Timing system and device and method for making the same
View Patent ↗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.
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.