Timing system and device and method for making the same
First Claim
1. A timing device for monitoring an age of an item within a refrigerator, comprising:
- a. a strip comprising a plurality of independent reactive zones that separately change color at different times after the device is activated and that are arranged to collectively indicate a total passage of time; and
b. a means for activating the device.
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A timing device for monitoring an age of an item within a refrigerator, comprising:
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a. a strip comprising a plurality of independent reactive zones that separately change color at different times after the device is activated and that are arranged to collectively indicate a total passage of time; and b. a means for activating the device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An electrochemical timing system for monitoring an age of an item, comprising:
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a. an indicator, which indicates the passing of a plurality of time periods, each time period indicated by an independent color change; b. an activation mechanism to activate the indicator, wherein the activation mechanism initiates the beginning of each of the plurality of time periods at the same time; and c. a means for attaching the system to an additional article. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of making a timing system, comprising:
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a. providing a substrate; b. forming independent areas of a reactive medium on the substrate, the different independent areas being capable of representing a different time period to indicate passage of a range of times; and c. forming an activating means configured to activate the independent areas of the reactive medium by contact, wherein the independent areas are activated at the same time to indicate the passage of a range of times. - View Dependent Claims (22)
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Specification