Posted by grim (206.162.192.40) on November 23, 2002 at 09:42:01:
Hi all,
If you go to www.physics.uq.edu.au/physics_museum/clocks/skeleton.htm you will find a very old clock (scroll all the way down to bottom of page) that is driven by an overbalanced wheel. It may yield some real significant clues. The weights flip into an inverted position (as grim tried to explain long ago). Neutrals at top and bottom. The only difference is that it uses a stationary radiused gear at the bottom to make the weights cycle. The only real mystery left now is to find the way J.B. accomplished this with everything moving in the same direction, i.e., weights, supports, axle, etc. nothing stationary or creating an opposed movement or force to flip the weights.
FYI to all, hope this helps.
Regards,
grim