Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring system for turning off an idling engine comprises a vehicle speed sensor configured to detect a lack of motion, or “stationary status” of a vehicle and emit a parameter correlated to the motion status of the vehicle, a transmission status detector configured to detect a transmission status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of warning other drivers of a stationary status of the vehicle and a control device. The control device is coupled to the vehicle speed sensor, the transmission status detector and the alerting device, wherein the vehicle speed sensor and the transmission status detector send a signal to the control device and the control device operates in a manner dependent on the motion status of the vehicle and the transmission status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode trace structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode trace structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a temperature dependent resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode trace structures.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring that a user on a host system periodically performs educational tasks is disclosed. The system comprises a host system on which an educational application and a primary application can execute; means for suspending the primary application when a suspension criterion is met; means for executing an interactive educational application on the host system until a resumption criterion is met; and means for resuming the primary application on the host system when the resumption criterion is met. The method comprises (a) suspending a primary application based on a suspension criterion; (b) presenting on a presentation device an educational task from a set of educational tasks; (c) receiving a user-generated response on an input device; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) until a resumption criterion is met; and (e) resuming the primary application when the resumption criterion is met.

Abstract: A method of and system for detecting absolute acceleration along various axes relative to a desired movement vector while moving relative to a gravity source includes steps of determining a vertical acceleration, perpendicular to the desired movement vector and substantially anti-parallel to a gravitational acceleration due to the gravity source; determining a longitudinal acceleration, parallel to the desired movement vector and to output at vertical acceleration signal and a longitudinal acceleration signal; determining an inclination of the desired movement vector relative to the gravitational acceleration; and processing the vertical acceleration signal, the longitudinal acceleration signals and the inclination signal to produce al absolute vertical acceleration signal and an absolute longitudinal acceleration signal.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

Abstract: A communication system for a vehicle includes a vehicle speed sensor configured to emit a periodic function with a parameter correlated to the speed of the vehicle, an acceleration monitoring system, a braking system engagement detector to detect a braking status of the vehicle, an alerting device capable of signaling other drivers of a deceleration condition of the vehicle, and a control device. The acceleration monitoring system is configured to compute the acceleration of the vehicle from variations in the parameter of the periodic function of the vehicle speed sensor and to output a deceleration status of the vehicle. The control device is coupled to the acceleration monitoring system, the braking system engagement detector, and the alerting device, wherein the acceleration monitoring system sends signals to the control device and the control device operates the alerting device in a manner dependent on the deceleration status of the vehicle.

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 timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention comprises an electrochemical component that generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage a duration of time. The electrochemical component preferably comprises two or more electrode structures that sandwich a suitable solid-state electrolyte. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a timing device comprises an electrochemical component with an indicating electrolyte and an indicating layer that absorbs or reacts with the indicating electrolyte when an electrode material is depleted, providing a visual indication of the passage of a duration time.