TIMING SYSTEM AND DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MAKING THE SAME
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 - 29 . (canceled)
30 . A timing device comprising:
a. an electrochemical structure comprising a first electrode and a second electrode;
b. an indicator for visually indicating a period of time and coupled to the electrochemical structure; and
c. a driver circuit for actuating the timing device to visually indicate the period of time.
31 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer.
32 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time.
33 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the indicator switches from opaque to transparent to visually indicate the period of time.
34 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device.
35 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a timing circuit.
36 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit is programmable.
37 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit acts as a switch that maintains a circuit that is open for a prescribed period of time.
38 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the timing device is divided into zones that collectively provide the visual indication of a range of times.
39 . The timing device of claim 30 , wherein the timing device comprises a plurality of sub cells that collectively provide the visual indication of the range of times.
40 . A timing system comprising:
a. first transparent layer,
b. a second transparent layer;
c. an indicator between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, wherein the indicator visually indicates a period of time;
d. a base structure viewable through the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer when the indicator is in a transparent state; and
e. a driver circuit for actuating the timing device to visually indicate the period of time.
41 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a voltage source.
42 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer.
43 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time.
44 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device.
45 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a timing circuit.
46 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit is programmable.
47 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit acts as a switch that maintains a circuit that is open for a prescribed period of time.
48 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the timing device is divided into zones that collectively provide the visual indication of a range of times.
49 . The timing system of claim 40 , wherein the timing device comprises a plurality of sub cells that collectively provide the visual indication of the range of times.
50 . A method of monitoring a period of time using a timing device:
a. programming a driver circuit to a prescribed time within a range of times; and
b. activating the timing device, wherein after activation an indicator of the timing device visually indicates the period of time.
51 . The timing device of claim 50 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer.
52 . The timing device of claim 50 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time.
53 . The timing device of claim 50 , wherein the indicator switches from opaque to transparent to visually indicate the period of time.
54 . The timing device of claim 50 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device.