For Predetermined Interval Patents (Class 368/108)
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Patent number: 6912179Abstract: A cue delay circuit for an ink jet printing system includes a state machine with sequenced logic circuits that generate buffered control signals; a counter that counts one of the buffered control signals to form a read address; and an adder that combines the read address to the cue delay value to generate a write address. A comparator compares the cue delay value to the read address to determine if the read address is greater than the cue delay value. A multiplexer receives the read and write address and one of the buffered control signals and forms a multiplexer output. The system includes a gate circuit that receives the latched comparator output and the RAM output signal forming a gated cue signal; and a logic circuit that sends a signal to the printing system.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 28, 2005Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventor: Ronald J. Duke
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Patent number: 6876602Abstract: A first voltage detector detects whether the voltage of a secondary cell has reached to 1.2V and a first timer counts a time duration for which the voltage is equal to or above 1.2V. If the time counted by the first timer reaches one hour, a second timer starts counting time for one hour. An amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell is displays after counting of the one hour by the second timer is over. As a result, an accurate display of the amount of charge accumulated in the secondary cell can be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 5, 2005Assignee: Citizen Watch Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masakazu Ichikawa, Isao Kitazawa, Masao Sakuyama, Tomio Okigami
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Patent number: 6831878Abstract: An electronic device capable of counting down to an integral time point has an integral time point selector for setting an integral time point. A timer serves for recording the current time. A synchronous calculating unit serves for reading the integral time point from the integral time point selector and reading the current time from the timer. The time interval from the current time to the integral time point is calculated as a counting down time period. A counter serves for reading the counting down time interval from the synchronous calculating unit and starting to count down.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Frank Chen, Chuan Wang Chang
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Patent number: 6819635Abstract: A portable alarm clock is provided. The alarm clock comprises a base receptacle sized and shaped for portability. A striking plate is secured and receivable within the base receptacle with a striking mechanism secured to the striking plate. A chime plate is secured to the striking plate with an chime bar secured to the chime plate. A clock mechanism programs chime functions and displays time and is hingedly secured to the chime plate. A cover is secured to the clock mechanism for closing the base receptacle wherein the striking plate, the striking mechanism, the chime plate, the acoustic chime bar, and the clock means are receivable within the base receptacle and the cover closing the base receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2003Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Now & Zen, Inc.Inventors: Stephen Ian McIntosh, Harold Pierce, Steven E. Muenter
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Patent number: 6812825Abstract: A timed alert device for vehicles having an electronic timer that counts down a specified time period. An audible alert coupled to the electronic timer projects a sound when the electronic timer has reached a prescribed time. A first actuating element is coupled to the electronic timer which deactivates the audible alert when depressed. A power source is coupled to and supplies power to the electronic timer. A visual alert illuminates when the electronic timer has reached a prescribed time. Depressing a second actuating element deactivates the visual alert.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Inventor: William Volk
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Patent number: 6785193Abstract: A handheld childbirth labor timing apparatus includes a timing device with a visible display, a calculating device, a memory device and a selection device. In various embodiments the apparatus is programmed to execute methods for the simple timing of the durations of and intervals between actual childbirth contractions, for practicing selected sequences of such contractions in preparing for childbirth, and also for storing a set of expected sequences that, when matched, with an actual childbirth labor sequence will present an alerting signal to the user so as to timely summon medical help.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventor: Frank P. Forbath
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Patent number: 6705919Abstract: An electronic amusement device includes a housing having an outer side presented to a consumer using the device; an electronic timer in the housing and a controller. The timer is configured to track time to an end of an extended time period having a length of at least a plurality of weeks and preset in the device before the device is released to the consumer. The timer is further configured to output a signal at the end of the extended period to the controller. The controller is configured to perform at least one task in an initial mode of operation available to the consumer using the device and to respond to the signal from the timer to enable, for a first time, the performance of at least one new additional mode of operation the controller did not perform before receipt of the timer signal or to disable a mode of operation it had performed or to exchange a new mode of operation for a previously performed mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2002Date of Patent: March 16, 2004Assignee: Mattel, Inc.Inventors: Kevin G. Curran, Charles R. Mahoney
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Publication number: 20040037170Abstract: A method, comprising the steps of receiving a timeout setting, determining a selected timer unit of one of a first timer unit and a second timer unit, wherein a first set of slots is included in the first timer unit and a second set of slots is included in the second timer unit. The selected one of the timer units being determined by determining a maximum time period of the first timer unit based on a number of slots in the first set of slots and a granularity which defines a relationship between each slot in the first set of slots, comparing the timeout setting to the maximum time period of the first timer unit, and incrementing to the second timer unit if the timeout setting is greater than the maximum time period of the first timer unit. Determining one of the first slots and the second slots into which the timeout setting is to be inserted and inserting the timeout setting into the one of the slots.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2002Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Qing Li, Dietmar Eggemann
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Publication number: 20030214884Abstract: A timer is provided which is actuated by an incense stick burning to a given point at which point a pivotally movable hammer is released. When the hammer is released, it moves from its first retracted position to a second position in response to gravitational forces wherein it strikes a bowl to make a pleasant alarm sound. The timer is particularly useful and appropriate when used in conjunction with meditation or a similar exercise.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2002Publication date: November 20, 2003Inventor: David C. Wilmore
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Publication number: 20030206496Abstract: A timer and alarm apparatus is disclosed for use in physical exercises to signal the user of the time to resume exercising. The timer and alarm apparatus starts counting time when pressed by the user, and emits an alarm signal to inform the user when a predetermined length of time has been reached.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2002Publication date: November 6, 2003Inventor: Anthony Joseph Neilly
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Patent number: 6606755Abstract: A toothbrush is provided having a light source for signaling when a recommended brushing time interval has started and ended. In particular, the toothbrush includes a handle portion having a translucent portion configured to allow the transmission of light therefrom around substantially the entire circumference of the toothbrush. The toothbrush further includes a tip portion attached to the handle portion having a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. The tip portion is detachable from the handle portion. The toothbrush further includes a light emitting diode disposed within the handle portion proximate to the translucent portion. Finally, the toothbrush includes a control circuit disposed within the handle portion electrically connected to the light emitting diode.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2000Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Assignee: American Applied TechnologyInventors: Darnell Robinson, Herb Fisher
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Publication number: 20030058743Abstract: An electronic device capable of counting down to an integral time point has an integral time point selector for setting an integral time point. A timer serves for recording the current time. A synchronous calculating unit serves for reading the integral time point from the integral time point selector and reading the current time from the timer. The time interval from the current time to the integral time point is calculated as a counting down time period. A counter serves for reading the counting down time interval from the synchronous calculating unit and starting to count down.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.Inventors: Frank Chen, Chuan Wang Chang
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Patent number: 6498770Abstract: A timer circuit that utilizes the thermal runaway effect, and includes a switch, a resistor, a transistor and a protective device. The temperature of the transistor rises due to a phenomenon known as the thermal runaway effect, which causes the temperature of the transistor to rise while increasing current flow. This will eventually cause the protective device to activate. The time it takes to activate the protective device is predictable for a given transistor, therefore the circuit operates as a timer. In an alternate embodiment, a heat source is used. This heat source rises in temperature as current flows in the circuit. A heat sensor located near the heat source rises in temperature along with the heat source. A comparator compares the temperature from this heat sensor with the temperature of a heat sensor located further from the heat source. When there is a user-definable difference in temperature due to thermal diffusion between the two heat sensors, power to the transistor is disconnected.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2000Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the National Security AgencyInventors: Craig A. Rockenbauch, James F. Korenz
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Publication number: 20020172097Abstract: A method of producing a time delay is provided. The method is performed with an information processor having a first timer and a second timer. The information processor is capable of maintaining a sleep mode. The method involves using the second timer to measure the timeout for the first timer. The method also includes repetitively causing the information processor to enter the sleep mode so as to be awakened by the first timer reaching timeout to substantially produce a time delay while the second timer is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: November 21, 2002Inventor: Mason L. Freed
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Patent number: 6388952Abstract: A programmable time switch where a time or time interval set by a user to be reserved is displayed on a display. The display has a current time display part for displaying an hour hand and a minute hand which represent a current time, an hour unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of hours, and a minute unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of minutes. The current time and the AM or PM are digitally displayed on a current time display section and an AM/PM display section, respectively. A set section having a plurality of buttons are used for setting, canceling or confirming the reserved time or time interval. A control section controls through a drive section a peripheral interface in accordance with the reserved time or time interval set through the set section, and displays the reserved time or time interval through the display.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Inventor: Joo-Sul Kim
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Publication number: 20020015361Abstract: A handheld childbirth labor timing apparatus includes a timing device with a visible display, a calculating device, a memory device and a selection device. In various embodiments the apparatus is programmed to execute methods for the simple timing of the durations of and intervals between actual childbirth contractions, for practicing selected sequences of such contractions in preparing for childbirth, and also for storing a set of expected sequences that, when matched, with an actual childbirth labor sequence will present an alerting signal to the user so as to timely summon medical help.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Inventor: Frank P. Forbath
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Publication number: 20020009018Abstract: A device for conditioning children to perform special tasks that utilizes a generated signal controlled by a central processor unit (“CPU”) which acts to, among other things, establish normal time intervals so that the signal is activated at the end of that interval. An accomplishment switch will signal and reset the timer to the normal time interval when activated. A clock is associated with the CPU to show the time remaining before the next signal activation, and visual means is provided to display timer intervals and real time. The generated signal can be audible, visual, or vibratory, or combinations thereof, and visual means can be utilized with the device to selectively display graphics during the time interval and/or upon its termination. A reward feature is incorporated in or with the device to encourage a willingness to participate on the part of the child or children being trained.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventor: Nicholas P. Patella
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Patent number: 6317390Abstract: A timed medication container for sounding an alarm when medication needs to be taken. The timed medication container includes a bottle for housing medication. A cap for removably closing the bottle has a top wall. The top wall has a top surface. Control circuitry is fixedly mounted in the top wall of the cap. The control circuitry is adapted for tracking elapsing time, subtraction, and activation of an alarm. The control circuitry comprises a microprocessor. A display displays information from the control circuitry. The display is mounted on the control circuitry. A surface of the display is generally flush with the top surface of the top wall. The display is operationally coupled to the control circuitry. A plurality of bores is in the top wall of the cap. A button for programming the control circuitry is in each of the bores in the cap. Each of the buttons is fixedly coupled to the control circuitry.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2000Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Inventor: Andrew Cardoza
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Patent number: 6188311Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus and a method of its use are provided to keep track of events and elapsed time, during the life of a child, from a time prior to the child's birth. The apparatus has the functionality that helps satisfy the needs of parents who wish to commemorate events in the life of their child. Once the current time of day and/or date and the expected delivery date of the child have been programmed, the apparatus counts down the remaining period of time until birth in terms of months, weeks, and days. Upon reaching zero (delivery), the apparatus can be configured to perform certain celebratory acts, such as flash the display and play a tune. The apparatus then automatically switches to counting upwards and at any given moment thereafter will display the newborn's instantaneous age.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: RWL Millennium LLCInventor: Margaret Perkins Rothschild
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Patent number: 6144620Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an athletic activity and, more particularly, to an apparatus for facilitating the refereeing of an American football game is configured to be worn on either hand of the user and to be operated thereby, and is advantageously constructed to not interfere with movement of the hand.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 1997Date of Patent: November 7, 2000Inventor: Thomas dePoortere
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Patent number: 6122227Abstract: A timer is made up of a base unit and an operation unit. The base unit is composed of a support body, a disk, and a core located between the support body and the disk. The disk is provided with a retaining ring having an indentation, and a timing scale. The core has a rotary shaft extending toward the disk. The operation unit consists of a lower housing, an upper housing, an action member, and an elastic member. The upper housing has a cylindrical portion provided with a sliding portion and a shaft fastening portion. The shaft fastening portion is provided with an axial hole in which the rotary shaft of the core of the base unit is retained. The upper housing is disposed on the lower housing and provided with a pointer corresponding in location to the scale of the disk of the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Inventor: Chu-Rong Kuo
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Patent number: 6072384Abstract: A system for assisting in the prevention of bed wetting. The bed wetting prevention system includes a device that produces an alarm to wake the child at intervals during the night. The alarm device is only deactivatable at a remote location, such as the bathroom.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 6, 2000Inventor: Adrian D. Baker
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Patent number: 6060980Abstract: A thin appointment timer that can be easily incorporated with the user's organizer ensemble. It includes a housing, a keypad assembly, an indicator assembly, an electronic assembly, and an alarm system. The housing supports the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes a touch sensitive membrane with a plurality of depressible keys, each key representing a pre-programmed particular time that may be selected by pressing it's associated key. The indicator assembly is supported by the housing and includes at least one circular portion having a plurality of illuminatable regions which are presented thereon as spaced clock positions. Each position corresponds to a pre-programmed time and is illuminatable in response to the depression of a depressible key. The electronics assembly is contained within the housing and is in electrical communication with the keypad assembly and the indicator assembly. The alarm system is also supported by the housing and is a portion of the electronics assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1999Date of Patent: May 9, 2000Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
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Patent number: 6026060Abstract: A vehicle sticker for monitoring a time-period associated with a motor vehicle, comprises an electronic timer, first and second indicator devices, and some mechanism for affixing the sticker to the vehicle. The timer is configured to time the time-period associated with the vehicle and to generate an "impending expiration" signal and an "expiration" signal. The first indicator device is coupled to the timer, and is configured to indicate an "impending expiration" or a "renewal" warning in response to the impending expiration signal. The second indicator device is also coupled to the timer, and is configured to indicate the expiration of the time-period in response to the expiration signal. The affixing mechanism must hold the sticker on the vehicle, in such a position that the impending expiration indication is directed to someone inside the vehicle and the expiration indication is directed to someone outside the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1998Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Rothschild Technology, L.L.C.Inventors: Alan W. Rothschild, James P. Romano, Richard A. Bozogian
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Patent number: 6014346Abstract: A portable electronic device is disclosed for timing and monitoring patient sedentary inactivity. The device includes circuitry, a timer, an output device, and a patient reposition sensor. The timer is coupled with the circuitry and operative to measure an interval of time having a selected duration representative of sedentary positioning of a patient. The output device is coupled to the circuitry and operative to notify a health care provider of the need to perform a medical treatment upon completion of measurement of the interval of time. The patient position sensor is configured to detect a sedentary patient condition. The circuitry is operative to reinitialize the timer to begin timing the selected duration upon the sensor detecting interruption of the sedentary patient condition. Alternatively, a tactile input device can be provided to enable a caregiver to manually input the beginning of patient sedentary inactivity following repositioning of a patient.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Accucure, L.L.C.Inventor: Kevin R. Malone
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Patent number: 5959527Abstract: A chime activated by a clock to sound a pleasing sound every hour, by attaching a clock to an electrical controller that operates a striker mechanism. The striker mechanism, comprising a striker ball that strikes the chime elements when rotated provides an uniquely pleasing sound. The invention also includes means of disconnecting the sound independent of clock operations as well as chime activation for a varying period or a varying number of striker rotations to provide auditory indication of the time.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 1997Date of Patent: September 28, 1999Assignee: Woodstock Percussion, Inc.Inventors: Samuel L Beder, Alan Beder
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Patent number: 5910931Abstract: An automobile annual inspection reminder device sets off flashingly a bright light emitting diode (LED) approximately a month before the due date of the next automobile inspection. The device employs conventional battery operated digital watch circuitry to facilitate the setting of a counter/memory to the current time and date and the storage in memory of representations of the inspection due month and day thereof as well as of an earlier alarm date differing by a predetermined interval from the inspection-due date indicated by the facility and storing the same in the memory. A micro switch is provided for each of the twelve months of the year to set the inspection due date in memory. A "Snooze" button provides for temporary inactivation of the LED or beeper. After an inspection, the device can be set to the new inspection-due date.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1997Date of Patent: June 8, 1999Inventor: Brad M. Pettyjohn
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Patent number: 5894457Abstract: The invention relates to a football referee's watch, preferably a wristwatch, for the analog display of the playing and extra time when a game is prolonged (to make up interruptions in play) with a dial (1) to indicate the playing time divided into minutes, having a sector shaped section (4), preferably between the 45th and 60th minutes and with a rotary signal disc (2) arranged centrally beneath it to show the extra time which, when inoperative, also has a distinctive colour, a minute hand (3) above the dial (1), in which said analog displays (2,3) are operated by separate motors (M1,M2) and the display is controlled by an electronic circuit (E1) depending on the operation of various keys (T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,T6) with start, stop and special functions.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Inventor: Alexander Luth
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Patent number: 5871520Abstract: The invention is a remote controlled tanning bed salon that controls the operation of a plurality of tanning beds from a centrally located transceiver. A person wishing to use a tanning bed in the system will input a card having magnetic information coded onto a magnetic strip into a central unit. The central unit will read the information on the strip and determine if such information as to whether the user has already used the tanning bed within a recent time period, how much credit on the account, etc. Once the information has been verified by the central unit one of the tanning beds will be made operable by sending a message by a radio frequency signal to one of the tanning beds. Information concerning which tanning bed is to be used and the length of time of the tanning session are included in the message that is sent from the central unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1996Date of Patent: February 16, 1999Inventor: Hap Nguyen
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Patent number: 5854774Abstract: A Medical Timing System for assisting medical personnel in providing efficient and safe medical care to patients while decreasing the level of stress experienced by said medical personnel by means of allowing the medical personnel to monitor up to five different patient activities simultaneously. The device includes a housing structure, a power supply positioned within the housing structure, and a timing means electronically connected to the power supply and attached to the housing structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 1996Date of Patent: December 29, 1998Inventor: Lissa A. Timme
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Patent number: 5802015Abstract: An electronic timing label for indicating the expiration of a time period associated with a particular article. The label comprises a pulse generator and a binary counter. The pulse generator is configured to generate a series of pulses at a predetermined pulse rate, and the counter is configured to count from an initial count number in response to the series of pulses and to generate an expiration signal upon reaching a final count number. The number of counts between the initial and final count numbers, and the pulse rate, are chosen to establish a counting time for the counter which corresponds to the time period associated with the article. The label also comprises a display for indicating the expiration of the time period, a programming port for directing programming pulses to the counter, and some mechanism for affixing the label to an application surface associated with the article.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1997Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignee: Rothschild Technology, L.L.C.Inventors: Alan W. Rothschild, James P. Romano, Richard A. Bozogian
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Patent number: 5725565Abstract: A tanning bed control system including a tanning bed safety device (10) for ensuring safe operation of a tanning bed (14) is disclosed. The tanning bed safety device (10) monitors the operation of the tanning bed (14) and the tanning bed controller (12) and activates an alarm if the tanning bed (14) is on when it should be off or off when it should be on.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1995Date of Patent: March 10, 1998Inventor: Daniel E. Smith
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Patent number: 5687139Abstract: A demand control apparatus includes a switch in the control signal line of an electrically powered piece of equipment. The switch is controlled by a digital recycle counter so as to periodically cycle off and on during times when an equipment generated control signal is present in the control signal line. The control signal line could be a thermostat control line on a standard air conditioning unit and the equipment generated control signal would normally correspond to the thermostat calling for cooling. When the switch is opened the equipment reacts as though the thermostat has been satisfied. When the equipment generated AC control signal is sensed in the control signal line, a digital counter is activated to hold the switch open until a preset number of AC pulses have occurred. The switch is then closed until a second preset number of AC pulses have occurred. The open-closed cycle is repeated as long as the equipment control signal is present.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Inventor: Stanley M. Budney
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Patent number: 5684758Abstract: A child's disciplinary device including a plush toy and a countdown timer secured to the toy. The timer includes indications corresponding to children's ages, and the timer is set to a proper time-out period by setting the timer to the child's age. The correspondence between ages and time-out periods is nonlinear.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1995Date of Patent: November 4, 1997Assignee: T.O.T. Ventures, Inc.Inventors: Jacqueline D. Gray, Margaret B. Sterr
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Patent number: 5570325Abstract: Tooth brushing timer device for presenting an amusing visual representation of the time required for a child to brush his or her teeth. The timer device comprises a housing, a static character face disposed at the front of the housing, and a visual indicator disposed behind the face. The face includes an aperture at the mouth region of the face so that a teeth portion of the visual indicator is visible through the aperture. The teeth portion of the visual indicator is capable of showing a white color for representing clean teeth and a non-white color, such as off-white or yellow, for representing non-clean teeth. Preferably, the visual indicator includes an hour glass timer, a liquid crystal display or a rotary timer. When the timer device is activated, the teeth portion animates a gradual transition from a non-white color to a white color for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the timer device may stand alone or include one or more compartments for bathroom amenities.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 1996Date of Patent: October 29, 1996Inventor: Harry S. Arpadi
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Patent number: 5563850Abstract: A device for mounting on the wrist of an individual. The device includes a motion-sensing element that is coupled to and starts a timing unit when the wrist is moved--as in raising an utensil of food to the mouth. The timing unit is coupled to a signal generator that it actuates after a given interval of time. The signal generator actuates an annunciator unit, in contact with the wrist of the individual, that produces a tangible sensation on the wrist of the individual to advise the individual that it is time for more food, and that the cycle can be repeated. The tangible sensation may be a physical prodding or and electrical stimulus, but it must not be apparent to anyone but the individual. The given interval may be adjusted to the needs of the individual.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1995Date of Patent: October 8, 1996Inventor: Philip L. Hanapole
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Patent number: 5426620Abstract: A load demand and operation control and management process for controlling diverse operation and individual electrical requirement of any load or loads of energy-consuming equipment, the process utilizing process apparatus which optimizes the performance of the equipment while precisely controlling and synchronizing the demand of its individual load requirements with the energy supplied thereto, so that the life and efficiency of the equipment is enhanced while load demand is controlled. The process apparatus of the invention consists of a digital recycle counter and a switch placed wholly within the control power line of a load.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: June 20, 1995Inventor: Stanley M. Budney
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Patent number: 5363347Abstract: A vending machine for controlling the use of a suntanning booth. The user inputs a card with a magnetic strip, bar code or the means for identifying the individual user into the machine to order a suntanning session. The program determines whether that user has used the tanning booth within a recent time period, if the user has, the booth is inoperable for that user. If the user has not used the booth recently, the machine is enabled and then coins or other money is then deposited to pay for the time period of suntanning. The system provides safeguards to limit the use of the tanning booth by identifying individual users and limiting the number of sessions each may have in a single time period.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1994Date of Patent: November 8, 1994Inventor: Hap Nguyen
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Patent number: 5357487Abstract: A variable time segment pace timing apparatus which sequences a plurality of different time segments which comprises a timer housing, a timer contained in said housing wherein said timer is adjusted to a preset time and counts backwards from said preset time toward zero, a resource display contained in said timer housing which indicates which .resource is currently being utilized, an alarm, contained in said timer housing, operatively coupled to the time wherein said alarm sounds when said timer has reached the termination of an adjusted time duration, a means for activating said pace timing device contained in said timer housing having the function of clearing, resetting and starting the pace timing apparatus and a means for powering said pace timing device contained in said timer housing.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1991Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Assignee: Linkstime Management Systems, Inc.Inventor: James W. Coleman, III
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Patent number: 5349573Abstract: The present invention discloses a timer capable of sounding a prescribed time and further capable of functioning as a calendar, a watch or a thermometer frequently used every day life by a simple method.A hollow main body (1) is constituted by a plurality of square or rectangular side plates (3) with the same pattern connected to each other so as to form a polygonal cube frame and lids (4, 4a, 4b) having a configuration corresponding to that of the upper and lower openings of the polygonal cube frame. A pair of ON-contacts (5, 5) each in the shape of a stick are mounted at each inner surface of a time setting device (2) containing a spherical conductor (6) displaced within the frame with a reduced and almost the same pattern a that of the frame along with a connecting portion of a side plate (7). Thus, the timer is constituted in a manner such that the side plate (7) of the frame and time setting device are parallel each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1994Date of Patent: September 20, 1994Assignee: Hiromori, Inc.Inventor: Junji Hiromori
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Patent number: 5339295Abstract: A hollow main body(1) is constituted by a plurality of square or rectangular side plates(3) with the same pattern connected to each other so as to form a polygonal cube frame and lids(4,4a,4b) having a configuration corresponding to that of the upper and lower openings of said polygonal cube frame. Two ON-contacts(5,5) in the shape of a stick are mounted at each inner surface of a time setting device(2) containing a spherical conductor(6) displaced within the frame with the reduced and almost the same pattern with that of said frame along with a connecting portion (8). Thus, the timer is constituted in a manner that the side plates of said frame and time setting device are parallel each other. A preliminarily prescribed setting time(9) is indicated on the outer surface of said hollow main body(1).Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1993Date of Patent: August 16, 1994Assignee: Hiromori Inc.Inventor: Junji Hiromori
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Patent number: 5335509Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before the safe storage lifetime of the items has elapsed. A base unit which is mounted near or removably attached to a food storage location such as a refrigerator and allows identification and timing of the stored food items. When an item is placed into the storage location, its name and storage lifetime are recorded on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically through a microprocessor-controlled base unit. For ease of later location the item may be optionally stored inside of food storage containers that are color coded to the base unit. The base unit also provides an electronic timing display for each stored item.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1993Date of Patent: August 9, 1994Inventors: Dianna Namisniak, Lee Namisniak
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Patent number: 5325340Abstract: A pacing device provides feedback to a user based on a preselected pace time for an activity. A linear array of colored lights includes two lights of a first color and one light of a second color and is operated in accordance with a predetermined lighting sequence. The predetermined lighting sequence makes: 1) a combination of the two lights of the first color visible to the user during a time less than or equal to the preselected pace time, 2) a combination of one of the two lights of the first color and the one light of the second color visible to the user during a first portion of a time greater than the preselected pace time, and 3) only the one light of the second color visible to the user during a second portion of the time greater than the preselected pace time.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1993Date of Patent: June 28, 1994Inventor: Alexander W. Ramsey
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Patent number: 5255248Abstract: A watch is disclosed herein having a case mounting a time-keeping mechanism with hour and minute hands movable across the face of a numbered dial. A time line hand is included, settable by pushbutton to a start position superimposed with the position of the minute hand whereby angular displacement of the minute hand as it moves away from the time line hand establishes elapsed time of an event. A rotatable bezel is coaxially disposed with respect to the watch dial which carries an index arrow and a figure thirty situated 180 degrees apart. The time line hand is selectively operable with the arrow marking of the bezel for reading "count down" time for an event.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Inventor: Steven L. Goodmon
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Patent number: 5199007Abstract: A compact watch dog timer circuit which includes a pulse period determining circuit (1) for generating a timer reset pulse if a period of an input pulse from an external machine falls within a tolerance range or beyond an upper limit of the tolerance range and no timer reset pulse if the period falls below a lower limit of the tolerance range; and a timer (2) for generating a signal for restoring the external machine to a predetermined condition when no timer reset pulse is fed from the pulse period determining circuit within a timer period which is set corresponding to the tolerance range.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1991Date of Patent: March 30, 1993Assignee: Zexel CorporationInventor: Masami Okano
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Patent number: 5088071Abstract: A time switch turns on and off electric equipment connected to the switch. An on time at which the electric equipment is turned on and an off time at which the equipment is turned off are set through a time setting unit. Both the on time and the off time are displayed on a display unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1988Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co.Inventors: Kenichi Miyamoto, Yoshitaka Murakami, Toshimichi Suruga, Hideo Nanjoh
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Patent number: 5031161Abstract: A timepiece for monitoring and displaying the approximate time remaining in a user's life. A microprocessor monitors the passage of time. A resettable memory is connected to the processor for storing data representative of years, days, hours, minutes and seconds. A display is connected to the microprocessor for displaying data stored in the memory. Buttons or switches are provided to enter and change the stored data so that the approximate time remaining in the user's life can be reset by the user.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1991Date of Patent: July 9, 1991Inventor: David Kendrick
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Patent number: 5014251Abstract: The motor driving a minute-indicator in a down counting operation which must count a finite duration is stopped when the terminal post of its control circuit is connected to "earth" potential by an electric line. A seconds-hand, rotating in synchronism with a minute-indicator, effects several revolutions during the counting operation. It is rigid with an elastic arm which, at each revolution, slides on a part of the circuit, connecting the latter to earth. This produces however stopping of the motor only at the last revolution of the seconds-hand, when a contact switch mounted in series with the sliding switch is also closed under the action of a control pin acting on an elastic blade. This pin is carried by a manually operable rocking lever which is provided with a toothed sector meshing with a pinion rigid with the minute-indicator.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Assignee: Conseilray S.A.Inventors: Michiel Groothuis, Francois Nikles
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Patent number: 5012435Abstract: A timer including a counter circuit that continuously provides an output of an iteratively increasing sequence of bits. The timer includes a timeout data circuit that forms a timeout data word from a specified time period and a first counter circuit output. A register is provided that stores the timeout data word at an address formed from a second counter circuit output. A comparison circuit is provided that compares each counter output with a timeout data word at the address formed from that counter output and provides a timeout signal when they are equal. This timer includes a constantly incrementing counter to address a register that includes a multiple of timeout condition specifications, and as a determination of when the timeout conditions stored in the register occur.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1988Date of Patent: April 30, 1991Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Roger N. Bailey, Robert L. Mansfield, Alexander K. Spencer
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Patent number: 4974217Abstract: A scale indicator used with an electronic setting apparatus, in which at least one of first and second indication sheets has the front surface with a plurality of scale marks and windows, and a third indication sheet rotatable from outside is arranged in 9 space between the first and second indication sheets. At least one of two surfaces of the third indication sheet is printed with characters of a plurality of series of units and numerals representing a plurality of setting scale ranges. The characters of each series of units and numerals are visible from outside through the windows by changing the angle of rotation. A single indicator is thus able to indicate a plurality of scale ranges being available for setting physical quantities and other numerical values.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Idec Izumi CorporationInventor: Takeshi Inoue