Time Scale Patents (Class 116/308)
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Patent number: 6089180Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a multi-time indicating container, closure, and pill cup separator, comprising a common post manufactured container, with a round upper portion such as a round neck or a round body. The container further comprises a newly added rotatable pointer which is attached around the upper round portion of the container. The pointer can be attached to any post manufactured container with an upper round portion. The container further includes indicia which is applied around the upper portion of the container just below the rotatable pointer. The container further includes a post manufactured, separable double closure, which is separated using a double closure separator comprising a locking C-clamp having one standard round clamping tip and one newly added separator wedge blade tip.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Inventor: Ernest Nichols, Jr.
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Patent number: 6068149Abstract: A calendaring cap for a pharmaceutical container comprising at least one ring frictionally and rotatably engaged with a cap. The cap comprises a cap bore having either a cap female thread or a cap bore lip, whereby the calendaring cap for a pharmaceutical container may be installed on a standard pharmaceutical container. Each ring bears a pointer which points towards indicia on the cap. In a calendaring cap for a pharmaceutical container embodiment incorporating two rings, the cap may bear day indicia and hour indicia. A first ring is associated with the day indicia, and its pointer points towards the day indicia. A second ring is associated with the hour indicia, and its pointer points towards the hour indicia.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Janice S. Telega
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Patent number: 6038997Abstract: In an apparatus for tallying the length of time for which a pair of disposable contact lenses have been worn, a contact lens case is retained by a resilient member against a support member. A counter defining indicia corresponding to intervals of time is coupled for rotation to the support member. The indicia can be selectively aligned with a reference mark defined by the support member, thereby displaying the amount of time for which a particular pair of contact lenses have been worn.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1997Date of Patent: March 21, 2000Inventor: Donna Madden
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Patent number: 6003467Abstract: A medication dosage indicator having two portions, a body portion and a cap portion. The body portion includes a circular top wall and a plurality of raised indicator tabs spaced apart in a circular fashion that have indicia corresponding to the day of the week or other unit of time. The cap portion includes a circular upper wall with a plurality of apertures sized and spaced apart to fit in a mating relationship with the indicator tabs.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1997Date of Patent: December 21, 1999Inventors: Paige Shelton-Ferrell, David Valencia, Anthony J. Bova
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Patent number: 6000159Abstract: A datable food storage container including a vessel having an upper mouth-defining structure, a vessel wall and a vessel bottom; a lid fixable to the upper mouth-defining structure, the lid having a top surface and a bottom surface, the lid having a lid cavity in the top surface; and a dating mechanism positioned in the lid cavity and releasably engaged with the lid, the dating mechanism including a plurality of generally cylindrical body members fixably rotatable about a common axis substantially parallel to the top surface of the lid, each of the body members having an outer surface which carries indicia, and a tubular shaft releasably engaged with the lid and extending through the cylindrical body members along the common axis such that the body members are fixably rotatable about the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: December 14, 1999Inventor: Lee Hornung
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Patent number: 5984122Abstract: A closure for a container, including means for counting and indicating the number of times the closure has undergone a cycle of closing and opening the container, and further including means for incorporating the closure into means for resisting the opening of the container by a child.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 1997Date of Patent: November 16, 1999Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Allan Barker, Gage Garby
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Patent number: 5979698Abstract: A medicinal recording device is provided which is placed directly upon a patient's medication container. The device consists of at least one strip having a plurality of indicia on raised or recessed detents. The indicia correspond to days and dosages. The patient slides a tab attached to the strip along the strip to the marked button corresponding to the day the medication is taken and/or the number of the dose taken. The tab engages the strip adjacent the selected indicia to releasably lock the tab in position and to prevent unintended sliding of the tab.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 1997Date of Patent: November 9, 1999Inventor: Richard E. Deal
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Patent number: 5899335Abstract: A container for medications, written instructions and other materials is provided for an individual whose cognitive powers may be diminished and who must take several medications or doses at different times of a day. The container takes the annular array form of a clock face with hourly positions having either or both visual and/or Braille indicia. Each hourly position has a separate lid-covered compartment for placement therein of medications or instructions to be taken within designated hours. The containers are provided in pairs, one being designated for ante meridiem hours and the other for post meridiem hours. They may be alternately arranged coaxially with a clock having either an hour hand or a blocking shutter, the latter of which insures that only the lid of a given compartment is accessible at the designated time for taking a specific medication. Pairs of containers sufficient for a week's medications can be organized, filled and stacked for successive use.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1997Date of Patent: May 4, 1999Inventors: Mildred E. Boyer, Marinus B. Bosma
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Patent number: 5803283Abstract: A closure for a container, including means for counting and indicating the number of times the closure has undergone a cycle of closing and opening the container, and further including means for incorporating the closure into means for resisting the opening of the container by a child.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1995Date of Patent: September 8, 1998Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Allan E. Barker, Gage Garby
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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: 5720392Abstract: The present invention is a device for indicating when a person either took a pill or other medication, or when he is scheduled to take the next dose of the medication. The invention is conveniently attached to a pill bottle having a cap. An image of a clock face is printed on or adhered to the top of the bottle cap and/or the bottom and may include either a MEDICATION TAKEN AT image or a MEDICATION DUE AT image. A transparent, rotatable cap, having an arrow indicator inscribed thereon, is placed over the bottle cap. A second transparent, rotatable cap, having an arrow indicator inscribed thereon may be placed over a clock face image and a medication image on the bottom for use as a second timer reminder. When a medication is taken, the rotatable cover covering the MEDICATION TAKEN AT end is turned to the time taken. The opposite end timer is then turned to the MEDICATION DUE AT end to indicate when the next dose is due.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Inventor: Harvey D. Price
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Patent number: 5718355Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 1995Date of Patent: February 17, 1998Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Gage Garby, Jeffery T. Ballas
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Patent number: 5711160Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before a useful storage lifetime for the items has elapsed. A base unit is mounted near, removably attached to, or on 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 and displayed on the base unit. This recording may be accomplished manually by writing directly onto the base unit or by use of handwritten or preprinted magnetic labels, or recording may be accomplished electronically. A list, prestored in memory, of the most commonly stored food items and their approximate lifetimes is provided with the list configured for at least three food storage locations: a refrigerator, a freezer and a pantry. A numeric display is provided so that the length of time an item has been stored can be readily determined and compared with the useful storage lifetime.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1996Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventors: Dianna Namisniak, Lee Namisniak
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Patent number: 5702013Abstract: A dynamic virtual hinge closure used for controlled, reliable, and measured dispensing of a variety of substances with extensive monitoring, child-resistance and senior-friendly features. A hook dynamically engages with a slot to create a virtual hinge each time the closure is opened. The hook dynamically disengages with the slot each time the closure is closed. Monitoring is accomplished by markers position on the outer surface of the container or lid. The closure may be opened in several ways, according to the users preference or ability. The monitoring may be for dispensing of food such as spices (i.e, pour, shake, spoon), for dispensing of drugs (1st, 2nd, 3rd dose). The internal structure insures that the lid shifts into a locked, child-resistant position when closed and also that the lid is opened exactly once at each marker position. The lid is made of only one piece and requires no assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 1995Date of Patent: December 30, 1997Inventor: Anna B. Freed
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Patent number: 5678712Abstract: A child resistant reminder closure including an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt. A day disk is provided adjacent the inner surface of the base wall of the outer closure member. An indexing disk is provided adjacent the day disk. The day disk has a set of flexible radial ratcheting teeth extending radially outwardly from the day disk engagable with recesses on the indexing disk. A first set of rotationally interengagable lugs is provided between the outer closure member and the indexing disk. A second set of axially interengagable lugs are provided between the indexing disk and the inner closure member. The day disk has circumferentially spaced indicia thereon and the base wall of the outer closure member has an opening adapted to be selectively aligned with the indicia.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 1995Date of Patent: October 21, 1997Assignee: Owens-Illnois Closure Inc.Inventor: Luz Rios
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Patent number: 5660138Abstract: An indicator for tracking compliance with the required action of a recurring event is disclosed, the indicator comprising a plurality of selectively removable tabs connected to a main body by a narrowed connecting neck, the tabs having an indicia corresponding to the specific occurrences of the recurring event. Upon compliance with the required action, the appropriately marked tab is removed by the user by breaking off the tab from the main body at the narrowed connecting neck. Appropriate indicia may be marked on the adjacent tabs of the indicator corresponding to the periodicity of the recurring event, such as twice-a-day or three times-a-day. Where the recurring event is the taking of medication, the indicator may be adapted to be attached to a standard medication bottle in a number of alternative ways. Alternatively, where the medication bottle or bottle cap are plastic, the indicator 10 may be molded directly into either of these components.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1994Date of Patent: August 26, 1997Inventor: Victor E. Hirsch
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Patent number: 5638970Abstract: A closure for a container including an indicator mechanism to record the removal of the closure from the container and a child-resistant mechanism to resist the removal of the closure from the container by a child. A spring in the indicator mechanism urges the indicator mechanism toward the child-resistant mechanism to provide sufficient force to engage the child-resistant mechanism for the attachment of the closure to the container, but not sufficient force to engage the child-resistant mechanism for the removal of the closure from the container, so that an additional external force must be applied to engage the child-resistant mechanism for the removal of the closure from the cap. The additional, external force is also necessary to engage the indicator mechanism, so that the mechanism cannot be inadvertently advanced.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1993Date of Patent: June 17, 1997Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Gage L. Garby, Homer J. Brown, Jr.
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Patent number: 5625334Abstract: The invention provides a device that cautions the user of medication, for example, by visual change and/or surface contour change of a part of a medicine container, that a preset time since an event, such as since the last prior use or application of the medication, has not transpired. The medicine container cover or an indicating element of the container or cover changes visually or dimensionally to signal the user that it is not advisable to administer the next dose of the medication. The device shuts itself down upon changing to a permissive configuration, and requires no power input until it is again activated by accessing the container.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 1995Date of Patent: April 29, 1997Inventor: Karen A. Compton
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Patent number: 5611444Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1995Date of Patent: March 18, 1997Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Gage L. Garby, Jeffrey T. Ballas
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Patent number: 5564361Abstract: A clothing usage indicator including indicia representative of the days of the month, the days of the week, and the months of the year, with associated indicators that are movable along the edges and along interior slots in the device for indicating a particular day of the month, a particular day of the week, and a particular month of the year. The device includes a suitable connector for associating the device with an article of clothing, and preferably includes a loop or other device whereby the indicator can be slipped over the hooked end of a clothing hanger for association with a particular article of clothing.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1995Date of Patent: October 15, 1996Inventor: Carlette A. Satterwhite
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Patent number: 5528562Abstract: In a mimic watch having hour numerals "1" to "12" marked therein, a rotary disk having an hour hand fixed thereon is installed rotatably. When used for a play, the mimic watch is put into a protective case. Watching the hour hand and numerals through the rear transparent case member of the protective case, the player operates an operating string loop, with care for the audience not to be aware of the player's operation, to set the hour hand to a numeral the audience has selected. At this time, only the hour numerals will be visible through the transparent area on the front transparent case member of the protective case but an opaque area formed on the front transparent case member will hide the hour hand on the rotary disk being rotated. When the mimic watch taken out of the protective case is shown to the audience, the audience will see the hour hand point at the numeral he or see has selected, which will give the audience an illusion that the mimic watch has automatically pointed at that numeral.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 1995Date of Patent: June 18, 1996Assignee: Tenyo Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tooru Suzuki
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Patent number: 5520296Abstract: A dynamic virtual hinge closure used for controlled, reliable, and measured dispensing of a variety of substances with extensive monitoring, child-resistance and senior friendly features. A hook dynamically engages with a slot to create a virtual hinge each time the closure is opened. The hook dynamically disengages with the slot each time the closure is closed. Monitoring is accomplished by markers positioned on one part of the external cylindrical front surface of the container or lid. The monitoring may be for dispensing of food such as spices (e.g., pour, shake, spoon); or for dispensing of drugs (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd dose) or simply to determine whether the closure is in a locked or unlocked position. The closure is easily moldable, simple to assemble,, sealed on the top and side, and configured to accept a moisture vapor seal and/or tamper indicating film.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 1994Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Inventor: Anna B. Freed
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Patent number: 5487276Abstract: A method and device for ensuring the consumption of perishable food items before a safe storage lifetime for the items has elapsed. A base unit 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. A numeric display is provided so that the length of time an item has been stored can be readily determined and compared with the safe storage lifetime. The base unit also provides an electronic warning display for each stored item.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Inventors: Dianna Namisniak, Lee Namisniak
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Patent number: 5482030Abstract: The present invention relates to an aerosol and non-aerosol spray counter whereby when a spray container is depressed, an automatic counting mechanism is activated.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1994Date of Patent: January 9, 1996Inventor: David Klein
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Patent number: 5421482Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1993Date of Patent: June 6, 1995Assignee: Senetics, Inc.Inventors: Gage Garby, Jeffery Ballas
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Patent number: 5386795Abstract: A combination pill bottle cap and indicator device adapted to function as the closure or cover for a pill bottle or container. The device includes an indicator providing a visual indication for the user that a pill has been or should be removed from the bottle for consumption.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1994Date of Patent: February 7, 1995Assignee: Proprietary Technology, Inc.Inventor: Donald D. Bartholomew
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Patent number: 5377614Abstract: A reminder device with circular dials similar to the face of a clock for pill and medicine containers is adapted for attaching to a pill bottle or other container. The rotatable dials may be manually set to indicators showing the weekday, date and time for taking a pill or other medicinal dose. The reminder device is disposable and may be pinned to the bottle top or other medicine container or temporarily affixed by means of an adhesive.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1992Date of Patent: January 3, 1995Inventor: Bradley M. Glazer
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Patent number: 5358117Abstract: A device suitable as a closure cap for a medicine container is provided. The device has indicia circumferentially marked on the upper surface of the device representing the time for next taking the medicine in the container. An arm is rotatably mounted on a slightly flexible but resilient shaft inserted through the center of the device and is set to point at the time for next taking the medicine. The arm is releasably retained in position by cooperating pegs and indentations on the upper surface of the device and the underside of the rotatable arm.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1993Date of Patent: October 25, 1994Inventor: James Adams
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Patent number: 5356012Abstract: Container with counter comprising two cylindrical containers (1, 2) that one is placed coaxially inside the other, two saw-tooth structures (1a, 1b) and two sets of readings (1c, 1d) which are mounted on the outside surface of the inner cylindrical container (1), a window (2a) and a tenon with triangular cross section (2b) which are mounted on the outer cylindrical container (2), a cap (3) and a spring (4). When the container with counter is closed, the inner cylindrical container (1) is pushed in by the cap (3) and when the container with counter is opened, the inner cylindrical container (1) is partially pushed out by the spring (4). Accompanying these processes is a relative motion of the tenon (2b) along the saw-tooth structures (1a, 1b), which rotates the inner cylindrical container (1) and thus changes the reading shown from the window (2a).Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 1993Date of Patent: October 18, 1994Inventors: Yi Tang, Hong Yang
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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: 5322033Abstract: A mechanism for measuring the running time of an internal combustion engine includes a numerical display of the engine running hours, such that the owner of the engine can better determine the appropriate time for changing the engine lubrication oil. A chronometer is controlled by a switch responding sensitively to engine temperature or vibration, so that the chronometer is actuated only while the engine is working. The mechanism is incorporated into the handle of an oil dipstick, which enables the engine owner to check the chronometer at the same time as he/she is checking the engine oil level.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1992Date of Patent: June 21, 1994Inventor: Duc T. Doan
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Patent number: 5311834Abstract: A numerical device (10) for recording and display of individual numbers, symbols and other indicia. The display can incorporate an infinite number of indicia in rows, columns and the like to represent thousands, hundreds, tens, and single digits and the like. The normal length of each column would be up to a maximum of ten numbers. The numerals are encapsulated in a plastic containment housing (12) having chambers which contain a fluid. By depressing a particular number at a particular location, the fluid is displaced from that location and the contrasting color at the rear of the liquid containment area becomes visible after the opaque liquid has been displaced from that particular location. Each column of numbers, e.g., tens, hundreds etc. would be separately contained on, or adjacent to, one common fluid access compartment. Adjacent numeral chambers are joined by a connecting tube (32). The device (10) would normally be overcovered with an overlay membrane-(54) of paper or the like.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1991Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Inventor: Gregory E. Ross
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Patent number: 5313439Abstract: A simple and inexpensive, preferably disposable, medication package which is capable of reminding a user when it is time to take the medication. In one embodiment the package is an ordinary medicine bottle with the cap modified so as to include a timer, a battery, a buzzer or display light and a means for closing a circuit. When the cap is closed, the circuit is automatically closed through contact with a conducting material on the upper edge of the bottle. In another embodiment, the container is of the foil pack variety. A receptacle is provided. When the foil pack is inserted into the receptacle, the circuit is closed energizing the timer and related mechanisms. In a third embodiment, the container is again of the foil pack variety where the foil has a suitable resistivity. No receptacle is included. Rather, the timer mechanism is activated through the sensing of a resistance change as the foil is ruptures whenever each of the pills is removed.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Inventor: Dan Albeck
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Patent number: 5297687Abstract: A dynamic virtual hinge closure used for controlled, reliable, and measured dispensing of a variety of substances with extensive compliance and child-resistance features. A hook integral with the container engages with a slot in a ledge of the lid to create a virtual hinge each time the closure is opened. The hook dynamically disengages with the slot each time the closure is closed. The lid can be hinged to open perpendicularly, horizontally, or vertically. The lid which opens vertically may include a pump device for dispensing liquids or sprays. A twisted elastic band may alternatively be used to function as the virtual hinge. Child-resistance can be accomplished with a pressure member which may be inserted into the lid. Monitoring is accomplished by markers positioned on one part of the external cylindrical front surface of the lid. A reversible lid, composed of only one part, provides for either side featuring any combination of the four possibilities, (i.e.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Inventor: Anna B. Freed
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Patent number: 5279422Abstract: A device suitable as a closure cap for a medicine container is provided. The device has indicia circumferentially marked on the upper surface of the device representing the time for next taking the medicine in the container. An arm rotatably and pivotably mounted in the center of the device is set to point at the time for next taking the medicine. The arm is releaseably retained in position by cooperating pegs and indentations on the upper surface of the device and the underside of the rotatable arm.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1992Date of Patent: January 18, 1994Inventor: James E. Adams
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Patent number: 5271353Abstract: A medicine reminder device for a medicine container is provided and consists of a mechanism for removably attaching a housing having a clock face thereon to the medicine container. Hour and minute hands are pivotally mounted to the clock face so that a person can manually move the hour and minute hands to indicate the time medicine must be taken from the medicine container.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 1991Date of Patent: December 21, 1993Inventor: Gerard Besthorne
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Patent number: 5260914Abstract: A timing device for association with a conventional coffee decanter wherein the device comprises a collar for mounting on the neck of the decanter and a tab extending from the collar and mounting an adjustable timing device for indicating time of placement of a fresh brew into the decanter and/or time when the brew is stale and should be discarded.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 1992Date of Patent: November 9, 1993Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.Inventor: Melvin F. Roberts
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Patent number: 5245944Abstract: A scale indication device includes a character plate having sets of characters printed on a front side thereof such that each set of characters has characters disposed about an eccentric circle having a predetermined radius. A scale plate is disposed adjacent the character plate. The scale plate has a window corresponding to each of the sets of characters such that only one of the characters in each set may be viewed through the window at a time. An eccentric rotation device is mounted on a gearbox and rotates the character plate such that different ones of the characters in each set may be viewed through the window. The rotation device includes a scale switching gear rotatable about an axis, a first engagement device formed on the scale switching gear at a distance from the axis equal to the predetermined radius, and a second engagement device formed on the character plate for rotatably engaging the first engagement device.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 1992Date of Patent: September 21, 1993Assignee: Omron CorporationInventor: Hiroyuki Yamamoto
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Patent number: 5188251Abstract: A child resistant reminder closure comprising an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt with a bead on the outer closure member retaining the inner closure member for limited axial outward movement relative to the outer closure member. An indicator or a day disk is provided on the outer surface of the inner closure member and is rotatable relative to the outer and inner closure members. A first set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the indicator disk and engage radial lugs on the undersurface of the base wall of the outer closure member. A second set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the indicator disk and engage circumferentially spaced lugs on the upper surface of the inner closure member.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1992Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Maximillian Kusz
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Patent number: 5184739Abstract: A child resistant reminder closure comprising an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt with a bead on the outer closure member retaining the inner closure member against limited axial outward movement relative to the outer closure member. An assembly of a day disk and an indexing disk is provided in the outer closure member and is rotatable relative thereto. A first set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the day disk and engage radial lugs on the undersurface of the base wall of the outer closure member. A second set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the day disk and engage circumferentially spaced lugs on the upper surface of the indexing disk.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1992Date of Patent: February 9, 1993Assignee: Owens-Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Maximillian Kusz
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Patent number: 5129352Abstract: A timing device for association with a conventional coffee decanter wherein the device comprises a collar for mounting on the neck of the decanter and a tab extending from the collar and mounting an adjustable timing device for indicating time of placement of a fresh brew into the decanter and/or time when the brew is stale and should be discarded.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 1990Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.Inventor: Melvin F. Roberts
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Patent number: 5072477Abstract: A motorized toothbrush, which comprises a serving period indicating ring adjustably mounted on a brush handle and secured between a brush head and a power unit for the indication of the month a brand-new brush begins to use so that one can easily identify if a brush has been over-used.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 1990Date of Patent: December 17, 1991Inventor: Chung-Jen Pai
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Patent number: 5009338Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator cap for indicating each time a bottle is opened and re-closed having an outer cover shaped in the manner of a conventional bottle cap with a window in the top piece of the cap. The cap is designed to be attached to the sealing cap of the container such that some motion can occur between the two caps during opening and closing of the container, and this lost motion drive is used to advance the indicator. Underneath the window, and within the body of the device, is an indicator wheel having numbers, days, times, etc. engraved or printed thereon which are visible through the window to indicate the next time a dose of the medication should be taken. The indicator wheel contains a pawl formed therein or attached thereto that engages a set of teeth, formed in the underside of the top piece of the outer cover, only when the device is being opened. This engagement causes the indicator wheel to move to the next index location each time the cap is opened.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Senetics CorporationInventor: Allan Barker
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Patent number: 4985879Abstract: An apparatus including a lid for surroundingly mounting an underlying container. The lid includes a recessed top surface to pivotally mount a first and second arm for indication of a month and associated day appearing on the lid in an annular array about the lid. A locking hub is provided at the axis of the arms, wherein the locking hub is provided with a scalloped lower terminal edge receivable within recesses mounted within the lid. A modification includes the hub formed with a "J" shaped shank receivable within a rectangular slot axially formed through the lid, wherein the shank is rotatable within the slot ninety degrees to depress an associated locking spring formed with edges to embed within the underlying container to securably lock the container to the lid.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 1990Date of Patent: January 15, 1991Inventor: Connie S. Owens
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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
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Patent number: 4951596Abstract: The invention provides an indicating device in the form of a holder for symbol elements. The device has a body portion that is attached to a c-section clamp. The c-section clamp is adapted to be springly engaged with the object to which the device is to be connected. Symbol elements are positioned along the body portion's guide track for selective alignment with a viewing aperture. This viewing aperture slides parallel to the face of the body portion so that each symbol element can be viewed individually, if so desired.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 1989Date of Patent: August 28, 1990Inventor: Jack B. Wallace, Jr.
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Patent number: 4920912Abstract: A time dial for a pharmaceutical container, preferably the container cap, is disclosed. The time dial comprises a disk rotatably mounted on the top surface of the cap; a window in the disk; and a plurality of numerals representing hours arranged in a ring on the top surface of the cap, underlying the disk, whereby rotation of the disk causes a select numeral to appear through the window.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1988Date of Patent: May 1, 1990Inventor: William C. Kirkling
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Patent number: 4915256Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a series of different pills over a prescribed period. The dispenser is provided with an indicator that is adjustable to preset the start of the pill regimen on whatever day desired. The pill package and dispenser are constructed and arranged so that after the indicator has been preset the pill package can be fixedly positioned in the dispenser with the first pill of the regimen in position to be taken by the user on the first preselected day.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1985Date of Patent: April 10, 1990Assignee: Ortho Pharmaceutical CorporationInventor: Dereck Tump
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Patent number: 4913083Abstract: A method for reminding a person when to take medication, is provided. A series of indicia are put on a plurality of flat areas about the circumference of the safety cap, which are in line with the interior stops of the safety cap. The indicia corresponds to times medication is required to be taken. The safety cap is placed upon a safety bottle in such a manner that one of the flat areas line up with an indicator below one of the plurality of exterior stops on the safety bottle that engage with the interior stops of the safety cap so as to show a person the first time medication is to be taken. The safety cap is then removed from the safety bottle and then replaced back on the safety bottle in such a manner that each next in sequence of the flat areas line up with the indicator 22 so as to show the person each next time medication is to be taken.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 1988Date of Patent: April 3, 1990Inventors: James Valvo, Paul Valvo
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Patent number: RE34930Abstract: A child resistant reminder closure comprising an outer closure member having a base wall and a peripheral skirt, an inner closure member having a base wall and peripheral skirt with a bead on the outer closure member retaining the inner closure member against limited axial outward movement relative to the outer closure member. An assembly of a day disk and an indexing disk is provided in the outer closure member and is rotatable relative thereto. A first set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the day disk and engage radial lugs on the undersurface of the base wall of the outer closure member. A second set of flexible radial ratcheting fingers extend radially from the day disk and engage circumferentially spaced lugs on the upper surface of the indexing disk.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 9, 1995Assignee: Owens Illinois Closure Inc.Inventor: Maximillian Kusz