Abstract: A device includes a cap attachable to a receptacle for co-acting therewithin enclosing medication and timing a predetermined interval for taking the medication defined by one timing schedule of a set of selectable timing schedules. An electronic timing circuit is constructed and arranged to provide an alarm signal designating a time for taking the medication at the expiration at a predetermined time interval defined by the timing schedule. The electronic timing circuit is housed in the cap and includes schedule processing circuitry that defines the set of selectable timing schedules, and a set of outputs for issuing electrical signals at the expiration of the predetermined time interval. The device has a top part that fits snuggly inside the cap and remains attached to the cap under normal circumstances.

Abstract: A cap is attachable to a receptacle for co-acting therewithin enclosing medication and timing a predetermined interval for taking the medication defined by one timing schedule of a set of selectable timing schedules. An electronic timing circuit in the cap is constructed and arranged to provide an alarm signal designating a time for taking the medication at the expiration of a predetermined time interval defined by the timing schedule. A battery furnishes power to the electronic timing circuit. A switch is connected between the battery and the electronic timing circuit having an initial ship position preventing the flow of electrical energy from the battery to the electronic timing circuit and an on position allowing delivery of electrical power from the battery to the electronic timing circuit. The switch is constructed and arranged to be initially in the ship position and switch to the on position when the cap is first attached to the receptacle to close the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that is attachable to a receptacle for timing a predetermined interval according to a timing schedule of a set of timing schedules. The apparatus has an electronic timing circuit that provides an alarm signal at the expiration of the predetermined time interval. The timing circuit includes a set of inputs and a set of outputs that are both connected to processing circuitry. The processing circuitry defines the set of selectable timing schedules. The inputs correspond to the timing schedules, and the outputs issue the alarm signals. The apparatus also includes a sensing mechanism for selectively engaging an input based on the position of the mechanism. Each timing schedule is selectable by the device through the inputs that are engaged and disengaged.