I found this at http://www.sandsmuseum.com/misc/spillhaus/spilhausclock.html

The following appears in booklet 1300, "Lots of Time", published by Edmund Scientific Co., Barrington, New Jersey in 1964.

"Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus, Dean, Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota, is well known to scientists the world over. He is listed in "American Men of Science" as a meteorologist, an oceanographer, and as the inventor of the bathythermograph, an invention which contributed substantially to our submarine warfare success in WW II."

"Through his meteorological work, Dr. Spilhaus has long had a keen interest in astronomical clock, their history and function. Years ago he conceived the idea of a compact space clock utilizing modern materials not available to early clockmakers. Over a period of six years he developed the simple, unique gearing for the various discs of the space dial. He built several models, and finally produced a design for a clock that is considered by many to be a breakthrough in the art and science of clock making.

When Dr. Spilhaus gave Edmund Scientific Co. the opportunity to manufacture and market the clock, they eagerly accepted the privilege. Edmund Scientific Co. has for over 21 years been a well known source of supply for scientists, teachers, hobbyists, and amateur astronomers. In the manufacturing of this unique instrument, everything consistent with good engineering practice has been done."