Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 7,254,095 B1
• Filed: 05/07/2004
• Issued: 08/07/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works LLC
• Inventors: Braunberger, Alfred S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Miska; Vit
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phan; Thanh S.
• Application Number:
  US10/840,880
• Time in Patent Office: 1,187 Days
• Field of Search: 368/327, 368/10, 368/107, 422 56- 58, 422/61
• US Class Current: 368/327
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/04 in respect of time
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 1/066 using electrical contact device
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49 Method of mechanical manufacture
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.

Claims

1. A timing device comprising;

a. an electrochemical structure comprising;

i. a first electrode material;

ii. a second electrode material;

iii. an electrolyte; and

iv. an activating mechanism to activate the electrochemical structure by placing the electrodes in electrical communication with each other, wherein activating the electrochemical structure generates a response from the electrochemical structure to indicate a passage of a duration of time after being activated; and

b. a compensating element electrically coupled to the electrochemical structure, the compensating element configured to regulate the time of the response as indicated by the electrochemical structure in response to changes in temperature.

2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the response is indicated by a visible depletion of the first electrode material.

3. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the electrolyte is colored.

4. The timing device of claim 3, wherein the first electrode material is coated on a transparent lens and the colored electrolyte is visible through the transparent lens when the first electrode material is depleted.

5. The timing device of claim 4, wherein the transparent lens comprises a polymer.

6. The timing device of claim 5, wherein the polymer is a conductive polymer.

7. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the first electrode material comprises a plurality of first electrodes and the electrochemical structure comprises a plurality of corresponding sub cells.

8. The timing device of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first electrodes are electrically coupled to the second electrode material through resistors, such that the first electrode material corresponding to each of the sub cells is depleted in a range of times.

9. The timing device of claim 2, further comprising a membrane isolating a first portion of the electrolyte from a second portion of the electrolyte, wherein breaking the membrane actuates the timing device.

10. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the electrolyte comprises a compensating material.