Abstract: Various embodiments of indicators, their use, and their construction are described. An indicator may include a plurality of bistable display portions. The plurality of bistable display portions may be changed from a first state to a second state to indicate the passage of a predetermined time period. The plurality of bistable portions may also be changed to a third state to indicate an amount of time past the predetermined time period. An indicator may also include a plurality of event labels arranged to form an event flow path, a plurality of event inputs, and a plurality of bistable displays which may be controlled to indicate an event status.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to activatable devices attachable to an object, permanent activation mechanisms, permanent connections, and activatable RFID devices are described. In one embodiment, a device may include an electrical load that is activated when first and second electrical traces are placed into electrical communication when a connector is attached to an object. In another embodiment, an activation mechanism includes first and second electrical contacts that are connected when the first electrical contact is displaced towards the second electrical contact and held in place by an adhesive layer. In yet another embodiment, a communication device includes first and second electrical contacts that either disable or enable the device when they are in the open and closed configurations respectively. In another embodiment, a device may include a permanent connector that once placed in the connected state irreversibly activates or enables the device.

Abstract: The technology described in this document may be embodied in a method for controlling a display element. The method includes setting a first drive voltage configured to drive a first terminal of the display element such that the first drive voltage is set to a higher value than a second drive voltage configured to drive a second terminal of the display element. The first and second drive voltages can be configured to cause the display element to present a first display state. The method also includes performing adjustments to the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage such that the first drive voltage is less than the second drive voltage. The adjustments are configured in accordance with whether the display element is to present a second display state different from the first display state.

Abstract: The technology described in this document may be embodied in a method for controlling a display element. The method includes setting a first drive voltage configured to drive a first terminal of the display element such that the first drive voltage is set to a higher value than a second drive voltage configured to drive a second terminal of the display element. The first and second drive voltages can be configured to cause the display element to present a first display state. The method also includes performing adjustments to the first drive voltage and the second drive voltage such that the first drive voltage is less than the second drive voltage. The adjustments are configured in accordance with whether the display element is to present a second display state different from the first display state.

Abstract: Various embodiments of indicators, their use, and their construction are described. An indicator may include a plurality of bistable display portions. The plurality of bistable display portions may be changed from a first state to a second state to indicate the passage of a predetermined time period. The plurality of bistable portions may also be changed to a third state to indicate an amount of time past the predetermined time period. An indicator may also include a plurality of event labels arranged to form an event flow path, a plurality of event inputs, and a plurality of bistable displays which may be controlled to indicate an event status.