From the three indicators of Chinese energy-saving emission reduction

China Suppliers


Two years ago, a hurricane swept across the total U.S. crude oil production 1 / 10 of the Gulf of Mexico region, the region 1 / 3 of the field was closed, the port city of New Orleans, flooding rivers and lakes has become a New York futures market, a barrel pushed up the price of crude oil over 70 dollars. The instigator behind the disaster that is global warming caused by climate anomalies. Can be said that countries in the world suffer. Since last winter, many parts of China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, have emerged, "there is the temperature record" has or "New China" since the maximum temperature. State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, according to figures provided to 25 June, 1.66 million mu of arable land area hit by drought, while the multi-year average of only 1.5 million hectares over the same period. Shows that climate change is worsening the healthy development of China's economy needed "friendly environment."


In early June of Eight summit held in eight countries and five developing countries and the dialogue meeting, climate warming has become a focus of attention on all sides. The key to control global warming, is to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide and other harmful gas emissions. Bush is out of the United States would reject the "Kyoto Protocol" caused by the passive situation, put forward an alternative program of Germany's "long-term strategy to address climate change", asking the world's second largest emitter of greenhouse gases in China, the rapidly growing emissions of the development of India countries have to bear the mandatory emission reduction obligations. China and other developing countries that such a requirement is unfair. Industrialization in developing countries has not been completed, per capita emissions still very low. Global climate warming, developed countries 200 years of heavy use of fossil fuels, the cumulative result of greenhouse gas emissions. Require developing countries to undertake mandatory emission reduction obligations, developing countries will no doubt set up serious obstacles.


However, this does not mean that China has low per capita emissions as an excuse to evade their own energy-saving emission reduction obligations. Should understand the emissions and per capita emissions of these two indicators of different meanings. The first indicator "emissions" is about the impact of climate warming, it is a meaningful indicator of physics. Whoever the emission of greenhouse gases, emissions of the more, the greater magnitude of temperature rise. From a physical point of view, each country should strive to energy conservation. China, as the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases, the natural face of pressure. The second indicator "per capita emissions" is a sociological sense, the index level with the country's development is linked. China's per capita emissions of OECD countries, only 1 / 3, United States 1 / 7, only 2,000 U.S. dollars GDP per capita is U.S. 1 / 20. Therefore, China's per capita emissions per capita 2000 U.S. dollars to maintain the current low level of development of the "survival" emissions, forcing China's rapid emissions reduction, means that the Chinese people to re-trapped in poverty. Enter the "post-industrial" era of high per capita emissions of developed countries is uncontrolled squandering of energy in these countries, the result of high consumption, with a great reduction of space. Obviously, from a sociological point of view, two groups of countries to emission reduction requirements are not "indiscriminate".
fluorescent magnifier lamp


China's energy saving, can not affect China's economic development, but only by increasing energy efficiency to achieve. Therefore, there is a third indicator, the "Eleventh Five-Year" requirements, 2010, China's yuan GDP energy consumption from 1.22 tons of standard coal in 2005 dropped to 1 ton of standard coal below about 20% lower. This is a comprehensive index, includes both the energy requirement, also reached the goal of emission reduction, also means the improvement of energy efficiency improvements and economic structure. China through the development of hydropower, nuclear power, coal bed methane utilization, bio-energy, wind, solar, geothermal, ocean energy, replacing less efficient small thermal power and other measures to reduce by 2010 at least 950 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and the "Kyoto Protocol" provides that, in 2012, developed countries need to reduce a total of 5 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, China's emissions intensity, is quite substantial. China through the elimination of backward production capacity, and can raise energy conservation, energy efficiency, optimize the economic structure of the multi-effects.
dimmable compact fluorescent light bulbs


These measures not only the task to ensure the successful completion of our energy reduction also means a series of related higher level of industrial technology, to enhance competitiveness and national economic structure optimization.

SMG were pushed Intel to bring mobile digital high-definition TV industry - SMG, Intel, mobile - HC network broadcasting industry

China Suppliers


Held at the 13th Shanghai Television Festival the Thirteenth "Magnolia Forum - The Fourth China International New Media Industry Forum" on the news media Shanghai Media Group (SMG, hereinafter referred to as "SMG") announced with Intel Corporation ("Intel") will be wireless broadband and mobile TV cooperation, its new media field in a wide range of applications and services, combined with Intel's leading wireless broadband technology and laptop, ultra-mobile PC, ultra-mobile Internet terminals and other mobile platforms, provide a variety of high-definition application mode, so that consumers in the future be able to watch HDTV programs anytime, anywhere.





  According to reports, the Shanghai Media Group SMG's collaboration with Intel covers new media company SMG's latest business areas, including nearly 600 with the current pay-TV households, China's largest digital pay cable channel integrated operating platform - Shanghai Media Interactive Television Limited (SiTV) cooperation, research and development applications the latest Intel laptop, ultra-mobile PC, ultra mobile Internet devices and wireless broadband and related technology in high-definition television transmission, reception and play area of the test ; with the IP TV first put into operation 100 Vision Corporation (BesTV) cooperation, research and development applications Intel wireless broadband, mobile platforms and related technologies in the IP TV transmission test; and Eastern Broadband Communication Ltd. (SMGbb) cooperation R & D Application Intel Wireless broadband, mobile platform and related technologies, "Internet TV Live Broadcast System", by joint radio and television industry to domestic and foreign agencies to promote; and mobile phone mobile terminals as video and audio, pictures, text and other information carriers, operating mobile streaming media and interactive value-added services based Dragon New Media Co., Ltd. (DragonNewMedia) cooperation, research and development of wireless broadband applications and related Intel technology in the application of handheld mobile terminal test. In addition, the two sides will also try to launch wireless broadband services in the test operations, including for handheld wireless devices, ultra-mobile PC, ultra mobile Internet devices, laptops, IP TV set-top boxes, including wireless broadband access.
dynamic stereo headphones



active noise reduction headphones


Both sides of the partnership, Intel will join its partners to SMG to provide the necessary technical training, test equipment, laboratory environment, software solutions. SMG will be based on Intel's technical and infrastructure environments, and establish a set of areas for wireless broadband business platform, and put their own content resources owned, brand and people. Through this cooperation, as well as SMG and Intel are committed to the business platform for the completion of China's leading wireless broadband applications in the field demonstration base.





SMG Shanghai Media Group vice president of Da Zhong said: "The new media is digital technology, communication technology and cultural products, and the media closely with the product of the relationship between them is not a simple physical combination, the chemical reaction, not only birth content industry to design more dynamic content products to meet consumer demand of users, will also promote information technology industry for more R & D and application, so the quality is contained in the new media has become even more convenient and efficiency. New media is no longer confined to a regional operation, but the whole country, and even global operations; are no longer broadcasting a single industry, but with the telecommunications, mobile, technology, and terminal manufacturers such as cross-sectoral collaboration; even longer is the only audio and video content, will integrate a variety of new media content form integration. "





"As the second largest media group, Shanghai Media Group in the digital new media resources and rich media applications across a variety of new media business operations in China, leading a large media group. We are firmly implemented through extensive cooperation, market-oriented operations strategies have been successfully in the digital pay TV, broadband TV, mobile TV and other new businesses to enter a virtuous cycle. "Da Zhong told reporters, said," In recent years , with the popularity of communication networks and various types of mobile terminals to upgrade, mobile high definition digital television, interactive television and other kinds of power are emerging new media and showed high-definition, mobile, and interactive three major trends. This time we put the company's leading high-performance mobile platform and wireless broadband technologies to the development of our new camp to the media, is to make more innovative and rich content to meet the needs of more consumers, for the people of China to provide high quality, diversified, more convenient cultural services. "





Forum, Intel unveiled the latest laptops and mobile interactive TV HDTV products. In addition, the latest release of Intel's new Centrino processor technology and Intel ® Ultra Mobile platform 2007 (formerly codenamed "McCaslin"), with its powerful data processing capacity, endurance capacity and support for high definition television, allowing many users notebooks and ultra mobile PC to watch mobile TV, watching the more colorful, interactive programs, truly mobile "digital cinema" and "entertainment center", its unparalleled performance and good power control will accelerate the mobile entertainment era.

Dialogue Connie root: a strong brand experience landing on a beach 1

China Suppliers


Editor's note: The United States Culligan? Connie Root to China from 2004 to 2007, the official sales to seize the Chinese water treatment market, the past few years have witnessed the HC water industry network of water treatment systems in the field of a distinguished family of international brands to enter China, the process of localization . As soon develop into China from abroad, the enterprise, how to enter the China market strategy and direction to show the extraordinary qualities do business? With some doubt, HC Water Industry Network China International Water Supply and Drainage in the CWS Water exhibition met with the United States Culligan? Connie Root President, Asia Pacific KY.Shin (application base allowed) President, to find out. Humor talkative KY.Shin (application base allowed), who was affectionately called the industry as KY, he was like this title, the following is the water industry nets HC interview, Mr. KY.


U.S. Culligan? Connie Root President, Asia Pacific KY.Shin (Shen Yun-based), Mr.


U.S. Culligan? Connie Root President, Asia Pacific KY.Shin (Shen Yun-based), Mr.
glass bathroom scales


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talking bathroom scales


    HC Network: KY Hello, this is the first time at the show interview Culligan? Connie root, can you give us introduce your company's development and current situation in China?


    Mr. KY: U.S. Culligan? Connie Root was founded in 1936 and headquartered in the United States Illinois, United States market with the most visibility and reputation of the brand. 70 years, Culligan? Connie root, with its advanced design concepts and professional production technology, and always living in the world's water treatment industry leadership, the company is committed to the independent development of systems, products and wading all parts, materials, raw materials have passed the United States NSF certification is the world's largest manufacturers of household water treatment equipment.


    Culligan? Connie root is not only a family swimming pool water treatment system in the field and the field of high frequency respected brand, is also active in the field of water supply and a variety of industrial processes and specific treatment areas, including food, medicine, electronics, pharmaceuticals, printing, animal husbandry, shipbuilding and wastewater treatment. Currently has more than 200 exclusive patents, and more than 90 countries covering more than 2,000 marketing agencies.


    2004 U.S. Culligan? Connie root stationed in Shanghai, China, in 2005 throughout the country have done a detailed market research in 2006, China set up offices in all its dealings, September 1, 2007, Culligan? Connie root user experience Shanghai Museum opening, this is Culligan? Connie root in China is currently in the first outlets, mainly dealing with various specifications and models domestic and commercial use of pure water machines, water softeners, water purifier, small filters. There, the small business with the pure water machine, water softeners and water purifiers; also have villas dedicated water softeners, water purifiers. To meet different customer groups and different chamber needs. May 1, 2009, Culligan? Connie root user experience second Shanghai Museum officially opened the center platform with Meikailong home, Connie root will allow more users to understand the world-class water brand, to more many families have better water quality of life is we always pursue.


    HC Network: display your company's main innovation of this product does what? What are the advantages of these products?


    Mr. KY: The company produces various specifications, types of household and commercial use of water softeners, water purifier, water purifier, small filters. There, the small business with the pure water machine, water softeners and water purifiers; also have villas dedicated water softeners, water purifiers. To meet different customer groups and different chamber needs. Also, some control valve head, activated carbon, PP cotton, and different types of pre-filter the display; and spare parts for ordinary domestic product comparison, customers can see very directly the difference between the two.


    The representation of products on display there are many, I highlight some of what we Culligan? Connie Root AC-30RO reverse osmosis pure water machine, which uses four filter used: the first level: as with Culligan? Connie root of the minimum aperture of the patent 5 micron Cullex? wound in PP cotton; the second level: Advanced coconut shell activated carbon powder sintered filter, stronger adsorption; III: Culligan? Connie self-developed root polyamide composite RO reverse osmosis membrane, pore size is smaller, more effective to ensure the safety of your drinking water; fourth level: Advanced coconut shell activated carbon post, dual protection, first-class taste.


    One-time injection molding the entire body. No pipeline connection in not only beautiful, save space, but also to prevent the leakage from the fundamental risks; and no longer have to buy bottled water, bottled water, free from troubles.


    It is worth mentioning that the product distribution is also patent GoodWaterSentry? Monitor comes with testing leading lights, real-time detection of water quality, water quality when the user is using clear, green water pass, red for failure or system need to maintain water quality, always ensure users safe drinking water.

I can take advantage of new technologies

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I could be in a certain economic and technological conditions, the energy use of equipment not being used for energy, which is redundant, obsolete energy. It includes high-temperature exhaust gas heat, cooling medium heat, waste steam waste heat, hot products and slag waste heat, chemical reaction heat, combustible waste gas and waste heat and high pressure fluids and pressure and so on seven. The most important is the heat. According to the survey, the total resources of all sectors of the waste heat of its fuel consumption accounts for about 17% of the total 67% recyclable waste heat is about 60% of the total resources of waste heat, as shown in Table 13-7.


(1) use of waste heat recovery heat utilization means a lot. In general, comprehensive utilization of waste heat is best; followed by the direct use; third, indirect use (to produce steam, the hot water and hot air). Rational use of waste heat steam sequence: combined heating power; combined heat power generation; production process used; life use; condensing power generation. The rational utilization of waste heat hot water in order are: the production process for year-round use; return boiler; live with. The rational utilization of waste heat the air in order are: production; HVAC; power use; power generation.


(2) waste heat utilization of new technologies: hot round: hot wheels from the porous and high specific heat capacity of material, there are two types of rotary and rotating drum structure type, as shown in Figure 13-1. When the heat low round of the turntable and the drum rotation, the hot gas heat transfer to the hot wheels, hot wheels continue to spin as hard, it Pianjiang obtained heat transfer to the incoming cold air. Heat transfer efficiency of heat wheel has now reached 75% ~ 80%, application temperature up to about 870 . Wheel structure due to thermal reasons, there will be a small amount of exhaust gas into the trachea, thus making a certain degree of pollution. If pollution exceeds the approved limit of pain, can be added to reduce the pollution washing section. Hot wheels are generally used for heating and low temperature, medium temperature waste heat recovery, and the drying furnace, furnace and air conservation Preheater. Heat Pipes: Heat pipe is a good use of industrial waste heat equipment, it has a simple structure and characteristics of cross-contamination does not exist. As shown in Figure 13-2, the most common heat pipe is composed of a sealed tubular container, with the capillary wall core structural materials, the material sufficient to evaporate the liquid. The role of heat pipe is based on the principle of evaporation of a cooling cycle. Base in the capillary core structure as the material acts as the pump, it will return condensed fluid heat input from the heat so the liquid heat pipe working fluid evaporation, evaporation of latent heat with the steam sent to the cold end of heat pipe cooling, releasing latent heat. Then, by the capillary condensation of liquid core structure sent back to the hot end, so the cycle efficiently transfer heat.
scottish fold cats


Constant temperature control and thermal control applied to production of waste heat recovery. Heat pipe can also be used for air dryer, heating, ventilation, air conditioning and air pre-heater and so on.
wicker laundry hamper


(3) heat pump


Heat can be recovered 100 ~ 120 under heat, can make use of the natural environment (such as air and water) and low temperature heat source (such as underground water, low temperature solar heat and waste heat) to save a lot of heating and heating fuel. Heat pump is a new energy-efficient use of low-temperature energy-saving technologies now in heating, air conditioning, dry (such as timber, grain, tea, etc.), drying (such as cotton, wool and paper, etc.), food and dehumidification, no motor windings load moisture, heat water and ice and so are more widely used.


Figure 13-3 shows, the heat pump is part of the energy consumption (such as mechanical, electrical, high temperature thermal energy) at the cost of heat through the cycle, the transfer of heat from low temperature to high temperature objects, objects of energy utilization device. It is exactly the same principle and cooler, is the use of low boiling point working fluid (such as Freon) liquid through the throttle after decompression, have evaporated in the evaporator, absorbing heat from the low-temperature objects, then refrigerant vapor compression Ershi temperature and pressure increased, and finally released by the condenser heat and into a liquid, such cycles, the transfer of heat from low temperature to high temperature objects objects. Heat pump can be caused by thermal coefficient of performance (COP) to express its meaning users get the heat and the heat consumed in the ratio of external work. Table 13-8 lists some of the application of effective and heating heat pump coefficient of .

3D Touch MOTO Department of MT810 real machine again next appearance - Motorola, cell phone - audio-visual industry

China Suppliers


With a unique double-touch and 3D display features, Motorola's smart new machine MT810 in the absence of published cases, we already have incredible high degree of popularity and attention. Although there is not this new generation of "clear line" phone the exact release time of the disclosure, but the number of frequent exposure on the network or allows us to see signs of this machine coming soon. Recently, following the Motorola M810 in with this year's World Cup after the video, with the Ministry of Industry and Information Center web site telecommunications equipment certification latest picture, finally we saw the true colors of this Motorola smartphone.





Although the Motorola M810 has been repeatedly exposed but there are phone models in the past two versions, so that the final number of life experience or some of the suspense. And the machine appeared in the official channels in the opened and its mystery, but also to ownership of the machine model can be settled. Motorola, China Mobile, as customized for the new smart phones, MT810 initial product code-named "North Sea" will be the classic Motorola "Ming" series a new generation of members not only have a fairly powerful, but also in this year's World Cup to include mobile phone TV Publicity, including several selling points.
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cashmere argyle sweater


Motorola M810 Motorola MT810 also used as a "clear line" pure transparent classic clamshell design, so even in the case of closing the flip, you can easily watch TV programs. Also, the machine inside and outside the unique dual design is not just consider the visual stimuli, but also added more practical to bring high-tech content. In addition to supporting features such as double-touch, Motorola's dual inside and outside the machine also uses different technical specifications. Among them, the internal display for the resistive touch screen, but after closing the flip, compared with capacitive touch screen. This design is said to take care of some of the user habits can be achieved stylus operation functions. Motorola MT810





As the most anticipated features magic, the machine also has a transparent flip 3D rendering capabilities. When the user opens the clamshell mobile phone, the phone screen shows the typical two-dimensional images, and close the clamshell, the user can see through the transparent flip mobile phone 3D interface. It is reported that Motorola is the 3D display technology allows users to view contacts, phone numbers, images, video, menus, user interface and other information, can be either visual or experience the use of manipulation can be an unparalleled experience.





Motorola M810 Motorola MT810 is a tailor-made for the China Mobile OPhone, equipped with a OMS1.6 system version, which features further enhance the stability and development based on Android2.0 system version, the compatibility of the more outstanding . As for the other features of Motorola MT810 features, the machine not only supports the TD-S CD MA / GSM networks, but also equipped with a front camera, two-way video call feature. And in order to obtain better multi-media expression, Motorola MT810 also loaded the GPU (graphics processor), available at video playback, image processing or 3D games, the menu and provide more effective support. It is worth mentioning that Motorola MT810 also built the 500-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, autofocus and support not only the rich camera functions, but also provides a 720P high-definition video capture function.





Motorola M810





Motorola MT810 also supports CMMB mobile TV functionality, but also has a 3.5 mm Headset Interface, support for Word, PDF and other Office document browsing and office software has a storage card expansion, etc.. And customize their mobile phones to reflect the characteristics of the aircraft will be through the support of the WAPI standard wireless LAN to access WLAN function. And expected to fully support China Mobile's launch of related services, including mobile email, mobile navigation and mobile wallet functions. Of course, as with other OPhone phones, Motorola TM810 can be launched by China Mobile software store to download more applications to extend phone functionality to mobile phones more fun and easy. Perhaps because the double-touch and 3D display by adding new elements, so Motorola MT810 in the price looks a little expensive, about 6,000 yuan, up and down the pricing can be said that the characteristics of its high-end market positioning.

Suning Appliance 11 TV feast highlights the three major shock - Suning Appliance, flat-panel TV - Network Appliance Industry

China Suppliers


With 11 seven-day holiday at hand, the domestic appliance market will once again boiling, and as the largest market capacity





TV Consumers are given the most attention, and enthusiasm.
gsm alarms


The recent news from Suning Electric understands that during the Golden Week for the protection of 11 the demand for consumers to buy color TV, Suning Appliance unified procurement of millions of large single plate, in which consumers separate customized cost-effective flat accounted for 30% of the overall procurement volume, Suning also prepared more than 200 million yuan in value gifts consumer feedback, and start the "sunshine package" extended warranty service on consumer purchase is "Jin-Gui" in
wireless intruder alarm





Flat Panel TV Had a reassurance. Suning of this series of initiatives which no doubt will be the Golden Week this feast of the biggest bright spot TV.





Highlights one: millions of huge amount of procurement for the new 30% special


8 Olympics Strong Sales of Color TV during the occasion, Suning had strike while the iron is hot, for the upcoming Golden Week as Skyworth,





Hisense , Konka , TCL, Changhong, Haier, Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung, LG, Philips, Hitachi and other major brands at home and abroad had more than millions of color TV's largest single purchase, and use during the Olympic Games demonstrate a strong ability and manufacturers to promote Golden Week and are expected to obtain sufficient supply security and price advantage, and among them were up to 30% of the procurement model for the exclusive supply of Suning's products manufacturers, the cost has become more an advantage.





Foreign brands such as exclusive models, the exclusive underwriter of the Sharp X50A Suning series contains 42,46,52 inch mainstream size, 100HZ technology products will lead the market trend; LG70ED/FD during the National Day will also guide an number one machine trend; Hitachi UT Series 3.5CM thin TV fell 40% during the National Day; Suning exclusive custom Philips 7603 series, Full HD Ambilight leading the fashion, the light is on its border with the image and adjust change, so consumers do not turn on the lights in the case of the same look comfortable, and Philips, "one by one fresh" series makes the television image itself to become more "HD"; Panasonic Full HD Plasma TV PZ80C series of comprehensive listing, not only new low price, also has 400Hz sub-field drive, can play the functions of eye care.





For domestic brands: Suning exclusive procurement TLM32P69D Hisense 32-inch LCD TV has low power characteristics, consistent with "energy saving" in need of the times, this new listing in September was undoubtedly a good choice; and Skyworth's 02 series to accommodate the 32-inch, 37 inch, 42 inch, 47 inch four kinds of specifications.





Visible, Suning the exclusive purchase of the product model are the mainstream products on the market selling models, technical characteristics are fully consistent with the needs of Chinese consumers, especially worth mentioning is the price of these products also have great advantages, Other than the market average with the specifications of the products cheaper by about 10% are concerned about the cost of consumer choice.





Highlights 2: 200 million yuan ones who enjoy unprecedented levels of value for money gifts


Well as the rich variety of ex-gratia TV products, in order to fully none other Golden Week TV market, Suning has purchased a large one gift more than 200 million yuan of consumer feedback. 11 during the National Day Suning TV area in the audience to implement "Maijiu Song", as long as consumers buy in the store Suning any TV, will be beautiful and practical gift value. Love waves which home theater and a variety of





LCD TV More Philips Domestic Appliances and the juice machine, vacuum cleaners, rice cookers and other practical gifts for consumers to choose.





It is reported that the purchase of large size flat panel TVs 19-inch liquid crystal can be a gift, purchase TV for a certain amount, that donated brand 32-inch liquid crystal, the maximum aggregate purchase amount of the value of 5,000 yuan more access to stylish home theater waves of love, so that You experience the HD shock.





"These gifts are practical and abundant Suning carefully selected gifts for the consumer," and Suning





Black





Division, said Li Bin, "gifts are taken into account the quality and relevance of the brand, the real surprise to consumers, so that gift is no longer a 'tasteless'."

Clock face

China Suppliers


Reading a modern clock face


'12:14' in both analog and digital representations.


A ship's radio room wall clock during the age of Wireless telegraphy showing '10:09' and 36 seconds' bean bag pattern


Most modern clocks have the numbers 1 through 12 printed on the face indicating the hour, and on many models, sixty dots or lines evenly spaced in a ring around the outside of the dial, indicating minutes and seconds. resin wicker chairs


The time is read by observing the placement of several "hands" which emanate from the center of the dial:


A short thick hand (hour);


A long, thinner hand (minute); and on some models,


A very thin 'sweep' hand (seconds)


...all of which continuously rotate around the dial in a 'clockwise' pattern - moving from 1 to 2, 2 to 3, and so on.


The sweep hand moves relatively quickly, taking a full minute (sixty seconds) to make a complete rotation from '12 to 12.' As the sweep had makes its rotation, the minute hand will slowly move from one minute mark to the next one.


As the minute hand rotates more slowly around the dial, it will take a full hour (sixty minutes) to make a complete rotation from '12 to 12.' As the minute hand makes its complete rotation, the hour hand will slowly move from one hour mark to the next one.


When all three hands are pointing at '12' it is either Noon or Midnight and the process begins again.


In the example picture, showing a two handed clock, the minute hand is on "14" minutes and the hour hand is moving from '12' to '1' - this indicates a time of '12:14'


Historical development


15th century rotating dial clock face, St. Mary's Church, Gdansk, Poland.


Clocks existed before clock faces. The first mechanical clocks, built in 13th century Europe, were striking clocks: their purpose was to ring bells upon the canonical hours, to call the public to prayer. These were erected as tower clocks in public places, to ensure that the bells were audible. It was not until these mechanical clocks were in place that their creators realized that their wheels could be used to drive an indicator on a dial on the outside of the tower, where it could be widely seen.


Before the late 14th century, a fixed hand (often a carving shaped like a hand) indicated the hour by pointing to numbers on a rotating dial; after this time the current convention of a rotating hand on a fixed dial was adopted. Minute hands (so named because they indicated the small or minute divisions of the hour) only came into regular use around 1690, after the invention of the pendulum and anchor escapement increased the precision of time-telling enough to justify it. In some precision clocks a third hand, which rotated once a minute, was added in a separate subdial. This was called the 'second-minute' hand (because it measured the secondary minute divisions of the hour), which was shortened to 'second' hand. The convention of the hands moving clockwise evolved in imitation of the sundial. In the Northern hemisphere, where the clock face originated, the shadow of the gnomon on a sundial moves clockwise during the day. This was also why noon or 12 o'clock was conventionally located at the top of the dial.


French decimal clock face


French Decimal Time


During the French Revolution in 1793, in connection with its Republican calendar, France attempted to introduce a decimal time system. This had 10 hours in the day, 100 decimal minutes per hour, and 100 decimal seconds per minute. Therefore the decimal hour was more than twice as long as the present hour, the decimal minute was slightly longer than the present minute and the decimal second was slightly shorter than the present second. Clocks were manufactured with this alternate face, usually combined with traditional hour markings. However, it didn't catch on, and France discontinued the mandatory use of decimal time on 7 April 1795, although some French cities used decimal time until 1801.


Stylistic development


Until the last quarter of the 17th century hour markings were etched into metal faces and the recesses filled with black wax. Subsequently, higher contrast and improved readability was achieved with white enamel plaques painted with black numbers. Initially, the numbers were printed on small, individual plaques mounted on a brass substructure. This was not a stylistic decision, rather enamel production technology had not yet achieved the ability to create large pieces of enamel. The "13 piece face" was an early attempt to create an entirely white enamel face. As the name suggests, it was composed of 13 enamel plaques: 12 numbered wedges fitted around a circle. The first single piece enamel faces, not unlike those in production today, began to appear c. 1735.


Footnotes


^ a b Milham, Willis I. (1945). Time and Timekeepers. New York: MacMillan. pp. 195. ISBN 0780800087. 


^ Lathrop, Don Haven (1996). "Why is clockwise Clockwise?". Workshop Hints. British Horological Institute. http://www.bhi.co.uk/aHints/clckwse.html. Retrieved 2008-06-27. 


^ "The Republican Calendar and Decimal Time". History. The Horological Foundation, Netherlands. 2008. http://www.antique-horology.org/_Editorial/RepublicanCalendar/default.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-08. 


Categories: Clocks | Horology