Abstract: In one embodiment, a vehicular collision avoidance method is provided that includes monitoring a control of a vehicle and activating a first alarm if the control is not adjusted in a sufficient amount of time. The monitored control is normally and regularly adjusted by the vehicle's operator such that the time between adjustments is sufficiently smaller than the time normally needed to avoid a collision after it is detected that the control is no longer being controlled. The first alarm is activated if it is determined that the control is not adjusted in a sufficiently small amount of time from its preceding adjustment. Thus, the vehicle's operator or other vehicle member can react and take measures to ensure that the vehicle is under suitable control upon activation of the alarm and thereby avoid a possible collision.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for automatically converting dates and times in electronic text messages to the local dates and times of the message recipients. For example, when a text message is sent to an intended recipient, a messaging server can recognize date and time strings in the message text string, if any. The server can parse the date/time information into Coordinated Universal Time (“UTC”) form. The server also receives locale and time zone information from the intended recipient's client application, and can send this information to the originating client application. The originating client application can use this locale and time zone information to convert the UTC date/time information from the message string, if any, to the localized date and time of the message recipient. The localized date/time information is inserted into the message string, and the resulting message is forwarded to the recipient.

Abstract: An apparatus in communication with a network having a tool for tracking connect time to the network. The apparatus may be communications device, a wireless handset, a personal digital assistant, a computer laptop, a portable communications device, a wired communications terminal, and/or a calling card. The tool for tracking connect time includes a periodic alarm having an onset and a duration time. Moreover, the tool for tracking connect time also includes means for varying the onset and the duration time of at least one period of the alarm with a variable arbitration offset.

Abstract: A generic solution is disclosed to facilitate and improve the management of infant care, the complex nutritional and health requirements of infants. According to one embodiment, a portable device collects information regarding the subject infant and can manually or automatically configure various reminders for a caregiver to attend to the infant under care. According to another embodiment, based on the collected information, the apparatus configures reminders in accordance with associated product information (i.e., product nutrition, serial numbers and use information). As a result, a caregiver can be always reminded of what, when and how much of infant products an infant shall be fed with.

Abstract: An apparatus controlling activation of a home automation system to prevent electric home appliances from being simultaneously activated. The activation control apparatus has an activation control unit receiving an activation instruction for a first electric home appliance from a user, and activating the first electric home appliance, after at least one other electric home appliance is activated and lapse of a predetermined delay time, thus preventing simultaneous activation of the electric home appliances by sequentially activating the electric home appliances. The activation control unit has a user interface terminal and a gateway processor.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the persistent problems encountered when a medicine is prescribed to be used at specific intervals. A device explicitly designed to function in conjunction with a designated container of medicine emits signals. This in turn, serves as a reminder of the exact times established.

Abstract: A traffic signal includes a micro-controller in communication with a switching system. The micro-controller executes a process for controlling a signal indicator according to a selected signal cycle. First and second actuators communicate with the corresponding first and second input terminals of the micro-controller. The first actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a first signal cycle. The second actuator causes the micro-controller to execute a second signal cycle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for overload-free driving of an actuator, in which an activation counter is incremented or decremented each time an activation request signal occurs, in which, depending on each occurrence of an activation request signal, a drive signal for the actuator is generated if the counter reading of the activation counter is less than or greater than a predetermined maximum or minimum counter reading, in which the counter reading is in each case decremented or incremented if the time since the last generation of a drive signal or since the deactivation of the drive signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined or predeterminable interval time or if the time since the last decrementing of the activation counter is greater than or equal to the interval time.

Abstract: An electronic organizer and storage device has a plurality of compartments for storing tablets or capsules, a plurality of preprogrammed prescription cycles, a compliance verification function unit, a prescription cycle verification unit, a multi-color-multi-function indicator for confirming operation functions, a light for each compartment, and an alarm unit, the light unit and the alarm unit being formed so that a light flashes by the light unit adjacent to a corresponding tablet chamber when tablets or capsules are to be taken and at the same time an audible alarm is activated by the alarm unit so as to provide an audible alarm and at the same time visually identify which tablets or capsules to take next; a unit for storing information on missed alarms; a unit for displaying information on missed alarms using a light means and an audible means; and a unit to queue and transfer information on missed alarms to an external computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for dynamically adjusting expiration dates displayed on consumer products, the system and method utilizing an LCD display for displaying an expiration date and messages, sensors for monitoring environmental conditions, a clock for counting back the expiration date, and a controller for determining messages and adjustments to the displayed expiration date based on monitored environmental conditions.

Abstract: A signaling cap device comprises an audible message reproducing unit, a switch, a power supply, and a former of an audible message number, whereas the audible message reproducing unit is operative upon removal of the cap to reproduce one of N audible messages recorded therein depending on the message number.

Abstract: A portable device that helps a person control food consumption by slowing the eating process to a pace that provides time for the human brain to signal (through hormones such as Sulfated Cholecystokinin) a “sensation of fullness” before overeating or “binge eating” can occur, to normalize mealtime social behavior by encouraging relaxation and conversation when eating with others, and to control medical conditions including Bulimia and Anorexia. The apparatus includes red and green lights (22, 20), a circuit (46) that controls energization of the lights, and a pushbutton switch (42) that operates a portion of a circuit. When the push button (44) is depressed, the circuit energizes the red light (22) for a predetermined wait period such as 20 seconds (which can be varied), to indicate that the person should not eat. Then, the circuit energizes the green light (20), to indicate that the person can take one or two bites of food at his/her convenience.

Abstract: A closure cap including a housing including a lower housing portion, an enlarged upper housing portion and defining a shoulder therebetween. The closure cap also includes a switch member being biased outwardly from the shoulder and movable between an outwardly extending position and a retracted position. A timer is carried by the housing and cooperates with the switch member for generating an indication relating to a length of time that the switch member has been in the retracted positioned and corresponding to a time since the closure cap was most recently secured onto the pill container. A child-proof adaptor ring may be removably carried by the housing.

Abstract: A hand-held device for alerting a user when scheduled medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals should be ingested. The device includes a processor positioned and a memory unit connected to the processor for storing user input data concerning a schedule for ingesting desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals. A display screen displays a message from the processor related to the schedule and function keys are connected to the processor for inputting the data concerning the schedule. The data includes a signal identifing the desired medications, nutritional supplements, nutrients and minerals to be ingested and a time at which they are to be ingested. The processor monitors a time of day and alerts the user when a scheduled time arrives. A speaker is connected to the processor for generating an audible alarm signal and alerting the user when a scheduled time arrives.

Abstract: A device and system for determining the status of the contents of a container by measuring the period of time which has elapsed since the opening of the container. The present invention provides a flexible mechanism for enabling the user to determine the usability or efficacy of the contents of the container, since such contents typically experience a higher rate of degradation once the container has been opened. Furthermore, the manufacturer is able to provide information related to the expiration date of an unopened container at the time of manufacture, but cannot determine the time at which the container is opened, and hence the expiration date after opening.

Abstract: A response form containing a means of input that on manual influence can switch a conducting electrical circuit connected to an electronic unit (40) incorporated into the response form for registration of the said influence. The present invention provides such a response form at low cost and enables the use of the response form as a patient journal. The patient journal also can be integrated with a pharmaceutical response package. The response package is formed of a disposable material in the form of a sheet (12), and a conducting circuit (26) is printed onto one side (16) of the disposable material. The means of input can consist of circuit makers (30, 32) that are visually marked-on one side of the disposable material and that are arranged to make electrical contact across an interrupted loop (28) of the conducting circuit (26) upon pressing together localized inner surfaces (14, 16) of the disposable material which face each other.

Abstract: Apparatus for reminding a person to perform a plurality of periodically repeating tasks includes a first and a second user-accessible interface each having at one least task switch. A first and a second signal device each correspond to the respective first and second user-accessible interfaces. A surface supported by the apparatus can be imprinted with first and second task identifications which are aligned proximate to the corresponding signal devices and user interfaces. The apparatus includes an electronic processor configured to set a first alarm interval and a second alarm interval in response to the at least one task switch of the respective first or second user-accessible interface being accessed by a user a single time. The processor measures the passage of time using an electronic timing device and activates the first or second signal device when the measured passage of time exceeds the respective first or second alarm interval.

Abstract: A wireless remote cueing apparatus controlled by an electronic triggering apparatus used to cue performers in a theater, film production stage, exterior set or other performing arts environment. The cueing device is a small disc which contains electronic components able to receive coded RF transmissions and convert specific signals into physical vibration patterns or visual indicators such as a flashing LED. The triggering apparatus is an electronic component able to transmit coded RF signals to many different remote cueing devices. The triggering device has a button associated with each remote cueing mechanism; when the button is pressed, the associated remote cueing device responds by vibrating or flashing a LED. Many triggering apparatus can be interfaced to a central computer running a computer program which facilitates more complex cueing arrangements.

Abstract: A two-stage alarm (10) includes a clock generator (36). A memory device (28 and 30) for storing data is connected to the clock generator (36). A data display device (22) is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) for displaying stored data. An alarm is connected to the memory device (28 and 30) with a first stage and a second attenuated stage. An alarm control device (24) is connected to the alarm for controlling the alarm in the absence of an alarm event and for selecting the second attenuated stage during an alarm event. As a result, the user of the two-stage alarm (10) can acknowledge an alarm event only by selecting an attenuated, reduced, alarm stage for a period of time and then manipulate the alarm only in the absence of an alarm event.

Abstract: A medication container having a removable cap with an electronic reminder unit in the cap, the reminder unit having a operational control allowing a health care provider to set a clock and a medication schedule having one or more medication times with an alarm signal generated at the medication times, the reminder unit having a user shut-off and an automatic shut-off for terminating the alarm signal, wherein upon a shut-off the reminder unit generates an alarm signal at the next medication time.

Abstract: The present invention is a computer timed-locked medication container, which includes a container for holding medication. The container includes sidewalls, a partially open front, a back, a bottom, a top, at least one section extending from the partially open front to the back. Each section is sized and shaped to hold a plurality of compartments and each of the compartments is sized and shaped to hold at least one unit of medication. Each compartment has sidewalls, a bottom, a front, a back, opening-locking means for opening and locking at least one unit of medication in the compartment. When medication is due to be dispensed, an alarm will sound. Upon pressing a medication release button, the scheduled compartment will be opened and the medication will be accessible. If the medication button has not been sounded within a preselected time period, a message will be generated, either internally or through the Internet, on non-compliance.

Abstract: A programmable time switch where a time or time interval set by a user to be reserved is displayed on a display. The display has a current time display part for displaying an hour hand and a minute hand which represent a current time, an hour unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of hours, and a minute unit display part for displaying the reserved time or time interval in terms of minutes. The current time and the AM or PM are digitally displayed on a current time display section and an AM/PM display section, respectively. A set section having a plurality of buttons are used for setting, canceling or confirming the reserved time or time interval. A control section controls through a drive section a peripheral interface in accordance with the reserved time or time interval set through the set section, and displays the reserved time or time interval through the display.

Abstract: An electrical circuit apparatus produces a light show utilizing simple mechanical relays. The apparatus includes electrical circuit elements that include electrical relaying means, lighting means, electrical timing means, DC power supplying means, and means for receiving an AC utility current. Electrical impulses are enabled as light impulses to produce a light show designed to produce an automatically cycling arrangement of at least three different lights.

Abstract: Medication Reminder Key chain with a key chain sized housing enclosing a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board supporting an integrated circuit providing timing functions and control for a piezo electric sound emitting device and a plurality of LED's, the printed circuit board also supporting a momentary switch, the printed circuit board also supporting a battery holder and associated battery. A preferred embodiment includes in said timing functions the actuation of said sound emitting device at regular intervals.

Abstract: An interactive reminder device includes a read/write module, an integrated circuit, a power supply, memory, a clock and a prompt. The read/write module is adapted to read information stored on an identifiable integrated circuit chip and to write information onto the identifiable integrated circuit chip attached to a package. The integrated circuit is operably connected to the read/write module. The power supply is operably connected to the integrated circuit. The memory is operably connected to the integrated circuit. The clock operably connected to the integrated circuit and the prompt is operably connected to the integrated circuit. The interactive reminder device is for use with a package having an integrated circuit chip attached thereto. The interactive reminder device is for implementing a system for prompting for the use of medication.

Abstract: A visual indicator for a medication container signals to the user that a medication has previously been taken within a prescribed preceding time interval and should not be taken again. A substrate with a permissive symbol or indicator printed thereon is covered by a liquid crystal display which is comprised of a series of separately activatable display segments which, when activated, block visual observation of the permissive indicator. When the container is opened and closed, initially all such display segments are activated, thus blocking or obscuring the permissive indicator. As the prescribed time interval passes, the successive display segments are sequentially deactivated, and when the prescribed time interval has expired, all such display segments are deactivated so that the permissive indicator is fully exposed to observation.

Abstract: An alarm clock system for facilitating a moment of mindfulness, awareness, stress reduction and quiet at random times during the day. The inventive device includes an encasement, a display positioned within the encasement, a speaker positioned within the encasement, a plurality of control buttons positioned within the encasement, and a control unit positioned within the encasement and electrically connected to the control buttons, display and the speaker. The user may program the control unit using the control buttons as to the frequency of the random alarms, quite times, sound level of alarm and various other settings.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the delivery of a speech having selected time limits for specific speech types, includes a housing having a control panel, a clock display, and an array of different colored light emitting elements that are activated corresponding to specific speech time limit intervals. A timing circuit generates a signal to a control circuit that corresponds to a specific speech type, wherein the control circuit generates event marker signals that correspond to the lapse of a series of sequential selected time periods in the control circuit. The event marker signals provide for the sequential indication of the light emitting elements that allows for minimal distraction to the speaker to monitor their speech timing while allowing the speaker to wind up the speech in a smooth and timely manner.

Abstract: The essence of the method resides in that an optical signalling is carried out to display the remainder on time of three green or red lights which are suspended over a roadway in a single horizontal row on both sides of the orange light. Then two lights of the effective color are alternately switched off at a preset time interval, beginning with the light most removed from the orange lamp, this being done from a preset instant of time till switching on the orange light, while the third light of the effective color remaining switched on for some period of time. Next two switched off lights are switched on again, and the lights are flashing for the remaining period of time in the following sequence: first all the three lights are flashing in synchronism, then two lights and one light, respectively, flash at regular time intervals, after which the orange light goes on.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing, dispensing and alerting a patient when to take a prescribed medication is provided having a housing in the form of a pager for enclosing a plurality of medication compartments stored therein. Each of the compartments houses a plurality of different medications usually in pill or tablet form. Each modular compartment is separated by one or more removable dividers that allow the user to alter the size and orientation of each compartment. The apparatus further contains an information screen for giving the patient vital information about what medication to take, how to access the appropriate compartment, and when to take it. Special alarms prevent the patient from taking the wrong medication at un-prescribed times. Programming buttons allow the apparatus to be programmed to that patient's specific medicinal needs.

Abstract: A page simulating device for simulating a page for a user. The page simulating device includes a housing resembling a pager apparatus and a circuit for producing an audible sound upon actuation of the circuit. The housing has an activation button mounted thereon. The housing includes a display mounted thereon. The display is adapted to display alphanumeric characters. The circuit is actuated by depression of the activation button mounted on the housing. The circuit is to produce the audible sound through a sound producing means.

Abstract: A medication reminder device having a cap unit with a timer dial for selecting a period between alarm signals and a central start and reset button with a light, the cap unit having internal electronics with a power supply to generate an alarm signal that is preferably visible, using the button light, audio, using a sound generating circuit, and physical, using a vibrator mechanism, the cap unit being connected to a compact container with a compartment for storage of pills, the compact container having an adaptor cap for connecting the assembled device to a standard prescription container.

Abstract: A prescription compliance device which aids patients in complying with instructions given by a physician for taking prescription medication. The device reminds a patient when the next dose of medication is to the taken and indicates whether a specified dose has been taken. The device includes a microcontroller, a display, a program memory for storing pre-programmed medication-taking regimens for single and multiple medications, a real time clock, a selector for selecting one of the regimens and for programming the device as to the time and day on which a first dose of medication is to be taken, a display which alternately displays the current time and a time at which a next dose of medication is to be taken, and an alarm which alerts the patient at times when a dose of medication is to be taken.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an electronic apparatus and a method of its use are provided to keep track of events and elapsed time, during the life of a child, from a time prior to the child's birth. The apparatus has the functionality that helps satisfy the needs of parents who wish to commemorate events in the life of their child. Once the current time of day and/or date and the expected delivery date of the child have been programmed, the apparatus counts down the remaining period of time until birth in terms of months, weeks, and days. Upon reaching zero (delivery), the apparatus can be configured to perform certain celebratory acts, such as flash the display and play a tune. The apparatus then automatically switches to counting upwards and at any given moment thereafter will display the newborn's instantaneous age.