Abstract: A world clock includes a map with markings arranged to indicate time zones for actual geographic locations and a single-row table having 24 columns for correlating the markings with hour markings on a belt. The belt is driven by a controller to move one column every hour, with stoppage of the belt below the next column being controlled by a light sensor arranged to sense blank spaces on the belt between the hour markings.

Abstract: A time conversion universal clock includes a time conversion transmission mechanism having one output connected with a time recording element, and another output coupled with a universal time zone map, so that the time recording element drives the universal time zone map in a counter-clockwise direction of rotation. The universal time zone map displays at least some of the world's geographical regions in a polar projection in terms of time zones corresponding thereto. A time conversion transmission mechanism of the time conversion universal clock has a rotary input at a first rotation rate, and provides a rotary output at a second rotation rate; the ratio of the first to the second rotation rates is defined as a transmission ratio, which is made equal to 0.5 by two pulleys, or, alternately gearwheels, of a coupling device of the time conversion mechanism, which engage one another, and have a diameter ratio of two.

Abstract: A glide head is used to test a rigid magnetic disk surface for projecting asperities. Using a two rail head with the read/write transducer mounted at the rear of the rail at the side of the head toward which the head is being radially advanced and skewing the head so that the trailing edge of the head approaches each track before the leading edge as the head is advanced, it is possible to write a pattern from a known position relative an event or asperity identified by a mechanical transducer associated with the head to the index location. Using a developer, it is then possible to readily identify the asperity during microscopic examination of the disk surface.

Abstract: A clock for indicating the different times at different places in the world, comprises a globe and a dial ring rotatable in an annular groove formed around the inside of the globe at its equatorial region. The dial ring is rotated around the globe by a clock movement. A time scale on the dial ring is visible through a transparent zone of the equatorial region of the globe, and the simultaneous times at the different places in the world are indicated by reading the time scale in conjunction with index marks provided on the globe and identifying different places in the world.

Abstract: The watch has a component in which a plurality of different times corresponding to different world time zones are displayed simultaneously. In one embodiment, the times are designated on an endless belt which is moved in increments under a window. In another embodiment, the times are designated on a roller which is rotated in increments under a window. Incremental motion can take place manually or automatically. In another embodiment, the timepiece component is interconnected into a circuit of a quartz watch.