TIMING SYSTEM AND DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME
A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.
1 - 20 . (canceled)
21 . A timing device comprising:
a. an electro-chemical structure comprising a solid-state electrolyte; and
b. an indicator for indicating when an electrode material of the electrochemical structure is at least partially depleted provides a visual indication of a passage of a duration of time.
22 . The timing device of claim 21 , wherein the indicator comprises a dye.
23 . The timing device of claim 22 , wherein the dye is a pH indicating dye.
24 . The timing device of claim 21 , wherein the solid-state electrode comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a silver halide, a silver selenide, a sodium ion complex, a lithium ion complex, an oxide and a Fluoride ion complex.
25 . The timing device of claim 21 , wherein the timing device comprises a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure.
26 . The timing device of claim 21 , wherein the timing device comprises an activating mechanism.
27 . The timing device of claim 21 , wherein the timing device is formed as a plurality of sub cells.
28 . The timing device of claim 27 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate a passage of time.
29 . The timing device of claim 27 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate the passage of a range of times.
30 . A method of making a timing device comprising:
a. forming a first electrode structure on a first piece of a substrate; and
b. forming a second electrode structure on a second piece of a substrate, wherein at least one of the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure comprises a solid-state electrolyte and wherein the first electrode structure and second electrode structure are configured to contact in a sandwich-like configuration and indicate passage of a duration of time.
31 . The method of claim 30 , further comprising forming a removable protective layer over the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure.
32 . The method of claim 30 , wherein the solid-state electrode comprises a material selected from the group consisting of a silver halide, a silver selenide, a sodium ion complex, a lithium ion complex, an oxide and a Fluoride ion complex.
33 . The method of claim 30 , wherein the timing device comprises an activating mechanism.
34 . The method of claim 30 , wherein the timing device is formed as a plurality of sub cells.
35 . The method of claim 34 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate a passage of time.
36 . The method of claim 34 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate the passage of a range of times.
37 . A timing device comprising:
a. a first electrochemical structure;
b. a second electrochemical structure;
c. an activator for placing the first electrochemical structure in contact with the second electrochemical structure; and
b. an indicator for providing a visual indication of a passage of a duration of time.
38 . The timing device of claim 37 , wherein the timing device is formed as a plurality of sub cells.
39 . The timing device of claim 38 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate a passage of time.
40 . The timing device of claim 38 , wherein the plurality of sub cells are collectively arranged to indicate the passage of a range of times.