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. a plurality of chemically independent timing zones arranged in a linear fashion, wherein each of the plurality of timing zones indicates a different discrete time period and wherein a combination of the plurality of timing zones collectively viewed together indicates a total elapsed time period; and
b. an activation mechanism for activating the timing device.
2. The timing device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of timing zones indicate a same time amount.
3. The timing device of claim 1 , wherein the activation mechanism activates the plurality of timing zones at the same time.
4. The timing device of claim 1 comprising a mechanism for attaching the device to an additional article.
5. The timing device of claim 4 , wherein the additional article is a time sensitive item.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein a first part of the timing device and a second part of the timing device are brought into contact in order to activate the device.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the first part and the second part are separated by a removable structure.
8. The timing system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of time zones indicate a time period by changing color.
9. A timing system comprising:
a. a timing scale comprising:
i. a plurality of chemically independent timing zones arranged in a linear fashion, wherein each of the plurality of timing zones indicates a different discrete time period and wherein a combination of the plurality of timing zones collectively viewed together indicates a total elapsed time period;
b. a mechanism for attaching the system to an additional article; and
c. an activation mechanism for activating the system.
10. The timing system of claim 9 , wherein the timing scale indicates an amount of elapsed time.
11. The timing system of claim 9 , wherein the additional article is a time sensitive item.
12. The timing system of claim 11 , wherein the time sensitive item is a perishable item.
13. A method of monitoring a period of time comprising:
a. attaching a timing device to an item; and
b. activating the timing device, wherein after activation, a first zone of a plurality of chemically independent timing zones is activated, wherein each of the plurality of subsequent timing zones are arranged in a linear fashion and indicate a different discrete time period and wherein a combination of the plurality of timing zones collectively viewed together indicates a total elapsed time period.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein a timing scale indicates an amount of the elapsed time.
15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the item is a time sensitive item.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the time sensitive item is a perishable item.