Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 7,463,558 B2
• Filed: 07/30/2007
• Issued: 12/09/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Inventors: Braunberger, Alfred S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Leon; Edwin A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Phan; Thanh S
• Application Number:
  US11/888,226
• Publication Number:
  US 20070268785A1
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 368/327, 368/10, 116/206, 116/200, 422 55- 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 electrochromic structure configured to generate a visual indication in a selected period of time; and

b. a driver circuit configured to automatically actuate the electrochromic structure to generate the visual indication within the selected period of time, wherein the driver circuit comprises a timing circuit.

2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein portions of the electrochromic structure are configured to switch between an opaque colored state and a transparent colored state.

3. The timing device of claim 2, further comprising a base structure that is viewable through the portions of the electrochromic structure when the portions of the electrochromic structure are in the transparent colored state.

4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the electrochromic structure is divided into zones that collectively provide the visual indication in the selected period of time.

5. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the timing circuit is programmable to select the period of time.

6. A timing device comprising an electrochemical cell comprising:

a) a first electrode material;

b) a second electrode material;

c) an activating mechanism coupled to the first electrode material and the second electrode material to place the first electrode in electrical contact with the second electrode and thereby actuate the timing device;

d) a colored electrolyte, wherein the colored electrolyte becomes visible when the first electrode material is depleted, thereby indicating a passage of time; and

e) a membrane isolating a first portion of the colored electrolyte from a second portion of the colored electrolyte, wherein breaking the membrane actuates the timing device.

7. The timing device of claim 6, further comprising a transparent lens through which the colored electrolyte becomes visible.

8. The timing device of claim 7, wherein the transparent lens comprises a polymer.

9. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the polymer is polyester and the first electrode material is aluminum.

10. The timing device of claim 8, wherein the polymer is a conductive polymer.

11. The timing device of claim 6, further comprising a compensating element coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode to regulate a rate at which the first electrode material is depleted.

12. The timing device of claim 11, wherein the compensating element comprises at least one of a varistor and a thermistor.

13. The timing device of claim 6, wherein the colored electrolyte comprises a compensating material.

14. A timing device comprising an electrochemical cell comprising:

a) a first electrode;

b) a second electrode that is asymmetric with respect to the first electrode; and

c) an activating mechanism coupled to the first electrode material and the second electrode material to place the first electrode in electrical contact with the second electrode and thereby actuate the timing device, wherein the activating mechanism comprises a breakable membrane; and

d) an electrolyte, wherein depletion of the first electrode indicates a passage of a range of durations of time.

15. The timing device of claim 14, wherein the second electrode is asymmetric with respect to a size of the first electrode.

16. The timing device of claim 14, wherein the second electrode is asymmetric with respect to a position of the first electrode.

17. The timing device of claim 14, wherein the depletion the first electrode occurs at a first end to a second end, thereby indicating the passage of the range of durations of time.