time recording

A time recording is a specialized type of clock. A time recording can be used to control the sequence of an event or process. time recordings can be mechanical, electromechanical, digital, or even software, since most computers have clocks. Early mechanical time recordings used typical clockwork mechanisms, such as an escapement and spring to regulate their speed. Inaccurate, cheap mechanisms use a flat beater that spins against air resistance. Mechanical egg-time recordings are usually of this type. More accurate mechanisms resemble small alarm clocks. The chief advantage of these is that they require no battery, and can be stored for long periods of time. The most widely-known application is to control explosives. The world's most accurate docks can now fit on a microchip, thanks to micromachining techniques borrowed from the semiconductor industry. The smallest atomic time recording currently in use are the size of a deck of cards, and can be found on GPS satellites and in cellphone towers.