Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 20090016176A1
• Filed: 09/21/2007
• Published: 01/15/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works LLC
• Inventors: Braunberger, Alfred S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,813,226 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 368/327
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 11/12 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 31/229 for investigating time/temperature history
• CPC Class Codes: G04B 47/00 Time-pieces combined with other articles which do not interfere with the running or the time-keeping of the time-piece clockwork cases for special purposes G04B37/12; clocks with magnifying glass built in the face G04B39/00; time-pieces in which parts or cases produce special effects, e.g. aesthetic effects, G04B45/00, particularly with inscriptions or pictures moved by hand G04B45/003, with specially shaped cases or parts G04B45/0069; combination of writing or drawing implements with devices for indicating time B43K29/087; combined with cameras, projectors, or photographic printing apparatus G03B29/00
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/04 Processes of manufacture in general
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/38 of elements or alloys
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 4/463 Aluminium based
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/18 with solid electrolyte
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 6/185 with oxides, hydroxides or oxysalts as solid electrolytes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49002 Electrical device making
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49126 Assembling bases

Abstract

A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Claims

1. A timing device comprising:

a) a base layer;

b) an anode layer;

c) an electrolyte layer between the base layer and in electrical contact with the anode layer;

d) a cathode layer electrically insulated from the electrolyte layer;

e) a thermistor layer;

f) a plurality of cathode line structures in electrical contact with the anode layer and the thermistor layer; and

g) at least one contact line in electrical contact with the cathode layer and the thermistor layer.

2. The timing device of claim 1, further comprising means to activate depletion of the anode layer in a depletion direction.

3. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the plurality of cathode line structures are substantially perpendicular to the depletion direction.

4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the electrolyte layer is formed from a solid-state material.

5. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the cathode layer is formed from copper.

6. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the anode layer is formed from aluminum.

7. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the base layer is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass and metal.

8. A timing device comprising:

a) an electrode structure comprising;

i) an anode material,

ii) a cathode material;

iii) a thermistor material; and

iv) a plurality of cathode line structures that are in electrical contact with the anode material and the thermistor material;

b) an electrolyte material; and

c) means for initiating depletion of the anode material and thereby indicating a passage of a duration time.

9. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the electrolyte material is a solid-state electrode material.

10. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of cathode line structures are formed from the cathode material.

11. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the cathode material comprises copper.

12. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the anode material comprises aluminum.

13. The timing device of claim 8, further comprising a base layer that is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, glass and metal.

14. The timing device of claim 8, further comprising an insulating layer positioned between the cathode material and the electrolyte material.

15. A method of making a timing device comprising:

a) providing a base;

b) forming an electrolyte layer over the base;

c) forming an electrode structure over the electrolyte layer, wherein the electrode structure comprises;

i) an anode layer;

ii) a cathode layer;

iii) a thermistor layer;

iv) a plurality of cathode line structures that are in electrical contact with the anode layer and the thermistor layer; and

v) at least one contact line in electrical contact with the cathode layer and the thermistor layer.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of cathode line structures are formed to be substantially perpendicular to a depletion in a direction toward the anode layer.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the electrolyte layer is formed from a solid-state material.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the cathode layer comprises copper.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the anode layer comprises aluminum.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the electrode structure is formed by vapor deposition.