Abstract: The invention provides an electronic printed chromatic elapsed time indicator device comprising a switch, a power source and a power driven elapsed time display for indicating the elapse of a limited predetermined segment of time upon activation of the switch and irrespective of the actual time of activation thereof, wherein the components are functionally interconnected and are printed on at least one substrate.

Abstract: A hanger for mounting an object on a surface such as a wall. The hanger includes a slot that receives a projection such as a nail extending from the wall. The slot is nonlinear and provides an entry path through which the projection travels to reach its mounting position. The hanger also includes slot branches extending from the slot, which together with the slot create a maze through which the projection travels when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall. The slot branches provide dead end paths that the projection may encounter when the object is attempted to be removed from the wall.

Abstract: Provided is a bracelet comprising a band which is removably attachable to a wrist of a person. The band may have a plurality of first time indices printed about a circumference of the band. The bracelet may further comprise a first time indicator slidable along the band circumference and fixedly positionable to a selected first time indicia to indicate a time of an event.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the present invention relates to a time indicating label comprising (a) a label substrate having a first and second surface, (b) an acid-base indicator composition, and (c) an activator composition, wherein one of (b) or (c) are on the first surface of the substrate and wherein (b) and (c) when brought in contact remain adhered. The label may have a pressure sensitive adhesive on the second surface of the label. The invention further relates to a method of using the time-temperature indicating label. The labels provide an effective means for determine the safety of frozen foods. The labels also provide a means of providing security by providing name badges that are time sensitive and may not be reused. The name badges provide a means to monitor the length of a visitor's time and prevents reusing the name badge.

Abstract: A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

Abstract: A self-expiring badge or label that includes an upper substrate having an upper surface and a lower surface and an adhesive activator layer on the lower surface. A protective layer having a first surface and a second surface is provided, with the first surface of the protective layer being removably attached to and overlaying the adhesive layer. A lower substrate is provided that has an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface being removably attached to and overlaying the second surface of the protective layer. A migrating ink pattern is on the lower surface of the lower substrate. To activate, the upper substrate and at least a portion of the lower substrate are removed from the protective layer to leave a remaining portion of the lower substrate having the migrating ink pattern thereon.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a first reservoir (13), a migration medium (11) and activating means for bringing liquid from the first reservoir (13) in contact with the migration medium (11) so that after activation the liquid migrates through the migration medium (11) producing a colour change therein. The activating means comprises a second reservoir (16) connected between the first reservoir (13) and the migration medium (11) whereby after activation the liquid travels relatively rapidly from the first reservoir (13) to the second reservoir (16) and then migrates relatively slowly along the length of the migration medium (11) over time.

Abstract: A time indicator assembly including a front part and a back part is disclosed that can easily pass through a printer. The time indicator assembly includes a base substrate forming at least part of the back part having a first surface and a second surface extending between edges. A migrating ink is applied over a portion of the first surface of the base substrate, and a release sheet overlies the migrating ink to prevent migration of the migrating ink toward the front part. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied over the release sheet and onto the base substrate adjacent at least two of the base substrate edges. The adhesive joins a cover substrate forming at least part of the front part to the base substrate over at least a portion of the release sheet and along the at least two of the base substrate edges. Upon removal of the release sheet, the migrating ink migrates through the adhesive to form an image in the cover substrate.

Abstract: A method for tracking total usage time of an electronic device comprising the steps of evaluating a predetermined usage increment timer until a predetermined time period expires, incrementing a total-usage counter, resetting the timer to measure a next occurrence of the predetermined time period, repeating the aforementioned steps and outputting the value representing the total usage time of the device. A multi-mode electronic device that carries out the aforementioned method is also provided. Still further, the present invention provides a method of and device for tracking total usage time or number of activations of any feature or mode within the device.

Abstract: A crystal display device is disclosed wherein a vertically arranged photovoltaic cell, main device housing—encasing an electric motor and transmission—, and a refractory crystal suspended below is rotated so as to provide multi-colored displays upon room walls and other surfaces when exposed to sunlight. A preferred embodiment of the device utilizes a suction cup to retain the device housing in the afore-mentioned vertical alignment against the inside of a selected window.

Abstract: A long term rapid color changing time indicator includes a front part and a back part. The front part includes a transparent layer, an opaque layer, a colorant layer, and a neutralizing layer. The colorant layer includes a matrix and a colorant having a non-migratory form that does not migrate in the matrix and having a migratory form that migrates in the matrix. The back part has a reactant. When the front part and the back part are placed in contact, the reactant migrates into the neutralizing layer and a portion of the reactant is depleted by a coreactant. The unreacted reactant migrates into the colorant layer and reacts with the non-migratory form of the colorant converting the non-migratory form to the migratory form such that the migratory form of the colorant migrates through the opaque layer to cause a visual color indication in the transparent layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barrier coating that shows decreased moisture sensitivity compared to conventional coatings, and provides high barrier properties, as well as a rapid method for producing the coating. These improvements are generated through use of a boric acid chelating agent in the composition and curing the composition with UV/NIR radiation.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a tube (2) having opposed ends with at least one of the opposed ends having a reservoir (10a, 10b) for storing a reactant or an indicator, a transport system (12) extending from the reservoir to the other of the opposed ends of the tube (2) for transporting at least one of the reactant or the indicator until they contact each other, a reactant, and an indicator which when in contact with the reactant via the transport means (12) emits an observable change in property wherein the minimum length of the period of time corresponds to the time it takes for the reactant and indicator to contact each other. Thc tube (2) has a shape which undergoes at least two material changes of direction exceeding 90° and up to 180° from one of the opposed ends to the other.

Abstract: One wristwatch case, wherein a pipe is fixedly connected thereto and a connection interface between the wristwatch case and the pipe is not present substantially; the method of fixing the wristwatch, comprising the steps of providing a through-hole in the wristwatch case, press fitting the pipe of 0 mm or larger in press fitting tolerance (pipe outer diameter—through-hole diameter) between the through-hole and the pipe, and heating the wristwatch case after the press fitting step; the other wristwatch case, wherein a pipe is fixedly connected thereto through a diffusion layer; the method of fixing the pipe of the wristwatch case, comprising the steps of forming a through-hole in the wristwatch case, press fitting the pipe of 0 mm or larger in press fitting tolerance (outer diameter of pipe having a metal film formed on the surface thereof—diameter of through-hole) between the through-hole and the pipe having a metal film formed on the surface thereof, and heating the wristwatch case in vacuum or reducing gas

Abstract: Time or time-temperature indicating articles are described comprising a housing enclosing: (a) a first fluid reservoir at least partially filled with a first fluid; (b) a substrate comprising a plurality of channels; (c) a second fluid reservoir in fluid communication with at least one channel of the substrate; and (d) a barrier located between the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir. The article can be manipulated at a desired point in time by opening the barrier to allow at least a portion of the fluid to flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir and to contact at least one channel of the substrate. The article is designed to provide an indication of the progress of the fluid as it moves through the channels of the substrate.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a plurality of printed and activated time dependent labels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a web having a plurality of inked substrates thereon. Each substrate has a migrating ink pattern printed on a surface of the substrate. A transfer printer is provided that has a first ribbon means for applying a timing layer through which the migrating ink bleeds after a predetermined period of time. A second ribbon means is provided for printing variable data. The web of inked substrates is continuously fed through the printer, each inked substrate passing sequentially under the first ribbon means and then the second ribbon means. The first ribbon means is activated to apply the timing layer to a portion of the printed surface of each inked substrate thereunder to produce a coated substrate.

Abstract: A second device (24) is mounted on a first device (22) formed of a liquid crystal (27) display cell (26) at the front of which is arranged a first linear polarizer (40), of a liquid crystal (29) optical valve (28) at the back of which is arranged a second polarizer (44) and means (23) for controlling the valve (28) and the cell (26) from a switched state to a non switched state. When the cell (26) is switched to display a data item, by associating a first light or dark device (22) with a second absorbent or reflective polarizer (44), an inversion of the contrast in said data is obtained by switching the valve (28).

Abstract: A device for monitoring the expiration of goods includes a substrate and an unreacted composition affixed thereto which is intrinsically reactive to one or both of its thermal environment and the length of time following activation. The reactivity results in a color formation of the composition with the color formation being a single color upon reaction to one of said thermal environment or length of time and multiple colors upon reaction to both. The device may be a label affixed to a container containing the goods to be monitored or may be printed directly on a container.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a first reservoir (13), a migration medium (11) and activating means for bringing liquid from the first reservoir (13) in contact with the migration medium (11) so that after activation the liquid migrates through the migration medium (11) producing a colour change therein. The activating means comprises a second reservoir (16) connected between the first reservoir (13) and the migration medium (11) whereby after activation the liquid travels relatively rapidly from the first reservoir (13) to the second reservoir (16) and then migrates relatively slowly along the length of the migration medium (11) over time.

Abstract: System for signaling that a product expiration date has passed. The bar code indicia system for signaling that a product has expired includes a bar code indicia, a detecting means of detecting the bar code indicia and a signaling means for signaling to a consumer that the product has passed a date of detection.

Abstract: A timing device for visually indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, is sectioned into zones with different rates of reactivity and/or sensitivity, such that the zones change color or darken over a range of times. The timing device, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a film, that is a color film, a black and white film or a combination thereof, with a photographic layer and a developer layer, which when brought together activate the device. The photographic film can be pre-exposed to light or heat to control the rate that the film changes color or darkens after being activated. Pieces of timing film, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, have adhesion layers for attaching the pieces of timing film to perishable articles or packages containing perishable articles and are preferably configured to be dispensed from a roll or stack of the timing film.

Abstract: A timing device for visually indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device comprises a lens, a base and an optical medium therebetween. The optical medium preferably comprises one or more materials, layers or components that chemically or electrochemically change the duration of time. The timing device preferably comprises an opaque layer positioned between the lens and the base, wherein the opaque layer is dissolved over the duration of time, thereby making the base visible through the lens. The timing device is preferably fabricated in parts with reactive regions which are configured to couple together to form an activated device. In further embodiments of the invention, the device comprises means to generate an audible signal when the duration of time has passed and/or thermosensor for actuating the device within a range of temperatures.

Abstract: The invention is related to a menstrual cycle monitor for a human female which includes indicators representing a first day of menstrual bleeding, early infertile days, fertile days, and later infertile days in the menstrual cycle. The indicators together form an ordered set. One indicator of the ordered set is provided with different indicia from indicia provided to other indicators, so as to alert the user of the monitor that she should consult her health care provider if particular circumstances arise. A movable marker also may be provided for indexing with the indicators.

Abstract: The invention provides microstructured time dependent indicators including timers, time/temperature indicators, etc. The indicators are preferably highly accurate and easy to read. The invention also includes indicators which are game pieces, calendars, greeting cards, etc. The indicators function by flow of a material through channels of a microstructured substrate.

Abstract: A pulsating metronome includes a case and a band for attaching the case to the wrist of a wearer. A vibration means is mounted to the case at a location such that, when the device is worn on the wrist of the wearer, the vibration means is imposed against the wearer's wrist. A means is included for exciting the vibration means at predetermined intervals to impart vibrations against the wrist of the wearer so as to convey tempo information to the wearer.

Abstract: The method consists in using a setting device for jewel holes or prismatic jewels including at least a reference plane, on which the jewel to be fixed is wedged, said plane including at least spatial positioning means for said jewel, such as studs or cavities. Once the jewel is set in place, it is secured to its housing by applying a laser beam to its edge, possibly with the addition of a fusible material.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including a tube containing first and second liquids in contact with each other wherein one of the first or second liquids diffuses into the other liquid in a manner which results in an observable change of property which is related to the desired preselected period of time.

Abstract: This invention relates to expiration date systems in general, and particularly to a new expiration date system (14) which employs a time release mechanism to overcome the problems inherent in expiration date systems used today.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-temperature integrating indicator having an amorphous material in operable contact with a porous matrix, wherein the amorphous material only migrates into the porous matrix at or above a predetermined temperature. Use of the invention simplifies monitoring of the cumulative temperature exposure of the product because no additional actuation step is required. The indicator is especially useful in monitoring the cumulative time-temperature exposure of a perishable product for a short period of time at an abusive temperature.

Abstract: A timing device for visually indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, is sectioned into zones with different rates of reactivity and/or sensitivity, such that the zones change color or darken over a range of times. The timing device, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, comprises a film, that is a color film, a black and white film or a combination thereof, with a photographic layer and a developer layer, which when brought together activate the device. The photographic film can be pre-exposed to light or heat to control the rate that the film changes color or darkens after being activated. Pieces of timing film, in accordance with further embodiments of the invention, have adhesion layers for attaching the pieces of timing film to perishable articles or packages containing perishable articles and are preferably configured to be dispensed from a roll or stack of the timing film.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attachment and detachment of watch straps are provided. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to attach a strap to and detach a strap from a watch having a strap attached by a compressible spring bar. In some embodiments, the invention may include a tool for attaching and detaching the strap that has a base and a blade. The base may support the watch and the blade may protrude from the base to compress the spring bar and release it from the body of the watch. The blade may have a notch for engaging the spring bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for winding self-winding watches is described that includes a watch carrier having an axis of rotation of 90° above horizontal and a center of gravity offset from the axis of rotation in a given direction, the watch carrier being adapted to support a watch with the plane of the watch face being perpendicular to the axis of rotation; and a drive means for rotating the carrier about the axis until the given direction is above the axis, whereupon the carrier is released to freely rotate about the axis in an oscillating motion to wind the watch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a time-temperature integrating indicator having an amorphous material in operable contact with a porous matrix, wherein the amorphous material only migrates into the porous matrix at or above a predetermined temperature. Use of the invention simplifies monitoring of the cumulative temperature exposure of the product because no additional actuation step is required. The indicator is especially useful in monitoring the cumulative time-temperature exposure of a perishable product for a short period of time at an abusive temperature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attachment and detachment of watch straps are provided. The apparatus and methods of the present invention may be used to attach a strap to and detach a strap from a watch having a strap attached by a compressible spring bar. In some embodiments, the invention may include a tool for attaching and detaching the strap that has a base and a blade. The base may support the watch and the blade may protrude from the base to compress the spring bar and release it from the body of the watch. The blade may have a notch for engaging the spring bar.

Abstract: A time indicator rapidly changes color after a specific time interval. The indicator comprises “back part” that includes a base substrate with a colored dye or colorant deposited on a first surface. A colorant impermeable barrier layer overlays the colorant or colored dye. The indicator further comprises a “front part” that includes a substrate having an adhesive on a first surface thereof. When the back part and front part are put into adhesive contact with each other, the parts coact with each other to cause the colorant impermeable barrier layer to change to a colorant permeable layer to permit the dye to migrate through the layers to cause a color change visible through the front part.

Abstract: The device consists of a basic 24-pin stamp processor. Pin #1 TX Serial output. Pin #2 RX Serial input. Pin #3 ATN Active-high reset. Pin #4 GND Serial ground. Once powered up a normally open switch is pressed sending data to pin #5 and #6 I/O pin #0 and I/O #1. This sets the time in the 24-pin basic stamp processor. To activate the in route time a normally open switch is pressed sending data to pin #9 I/O pin #4 which stores this data in the processor. Upon arriving on the scene a normally open switch is pressed sending data to pin #10 I/O pin #5 which stores this data in the processor. Upon leaving the scene a normally open switch is pressed sending data to pin #11 I/O pin #6, which stores this data in the processor. Upon back in service a normally open switch is pressed sending data to pin #12 I/O pin #7, which stores the data in the processor.

Abstract: The method consists in using a setting device for jewel holes or prismatic jewels including at least a reference plane, on which the jewel to be fixed is wedged, said plane including at least spatial positioning means for said jewel, such as studs or cavities. Once the jewel is set in place, it is secured to its housing by applying a laser beam to its edge, possibly with the addition of a fusible material.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for measuring a duration at or above a predetermined temperature, such as a solder reflow temperature, are disclosed. The instrument includes a capillary tube and an indicator material that is solid at temperatures below the predetermined temperature and a liquid that will move into and through the capillary tube at and above the predetermined temperature. In the method according to the invention, an instrument according to the invention is heated, then cooled. The amount of indicator material in the capillary tube indicates how much time the instrument spent at temperatures at or above the predetermined temperature. The instrument and method are useful, for instance, for indicating the length of time an integrated circuit package is at or above a solder reflow temperature during manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Exposure time is determined by a device which is sensitive to an environmental substance in a controlled environment. Embodiments include a humidity sensitive timer treated with a cobalt salt which changes colors after a certain exposure time within the controlled environment. Elapsed time is measured by exposing the timer to a humidity controlled environment and monitoring the timer for a change in color.

Abstract: A migrating dye indicator that includes a display layer and a base substrate layer. An adhesive layer is on one surface of the display layer for adhesively attaching the display layer to the base layer. The base layer includes a migrating dye capable of migrating through the adhesive layer to the display layer when the adhesive layer is placed in contact therewith. The adhesive layer contains an accelerator for enhancing the migration of the dye through the adhesive layer. The base layer contains a means for absorbing the accelerator into the base layer.

Abstract: A timing device for visually determining the passage of a preselected period of time including an inverted U-shaped tube having opposed ends with at least one of the opposed ends having a reservoir for storing a reactant or an indicator, transport means extending from the reservoir to the other of the opposed ends of the tube for transporting at least one of the reactant or the indicator until they contact each other, a reactant, and an indicator which when in contact with the reactant via the transport means emits an observable change in a property wherein the minimum length of the period of time corresponds to the time it takes for the reactant and indicator to contact each other.

Abstract: This device projects slow moving light beams on the shadowed regions of a windowed room when the sun shines through the window. It includes a crystal-set (9) directly suspended from the bottom of a vertical rotor (14) of a motor (2) by a thread-like member (12). A small box (1), with attachment means to the window, supports the following interconnected electrical components: the motor (2) discussed above, a solar panel array (5), a capacitor (4), and a circuit (3). The capacitor is repeatedly charged slowly when the solar panel is exposed to sunlight, and discharged quickly by the circuit through the motor windings to occasionally pulse rotate the motor rotor about one turn. This occasional quick rotation activates and sustains the smooth and slow meandering rotation of the crystal-set about a vertical axis because of the loose thread-like member coupling between the motor rotor and crystal-set.

Abstract: A bright-pattern unit cell is formed by forming round dots, each of which is composed of a hemispherical concave portion obtained by applying a laser beam, and arranging these round dots in a matrix vertically and horizontally. Furthermore, a two-dimensional code composed of a matrix having a bright and dark pattern is formed by defining a smooth surface, where a laser beam is not applied, as a dark-pattern unit cell, and combining these bright unit cells with dark unit cells.

Abstract: An electrochemical timer is described that is compact, lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, and simple to use in which the consumption of reactive materials in an electrochemical reaction provides a visual indication of the passage of time. In one embodiment, the electrochemical timer includes a first electrode, an electrolyte, and a second electrode. The electrodes and electrolyte are chosen such that the first electrode is consumed at a predetermined rate upon electrochemical contact of the electrodes and electrolyte. The electrodes and electrolyte are further configured such that the consumption of the first electrode can be monitored to provide an indication of the passage of time. In one embodiment, the electrochemical timers provided herein are used to monitor the shelf-life of perishables.

Abstract: A method for operating an electronic apparatus so as to produce an automated display of date and time specific biorhythmic acupuncture points is disclosed. The method monitors a current Gregorian-calendar date and time generated by the electronic apparatus, converts it into a Chinese-calendar Kan-day and Chih-period index affiliated with a biorhythm, utilizes the index to indicate and retrieve a biorhythmic acupuncture point from a table of predetermined biorhythmic acupuncture points, and displays the retrieved biorhythmic acupuncture point and current date and time. Once started, the method continues to display and update current date and time and their corresponding biorhythmic acupuncture point until it is interrupted by a user of the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: In an electronic watch including a so-called automatic winding dynamo, structures of parts themselves and layout of the parts are improved to achieve a reduction in thickness of the electronic watch. Bearing portions for a rotational shaft (211) of a dynamo rotor (21) are made up of hole jewels (212, 214) and ring-shaped caps (213, 215). The cap (215) covers, from the outer side, one end surface (216) of the hole jewel (214) which locates on the side facing a dynamo rotor (21), and defines a lubricant holding annular slot (G3) between the cap and an outer circumferential surface of the rotational shaft (211). Accordingly, even with the dynamo rotor (21) rotating at a high speed, a lubricant is prevented from scattering to the surroundings from the annular slot (G3). Spacings between adjacent parts can be narrowed and the thickness of the electronic watch can be reduced.

Abstract: A time color indicator and method are provided. The time color indicator includes a base layer segment having a transparent impermeable layer, a substantially non-curing opaque coating, and a release sheet. A portion of the uncoated surface of the transparent layer bears a printed area including a camouflage pattern printed with non-migrating ink and a message segment printed with migrating ink. An indicator layer segment includes a transparent impermeable layer, a substantially non-curing opaque coating, and a release sheet partially folded back to form a finger gripping tab and expose an indicator layer coating portion which contacts and adheres to the base layer adjacent the printed area. The time color indicator is activated by pulling the finger tab to remove the release sheet, causing the indicator layer coating to cover and contact the printed area, with the message segment migrating through the indicator layer coating.

Abstract: A time indicator comprising a front part and a rear part, the rear part comprising an ink pattern layer overlaying a rear support member. The front part comprises a transparent front support layer, and an opaque adhesive layer having a front ink display surface, the adhesive layer capable of dissolving the ink pattern on the rear part, whereby contacting the front part with the rear part by applying the opaque adhesive layer onto the ink pattern layer activates the dissolution and migration of ink in a selected time interval from the ink pattern layer, through the opaque adhesive layer to the front ink display surface for viewing through the transparent front support layer.

Abstract: A patterned indicator is provided which contains latent information. The patterned indicator includes a first substrate having first and second surfaces, the first surface having a uniform pattern printed of an ink thereon. A second transparent substrate having first and second surfaces is also provided. An adhesive activator is provided on the first surface of the second substrate. The indicator is activated by placement of the first surfaces of the first and second substrates into adhesive contact such that the ink and adhesive activator coact to cause the ink pattern to gradually bleed and blend together to cause a change visually perceptible through the transparent substrate in a selected time interval.A preferred embodiment of the invention is a parking permit, while other preferred embodiments include transit tickets, admission tickets, time passage indicators for other applications.