Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 8,014,234 B2
• Filed: 12/03/2008
• Issued: 09/06/2011
• 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): Luebke; Renee
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLLINS, JASON M
• Application Number:
  US12/315,524
• Publication Number:
  US 20090086586A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,007 Days
• Field of Search: 368/327
• 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 a first electrode and a second electrode; and

b. an indicator within a fluid layer within the electrochemical structure, wherein the indicator actively participates in an electrochemical process to generate a response to indicate the passage of a duration of time wherein the indicator changes color to indicate the passage of time.

2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the indicator is configured to allow a movement of a cation.

3. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the cation is a proton.

4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a pH indicator, a reactive dye indicator, an electrolyte, an optical medium or a combination thereof, further wherein a change of color, brightness, or transparency of the indicator indicates the passage of a duration of time.

5. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises an ion exchange membrane.

6. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the indicator comprises a timing circuit.

7. The timing device of claim 6, wherein the timing circuit comprises an electrochromic layer, wherein the operation of the timing circuit causes a color change in the electrochromic layer.

8. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the response is indicated by a proton movement, a change of a proton concentration, an occurrence of an electric current, a cessation of an electric current, or a change of an electric current.

9. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical structure comprises a first electrode material, a second electrode material and an electrolyte.

10. The timing device of claim 9, wherein the first electrode material comprises a polymeric material.

11. The timing device of claim 10, wherein the polymeric material has charges.

12. The timing device of claim 9, wherein the electrolyte is colored.

13. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical structure comprises a battery or an electrolytic cell.

14. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical structure converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

15. A timing device comprising:

a. an electrochemical structure comprising a first electrode and a second electrode; and

b. an electrochromic layer coupled to the electrochemical structure between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the electrochromic layer changes color to indicate the passage of a duration of time, wherein the electrochromic layer comprises an electrolyte.

16. The timing device of claim 15, wherein the electrochemical structure moves an electron to the electrochromic layer.

17. The timing device of claim 16, wherein the movement of the electron to the electrochromic layer causing a cation to move to the electrochromic layer.

18. The timing device of claim 17, wherein the electron and the cation are combined in the electrochromic layer, wherein the combination causes a color change in the electrochromic layer.

19. The timing device of claim 15, wherein the electrolyte is colored.

20. The timing device of claim 15, wherein the electrochromic layer comprises a membrane.

21. The timing device of claim 20, wherein the membrane is an ion exchange membrane.

22. The timing device of claim 15, wherein the electrochemical structure comprise an electrode, wherein the electrode contains a chargeable polymeric material.

23. A timing device comprising an electrochemical cell comprising:

a) a first electrode to generate electricity indicating the passage of a duration of time;

b) a second electrode;

c) an electrolyte; and

d) an indicator within the electrolyte coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode that actively participates in an electrochemical process and generates a response to indicate the passage of the duration of time wherein the indicator changes color to indicate the passage of time.

24. The timing device of claim 23, wherein the second electrode receives an cation.

25. The timing device of claim 24, wherein the cation is a proton.

26. The timing device of claim 23, wherein the first electrode comprises a polymeric matter capable of carrying a charge.

27. The timing device of claim 23 further comprises a timing circuit electrically coupled to the first electrode.

28. The timing device of claim 27, wherein the timing circuit comprises an electrochromic layer.

29. The timing device of claim 23, wherein the first electrode comprises a metal member.

30. The timing device of claim 29, wherein the depletion of the metal member on the first electrode indicates the termination of timing.

31. A timing device comprising:

a. an electrochemical structure comprising a first electrode material and a second electrode material; and

b. an indicator coupled to the electrochemical structure, wherein the indicator actively participates in an electrochemical process to generate a response to indicate the passage of a duration of time wherein the indicator comprises an ion exchange membrane that substantially blocks migration of ions.

32. A timing device comprising an electrochemical cell comprising:

a) a first electrode to generate electricity indicating the passage of a duration of time;

b) a second electrode;

c) an electrolyte; and

d) an indicator that actively participates in an electrochemical process and generates a response to indicate the passage of the duration of time wherein the indicator comprises an ion exchange membrane that substantially blocks migration of ions.