Reminder and enforcer apparatus
First Claim
1. An activity reminder and enforcer apparatus for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity, comprising:
- a power source;
clock means powered by said power source for generating clock pulses;
first and second objects that must be brought into proximity during the desired activity;
means for detecting the performance of the desired activity and for generating a detection signal when the activity is performed;
said means for detecting having a sensor mechanism mounted in said first object and having a signal producing means mounted in said second object, said sensor mechanism being operable to sense the signal produced in said second object when said first and second objects are brought into proximity, one to the other, and to generate the detection signal when said proximity is sensed.logic means responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal, said logic means being operable in response to the clock pulse and, independently of the detection signal, to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, said dormant time period being of a sufficient duration, on the order of hours, that a user may forget to perform the desired activity, said logic means being operable during the active time period to generate the electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal and being operable during the dormant time period to not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the absence of the detection signal; and
signaling means responsive to the electric alarm signal to generate a signal for the selected period of time perceivable by the user to indicate that the desired activity has not been performed.
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Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity. A clock generates clock pulses and a mechanism, such as a magnetic switch and magnet, is provided for detecting the performance of the desired activity and generating a detection signal when such activity is performed. A logic array is responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal. In one form, the logic array is operable in response to the clock pulses to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, and during the active time period, the logic array is operable to generate an electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal. In the dormant period, the logic array will not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the presence or absence of the detection signal. An alarm device, such as a beeper, is responsive to the alarm signal to generate an alarm that is perceivable by the user to indicate that the desired activity has not been performed. The alarm will continue for a sufficiently long period of time that it will irritate the user if he does not perform the activity that is desired. In one embodiment, the reminder is used to enforce the use of an orthodontic headgear. A magnet is mounted on the headgear and a magnetic switch is mounted in a mouthpiece which is fastened within the user'"'"'s mouth. When the headgear is worn, the magnetic switch detects the presence of the magnet and will turn the alarm off during the active period.
141 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An activity reminder and enforcer apparatus for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity, comprising:
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a power source; clock means powered by said power source for generating clock pulses; first and second objects that must be brought into proximity during the desired activity; means for detecting the performance of the desired activity and for generating a detection signal when the activity is performed;
said means for detecting having a sensor mechanism mounted in said first object and having a signal producing means mounted in said second object, said sensor mechanism being operable to sense the signal produced in said second object when said first and second objects are brought into proximity, one to the other, and to generate the detection signal when said proximity is sensed.logic means responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal, said logic means being operable in response to the clock pulse and, independently of the detection signal, to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, said dormant time period being of a sufficient duration, on the order of hours, that a user may forget to perform the desired activity, said logic means being operable during the active time period to generate the electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal and being operable during the dormant time period to not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the absence of the detection signal; and signaling means responsive to the electric alarm signal to generate a signal for the selected period of time perceivable by the user to indicate that the desired activity has not been performed. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An activity reminder and enforcer apparatus for reminding a user of certain desired activity and for enforcing the performance of such activity, comprising:
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a power source; clock means powered by said power source for generating clock pulses; means for detecting the performance of the desired activity and for generating a detection signal when the activity is performed; logic means responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal, said logic means being operable in response to the clock pulses to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, said logic means being operable during the active time period to generate the electric alarm signal for a selected period of time in response to the absence of the detection signal and being operable during the dormant time period to not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the absence of the detection signal; signaling means responsive to the electric alarm signal to generate a signal for the selected period of time perceivable by the user to indicate that the desired activity has not been performed; said means for detecting comprising; an orthodontic headgear; a magnet mounted on said orthodontic headgear; magnetic switch means for generating a detection signal when said magnet and headgear are moved to a position within a predetermined distance of said magnetic switch means; and means for mounting said magnetic switch means within the mouth of the user whereby said magnetic switch means will be actuated when the user wears the headgear.
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7. An orthodontic apparatus for reminding a patient to wear an orthodontic device that attaches to the patient'"'"'s teeth and for enforcing the user of the orthodontic device during a selected period of time defined as a use period, comprising:
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a mouthpiece configured to fit within the patient'"'"'s mouth and being attached therein; means for detecting the presence of an orthodontic device when attached to the patient'"'"'s teeth and for generating a detection signal; a battery mounted within said mouthpiece; clock means mounted within said mouthpiece and powered by said battery for generating clock pulses; logic means mounted within said mouthpiece and responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal, said logic means being operable in response to the clock pulses to distinguish between at least two time periods defined as a use period and a dormant period, said logic means being operable during the use period to generate the electric alarm signal in response to the absence of the detection signal, said logic means being operable during the dormant period to not generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the absence of the detection signal; and an alarm device mounted within said mouthpiece for generating an alarm perceivable by the patient in response to the electric alarm signal to remind the patient to wear the orthodontic device and being operable to continue generating the alarm for a selected period of time sufficient to enforce the wearing of the orthodontic device. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for reminding a person to perform a desired activity and for enforcing the performance of the activity, comprising:
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a magnet mounted on a support means; a main housing; means for attaching said main housing to a person; magnetic switch means mounted within said main housing for switching and generating a detection signal in response to the presence of the magnet in near proximity to said magnetic switch means; a power source mounted within said housing; clock means mounted within said main housing and powered by said power source for generating clock pulses; logic means responsive to the clock pulses and the detection signal for selectively generating an electric alarm signal, said logic means being operable, in response to the clock pulses and independently of the detection signal, to distinguish between at least two distinct time periods defined as an active time period and a dormant time period, said dormant time period being of a sufficient duration, on the order of hours, that a user may forget to perform the desired activity, said logic means being operable only during the active time period to begin generating an electric alarm signal at predetermined times and to continue generating said electric alarm signal until at least one detection signal is generated by said magnetic switch means and being operable only during the dormant time period not to generate the electric alarm signal regardless of the absence of the detection signal; and alarm means responsive to said electric alarm signal to produce an alarm perceivable by the person whereby an alarm will be generated at selected times and will continue until said magnet is placed in near proximity to said magnetic switch means. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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Specification