Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 20030151985A1
• Filed: 02/26/2003
• Published: 08/14/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works LLC
• Inventors: Braunberger, Alfred S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,822,931 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 368/327
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/06 pH
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/44 Time
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/04 in respect of time
• CPC Class Codes: G04C 17/0008 by bands
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 1/005 using electronic timing, e.g. counting means pulse time delay arrangements H03K5/13; modifications of electronic switches for introducing a time delay before switching H03K17/28
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/00 Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by means not provided for in groups G04F5/00 - G04F10/00
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A timing device for visually indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, is sectioned into zones with different rates of reactivity and/or sensitivity, such that the zones change color or darken over a range of times. The timing device, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a film, that is a color film, a black and white film or a combination thereof, with a photographic layer and a developer layer, which when brought together activate the device. The photographic film can be pre-exposed to light or heat to control the rate that the film changes color or darkens after being activated. Pieces of timing film, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, have adhesion layers for attaching the pieces of timing film to perishable articles or packages containing perishable articles and are preferably configured to be dispensed from a roll or stack of the timing film.

Claims

1. A device comprising

b. a base;

and

c. a photographic medium that is capable of being activated to change color thereby indicating a passage of time.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the photographic medium comprises zones that are capable of being activated at different rates.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the photographic medium comprises a silver halide.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the reactive medium further comprises an infrared absorbing dye.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein the photographic medium further comprises a binder material for securing the silver halide to the base.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the binder comprises a gelatin.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the reactive medium is activated by applying a developer.

8. The device of claim 2, wherein the zones are treated to a range of exposures with a selected radiation to generate latent images within the zones.

9. The device of claim 2, further comprising a protective layer over the photographic medium wherein the photographic medium is activated by removing a protective layer.

10. A system comprising a plurality of timing zones that change color at different rates and which collectively indicate a duration of time.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of timing zones each comprises media activated by applying developer.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the photographic medium comprises a photo-sensitive material.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the photo-sensitive material comprises silver halide.

14. A timing system comprising:

a. sections of photographic film configured for indicating a passage of time; and

b. a means for attaching the sections of photographic film to an article.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the sections of photographic film are thermally activated.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein the means for attaching the sections of photographic film to an article comprises an adhesive backing coupled to the sections of photographic film.

17. The system of claim 14, further comprising a dispenser for dispensing the sections of photographic film.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dispenser comprises a housing with an attachment means for attaching the dispenser to a household appliance.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the attachment means comprises a magnet.

20. The system of claim 14, further comprising means for activating the sections of photographic film.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the means activating the sections of photographic film comprises a developer.

22. The system of claim 14, wherein each section of photographic film is pre-exposed to a gradient of light exposures.

23. A method of making a timing system, comprising:

a. providing a substrate; and

b. forming zones of a reactive medium on the substrate, the zones being capable of being activated at different rates to indicate passage of a range times.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein forming zones comprises depositing a photographic materials on the substrate.

25. The method of claim 23, further comprising exposing the zones to radiation.

26. A timing device for monitoring an age of perishable items within a refrigerator, the device comprising:

a. strips of reactive zones, the zones configured to change color at a different time after being activated and being geometrically arranged to collectively indicate a total passage of time; and

b. a means to activate the reactive zones.

27. The device of claim 26, wherein a portion of the reactive zones comprises a photosensitive medium that as developed changes color.

28. The device of claim 26, wherein a portion of the reactive zones comprise a diffusion layer and a dye that migrates through the diffusion layer to change color.

29. The device of claim 26, wherein a portion of the reactive zones comprises a electro-chemical material that is reduced or oxidized to change color.

30. The device of claim 26, further comprising a dispenser for dispensing the strip, the dispenser being configured to attach to the refrigerator.