Elapsed time indicator device

• US 7,362,663 B2
• Filed: 09/21/2005
• Issued: 04/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/21/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Timestrip PLC
• Original Assignee: Timestrip PLC
• Inventors: Kagan, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Bradley; P. Austin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phan; Thanh S
• Application Number:
  US11/230,893
• Publication Number:
  US 20070064541A1
• Time in Patent Office: 944 Days
• Field of Search: 368/114, 368/327, 116/200
• US Class Current: 368/327
• 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

Abstract

The invention provides an electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device comprising a switch, a power source and a power driven elapsed time display for indicating the elapse of a limited predetermined segment of time upon activation of the switch and irrespective of the actual time of activation thereof, wherein the components are functionally interconnected and are printed on at least one substrate.

Claims

1. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device comprising a switch, a power source and a power driven elapsed time display for indicating the elapse of a limited predetermined segment of time upon activation of said switch and irrespective of the actual time of activation thereof, wherein said components are functionally interconnected and are printed on at least one substrate.

2. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 further comprising a controlling electronic circuit for controlling said display.

3. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 incorporating a thermochromic display.

4. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 incorporating an electrochromic display.

5. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 2 wherein said controller, power source, and the contents for said switch are integrated on to at least one polymer substrate.

6. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 wherein said display displays progressive time increments.

7. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 wherein at the elapse of a predetermined time period, said display provides a clear indication that this period has elapsed.

8. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device according to claim 1 wherein said device further comprises means for indicating that the device has been activated.

9. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator according to claim 1 wherein said power source, said switch and said display are all printable.

10. An electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator according to claim 2 wherein said power source, said switch, said controlling electronic circuit and said display are all printable.

11. A method for enabling a consumer to activate a consumer product at a time of use, independent of date of manufacture, date of sale and independent of actual time of activation, and to be apprised of elapsed time from such activation, comprising providing an electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device comprising a switch, a power source and a power driven elapsed time display for indicating the elapse of a limited predetermined segment of time upon activation of said switch and irrespective of the actual time of activation thereof, wherein said components are functionally interconnected and are printed on at least one substrate and wherein said switch is adapted to be activated by the consumer at time of use.