freely around the first pivot shaft  46  that is its point of suspension. Instead, the balanced minute hand  60  is rigidly connected to the first pivot shaft  46 , which in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 13 , is at or near the external end  61  of first pivot shaft  46 . As shown, a minute hand connector  62  is provided, having an aperture  64  therethrough to accommodate an extended portion  66  of the first pivot shaft  46 . As seen in  FIG. 9 , the extended portion  66  may be provided with anti-rotation features  68  and in such case aperture  64  may be provided accordingly in complementary shape. 
         [0044]    As also shown in  FIG. 13 , at or near the internal extremity  70  of first pivot shaft  46 , the first pivot shaft  46  is journaled for rotation with respect to the base  72  within a bearing mount  74 . As indicated in  FIG. 13 , base  72  may have an obverse side  72   O  and a reverse side  72   R , and in case of a visually transparent base  72 , location of balanced minute hand  60  and balanced hour hand  42  with respect thereto is a matter of choice for the clock builder. A pair of ball bearings  76  and  78  may be provided as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . A pair of ball bearings  76  and  78  or other suitable rotating suspension mechanism should be provided to prevent wobbling of the first pivot shaft  46  along axis  80  as the balanced minute hand  60  and the balanced hour hand  42  rotate. 
         [0045]    Rotation of the balanced minute hand  60  is coupled to the balanced hour hand  42  by interaction of the second gear  32 , which is fixed to the first pivot shaft  46 , with the first gear  30 . The first gear  30  is free to rotate as may be provided by ball bearing  48  attached to the baseplate  44  of the balanced hour hand  42 . In an embodiment, the first gear  30  has provided therewith a first gear mass  34  to bias the first gear  30  at a selected first gear orientation position, which as illustrated herein, may be where the first gear mass  34  is biased downward toward the gravity direction GR. Thus as shown, this maintains or moves the first gear  30  so that the first gear mass  34  remains downward toward the gravity GR direction as second gear  32  orbits around the first gear  30 . 
         [0046]    Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the balanced hour hand  42  includes a journal assembly  82 , here shown extending from baseplate  44 , for rotation of the balanced hour hand  42  about first pivot shaft  46 . In the embodiment illustrated, the journal assembly  82  includes ball bearings  86  and  88  to allow the balanced hour hand  42  to rotate freely around the first pivot shaft  46 . In an embodiment, a pair of hour hand ball bearings  86  and  88  is provided to avoid wobbling of the balanced hour hand  42 . 
         [0047]    Attention is drawn to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , where, in  FIG. 9 , a partially exploded view reveals certain components of the balanced minute hand  60 . A single movement  90  is provided. Mass  92  is attached to the movement  90  and is pivotally attached thereto for movement along movement axle  94 . A movement housing  96  houses the movement  90 . When a quartz type electronic movement is utilized, a battery  98  is provided to power the movement  90 , and more specifically, the movement of mass  92  about the movement axle  94 . Alternately, a mechanical movement may be provided. Use of an electronic movement or of a mechanical movement is a matter of choice for the clock builder. Electronic movement is usually preferable because its center of mass does not change during operation. However, in mechanical movements, as a spring unwinds, such movement results in a change in the center of mass of the movement, and thus may require adjustment. 
         [0048]    Attention is directed to  FIG. 11 , where a minute hand connector  62  is shown connecting the remaining components of the balanced minute hand  60  to the movement housing  96  (see  FIG. 9 ). In an embodiment, at the movement end  102  of minute hand connector  62 , a U-shaped receiving slot  104  is provided for insertion of flange  106  of the movement housing  96  therein, for secure connection therebetween. 
         [0049]    Extending outward from minute hand connector  62  to a minute hand distal end  108  is minute arm  110 . A minute hand balancing weight  112  is provided at a selected location along minute arm  110 . In one embodiment, the minute arm  110  may be provided in a generally round or cylindrical shape, and the minute hand balancing weight  112  may be provided an annular cylindrical shape having an inside diameter  114  sized and shaped for mating engagement with the outer surface  116  of minute arm  110 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the connector  62  attaches to movement housing  96  and is fixed using screw  120 . The configuration just described is useful during assembly, in that in order to eliminate any eccentricity the connector  62  may be slightly adjusted by rotating connector  62  a small angle one way or the other, and then fixing it in place with respect to movement housing  96 , to assemble the balanced minute hand  60 . Such adjustment is advantageously done with the balanced minute hand  60  indicating either twelve (12) o&#39;clock or six (6) o&#39;clock.  FIG. 6  illustrates such a position with respect to the balanced minute hand  60 . Thus, adjustment is achieved when the movement mass  92  and the balanced minute hand  60  are aligned with the direction GR of gravity. When the just described adjustment is completed, the screw  120  is tightened (in receiving threads  122  in receiving bore  124  of connector  62  and/or threads  126  in receiving bore  128  in flange  106  to secure the connector  62  in a selected configuration. Adjustment to eliminate eccentricity of the balanced hour hand  42  is accomplished by a similar procedure, as respects the adjustment between baseplate  44  and hour arm mount  52 , and ultimate fixing of a suitable position by screw  50 , as may be better appreciated by reference to  FIG. 11 . 
         [0051]    The minute hand balancing weight  112  slides on minute arm  110  and is adjusted for the purpose of achieving overall balance of the balanced minute hand  60 . The minute hand balancing weight  112  and the hour hand balancing weight  58  may, in an embodiment, be configured to slide on to the minute arm  110  and the hour arm  54 , respectively. The minute hand balancing weight  112  and the hour hand balancing weight  58  are used to provide overall balance of the balanced minute hand  60  and the balanced hour hand  42 , respectively. Balance adjustments to both the balanced minute hand  60  and the balanced hour hand  42  using the minute hand balancing weight  112  and the hour hand balancing weight  58  are advantageously made after adjustments for eccentricity are completed. When the balance adjustments are made, the balanced minute hand  60  and the balanced hour hand  42  can be placed to indicate the three (3) o&#39;clock or nine (9) o&#39;clock position as indicated by the balanced hour hand  42 , and also with the first gear mass  34  and the movement mass  92  aligned so as to point in the direction GR of gravity.  FIG. 7  illustrates such a position with respect to the balanced hour hand  42   
         [0052]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , various details are provided to further illustrate an embodiment of the balanced hour hand  42 . Baseplate  44  is the foundation upon which the balanced hour hand  42  is assembled. Gear housing  82  for journaling bearings  86  and  88  has been described above and may be better seen with reference to  FIG. 13 . However, also mounted to baseplate  44  at aperture  129  (defined by sidewalls  44   S  extending between first side  44   1  and second side  44   2  of baseplate  44 ) is a second pivot shaft  130 . First gear  30  is secured to second pivot shaft  130 , for rotary motion thereabout. In an embodiment, the first gear  30  is provided with teeth  132  sized and shaped for gear meshing engagement with teeth  134  on second gear  32 . Second pivot shaft  130  defines a pivot axis  140 , as noted in  FIGS. 11 and 13 . In an embodiment, second pivot shaft  130  may be provided as a shaft that is threaded at first  130   1  and second  130   2  ends. In an embodiment, opposing tapered spacers  142  and  144  are provided to locate bearing  48  for journaling second pivot shaft  130  at a suitable position along pivot axis  140  so that first gear  30  is provided at an appropriate location to engage second gear  32 . The tapered format of opposing spacers  142  and  144  may be advantageously utilized to permit the free rotation of the ball bearing  48 . 
         [0053]    In an embodiment, bearing  48  may have an outer diameter  48   D  sized and shaped for insert to and a secure interference pressure fit within sidewalls  30   S  that define a central hole  30   H  through first gear  30 . Fasteners such as nuts  146  and  148  may be utilized to secure the second pivot shaft  130 , spacers  142  and  144 , and bearing  48  to the baseplate  44 . 
         [0054]    Attention is again directed to  FIG. 11 , where connection of the balanced minute hand  60  with the balanced hour hand  42  is illustrated. First pivot shaft  46  is provided along axis  80 . Locating washer  150  is provided over an extended portion  66  of second pivot shaft  46 . Locating washer  150  may be provided with anti-rotation aperture  152  sized and shaped in conformance with and complementary to the anti-rotation features  68  located on the extended portion  66  of first pivot shaft  46 . The just mentioned features also are utilized to locate washer  150  against an upper end stop  154  of first pivot shaft  46 , to prevent the balanced minute hand  60  from sliding inward along axis  80  of the first pivot shaft  46 . Aperture  64  in connector  62  receives the upper portion  68  of first pivot shaft  46 , and a threaded portion  156  extends above connector  62 . A nut  158  is utilized to fix the connector  62  and thus the balanced minute hand  60  against locating washer  150 , to secure the balanced minute hand  60  in a suitable working position. 
         [0055]    Yet further detail is revealed in  FIG. 11 , where it can be seen that second gear  32  is fixed to the first pivot shaft  46  by way of screw  160 . This assures that the second gear  32  rotates with first pivot shaft  46 , as also can be appreciated by reference to  FIG. 13 , where engagement of first gear  30  and second gear  32  may be viewed. 
         [0056]    The operational configuration of a one-movement balanced hands clock  40  can be seen in  FIG. 6 , which shows a one-movement balanced hands clock  40  indicating eight (8) o&#39;clock. The first gear mass  34  and the movement mass  92  are both aligned with gravity forces in the GR direction. A perspective view is provided in  FIG. 7 , where the clock is indicating nine (9) o&#39;clock. 
         [0057]    In an embodiment, a one-movement balanced hands clock  40  exhibits a peculiar behavior. When the balanced minute hand  60  is moved from its balanced position, the balanced minute hand  60  oscillates for a while and ultimately returns to its new balanced position. Such oscillations are transmitted to the balanced hour hand  42 . However, if the balanced hour hand  42  is moved from its balanced position, it also oscillates for a while, but its motion does not transmit such oscillations to the balanced minute hand  60 . 
         [0058]    Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 14 through 22 , wherein yet another embodiment for a one-movement balanced hands clock  200  is illustrated. The operation of some clocks is carefully designed to apparently defy the laws of nature. One cannot observe them without wondering how they work. In this second embodiment, clock  200 , although it uses the same principles as described herein above, the operational mechanisms utilized to achieve the results are hidden from the observer. The base  202  is provided in the form of a clock dial of curved glass, upon which engravings may be etched to provide time indicia as desired. However, utilizing the transparency of glass as base  202 , balanced minute hand  204  is on the obverse side  202   O  of the glass base  202 , and the balanced hour hand assembly  206  is located on the reverse side  202   R  of the glass base  202 . Also, such a configuration provides a better balance than the cantilever configuration illustrated in  FIG. 13 . Yet, the same principles are applied to build each of the embodiments, although it will be easily understood, by reference to  FIG. 13 , that the entire balanced hour hand assembly  206 , equivalent to the balanced hour hand assembly  42  shown in  FIG. 13 , may be moved to the reverse side of base  202  (equivalent to base  72  in  FIG. 13 ) and mounted on first pivot shaft  46 , to achieve an equivalent result. However, the journaling or bearing mount  74  shown in  FIG. 13  to support first and second ball bearings  76  and  78  is replaced in this embodiment by a plastic journal housing  210  located and assembled in the base  202 , but which continues to support first and second ball bearings  76  and  78 . 
         [0059]    The reverse side of the balanced minute hand assembly  204  is shown in  FIG. 14 , with minute hand back cover  212  (see  FIG. 15 ) removed. Minute hand balancing weight  214  is provided for movement along threaded shaft  216 , for adjustment and balance of the balanced minute hand in the manner described above. Movement  218  with weight  220  is seen in this  FIG. 14 . A pivot axis location  221  is provided, and it functions in the same manner as aperture  64  pivot axis  80  location in balanced minute hand  60  as described above. 
         [0060]    The obverse side of the balanced minute hand assembly  204  is shown in  FIG. 16 , with the minute hand back cover  222  (see  FIG. 17 ) removed. In this design, an artistic leaf shaped design is provided for the point or indicating end  224  of the balanced minute hand  204 . 
         [0061]    The reverse side of the balanced hour hand assembly  206  is shown in  FIG. 18 , with hour hand back cover  232  (inside view), (see  FIG. 19 ), removed. Hour hand balancing weight  234  is provided for movement along threaded shaft  236 , for adjustment and balance of the balanced hour hand in the manner described above. First gear  30  with weight or first gear mass  34  is seen in  FIG. 20 , whereas the first gear  30  is removed from the housing  238  in  FIG. 18 . A pivot axis location  240  is provided, and it functions in the same manner as provided along pivot axis  140  for the second pivot shaft  130  in the balanced hour hand  42  as described above. 
         [0062]    The reverse side of the balanced hour hand assembly  206  is shown in  FIG. 20 , with the hour hand back cover  242  (outside view), (see  FIG. 21 ), removed. In this design, an artistic leaf shaped design is provided for the point or indicating end  244  of the balanced hour hand  206 . 
         [0063]    It is to be appreciated that the various aspects, features, structures, and embodiments of a one-movement balanced hands clock as described herein is a significant improvement in the state of the art. The clock design is simple, reliable, and easy to use. Although only a few exemplary aspects and embodiments have been described in detail, various details are sufficiently set forth in the drawing figures and in the specification provided herein to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention(s), which need not be further described by additional writing. 
         [0064]    Importantly, the aspects, features, structures, and embodiments described and claimed herein may be modified from those shown without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages provided, and may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the various aspects and embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. As such, this disclosure is intended to cover the structures described herein and not only structural equivalents thereof, but also equivalent structures. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The scope of the invention, as described herein is thus intended to include variations from the various aspects and embodiments provided which are nevertheless described by the broad meaning and range properly afforded to the language herein, as explained by and in light of the terms included herein, or the legal equivalents thereof.