WO2024209492A1

WO2024209492A1 - Moon phase clock mechanism using compound planetary gears

Info

Publication number: WO2024209492A1
Application number: PCT/IN2024/050359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dilip SIVARAMAN
Original assignee: Sivaraman Dilip
Priority date: 2023-04-06
Filing date: 2024-04-05
Publication date: 2024-10-10

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a clock that shows moon phases, its age (day of the lunar cycle), mean solar time, and standard time for a specific region The clock face has an earth in its center which rotates once a day. A solar dial represents the sun and is stationary. A spherical moon revolves around Earth every 29.531 days to indicate the lunar cycle. A hand protruding from the earth called a meridian hand indicates the user and his longitude, whereby a user can predict when the moon or the sun will be at the meridian by looking at the clock face. The moon is of 2 parts, having an upper and lower hemisphere. A truncated conical mirror surrounds the Earth's sphere reflecting the moon's sphere and displaying the phases of the moon that the user from Earth witnesses.

Description

MOON PHASE CLOCK MECHANISM USING COMPOUND PLANETARY GEARS TECHNICAL FIELD: 1. The present invention is generally related to the field of horology. The present invention is particularly related to the moon phase clock mechanism. More particularly, it relates to a mechanism for displaying the phases of the moon, and the moon’s relative position to the earth and the sun. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION: 2. The conventional moon phase clocks only show phases of the moon, which is a 2-dimensional representation of only the moon phase. It shows the part of the moon, that is lit up by the sun, and the phases namely, the new moon, first quarter moon, full moon, third quarter moon, and back to the new moon phase. Conventional moon phase clocks and watches do not show the relative position of the moon in relation to the earth and the sun. Moreover, the conventional moon phase clock looks very representational and does not explain why the phases of the moon happen, which is clear only if the relative position of the moon to the earth and the sun is displayed. 3. However, the prior arts, do not disclose a clock mechanism that reveals or displays the position of the moon relative to the positions of a user on the Earth. 4. Hence, in view of this, there is a need to bridge the gap in the technological field by proposing a novel moon phase clock mechanism that displays the relative positions of the Earth/Sun/Moon on a display thereby explaining the phase phenomena behind the lunar phases. OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION: 5. The primary object of the present invention is to provide a moon phase clock mechanism. Another object of the present invention is to provide a compact moon phase clock mechanism to accommodate a high ratio of 29.53 and relatively high torque. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to identify the position of the moon relative to the Earth and the sun at all times of the day. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to revolve the Moon around the Earth by using a compound planetary gear mechanism. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism using a compound planetary gear mechanism to show that the earth rotates every 24 hours at the center and the moon revolves around the earth every 29.53 days. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement of a plurality of layers of the moon phase clock. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a moon phase clock mechanism, comprising a truncated conical mirror reflecting the moon at any point in its orbit around earth and display the corresponding phase, thereby representing the moon phase. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a dial that shows the standard or UTC time while an arrow (Meridian Hand) from the earth dial, indicates the mean solar time. Yet another object of the invention is also to provide a mechanism to be able to independently adjust the earth dial and the meridian hand. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION: 14. The present invention relates to a clock, comprising a moon phase display, mean solar time and a UTC or standard time display. Time conventionally is represented in AM and PM with 12 hours dedicated to both. The point of the clock in the present invention is to show the relative position of the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon. Unless the earth rotates every 24 hours, it would not be accurate. The present invention has a 24-hour division on the chapter ring and only one rotation is performed by earth per day, to indicate the passing of the day and earth’s rotation relative to the sun. The hemisphere that rotates anticlockwise once in 24 hours represents the earth. As the earth rotates once every 24 hours and comes face to face with the sun at 12:00 noon, the hemispherical object (earth) at the center does the same. This is much more representative of the actual rotation/revolution of the earth, sun, and moon than a conventional 12-hour clock. 15. According to an embodiment, there is disclosed a moon phase display clock, comprising an Earth dial (33) located at the centre of the clock, a first dial or chapter ring (30D) depicting a solar day, a second dial or chapter ring (30A) depicting a lunar cycle also called 'age of the moon', a reflecting dial (30) and a moon sphere (31). 16. There is also a meridian hand (33A) protruding from the Earth dial (33) indicating a user’s longitude or the meridian. 17. In this embodiment, the first dial or chapter ring (30D) surrounds the Earth dial (33) and the second dial or chapter ring (30A) is located between the first dial (30D) and the reflecting dial (30). Further, the moon sphere (31) is mounted on the carrier arm or frame of the compound planetary gear mechanism. 18. There is provided a special clockwork mechanism, comprising both the moon sphere and the solar dial, to enable the display of moon phases by the moon sphere (31) on the reflecting dial (30) which is a truncated conical mirror. In this embodiment, the first dial (30D) has 24 hours of the mean solar day printed in an anti-clockwise manner. The Earth dial (33) is a hemisphere representing the northern hemisphere of earth viewed from the north pole and wherein the Earth dial (33) rotates every 24 hours in an anti-clockwise manner. In this embodiment, the second dial (30A) has markings indicating the lunar cycle, i.e., from 1 to 29.5 printed on it in an anti-clockwise manner. In this embodiment, the Moon sphere (31) comprises two hemispheres, i.e., an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere. The lower hemisphere is painted dark, is heavier, and faces away from a solar dial (32) due to gravity as the moon sphere is pivoted loosely to the carrier arm. The upper hemisphere is painted white and faces the solar dial (32). In this embodiment, the moon phase clock and the solar dial (32) are encased in a case (40) and are connected to the moon phase clock (100). The reflecting dial (30) is connected through pillars (30C) to the glass front. In another embodiment, the present invention discloses a clock, comprising a moon phase clock and a solar dial (32). The clock displays the moon phases via the moon phase clock and standard time (UTC) via the solar dial (32). Preferably, a user is shown the moon phases, mean solar time, and the standard time simultaneously within the same clock. In an alternate embodiment, the reflective dial (30) is placed outside the circle or the orbit of the moon sphere (31) around the earth dial (33). The moon sphere (31) is surrounded by the reflective dial (30) and the phases of the moon sphere (31) are depicted on the inner surface of the reflective dial (30). In this embodiment, the moon sphere (30) is inverted in arrangement from the previous embodiment, i.e., the upper hemisphere is painted dark and the lower hemisphere is lighter. However, the bottom hemisphere is still the heavier one. Owing to the inverted construction of the reflective dial (30), the moon sphere (31) is also inverted in its coloring, to display the moon phases accordingly. 26. Further, in this embodiment, the reflective dial (30) is directly affixed onto the clock (100) and does not require to be affixed with the with the glass front. 27. The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated example or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The following description and the figures referred to therein would particularly exemplify various examples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS: 28. The present invention will be described in more detail hereinafter with the aid of the accompanying drawings. The drawings are illustrative of one or more embodiments of the invention and do not in any manner limit the scope. 29. FIG.1 illustrates a conventional moon phase clock face or a depiction of the clock face, as described in the prior art. 30. FIG. 2 illustrates a working principle of a conventional (Prior Art) moon phase clock mechanism. 31. FIG. 3 illustrates a front view depicting a moon phase clock according to the present invention. 32. FIG.4 illustrates the principle behind the layout of the clockface according to the present invention. 33. FIG.5 illustrates the various positions of the clock face identified at three different locations, in India, at the same standard time, in an example embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates moon phases as a reflection on a reflective surface, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates Layer X (main gear train) of the moon phase clock according to the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates Layer Y (motion works and escapement) of the moon phase clock according to the present invention. FIG. 9 illustrates Layer Z the Compound Planetary gear Lunar cycle mechanism. FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of the moon phase clock according to the present invention. FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the moon phase clock according to the present invention. FIG.12 illustrates a sectional detail view of the center arbor together with the earth dial of the moon phase clock according to the present invention. FIG.13 illustrates a front view of the complete moon phase clock, according to the present invention. FIG. 14 illustrates a complete side view of the components of the moon phase clock, according to the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates a complete perspective view of the moon phase clock, according to the present invention. FIG. 16 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the moon phase clock mechanism according to the present invention. FIG. 17 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the moon phase clock mechanism, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: 46. The following description illustrates various embodiments of the present invention and ways of implementation. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the disclosure and that the same is in no way a limitation. The invention may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 47. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 48. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 49. Specific dimensions and/or other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 50. Further, reference numerals are used only as an aid to explain the invention and they do not in any matter restrict the scope of the invention. 51. Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art. However, should the present disclosure give a specific meaning to a term deviating from a meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill, this meaning is to be considered in the specific context in this definition is given herein. The present invention discloses a clock, featuring the earth, sun, moon, a reflective surface, and a compound planetary gear mechanism to display moon phases, in relation to a user’s location on earth and simultaneously portray the moon phase as is seen, on the reflective surface. The present invention aims to accurately depict the Moon’s rotation relative to the Sun and Earth, surpassing the limitations of conventional 12-hour clocks. Additionally, the invention includes a separate dial displaying standard time or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), providing precise timekeeping. The clock mechanism includes intricate gear systems to display both mean solar time, the lunar cycle or the age of the moon and the standard time or the UTC. The Earth dial rotates anticlockwise every 24 hours, while the solar dial represents the sun and hands in it indicate the standard time or UTC for the region. A moon sphere revolves around the Earth dial every 29.531 days, accurately mimicking the lunar cycle. A reflective surface between the moon sphere and Earth dial reflects the moon's phase as viewed from Earth. The clock also features adjustments for longitude to align with the user's location. Furthermore, the clock mechanism incorporates a winding system powered by a weight-driven barrel. Various gear trains drive the clock's hands, including minute and hour hands for both mean solar time and UTC. Compound planetary gear system accurately represents the lunar cycle, ensuring precise and engaging timekeeping. The mechanism provides a comprehensive and precise representation of celestial phenomena while offering user-adjustable features for enhanced functionality and accuracy. FIG.1 discloses a Clock Dial with a conventional Moon Phases. These clocks with the Moon Phase show the different phases of the moon through a small aperture. However, it is of limited functionality and does not engage the user in terms of explaining why the phases happen. Further, the conventional moon phase clock does not display the position of the moon in relation to the Earth or the Sun. Therefore, it is very limited in scope and the information displayed. FIG.2 discloses the working mechanism of the conventional clocks. The mechanism involves a disc with two moons at 180 degrees from each other. The disc behind the display aperture is a gear wheel, with 59 teeth, and it connects with the hour wheel through a single finger. The mechanism works in a way that the moon disc moves forward by one space once every 24 hours, hence making a full circle in 59 days owing to its 59 teeth. This means that for the moon disc to complete a half rotation, making the two moons depicted on the disc to switch places, it takes 29.5 days. Hence, each moon depicted passes through the aperture once in 29.5 days, which is the complete lunar cycle. This approximates the 29.53 days that a lunar cycle takes. This approximation would mean there is an error of almost a day every two and a half years. Furthermore, the conventional moon phase clocks, integrated either into watches, display clocks etc., display only the moon phases, without there being any indication of the relative position of the user on the Earth. Referring to FIG.4, it illustrates an analogy of the working principle behind the present invention. FIG.4 identifies the Sun, the Earth, and the Moon, wherein the Sun is a stationary element. The Earth completes one revolution every 24 hours and the Moon revolves around the Earth every 29.53 days. The Earth rotates every 24 hours to face the sun at 12:00 noon. The moon revolves around Earth every 29.53 days. Further, the upper hemisphere of the Moon that faces the Sun is lit while the other hemisphere is dark. This creates phases when one observes the moon from earth. The present invention derives the above analogy and seeks to display the phases accordingly. The principle behind the analogy illustrated via Figure 4 is exemplified and portrayed via the clock of the present invention. Referring to FIG.3, it illustrates the front view of the moon phase clock (100), according to the present invention. FIG. 3 identifies an Earth dial (33), located at the centre and which represents the Earth. The Earth dial (33) is preferably identified as a hemisphere representing the northern hemisphere of the Earth. Additionally, a map of the Earth as seen from the north pole is indicated on the Earth dial (33). The Earth dial (33) rotates anticlockwise every 24 hours to mimic the actual rotation of the Earth on its axis. In an alternate embodiment, the Earth dial (33) may be represented as a flat disc, circular in shape. Also, the inclusion of the world map is an optional modification, performed according to user requirements. Further, FIG.3 identifies the Solar dial (32), which represents the Sun. In the present invention, the Sun is referenced to be a stationary one. The meridian hand (33A) represents the observer or the user's longitude. For example, when the meridian hand (33A) points at the Solar dial (32), it indicates solar noon. When the meridian hand points at the moon sphere (31), the moon is at the meridian or the moon is overhead. The meridian hand (33A) shows the mean solar time according to the region of the user. The meridian hand (33A) moves along a second dial or a first chapter ring (30D) on which is printed the 24 hours of the day anticlockwise. The first chapter ring (30D) immediately surrounds the Earth dial (33). From this first chapter ring (30D), a user can decipher the mean solar time. Additionally, a user can approximately decipher the amount of time required for the sun or the moon to be at the meridian, upon looking at this clock. As the standard time for a region is often different from the mean solar time, the present invention displays both the standard time or UTC as well as the mean solar time. The standard time is indicated by a standard hour hand (32B) and minute hand (32A) within the solar dial (32). In a preferred embodiment, the chapter ring of the solar dial (32) is divided into 12 parts to indicate the standard time in the 12-hour format. Referring to FIG.3, it further discloses the moon sphere (31). The moon sphere is a sphere, consisting of two hemispheres, i.e., lower and upper hemispheres. The lower hemisphere is heavier and is painted dark. The upper hemisphere, on the contrary, is painted white. The moon sphere (31) revolves around the Earth dial (33) every 29.53 days almost exactly following the lunar cycle. Moon sphere is pivoted loosely to the carrier frame which rotates around the earth. As the lower half of the moon sphere is heavier it would always face downwards because of gravity and the upper hemisphere would perpetually stay upwards, which supports the illusion of the lighter half always facing sun, i.e., Solar Dial (32). Although the moon sphere (31) traverses the Earth dial (33) and its phases are visible, however, the moon sphere (31) remains to be undisclosed as to the exact moon phase that would be visible from the Earth relative to a user’s location on the Earth. To overcome this deficit prevailing in the existing systems, a reflector or reflecting dial or a mirror (30) is disposed between the moon sphere (31) and the Earth dial (33). The reflection of the moon sphere (31) on this reflecting dial (30) shows the exact moon phase, as a user would see from the Earth, at his location. In an example, a reflection of the moon sphere (31) on the reflecting dial (30) is shown via the reflection (30B). A second dial or a second chapter ring (30A) surrounds the first chapter ring (30D), which represents the lunar cycle, i.e., 29.5 days. The second chapter ring (30A) is inscribed with markings from 1 to 29.5. A compound planetary gear train has been designed to depict the lunar cycle. As the moon sphere is heavier than dials in conventional moon phase clocks, a compound planetary gear has been used as it has more torque to support the weight of the sphere. FIGs 5a-5c identify example embodiments of the present invention. FIGs 5a-5c displays the position of the moon phase clock (100) at 12:00 noon at three different locations in India. The three locations span from the eastern edge to western edge of India. The standard time and the mean solar time match for the location of Mirzapur FIG. 5c as the Indian standard time is based on the solar time of Mirzapur. At Kibithu, FIG. 5a it has been one hour since the Sun went past the meridian. In Guhar Moti, FIG.5c it would take one more hour for the Sun to pass the meridian. Similarly, a user may calculate or visually predict the median passing of the Moon or Sun for most locations on Earth by looking at the clock (100). FIGs 6a-6d identify different positions of the moon sphere (31) and its corresponding reflection on the reflecting dial (30). FIGs 6a-6d display the reflection of the moon sphere (31) on the reflecting dial (30) at 4 different crucial points of the lunar cycle or the moon phases. Figure 6a displays the new moon phase; Figure 6b displays the first quarter of the lunar cycle; Figure 6c displays the full moon phase and Figure 6d displays the third quarter of the lunar cycle. The reflection replicates a visualization of the phases of the moon as seen by a user from the Earth. Referring to FIGs 7-12, discloses a moon phase clock (100) together with the planetary gear mechanism, in a preferable embodiment according to the present invention. FIG.7 identifies a first layer X of the planetary gear mechanism of the present invention. It discloses a gear train of the clock (100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. A first wheel (4A) comprises 144 teeth and a barrel around which is a cord. At the end of the cord (42A) is the weight (42) that powers the clock (100). A maintaining power mechanism (4D) is a stage with its own gear train that is situated between the barrel and the first wheel (4A). The first wheel (4A) makes a rotation every 12 hours and meshes with pinion (1B) having 12 leaves (teeth). The Pinion (1B) and a Centre Wheel (1A) have 96 teeth each and the UTC offset wheel (1C) having 78 teeth are mounted on the same Arbor (Shaft) (1). The Centre wheel (1A) is partially shown so as to see the UTC offset wheel (1C) behind. The arbor (1) rotates clockwise once every hour. The Centre Wheel (1A) meshes with pinion (2B) having 12 leaves (teeth). Pinion (2B) and third wheel (2A) having 90 teeth are mounted on the same arbor 2. A Third wheel (2A) meshes with a pinion (3B) having 12 leaves (teeth). The Pinion (3B) and the escape wheel (3A), each having 40 teeth, are mounted on the same arbor (3) (as shown in FIG.8). A Pendulum docking bracket (10C) holds the pendulum (10) that has a length of around 559mm and time period of 1.5s. The backplate (6) is fixed to the case (40) with screws through holes (9). Pillars (7) connect different plates in the movement. The calculation of main gear train ratio is described via Table 1. TABLE 1

FIG.7 showing layer X further identifies the UTC offset wheel (1C) having 78 teeth meshing with UTC Idler wheel (4C) having 78 teeth. The UTC Idler wheel (4C) is fixed on a collet and rotates loosely around arbor (4) of the great wheel/first wheel (4A) (can be seen in FIG.11) and meshes with UTC wheel (5A) having 78 teeth. The arbor (5) that UTC wheel (5A) is fixed to, rotates clockwise once every hour becoming the driver for the UTC motion work. FIG.8 identifies a second layer Y of the compound planetary gear mechanism of the present invention. It identifies Layer Y and specifically the motions works and the escapement, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.8 identifies intermediate plates (18, 19). Mean solar time motion-work mechanism is a small gear train to reduce the speed by a ratio of 1:24, comprising gears (1D,1E, 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B). Pivot of Arbor (1) passes through a ball bearing in plate (19) and continues until a cannon pinion (1F). The arbor (1) is fixed with pinion (1D) having 15 teeth. Pinion (1D) meshes with wheel (12A) having 45 teeth. Pinion (12B) having 12 leaves (teeth) and wheel (12A) are attached to the same arbor (12). Pinion (12B) meshes with wheel (13A) having 48 leaves (teeth). Pinion (13B) having 24 leaves (teeth) and wheel (13A) are attached to the same arbor (13). Pinion (13B) meshes with wheel (1E) having 48 leaves (teeth). Wheel (1E) is fixed to the Canon pinion (1F). Pivot of Centre arbor (1) enters an opening behind canon pinion (1F) so that canon pinion (1F) can rotate loosely over the pivot, which enables reduction of wobbling of cannon pinion (1F). The pivot of arbor (1) is the driver. The ratio of the output or the driven wheel 1E is 1:24 (once a day) and the direction of the driven wheel is anticlockwise. FIG.8 also identifies the UTC or Standard time motion work. The motion work mechanism involves the small gear train comprising of gears (5B, 5C, 14A,14B). As visualized in Figure 12, a clutch spring (5G) made of bent spring steel is fixed to arbor (5) using a detent mechanism 5H. Clutch spring (5G) pushes against UTC cannon pinion (5D). Pinion (5B) having 15 teeth is fixed to the base of cannon pinion (5D). Pinion (5B) meshes with minute wheel (14A) having 45 teeth. The minute wheel (14A) and minute pinion (14B) are fixed to the same arbor (14). Minute pinion 14B having 12 teeth meshes with hour wheel 5C having 48 teeth. Hour wheel 5C is fixed to hour pipe 5E that rotates loosely over cannon pinion 5D. FIG.9 identifies a third layer Z of the planetary gear mechanism of the present invention. It identifies the Compound planetary Gear Mechanism which activates the Lunar Cycle, according to an embodiment of the present invention. A cannon pinion (1K) fits loosely around another cannon pinion (1F). A clutch spring (1M) made of bent spring steel is fixed to cannon pinion (1F) using a mechanism (1N). Clutch spring 1M pushes against cannon pinion (1K). These mechanisms are illustrated in Figure 12. The sun gear (1G) having 22 teeth fixed on cannon pinion (1K) meshes with planet gears (25A) having 83 teeth. Planet gear (25A) is only partially shown to reveal the planet gear (25B) with 16 teeth behind. Planet gear (25A) and planet gear (25B) are fixed to the same arbor (25) making them compound gears. The two planet gears (25B) mesh with a ring gear (24) that has internal teeth of 121 numbers. The arbor (25) extends between bearings within carrier frames (24C) and (24D) that are held together by pillars (24F). Ring gear (24) is held to plate (20) by pillars (27). Carrier Frame (24D) extends to one side and has a bearing in a hole at the end through runs a pivot (31A). This pivot (31A) holds the moon sphere (31). At the other end of the pivot 31A is a detent mechanism (31B) to keep the moon sphere loose but prevents its removal. The carrier frames represent the output or 'the driven' and rotate once every 29.531 days to show the lunar cycle. The input is the Sun gear (1G) that rotates anticlockwise every 24 hours. FIG.9 also identifies the winding pinion (4E) having 45 teeth fixed to arbor (4) on the front of plate (20). This winding pinion (4E) meshes with winding idler (21A) having 45 teeth. The winding idler (21A) meshes with winding wheel (22A) having 45 teeth. The winding wheel (22A) in mounted on an arbor (22) the end of which is a squared so that a winding crank can be inserted to wind the clock (100). The reason to offset the winding square from the obvious location at arbor (4) is so that the moon sphere (31) does not come in the way or hinder the winding process around the new moon time. FIG. 10 identifies a front view of the clock (100). The Earth dial (33) is inserted into cannon pinion (1K) using a series of pipes and secured using set screws as is explained in figure 12. Cannon pinion (1K) is held on cannon pinion (1F) using detent system (1J). The meridian hand (33A) represents the observer or the user’s longitude. A set screw 33D (as per FIG. 12) can be loosened to rotate and adjust the Earth dial (33) to roughly align the user’s location / country to the meridian hand. Set screw (33E) (as per FIG. 12) can be loosened to rotate and adjust the meridian hand (33A) together with the earth dial to align with any position of the moon sphere (31) if need be. The meridian hand (33A) can be rotated anti-clockwise manually to adjust the mean solar time. The moon sphere (31) would also revolve around the centre arbor (1) when the meridian hand (33A) is adjusted at 1/29.53 the angular distance that the earth dial rotates. Set screws 33D and 33E are used to independently adjust the earth dial and the meridian hand. The solar dial (32) also has an hour hand (32B) and a minute hand (32A) that indicate the standard time or the UTC or the standard time for the region. This solar dial (32) apart from representing the fixed Sun, has been used to represent standard time as the mean solar time is very often different from the standard time for a region. The UTC canon pinion (5D) is held in place around the arbor (5) using the detent system (5J). FIG. 10 further identifies the moon sphere (31) representing the Earth’s moon as a sphere. The sphere has a pivot (31A) at the back that runs through a bearing in a hole in the carrier frame (24D). As the lower part of the moon sphere is thicker, it is heavier than the top hemisphere, and hence it always faces the bottom due to gravity. The lighter top hemisphere faces the solar dial (32). Further, the top hemisphere is lighter in color and the bottom hemisphere is painted in black, in order to mimic the actual moon, thereby displaying a moon with its lit-up side on the top or facing the sun. FIG. 10 identifies a reflecting dial (30) that reflects the moon sphere (31) and indicates the moon phase seen by an observer at the meridian (33A) on Earth. In a preferred embodiment, the reflecting dial (30) is a truncated conical mirror the reflective surface of which is the outside surface of a cone. In an alternate embodiment, the reflecting dial may include any adaptable reflective surface. The mirror (30) is fixed to the clock case glass front using pillars (30C). In a preferred embodiment, the Moon age chapter ring (30A) is a ring/disc-like structure, a flat part, fixed in the inside surface of the reflective dial (30). In a preferred embodiment, the Moon Age chapter ring or the second chapter ring (30A) has an indication of the days of the lunar cycle from 1 to 29.5 printed on it in an anti-clockwise manner. In an alternate embodiment, the marking may be created on the reflective dial (30) markings on the second chapter ring (30A) can also be engraved directly on the mirror (30). A first chapter ring (30D), which is a flat metal ring is fixed behind the mirror to the pillars (30C). The meridian hand (33A) points at the markings on the first chapter ring (30D) to show the mean solar time. In a preferable embodiment, the Mean solar day chapter ring or the first chapter ring (30D) has 24 hours of the mean solar day printed in the anticlockwise fashion, whereby the Meridian hand (33A) point to this chapter ring indicating the mean solar time for the region. In an alternate embodiment, the markings on chapter ring (30D) can also be engraved or printed on other alternate surfaces like on the clock case glass front. In another embodiment there can be no chapter rings at all. The readings can be left to approximate interpretations. FIG. 11 identifies a side profile view of the clock movement. FIG. 11 identifies plates (6, 18, 19, 20) and the ring gear (24). Most of the wheels and pinion gears span between bearings both plain and ball races set in these plates. The backplate (6) is fixed to the back of the clock case (40) with screws through holes (9). Pillars (7) hold the plate (6) to plates (18, 19). In addition, the Pillars (7) also hold a plate (20) to plates (18, 19). Furthermore, Pillars (27) hold ring gear (24) to plate (20). Ring gear (24) also functions as a plate for some wheels and pinions. The arrangement of the gear train is inverted compared to many of prior art clock gear train mechanisms wherein the great wheel/first wheel is at the bottom and escapement is on top. The palet (11A) has a crutch pin frame (11B) at the bottom. A crutch pin (11C) extends through the frame to engage asymmetrically with the pendulum rod. The pin (11C) is adjusted to move left and right by means of a threaded rod going though it and can be rotated manually. Arbor (3) extends from plate (6) to plate (20). Escape wheel (3A) fixed on arbor (3) located between plates19 and 20 meshes with the teeth of palet 11A that is fixed on arbor 11. The palet (11A) is fixed on arbor (11) that spans from plate (19) until plate (20). This arrangement of the palet (11A) with respect to the plate (20) enables it easier to mount the pendulum. In prior arts, arbor (11) spans all the way to plate (6) which makes it cumbersome and more space consuming to mount the pendulum. In between plates (19, 20) is the Mean Solar time motion work. Pivot of Arbor (1) passes through a ball bearing in plate (19) and continues partially into cannon pinion (1F). On this arbor is fixed pinion (1D) having 15 teeth. Pinion (1D) meshes with wheel (12A) having 45 teeth. Pinion (12B) having 12 leaves (teeth) and wheel (12A) are attached to the same arbor (12). Pinion (12B) meshes with wheel (13A) having 48 leaves (teeth). Pinion (13B) having 24 leaves (teeth) and wheel (13A) are attached to the same arbor (13). Pinion (13B) meshes with wheel (1E) having 48 leaves (teeth). Wheel (1E) is fixed to Canon pinion (1F). Pivot of Centre arbor (1) enters an opening behind canon pinion (1F) so that canon pinion (1F) can rotate loosely over the pivot. This is to reduce the wobbling of cannon pinion (1F). The pivot of arbor (1) and the pinion (1D) is the driver and the cannon pinion (1F) is the driven. The ratio of the output is 1/24 (once a day) and the direction is anticlockwise. A sleeve (1H) is fixed to plate (20) so as to hold cannon pinion (1F) and to reduce any chance of wobble. The calculation of the mean solar-time motion work ratio is described via Table 2. TABLE 2

The UTC time display and its clock work is located between plates (18, 20). The motion work involves the use of a small gear train comprising of gears (5B, 5C, 14A, 14B). A clutch spring (5G) made of bent spring steel is fixed to arbor (5) using a mechanism (5H). Clutch spring (5G) pushes against UTC cannon pinion (5D). Pinion (5B) having 15 teeth is fixed to the base of cannon pinion (5D). Pinion (5B) meshes with minute wheel (14A) having 45 teeth. The minute wheel (14A) and minute pinion (14B) are fixed to the same arbor (14). Minute pinion (14B) having 12 teeth meshes with hour wheel (5C) having 48 teeth. Hour wheel (5C) is fixed to hour pipe (5E) that rotates loosely over cannon pinion (5D). The hour pipe, cannon pinion and arbor (5) extend a little beyond the solar dial (32). UTC Cannon pinion (5D) is held in place on arbor (5) using detent system (5J). The cannon pinion (5D) is squeezed between the clutch spring (5G) and detent (5J). The clutch spring ensure that torque from the arbor (5) is transferred to cannon pinion (5D) and the hands of the UTC dial can be adjusted independently. Hour hand 32B is fixed to the end of hour pipe (5E). Minute hand (32A) is fixed to the end UTC cannon pinion (5D). A small thrust bearing is fixed between the cannon pinion and the detent system (5J). A cannon pinion (1K) fits loosely around a cannon pinion (1F). A clutch spring (1M) made of bent spring steel is fixed to a cannon pinion (1F) using a mechanism (1N). Clutch spring (1M) pushes against cannon pinion (1K). The Cannon Pinion holds the Compound planetary gear mechanism for the lunar cycle. The sun gear (1G) having 22 teeth fixed on cannon pinion (1K) meshes with planet gears (25A) having 83 teeth. Planet gear (25A) and planet gear (25B) having 16 teeth are fixed to the same arbor (25) making them compound gears. The two planet gears (25B), mesh with a ring gear (24) that has internal teeth of 121 numbers. The arbors (25) extend between bearings within carrier frames (24C) and (24D) that are held together by pillars (24F). Ring gear (24) is held to plate (20) by pillars (27). The carrier frames represent the output and rotate once every 29.531 days to show the lunar cycle. The input is the Sun gear (1G) that rotates anticlockwise every 24 hours along with arbor (1). Carrier frame (24D) extends to one side and has a bearing in a hole at the end through which runs a pivot (31A). This pivot (31A) holds the moon sphere (31). The calculation of the compound planetary gear ratio for lunar cycle is described via Table 3. TABLE 3

A Winding pinion (4E) having 45 teeth fixed to arbor (4) on the front of plate (20). This winding pinion (4E) meshes with winding idler (21A) having 45 teeth. The winding idler (21A) meshes with winding wheel (22A) having 45 teeth. The winding wheel (22A) in mounted on an arbor (22) the end of which is squared so that a winding crank can be inserted to wind the clock (100). The reason for this offset mechanism is so that the moon sphere does not hinder or block the winding process during the new moon time. FIG.12 identifies a detailed sectional view through the centre arbor 1 and the earth dial (33). It identifies the pivot of centre arbor (1) that rotates once every hour. Pivot of Arbor (1) passes through a ball bearing in plate (19) and continues partially into cannon pinion (1F. On pivot of arbor (1) is fixed pinion (1D) having 15 teeth. Pinion (1D) meshes with wheel (12A) having 45 teeth (not shown in Figure 12). Pinion (12B) having 12 leaves (teeth) and wheel (12A) are attached to the same arbor (12) (refer Figure 8). Pinion (12B) meshes with wheel (13A) having 48 leaves (teeth). Pinion (13B) having 24 leaves (teeth) and wheel (13A) are attached to the same arbor (13). Pinion (13B) meshes with wheel (1E) having 48 leaves (teeth). Wheel (1E) is fixed to Canon pinion (1F). Pivot of Centre arbor (1) enters an opening behind canon pinion (1F) so that canon pinion (1F) can rotate loosely over the pivot. This is to reduce the wobbling of cannon pinion (1F). The pivot of arbor (1) along with pinion (1D) is the driver. Cannon pinion (1F) is the driven. The ratio of the output is 1/24 (once a day) and the direction is anticlockwise. A sleeve (1H) is fixed to plate (20). A plain flanged bearing is fixed inside sleeve (1H) so the canon pinion (1F) rotates smoothly and the flange of the bearing also works as a thrust bearing for the base of the canon pinion (1F). There is also a plain thrust bearing between the fixing mechanism (1P) of pinion (1D) and the canon pinion (1F). The cannon pinion (1F) reduced in diameter after it exits sleeve (1H. At this point a clutch spring (1M) made of bent spring steel is fixed to cannon pinion (1F) using a detent mechanism (1N). Clutch spring (1M) presses against the cannon pinion (1K) that fits loosely around cannon pinion (1F). Furthermore, into the cannon pinion (1K) is inserted the planetary gear mechanism to show the lunar cycle and the moon phase. The planetary carrier comprises of carrier frame (24C) and carrier frame (24D) that are held together by pillars (24F). Carrier frame (24C) is inserted first into the cannon pinion (1K). Carrier frame (24C) has a hole inside which is a plain flanged bearing. A Spacer ring (34) is inserted after this followed by a plain thrust bearing. The sun gear (1G) having 22 teeth is inserted into (1K) after this and is held in place highly by a detent mechanism. This is followed by a plain thrust bearing followed by a spacer (34). The carrier frame (24D) which has a plain flanged bearing in the central hole is inserted after this. The carrier frames (24C) and (24D) are held together by pillars (24F). Two sets of compound planet gears (25A) having 83 teeth and (25B) having 16 teeth that are fixed on arbor (25) are introduced between the carrier frames (24C, 24D). Arbor (25) has pivots at both ends that slide into plain bearings set inside holes within carrier frames (24C, 24D). The sun gear (1G) meshes with planet wheel (25A). Planet wheel (25A) and pinion (25B) are fixed to each other and turn together. Pinion (25B) meshes with the stationary ring gear (24) with 121 internal teeth. This creates an anti-clockwise rotation in the planetary carrier of ratio 1:29.53 which is very close to the lunar cycle. The Planetary carrier is kept in place on cannon pinion (1k) by detent mechanism (34A) which is ring with a set screw. A small plain thrust bearing is inserted into (1K) after this. Then is inserted the Earth dial (33) shown as hemisphere representing the northern hemisphere of earth. The hemisphere (33) has a flat bottom and through and through hole. The hemisphere (33) is inserted through a long-necked collet (33C) and is fixed to the flange of the collet. The neck of the collet extends beyond the top of the hemisphere (33) and has a threaded hole with a set screw. This collet (33C) along with hemisphere (33) is inserted through the pipe or neck of a long-neck collet (33B). The neck of the collet (33B) extends beyond the top of the collet (33C) and has a threaded hole with a set screw. Collet (33C) rotates loosely over collet (33B) when the set screw (33D) is loose. A metal meridian hand (33A) is fixed to the flange of collet (33B). The meridian hand (33A) represents the observer or the user’s longitude. The arrangement above is inserted into a cannon pinion (1K). A small plain thrust bearing is inserted into (1K) after this. Then is inserted a detent mechanism (1J), which enables the cannon pinion (1K) to squeeze against the clutch spring (1M). This helps in manually adjusting the mean solar time while the clock (100) is still ticking. Manual adjustment is done by rotating manually the meridian hand anti-clockwise. Set screw (33E) (as shown in FIG.12) can be loosened to move and adjust the meridian hand (33A) to align with any position of the moon sphere (31). This adjustment is useful when there is mismatch between the solar time and the actual lunar position. Set screw (33D) (as shown in FIG. 12) can be loosened to move and adjust the Earth dial to roughly align the user’s location / country to the meridian hand (33A). FIGs 13 and 14 identify a front and side view of the moon phase clock (100), according to the present invention. The clock (100) as is assembled according to the above-mentioned disclosure and is placed inside a case 40. FIG. 15 identifies a perspective view of the moon phase clock (100), according to the present invention and FIG. 16 identifies a three- dimensional view of the clockwork mechanism, particularly identifying the components earth dial (33), moon sphere (31), reflecting dial (30) and the sun dial (32). FIG. 17 identifies an alternate embodiment of the present invention. The reflective dial (30) is the inside surface of an inverted truncated cone. Although the nature of the reflective dial (30) is alterable, it does not have any consequential effect on the depiction of moon phases on the reflective surface. Also, in the alternate embodiment, the reflective dial (30) is placed outside the circle or the orbit of the moon sphere (31) around the earth dial (33). The moon sphere (31) is surrounded by the reflective dial (30) and the phases of the moon sphere (31) are depicted on the inner surface of the reflective dial (30). In this embodiment, the moon sphere (30) is inverted in arrangement from the previous embodiment, i.e., the upper hemisphere is painted dark and the lower hemisphere is lighter. However, the bottom hemisphere is still the heavier one. Owing to the inverted construction of the reflective dial (30), the moon sphere (31) is also inverted in its coloring, in order to display the moon phases accordingly. Further, in this embodiment, the reflective dial (30) is directly affixed onto the clock (100) and does not require to be affixed with the glass case front (35). The above-mentioned description illustrates and depicts various embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be appreciated that numerous changes and modifications are likely to occur as per user requirements, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover all these changes and modifications which fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS WE CLAIM: 1. A moon phase display clock (100), comprising: An Earth dial (33) located at the centre of the clock; A first dial (30D) depicting a solar day; A second dial (30A) depicting a lunar cycle; A reflecting dial (30); A moon sphere (31); Wherein the moon sphere (31) is mounted on carrier frames (24C, 24D) of a compound planetary gear lunar cycle mechanism; Wherein the clock mechanism enables the display of moon phases by the moon sphere (31) on the reflecting dial (30); and Wherein the clock (100) enables the moon sphere (31) to revolve around the earth dial (33) every 29.53 days.

2. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a meridian hand (33A) protruding from the Earth dial (33) represents a user’s longitude.

3. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first dial (30D) surrounds the Earth dial (33).

4. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second dial (30A) is located between the first dial (30D) and the reflecting dial (30).

5. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first dial (30D) comprises 24 hours of the mean solar day printed in an anticlockwise manner.

6. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Earth dial (33) is a hemisphere representing the Earth as seen from the north pole.

7. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Earth dial (33) rotates in an anti- clockwise manner.

8. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second dial (30A) includes markings indicating the lunar cycle, comprising from 1 to 29.5 printed on the second dial (30A) in an anti-clockwise manner.

9. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the reflecting dial (30) is a reflective surface of a truncated conical mirror or an inner surface of an inverted truncated conical mirror.

10. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Moon sphere (31) comprises two hemispheres, including an upper hemisphere and a lower hemisphere.

11. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower hemisphere is heavier; and wherein the lower hemisphere faces away from a solar Dial (32).

12. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the earth dial (33) is rotated and adjusted against the meridian hand (33A) by unscrewing a set screw (33D) to align the user’s geographical location with the meridian hand (33A).

13. The clock (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein both the earth dial (33) and the meridian hand (33A) are rotated by unscrewing a set screw 33E; Wherein the entire unit of the earth dial (33) and the meridian hand (33A) rotates freely; and Wherein the earth dial (33) and the meridian hand (33A) is rotated and adjusted to point anywhere.

14. A clock, comprising: A moon phase clock (100) comprising features as claimed in claims 1-13; A solar dial (32) representing a stationary Sun; Wherein the clock displays the moon phases via the moon phase clock (100); Wherein mean solar time is indicated by a meridian hand (33A) pointing at the first dial (30D); and Wherein a user is shown the moon phases, standard time, and the mean solar time simultaneously within the same moon phase clock.

15. The clock as claimed in claim 14, wherein the moon phase clock (100) and the solar dial (32) are encased in a case (40).

16. The clock as claimed in claim 14, wherein the clock displays standard time (UTC) via the solar dial (32).

17. A clock mechanism or compound planetary gear lunar cycle mechanism to display moon phases, comprising: A sun gear (1G); a first planet gear (25A); a second planet gear (25B); Wherein the first planet gear (25A) and the second planet gear (25B) are fixed onto the same arbor (25); Wherein the sun gear (1G) meshes with the first gear (25A); Wherein the second gear (25B) meshes with a fixed ring gear (24), which is stationary.

18. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the Sun gear (1G) acts as the input.

19. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the arbor (25) extends between bearings within the carrier frames (24C, 24D).

20. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the carrier frames (24C, 24D) are supported by pillar (24F).

21. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the carrier frame (24D) extends outwardly on one side; Wherein at the end the frame (24D) is a hole with a bearing; A pivot (31A) is supported loosely on the bearing; and wherein the pivot (31A) supports the moon sphere (31).

22. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the carrier frames (24C, 24D) act as the output for the input provided by the Sun gear (1G); Wherein the moon sphere (31) rotates in tandem with the carrier frames (24C, 24D); and wherein the bottom hemisphere is always facing down.

23. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the carrier frames (24C, 24D) rotate once every 29.531 days.

24. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the Sun gear (1G) comprises 22 teeth; and wherein the sun gear (1G) rotates anticlockwise every 24 hours.

25. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first gear (25A) comprises 83 teeth.

26. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the second gear (25B) comprises 16 teeth.

27. The clock mechanism as claimed in claim 17, wherein the ring gear (24) comprises 121 teeth.