TIMING SYSTEM AND DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME

• US 20130107676A1
• Filed: 10/31/2012
• Published: 05/02/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/01/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Original Assignee: Vision Works IP Corp.
• Inventors: Braunberger, Alfred S.
• Granted Patent: US 9,188,962 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 368/114
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 11/00 Measuring temperature based upon physical or chemical changes not covered by groups G01K3/00, G01K5/00, G01K7/00 or G01K9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 11/12 using changes in colour, translucency or reflectance
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 1/00 Apparatus which can be set and started to measure-off predetermined or adjustably-fixed time intervals without driving mechanisms, e.g. egg timers
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/02 using optical means
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 13/04 using electrochemical means
• CPC Class Codes: G04F 8/00 Apparatus for measuring unknown time intervals by electromechanical means

Abstract

A timing device that includes an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electrolyte attached to a base layer. The anode layer and the cathode layer are placed adjacent to one another along an axis of the timing device. Upon activation of the timing device the anode layer is depleted away from the cathode layer until the timing device is fully expired. Once the timing device is expired, a change is seen indicating that the timing device has expired. In some embodiments, a color change indicates that the timing device has expired. In some embodiments, as the timing device expires electronically readable information is uncovered.

Claims

1. A timing device comprising:

a. a first timing component; and

b. a second timing component,

wherein the first timing component and the second timing component are independently activated.

2. The timing device of claim 1, wherein each of the first timing component and the second timing are an electrochemical timing device and comprise;

a. an anode layer;

b. a cathode layer;

c. a base layer;

d. an electrolyte attached to the base layer; and

e. a means for activating the timing device.

3. The timing device of claim 2, wherein the anode layer comprises Al and the cathode layer comprises Cu.

4. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the first timing component is temperature independent.

5. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the second timing component is sensitive to temperature.

6. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the second timing component is not activated until a certain temperature is reached.

7. The timing device of claim 1, wherein a visual change is seen when a certain temperature is reached.

8. The timing device of claim 1, wherein a visual change is seen as the timing device expires.

9. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the timing device comprises a two-dimensional barcode and is electronically readable.

10. The timing device of claim 1, wherein the timing device is coupled to an additional object.

11. A timing system comprising:

a. a plurality of timing devices, each timing device comprising;

i. a first timing component; and

ii. a second timing component,

wherein each timing device is configured to measure a different, discrete period of time.

12. The timing system of claim 11, wherein each timing device is depleted after activation in order to show a passage of time.

13. The timing system of claim 12, wherein a visual change is seen as one of the plurality of timing devices is depleted.

14. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of timing devices arranged in a sequential pattern.

15. The timing system of claim 11, wherein each timing device remains dormant until a previous timing device is expired.

16. The timing system of claim 11, wherein each timing device is configured to measure a thirty-day time period.

17. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the first timing component and the second timing component are independently activated.

18. The timing system of claim 17, wherein the second timing component is activated when a certain temperature is reached.

19. The timing system of claim 18, wherein the second timing component is configured to indicate exposure to a temperature in five minute intervals.

20. The timing system of claim 11, wherein the timing system is coupled to an additional object.

21. A timing device comprising:

a. an anode layer;

b. a cathode layer;

c. a base layer;

d. an electrolyte attached to the base layer; and

e. an activator to activate the timing device,

wherein upon activation the anode layer depletes in a direction away from the cathode layer and an electronically readable information is revealed.

22. The timing device of claim 21, wherein the electronically readable information comprises a two-dimensional barcode.

23. The timing device of claim 21, wherein the electronically readable information comprises a RFID antenna.