Timing system and device and method for making the same

• US 9,063,521 B2
• Filed: 09/12/2013
• Issued: 06/23/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Inventors: Braunberger, Fritz S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Amy Cohen
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLLINS, JASON M
• Application Number:
  US14/025,398
• Publication Number:
  US 20140016447A1
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 368/327, 116/206, 116/207, 116/216
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/06 pH
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/44 Time
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 3/04 in respect of time
• CPC Class Codes: G04C 17/0008 by bands
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/00 Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by means not provided for in groups G04F5/00 - G04F10/00
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• 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 for monitoring a time period comprising:

a. a first reactive zone for indicating a first time period;

b. a second reactive zone separated from and independent of the first reactive zone and indicating a second time period, wherein the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone viewed collectively indicate passage of a total time; and

c. an activation mechanism for activating the timing device.

2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone indicate a same time amount.

3. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the activation mechanism activates the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone at the same time.

4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone are arranged in a linear fashion.

5. The timing device of claim 1 comprising a mechanism for attaching the device to an additional article.

6. The timing device of claim 5, wherein the additional article is a time sensitive item.

7. The timing device of claim 6, wherein the time sensitive item is a perishable item.

8. The timing device of claim 7, wherein the perishable item is refrigerated.

9. The timing device of claim 1, comprising one or more additional reactive zones for indicating an additional time period.

10. The timing system of claim 1, wherein the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone indicate a time period by changing color.

11. A timing system comprising:

a. a first indicator for indicating a first time period;

b. a second indicator for indicating a second time period, chemically isolated from and independent of the first indicator, wherein the first reactive zone and the second reactive zone viewed collectively indicate passage of a total time; and

c. an activation mechanism for activating the system.

12. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator indicate a same time amount.

13. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the means for activating the timing device activates the first indicator and the second indicator at the same time.

14. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the first indicator and the second indicator are arranged in a linear fashion.

15. The timing system of claim 11 comprising a mechanism for attaching the device to an additional article.

16. The timing system of claim 15, wherein the additional article is a time sensitive item.

17. The timing system of claim 16, wherein the time sensitive item is a perishable item.

18. The timing system of claim 17, wherein the perishable item is refrigerated.

19. The timing system of claim 11, comprising one or more additional indicators for indicating an additional time period.

20. A method of making a timing device comprising:

a. providing a base;

b. attaching a first timing zone for indicating a first time period to the base;

c. attaching a second timing zone for indicating a second time period and that is chemically isolated from and independent of the first timing zone to the base; and

d. attaching a mechanism for activating the device.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the first timing zone and the second timing zone are configured to indicate the same amount of elapsed time.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein the activating mechanism activates the first timing zone and the second timing zone simultaneously.