Electrical Or Electromechanical Patents (Class 368/107)
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Publication number: 20110218765Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods, apparatuses, and program products to manage time. In some embodiments, the method comprises receiving a countdown time that is associated with hours, minutes, and seconds, displaying a circular colored disc representing the hours, minutes, and seconds, and removing some of the disc in response to a portion of the countdown time elapsing. Alternative embodiments provide methods that comprise selecting a custom mode of an application that displays a circular colored disc, and inputting a predetermined time associated with hours, minutes, and seconds utilizing a time set area at the bottom of a window displayed in the custom mode, the disc being associated with the hours, minutes, and seconds. That method further comprises starting the custom mode to count down the predetermined time, wherein the disc represents the total of the predetermined time and, as time elapses, disappears.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
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Patent number: 7932829Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in a passive mode where the tag responds to queries (412). While operating passively, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in the passive mode, resulting in the tag disabling access to the tag data.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Greenlee, Christian L. Hunt, Steven M. Miller, Anne I. Ryan
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Publication number: 20110090765Abstract: A new disposable, elapsed time tracking device, having led display which generally comprises a main container cap or cover, an electronic elapsed time counter with memory and user interface functions, a LCD display, a battery, and any associated electronic wiring, which when combined will provide the user with a new & novel way for a user to know when a prescription, vitamin, or other article was last removed from the container, which will assist users in timely self medication.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2009Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventor: Kevin Brote
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Patent number: 7928846Abstract: The present invention discloses a data tag device (100) which initially operates in an active mode where the tag occasionally transmits an unsolicited beacon (412). While operating, an expiration event occurs (512, 514) which causes the tag to disable a battery (110), preventing subsequent operation in an active mode, but may continue operating in a passive mode.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Kenneth L. Greenlee, Christian L. Hunt, Steven M. Miller, Anne I. Ryan
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Publication number: 20110069587Abstract: A medicine cap with a timing mechanism that automatically resets upon the removal of the cap from a medicine bottle. A timing device is housed within a medicine camp, with a diaphragm housed below the timing device. The diaphragm has a rod extending upward from a central location, and fastening the cap onto a bottle or container causes the rod to be pushed up into contact with, and activate, the timing device. Upon removal of the cap from the bottle or container, the rod loses contact with the timing device, and the timer is reset. The cap may comprise multiple pieces, so the cap may be used in child-proof mode by the engagement and disengagement of splines on the cap housing and a cap insert. Means are supplied for enabling the constant engaging of the splines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Inventor: DENNIS BRANDON
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Publication number: 20110062896Abstract: A digital wiring device including a user interface panel, a digital display, and a paddle including a transparent portion to reveal the digital display and an opaque portion to cover the user interface panel. The paddle rotates from a first closed position to a second open position. A digital “schedule-at-a-glance” may be provided so that a user can quickly assess a schedule of events. The digital wiring device may include a back light to illuminate the digital display. The paddle may be operatively associated with the back light. A battery may provide an electrical current to power the digital wiring device in a battery backup mode, and the back light may be disabled based on the mode. The user interface panel may be used to schedule events or otherwise configure the digital wiring device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2009Publication date: March 17, 2011Applicant: LEVITON MANUFACTURING CO., INC.Inventors: Cheng-Lung Chou, Paul Soccoli, David Klamer, Paul Duckworth, Gordon Stannis, Joel Van Faasen
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Publication number: 20110026371Abstract: Disclosed is a chronograph timepiece in which it is possible to prevent the chronograph drive timing and the magnetic field detection timing from overlapping each other to unnecessarily effect driving with correction drive pulses. A processing unit controls drive circuits so as to drive a time indication motor and a chronograph indication motor with a predetermined timing based respectively on timekeeping information obtained and chronograph measurement information obtained, and effects control such that a magnetic field detecting unit detects a magnetic field with a predetermined timing; when the drive timing for the chronograph indication motor and the magnetic field detection timing for the magnetic field detecting unit overlap each other, the processing unit changes the magnetic field detection timing for the magnetic field detecting unit so that the drive timing for the chronograph indication motor and the magnetic field detection timing for the magnetic field detecting unit may not overlap each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Tomohiro Ihashi, Kenji Ogasawara, Kazuo Kato, Kazumi Sakumoto, Hiroshi Shimizu, Akira Takakura, Eriko Noguchi, Takanori Hasegawa, Keishi Honmura, Saburo Manaka, Kosuke Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20110026370Abstract: Disclosed is a chronograph timepiece in which it is possible to prevent the battery reliability service life time from being exceeded even when the period of time that the chronograph function is used is short, making it possible to prevent failure generation in the chronograph timepiece due to liquid leakage. A 24-hour counter down-counts a period of time that has elapsed starting from 24 hours, and a chronograph counter down-counts the period of time that chronograph measurement operation is performed from a predetermined time; when the count values of the 24-hour counter and the chronograph counter become equal to each other, a processing unit consumes a battery for the residual period of time of the two counters by a battery power consuming unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Tomohiro Ihashi, Kenji Ogasawara, Kazuo Kato, Kazumi Sakumoto, Hiroshi Shimizu, Akira Takakura, Eriko Noguchi, Takanori Hasegawa, Keishi Honmura, Saburo Manaka, Kosuke Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7878367Abstract: A blister pack system has an upper part and a bottom part, between which a blister pack is disposed. Pouches of the blister pack are aligned with corresponding ejection openings of the upper part and corresponding ejection openings of the bottom part. Every ejection opening of the upper part is associated with an individual contact surface that can be connected to a control/computing unit via an individual strip conductor. The system includes an ejection device, which at a top section has an electrical contact, and at a peg section an additional electrical contact which is electrically connected to the electrical contact of the top section. The individual contact surfaces and the individual strip conductors associated therewith, as well as a common contact surface and a common strip conductor associated therewith or a subsection thereof extend in surfaces of the upper part that are electrically isolated from each other.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventors: Udo Simon, Ernst-Rudolf Radtke
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Patent number: 7856374Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for manufacturer to present Web-based edu-games so as to train retail staff member about the manufacturer and its products and to access edu-game data and retail sales data from a database. A Website can be created to provide a point of interaction between the manufacturer, retailer, and retail staff member. By accessing this Website, the retail staff member is presented with the web-based edu-games and learns about the manufacturer and its products. The retail staff member can be presented with incentives by the manufacturer for completing the web-based training off time, which may prevent the retailer from paying for the costs of training the retail staff member. Alternately, retailers can also do training in-house (e.g., if required by statute). Manufacturers and retailers compare education levels to sales data to determine the effects of the training.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2005Date of Patent: December 21, 2010Assignee: 3Point5Inventor: Paul Kirwin
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Patent number: 7851715Abstract: A fireman switch assembly for activating by a mechanical timer having captive trippers. The assembly includes a mounting plate, a micro-switch, and a lever arm. The mounting plate attaches to the mechanical timer. The micro-switch is attached to the mounting plate. The lever arm is operatively connected to the micro-switch and cooperates with the captive trippers of the mechanical timer to selectively turn the micro-switch ON and OFF.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventors: Robert M. Tuniewicz, Gilbert D. Talamo
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Publication number: 20100246337Abstract: An attractor timepiece apparatus. The apparatus may comprise a housing, a surface coupled to the housing, a plurality of numerals on the surface spanning more than 60 seconds, at least one actuator, and a rotatable arm structured to begin rotating from a starting position responsive to the actuator. The rotatable arm may be structured to automatically stop rotating at the starting position. Also disclosed is a method for self improvement using an attractor timepiece apparatus. The timepiece apparatus may begin counting from a starting position responsive to a first input from a user. The timepiece apparatus may notify the user to start meditating using a first sensory effect. Thereafter, a plurality of seconds may be traversed to an ending position more than 60 seconds from the starting position, and the timepiece apparatus may automatically stop counting at the ending position. The timepiece apparatus may notify the user to stop meditating using a second sensory effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2009Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: JOHN COWGILL
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Publication number: 20100134149Abstract: An ultra-low-power transconductance device is provided, (FIG. 1b, FIG. 1c), comprising a series connection of a transistor of a first channel type (A) and a transistor of a second channel type (B), the first channel type having a different polarity than the second channel type. The transistors each have a source, a drain and a gate. The source of the transistor of the first channel type (A) is coupled with the source of the transistor of the second channel type (B) and the drain of the transistor of the first channel type (A) is coupled with the gate of the transistor of the second channel type (B).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2008Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: David Bol, Denis Flandre, Jean-Didier Legat
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Patent number: 7710830Abstract: Provided, among other things, is an outing record device comprising, in a compact, wall-mountable device: controller with associated memory; display(s) for displaying a outing time and an outing duration time; a receiver suitable for hanging an Object; and a trigger responsive to the removal from and placement on the receiver of an object, wherein the controller records the times of removal and placement, calculates a last outing time and duration, and makes available for display on the display(s) the outing time and duration. Methods of use, for example, are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2008Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Accuwalk LLCInventors: John Mansmann, Roland Knowlden
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Patent number: 7688682Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic watch, notably for a space mission. It enables the setting, at any point in time, of a first date, start of the mission (t0) with relation to a local time scale (T1) or the Universal Time (GMT), and the determination of a first corresponding time scale (MET). It enables the setting, at any point in time, of a second date, start (t?0) of one of the mission's phases with relation to the first time scale (MET) or to the Universal Time (GMT), and the determination of a second corresponding time scale (PET). It comprises means of setting, recording, calculating and analogue and digital viewing. The digital viewing means displays a negative time value (?) when the start date is located in the future and a positive time value (+) when this date has elapsed. It comprises five audio alarms, a chronometer and a “Timer”.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 30, 2010Assignee: Organisation Intergouvernementale Dite Agence Spatiale EuropeenneInventor: Jean-Francois Clervoy
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Publication number: 20100054086Abstract: Provided, among other things, is an outing record device comprising, in a compact, wall-mountable device: controller with associated memory; display(s) for displaying a outing time and an outing duration time; a receiver suitable for hanging an Object; and a trigger responsive to the removal from and placement on the receiver of an object, wherein the controller records the times of removal and placement, calculates a last outing time and duration, and makes available for display on the display(s) the outing time and duration. Methods of use, for example, are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: ACCUWALK LLCInventors: John Mansmann, Roland Knowlden
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Publication number: 20100039252Abstract: A timing device, for indicating to a user a characteristic of a consumable product related to consumption of the product, comprises a printed circuit integrally supporting a processor, a timer, an indicator and a movement sensor thereon. The movement sensor is arranged to sense motion or vibration of the product relative to its surroundings for determining a user interaction with the product. The processor is operable in one mode so that the indicator indicates expiry of the product responsive to detection of user interaction by the sensor once the time interval of the timer has expired. In another mode, the processor is operable so that the indicator is activated responsive to a dosage interval of the timer being expired. In this later mode, the indicator is deactivated responsive to detection of user interaction by the sensor indicative of a dosage being taken.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: February 18, 2010Inventor: Tony George Barkus
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Publication number: 20100034056Abstract: Implementations are presented herein that include a time delay path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2008Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Stephan HENZLER, Siegmar KOEPPE
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Publication number: 20100020648Abstract: An electronic charge retention circuit for time measurement, including: at least a first capacitive element, a first electrode of which is connected to a floating node (F); at least a second capacitive element, a first electrode of which is connected to the floating node, the first capacitive element having a leakage through its dielectric space and the second capacitive element having a capacitance greater than the first; and at least a first transistor having an isolated control terminal connected to the floating node.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Applicant: STMicroelectronics S.A.Inventor: Francesco La Rosa
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Publication number: 20100010775Abstract: The present invention is characterized in that a time elapsed since activation can be retained even after a time timer is updated to time information externally acquired, by updating a value in the time timer that starts count-up after activation with the time information externally acquired, and by subtracting a value of the time timer from the acquired time information and reflecting this subtracted value into a reference time storage part.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: January 14, 2010Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuya Ohkubo, Natsuki Yuasa, Daisuke Kamata
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Patent number: 7632198Abstract: A controller for controlling a timer for measuring offense limit time in a basketball game is provided, in which offense limit time is continuously displayed on an offense limit time display when game remaining time is left less than twenty-four seconds, to thereby allow players to play the basketball game and spectators to see the basketball game more dynamically as well.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 15, 2009Inventor: Man Bok Lee
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Publication number: 20090190443Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an electrical timer which automatically controls the activation and deactivation of electrical devices, such as light fixtures, appliances and the like based on the time of sunrise and/or sunset for a particular geographic location. In this regard, the sunrise and/or sunset times for a multitude of different geographic locations is collected and stored in the timer's memory in association with the relevant geographic location. Each geographic location is specified in memory by geographic indicia, such as postal zip code or telephone area code, of its location (e.g., latitude and longitude). The timer of the present invention is programmed to automatically activate and/or deactivate the device to which it is coupled (e.g., lights, appliances, etc.) at the sunset and/or sunrise times stored in memory for each date that is specified in memory.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2009Publication date: July 30, 2009Applicant: JG DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Andrew H. Huizi, Myron Hitchcock, John J. Driska
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Publication number: 20090185455Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, includes an aquatic event timer apparatus that comprises at least two independent, touch actuated electrical switches; and a structural connector that adjacently connects them, where the apparatus is configured for establishment within lane markers defining a regulation size swim lane, at the end of the swim lane, and at least partially underwater. Other aspects of the inventive technology address an aquatic event timer apparatus that comprises a first, independent, swim competition type, touch actuated electrical switch that is configured for establishment within swim lane markers, and aside at least a second, independent, swim competition type, touch actuated electrical switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2008Publication date: July 23, 2009Applicant: Colorado Time Systems, LLCInventors: Michael Medina-Brodsky, Brett Anderson, Robert Clauson, Craig Jacobs
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Patent number: 7561494Abstract: One or more remote control devices used at a sports event, by one or more officials, at that game, on activation can control, compatible game time pieces, without interference, that are located, on or off the playing field, with the option of initiating the sound of a whistle at activation location, or from compatible equipment, that are on or off the field, without any game time piece being altered.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Inventor: Max Meier Stern
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Publication number: 20090168608Abstract: A method of switching working modes, the method includes: supplying a storage unit, therein the storage unit stores at least two working modes, alarm information, and alarm time, the alarm information includes indicating information and determining information; detecting whether a system time matches the alarm time; outputting the indicating information when the system time matches the alarm time; receiving input; determining whether the input matches the determining information; controlling the electronic device to switch from one working mode to another working mode when the input matches the determining information. An electronic device with working modes switching function is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2008Publication date: July 2, 2009Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY(ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventors: CHUNG-JEN LAN, BO-CHING LIN, XIAO-GUANG LI, YUN-RU CHEN
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Patent number: 7552824Abstract: A package with electronic circuitry for use in monitoring the removal of items from a receptacle, such as medication tablets from a blister cavity. The package is assembled with a plurality of cards, including a blister card (20), a backing card (30), and a trace card (40). The blister card includes at least one protruding receptacle (29) having an open side. The backing card includes at least one breachable closed cell (32), mated to a blister card such that the closed cell spans across the open side of the receptacle. The trace card also includes at least one breachable closed cell (32) and circuitry (42), mated to the backing card so that the closed cells are aligned. In another embodiment the backing card may be a layer of conductive foil (62) and the trace card may include a dielectric overlay (64).Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2004Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: MeadWestvaco CorporationInventors: Thanhhung Le, Rune Haraldsson
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Publication number: 20090135040Abstract: An inverter circuit configuring a delay unit is a so-called CMOS transistor including a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor, of which respective gates are interconnected and respective drains are interconnected. The source and a back gate of the NMOS transistor are connected to the ground. The source of the PMOS transistor is connected to a positive drive terminal and controlled by an analog input signal. The back gate of the PMOS transistor is connected to a control terminal and controlled by a control signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 28, 2009Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Takamoto Watanabe, Shigenori Yamauchi
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Patent number: 7539890Abstract: A clock object is provides, which includes a clock time and a monotonic time that are readable by the electronic device. The monotonic time is incremented every read of the monotonic time from the clock object. The clock object can also include an indication of a level of trust of the clock time.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignee: Seagate Technology LLCInventor: Robert H. Thibadeau
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Publication number: 20090050458Abstract: A control device (timer) enabling activation of electric appliances for a required time period at Saturday and Holyday within the frame of Jewish religious law is disclosed. The timer comprises a first timing device, activating the appliance from time to time for a short period, and then deactivating it, and a second timing device, which, when activated manually or at any other way, delays the appliance deactivation by the first timing device for a required time period, and so makes the appliance usable for this period, beginning from the nearest initiation thereof by the first timing device. The timer can be a stand alone device or built into the appliance.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Ezra Gmul Tukachinsky
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Publication number: 20090052283Abstract: A disposable electronic timer in the form of a disk having a liquid crystal or similar display, adapted to be glued to a medication bottle cap. A lower major surface of the timer has an adhesive layer with a cover that can be peeled off to expose the adhesive so that the timer can be secured to the bottle cap. The upper major surface of the timer contains the timer display and a control button that in one mode starts the timer so that an alarm within the timer sounds after a preset time interval, and in another mode sets or resets the timer to a different preset time interval. Operating power is supplied by a battery within the timer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2008Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Scott Puzia
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Publication number: 20090040878Abstract: A tangible invitation card extends an invitation by displaying information with regard to the invitation. A settable real-time clock sets a predetermined time which is displayed on a screen on the invitation card of time remaining to a selected target date for an event or earlier RSVP date related thereto. The card is programmed such that as the target date is approached, one or more visual displays and/or sounds count down and announce the time left to the target date for the RSVP or event. The invitation card is programmed with the necessary information to enable it to perform its reminder mission.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2007Publication date: February 12, 2009Inventors: Joseph Domes, John Mizzi
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Patent number: 7450475Abstract: An elapsed time indicator has a see-through region which has a plurality of windows. These windows are each congruent and are arranged at a uniform angular distance from one another. A solid disc is arranged below the said see-through region and has at least two sectors which have different colours and/or designs. In this case, the solid disc is rotatable and the see-through region is firmly connected to the dial plate. The solid disc has a number of radial sectors, adjacent sectors in each case having different colours or grey tints, and each sector has approximately the width of a window.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Eterna AG UhrenfabrikInventor: Ernst Seyr
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Publication number: 20080259736Abstract: A timer has a dial, a captured tripper, and/or a retainer. The captured tripper has active and inactive positions on the dial. In the inactive position, the captured tripper is captured to the dial but is free to move independently of the dial. Alternatively or additionally, in the inactive position, the captured tripper is not positioned to operate a switch. In the active position, the captured tripper is captured to the dial and is prevented from moving independently of the dial. Alternatively or additionally, in the active position, the captured tripper is positioned to operate the switch. The retainer maintains a predetermined orientation between the captured tripper and the dial when the captured tripper is in both the active and inactive positions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: William L. Richter, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080253234Abstract: An elapsed time and remaining time liquid crystal measuring device having a display face around the periphery of which there are a plurality of numerical indicia marks arranged in a generally clockwise pattern with successive numerical indicia marks decreasing in numerical value in a clockwise direction from a twelve o'clock position. An annular ring of electronically generated graphic indicia are visible on the display face and spaced inwardly from the peripheral numerical indicia and a digital numerical read-out display of elapsed times is visible internally of the annular ring of graphic indicia. There is at least one electronic control element for setting a desired elapsed set time into the device, which desired elapsed set time is indicated both on the digital read-out display and as a complete ring or an arcuate section of the annular ring on the display face.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2007Publication date: October 16, 2008Inventor: Janice L. Rogers
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Publication number: 20080232199Abstract: A time management device includes a body portion including a front side and a back side, the front side including at least one elapsed time indicator, and at least one of the front side and back side including a programmable elapsed time controller, wherein the programmable elapsed time controller receives at least one time indicator and actuates at least one of the elapsed time indicators responsive to the time indicator, and a support portion connected to the body, the support portion configured to mate with a door knob and support the body on the door knob.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventor: Leslie Shafton
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Publication number: 20080206729Abstract: A timer and a watch for managing the behavior of children are disclosed. The timer and watch both utilize linear movement to depict the passage of time, which relates a child's instinctive understanding of speed and distance of linear movement to the passage of time.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Karolyn Woolverton, Frederick Woolverton, Joanna Ferrone
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Patent number: 7408371Abstract: An apparatus for measuring on-chip characteristics in a semiconductor circuit is provided. The apparatus for measuring the on-chip characteristics includes an oscillation unit, a timing test unit, and a selection unit. The oscillation unit is configured to selectively output a first oscillation signal responsive to a first control signal. The timing test unit is configured to generate a second oscillation signal using an input clock signal, generate a pulse from the second oscillation signal responsive to a second control signal, and determine whether an operating time violation has occurred based on a comparison of the second oscillation signal and the pulse. The selection unit is configured to select one of the output of the oscillation unit and the output of the timing test unit responsive to a test mode signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tak-Yung Kim, Jin-Yong Lee, Shin-Mo Kang
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Patent number: 7398180Abstract: A vehicle technician time clock tool comprises a computer-implemented interface to a database, wherein the database contains vehicle service task-related information and time-related information, the vehicle service task-related information and time-related information pertaining to at least one vehicle technician, and a computer-implemented graphical user display (GUI), wherein the GUI displays in real time at least some of the vehicle service task-related information, at least some of the time-related information, and at least one calculation based on at least some of the time-related information.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLCInventors: Tom D. DeBoard, Paul Adams, Frank Fox
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Publication number: 20080130422Abstract: Among other things, a programmable, microprocessor-based timing device provides multiple, independent countdown-type timers in conjunction with a visual metaphor that provides a unique way to visually organize the timers such that multiple timers operating concurrently can be quickly associated with the item or items being timed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2006Publication date: June 5, 2008Inventor: Adam B. Hocherman
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Patent number: 7345958Abstract: A wrist worn lap counter and method of use for a swimmer including an electronic lap counter/timer module and a wrist strap connected to the module for attachment around the wrist of the swimmer. The module includes a water resistant housing having a viewable front face and a transparent lens covering a digital display, the digital display being operable to simultaneously display a lap set number, lap indicating number, and a current set elapsed time number. First and second input buttons are positioned on the housing, the first input button being operable to incrementally increase the lap set number and to zero and restart the elapsed time number, the second input button being operable to increment or reset to zero the lap indicating number. Pressing either button will activate the module while deactivation preferably requires pressing and holding both buttons.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Inventor: Marilyn B. Kneafsey
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Patent number: 7342848Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic timing device. The timing device has several modes including Basic mode and Lap mode. Additionally, the timing device computes the speed of an item being timed. Further, the outside of the device is designed to display information, including advertisements.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Lapster, LLCInventor: Peter Haugh
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Patent number: 7317664Abstract: A multiplayer gaming button for tracking dealer position and betting schedules. The multiplayer gaming button includes a single input configured to set the primary countdown timer without using any other inputs and/or a primary countdown timer configured to be set to a primary time interval and countdown from the primary time interval to zero, wherein the primary countdown timer automatically resets to the primary time interval upon reaching zero. The multiplayer gaming button can be packaged in a standard card box.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: January 8, 2008Inventor: Jeff Klein
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Patent number: 7292084Abstract: A timer circuit includes a current mirror, a capacitor, a first switch, a resistor and a comparator. The current mirror receives a reference current and provides first and second currents with a predefined current ratio. The capacitor receives the first current as a sinking current or as a sourcing current. The first switch, controlled by a control signal, allows the capacitor to be charged by the first current or be discharged. The resistor is biased by the second current to provide an adaptive reference voltage. The comparator compares the voltage across the capacitor and the adaptive reference voltage and triggers an output signal when the capacitor voltage is increased to the adaptive reference voltage.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Micrel, IncorporatedInventors: Boris Briskin, William Andrew Burkland
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Patent number: 7289016Abstract: A home system includes a server having a first wireless communication port, and a plurality of devices, such as sensors. Each one of the devices includes a corresponding second wireless communication port. One or more of the devices is a timer/reminder sensor device associated with an object of interest. The timer/reminder sensor device includes a timer mechanism having a time input and an output. The timer mechanism is associated with the object and is adapted to input a time interval from the time input, time for the time interval and then responsively output to the output. The timer mechanism communicates the time input and the output of the timer mechanism between the second wireless communication port of the timer/reminder sensor device and the first wireless communication port of the server.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Charles J. Luebke, Michael L. McManus, John A. Kolojejchick
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Patent number: 7274200Abstract: A semiconductor circuit is disclosed, including a DLL circuit for supplying a desired signal-delay amount. The DLL circuit includes detecting means for detecting variations of a signal-delay amount, and delay-amount control means for generating a delay-amount control signal for controlling, depending on the variations of the signal-delay amount detected by the detecting means, the signal-delay amount of the DLL circuit. The semiconductor circuit further includes a part for monitoring circuit performance of the semiconductor circuit based on the delay-amount control signal.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 25, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Hiroshi Miyake, Noriyuki Tokuhiro
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Patent number: 7206260Abstract: An interval timer that is constructed of a polygonal shaped housing which has a time display screen and a pressure activating button within one surface of the housing and another surface of the housing includes a mode selection switch, time increment button and second time increment button. With the mode selection switch in the set position the first time increment button and second time increment button can be operated to produce a selected time value such as in minutes and in seconds to be displayed within the time display screen. Movement of the mode selection switch to a usage position and pressing of the pressable activating button will result in the selected preset time interval to count down a second at a time (or other minimum time increment) to eventually reach zero.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Inventor: Dennis M. Klein
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Patent number: 7190266Abstract: A limited-use appliance, such as a garage door operator or a home network bridge device, is disclosed which has at least one input device for generating an input signal and a controller associated with the input device and receiving the input signal. The controller initiates at least one limited-use function of the appliance upon receipt of the input signal. A test device is maintained by the controller, and has a predetermined criteria which determines whether the input signal should be sent on to the controller or not. A warning system may be incorporated so that imminent expiration of the limited-use functions initiate warnings for the benefit of the end-user.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Thomas B. Bennett, III, Yan Rodriguez
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Patent number: 7187626Abstract: A method for tracking total usage time of an electronic device comprising the steps of evaluating a predetermined usage increment timer until a predetermined time period expires, incrementing a total-usage counter, resetting the timer to measure a next occurrence of the predetermined time period, repeating the aforementioned steps and outputting the value representing the total usage time of the device. A multi-mode electronic device that carries out the aforementioned method is also provided. Still further, the present invention provides a method of and device for tracking total usage time or number of activations of any feature or mode within the device.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Timex Group B.V.Inventor: Ronald S. Lizzi
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Patent number: 7184370Abstract: Underwater pace clock allows competitive and recreational swimmers the benefit of being able to observe training times without having to stop to observe a pool area clock. This invention will be solar and/or battery operated with a reset mechanism allowing synchronization with pool area clocks for benefit of instructional staff.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventors: Daniel Joseph Rogacki, Francis X. Graney
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Patent number: 7167419Abstract: A timer is provided for indicating when a beverage within a beverage container is no longer fresh. The timer includes a timer body and a clip. The timer body contains electronic circuitry adapted to display a time remaining before the beverage is no longer fresh. The timer body further includes two L-shaped lugs spaced apart from one another. The clip includes two timer clamps attached to one another and a central retainer. Each timer clamp has a first end and a second end. The first end of each of the timer clamps is resiliently biased in a direction away from the other. The central retainer further includes a lug adapted to be attached to the L-shaped flanges of the timer body. The second end of the timer clamps is adapted to be easily attached to a beverage container.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2004Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignees: Newco Enterprises, Inc., Marketing Resources International, Inc.Inventors: David Kwan, David S. Felty, Joseph P. Webster