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 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.