Abstract: The invention relates to an improved interactive television having a timer. The timer alerts a television viewer of the expiration of preset timers. For example, the preset timers may be associated with events not traditionally related to television content, such as a kitchen timer. The exemplary kitchen timer can alert a television viewer that a baking time has expired. Thus, the timer can manage alerts in a non-intrusive manner to enhance the viewer's experience.

Abstract: 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 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. Alternately, the timer circuit includes a pin for coupling to an external resistor and an open pin detector circuit to detect the presence of the external resistor and to automatically select the adaptive reference voltage if a resistor is present or an internal reference voltage if the resistor is absent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timer device capable of performing one or more control actions in response to the time lapsed since a user initiated action took place. The timer device comprises contact means operatable between two conditions, timer means, and means for storing first and second time stamps. The device further comprises control means for setting a first time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between first and second conditions, setting a second time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between the second and first conditions, calculating the time elapsed between the two time stamps, comparing the elapsed time with a preset time value, and performing a control action if the elapsed time is greater than the preset time value.

Abstract: A device for calculating the steady state behavior of a controller includes an amount generating unit for generating the amount of deviation of the regulator, a first threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a first threshold value and then starts a lag time delay unit, and a second threshold value calculation unit that detects whether the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below a second threshold value. A signal transmission unit transmits a ready message signal when the lag time delay unit has reached a predetermined lag time and the second threshold value calculation unit has detected that the amount of deviation of the regulator has fallen below the second threshold value.

Abstract: A timepiece having a display for displaying a digit provided on a ring which itself has a plurality of digits provided thereon, wherein the timepiece comprises an integrated circuit operable in at least (i) a date display mode and (ii) a counting mode; a gearing assembly comprising one or more wheels, being meshingly coupled to the ring so that the rotation of the one or more wheels causes the rotation of the ring; a motor, the motor rotateably coupled to the at least one or more wheels of the gearing assembly, wherein the motor has a rotatable member such that the rotation thereof causes the ring to rotate; and mode selecting means for selecting between at least the date display mode and the counting mode; wherein when in the date display mode the ring rotates at a first rate and when in the counting mode the ring rotates at a second rate different from the first rate.

Abstract: A photo-timer module, including a upper cover which has a hollow window; a lower cover which could affix to said upper cover; a control and power circuit which is placed into said upper cover, wherein a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, said control and power circuit has a plurality of input pins and a plurality of output pins wherein the plurality of input pins and the plurality of output pins are stretching out of said lower cover; a mask plate placing above said hollow window comprises at lease one hole thereon, so that a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, and a transparent plate placing above said mask plate is used for protecting and convenient observing said control and power circuit. After assembly, said control and power circuit could control a power on or off by sensing variation of a light and show the status on said hollow window.

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: Apparatus and method are described for controlling aspects of a users life to provide additional safety, efficiency, and comfort. A clock is described allowing a user to readily track the time spent according to a plurality of tasks, and switch between tasks with a single action. A tweezers is described which provides user feedback on the interposition of objects within the head and which can optionally be configured to provide automatic tweezing. A belt buckle is described which contains an expanding element for use with non-stretchy belt material, such as forms of leather. A necktie is described which increases user safety by including one or more tension release joints to allow the tie easily break apart and separate from the neck of the wearer in response to a sufficient tension force.

Abstract: A portable multi-event reminder device includes a battery-powered electrical timer circuit that is programmable with respect to selecting at least two overlapping time periods, so as to generate prompts for at least two functionally related but time-independent events. A solitary two-state switch is the sole input device employed by a user to provide the desired timing programming. The timer circuit is configured to generate a first electrical reminder signal upon expiration of the first selected time period and to generate a second electrical reminder signal upon expiration of the second selected time period. The reminder signals activate one or more sensory alerts that generate human-perceivable alerts for prompting a user.

Abstract: A process data capture and reporting system captures process data values at sensors. A client computer appends absolute-value time stamps to the values to complete records, which are uploaded to a server. The server writes the records to a persistent database. At a later stage, the server retrieves selected records, and performs a very fast conversion of the time stamps to a calendar format with “granular” values for units such as day, month, or minute. The conversion is performed in an optimised manner with use of look-up tables in memory. This minimises processor overhead, and is thus very advantageous where data volumes are high and/or near real time reporting is required.

Abstract: A setting structure module for a timer including a hollow top housing and a bottom housing, and a time setting apparatus positioned in upper portion of the top housing. A middle cover is located above a middle of the top housing and inserted through an inner hole of time setting apparatus. The left inner side of the bottom housing provides a synchronize electric motor, a power supply connecting apparatus and the gear transmission system connected to the output axle of synchronize electric motor. A right inner side of the bottom housing has a switch dial and micro switch.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A sports annunciation system is remotely controlled by players in unofficiated games. Players start and stop game timers by wireless communication to a base unit using a switching device on their person. The system audibly announces time-in, time-out, remaining time and key game events. The device simulates time control and announcements found in officiated games.

Abstract: A personal electronic starter and timer has a finish line unit for generating an end of race signal across a finish line of a race of a predetermined distance. A body unit is coupled to a body of a person. The body unit is used for generating a countdown signal and starting a timing function after a start signal, the timing function terminating when the body unit reads the end of race signal generated by the finish line unit.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a device having a capability of using time data acquired from an external time information generator, a notification unit notifies a user of time information. The notification unit also notifies the user whether the notified time information is based on time data acquired from the external time information generator. Processing performed by the device is restricted depending on a status associated with time information. Although some types of processing are allowed when the device is in a status in which the time information is based on the time data acquired from the external time information generator, the same type of processing are disabled when the device is in any other status associated with time information.

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 photo-timer module, comprising: a upper cover which has a hollow window; a lower cover which could affix to said upper cover; a control and power circuit which is placed into said upper cover, wherein a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, said control and power circuit has a plurality of input pins and a plurality of output pins wherein the plurality of input pins and the plurality of output pins are stretching out of said lower cover; a mask plate placing above said hollow window comprises at lease one hole thereon, so that a portion of said control and power circuit is revealed in said hollow window, and a transparent plate placing above said mask plate is used for protecting and convenient observing said control and power circuit; after assembly, said control and power circuit could control a power on or off by sensing variation of a light and show the status on said hollow window.

Abstract: The invention relates to a timer device capable of performing one or more control actions in response to the time lapsed since a user initiated action took place. The timer device comprises contact means operatable between two conditions, timer means, and means for storing first and second time stamps. The device further comprises control means for setting a first time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between first and second conditions, setting a second time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between the second and first conditions, calculating the time elapsed between the two time stamps, comparing the elapsed time with a preset time value, and performing a control action if the elapsed time is greater than the preset time value.

Abstract: A key mode timer with a displaying window and an improved plate structure. The plate structure includes the setting keys, an upper plate and an inner plate. The upper plate has a displaying window. The upper plate is rotated with the setting keys to set the time and the inner plate is fixed. When the displaying window rotates with the upper plate, the numbers and the letters printed on inner plate are shown through the window to enable the user to easily read the time information shown on the timer.

Abstract: An adherent timer device for mounting upon a prescription medicine bottle cap. The device comprises a cover having an aperture through the cover and a skirt extending from the cover with a lip portion inwardly protruding from the skirt. An electronic counting means having an electronic display viewable through the aperture of the cover resides within the skirt. A battery powering the electronic counting means is springably engaged with the electronic counting means. A reset post for breaking engagement of the battery with the electronic counting means extends from the cover. An insulating pull tab is placed between the battery and a spring contact plate interrupting flow of energy from the battery to the electronic counting means. A mounting face has structure for snap fit engagement with the inner lip of the skirt and an adhesive backing for securing the mounting face to a prescription medicine bottle cap.

Abstract: A Setting structure module for timer, which comprising a hollow but can be opened and closed top housing and a bottom housing, a time setting apparatus which positioned in upper portion of the top housing; upon the middle of upper ply plate inserting a middle cover which through the inner hole of time setting apparatus; The left side inner the bottom housing provides an synchronize electric, their power supply connecting apparatus and the gear transmission system which connecting to the output axle of synchronize electric; In the right side inner the lower ply plate provide switch dial and micro switch

Abstract: A timing controller for controlling a mobile machine part such as sealers of a form-fill-seal packaging machine includes a display device for displaying a time axis or parallel axes. Displayed on this display device are a marker-indicative of an object arrival time at which an moving object arrives at a specified position and another marker indicative of a machine part arrival time at which the mobile machine part arrives at the same specified position. If the user moves the latter marker on the display device to a selected position, the machine part is automatically controlled so as to arrive at the specified position at the specified time.

Abstract: A waterproof electronic kitchen timer having a casing that can withstand gentle washing under a kitchen faucet for removal by detergents of grease and other soils.

Abstract: A cooking facilitator which is preferably portable and well suited for use as both a timer and cooking process facilitator having particular usefulness with cooking objects which have a characteristic associated with establishing a cooking time such as the weight of a turkey in the case of deep frying a turkey or the thickness of a steak in deep frying the same. A gas flow timer for shutting off an overheated or unattended cooking system is also featured.

Abstract: A setting structure of electronic timer, its constitution includes a main body and a reveal able faceplate, a LED display is provided on the faceplate, a recess is provided on the main body there under, several keys are provided in the recess; setting position is via faceplate displayed by means of controlling and operating the keys; a projection is further provided under the faceplate, and a key is provided on main body of a relative position with the projection, the key can be indirectly depressed by depressing faceplate in order to achieve a function ON/OFF therein; a structure of timer with larger displaying faceplate and wider interval between keys is achieved by above-mentioned structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a programmable, period-based, time-interval monitoring system, and method, for the managed reduction of cigarette smoking over time. The purpose of the method and device is to assist and provide information for a user to manage cigarette consumption over time, at a rate set by the user, to a goal value set by a user.

Abstract: The present invention is an electronic device or chronometer for use by women of various ages to monitor their menstrual, ovulation and menopausal cycles, as well as their pregnancy. The device displays information relating to a woman's menstrual cycle or pregnancy readily useful to the woman, including the dates of her last and next menstrual cycles, the number of days that have elapsed since the last menstrual cycle, and the next peak ovulation day. If desired, the day(s) a woman expects PMS can also be displayed, such as for those who severely experience the associated symptoms. With respect to pregnancy, the date of conception, the baby's probable due date, and weeks into the pregnancy, among other things, can be displayed.

Abstract: A time period setting structure of a timer, in which a rotary disk is provided on a periphery of a setting disk, and a transparent fixing cover and several setting keys are provided in the setting disk. A LCD is also provided in the transparent fixing cover, and a rotary ringed stand is provided under the rotary disk. Several projecting teeth are provided on the outer edge of the ringed body under the ringed stand, and a sliding device is provided on a base, a projecting tooth is provided on the sliding device. When the rotary disk is clockwise/counter-clockwise rotated, to-and-fro movement between left/right and central position is accomplished by the ringed body with projecting teeth fitting with the projecting tooth of the sliding device. Such to-and-fro movement triggers conductor area of pre-set circuit, and the setting of the Hour/Minute can be achieved by operating the rotary disk.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for use with an electrical appliance to record and display the electrical appliance's actual accumulated operating time and record and display the number of times the electrical appliance has been energized since the time the monitoring apparatus was installed or last reset. The monitoring apparatus may include a current detector, a time recorder, and a counter for detecting and recording operation time and number of start-ups.

Abstract: A clock stores time data indicative of time of operation of a power machine. A timing circuit provides a timing signal and a controller is coupled to a timing circuit and to a memory, which includes a plurality of memory locations. An elapsed time value is maintained, based on the timing signal, by the timing circuit, and a subset of a plurality of memory locations is intermittently updated with the elapsed time value.

Abstract: A medication reminder device having a cap unit with a timer dial for selecting a period between alarm signals and a 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: The present invention is an electronic device or chronometer for use by women of various ages to monitor their menstrual, ovulation and menopausal cycles. The chronometer displays information relating to a woman's menstrual cycle readily useful to the woman, including the dates of her last and next menstrual cycles, the number of days that have elapsed since the last menstrual cycle, and the next ovulation day. If desired, the day(s) a woman expects PMS can also be displayed, such as for those who severely experience the associated symptoms.

Abstract: An underwater electromechanical timer comprises a motor-driven timer assembly which includes a threaded member that engages an endless screw driven in rotation by means of a motor. Time programming of the timer is accomplished via presetting a length of sliding of the threaded member along the endless screw. The sliding threaded member causes a timely switching event of a device switch placed in the casing structure. The device switch, electrically connected to an external device, thereby activates the external device. The underwater electromechanical timer is activated via an activation mechanism that is externally exposed. Under an external pressure, the activation mechanism connects an output of the motor with the endless screw, and further turns on the motor. Resilient elements are further mounted between the motor and the endless screw and between the threaded member and the device switch to prevent undesired activation events.

Abstract: A key mode timer with a displaying window and an improved plate structure. The plate structure includes the setting keys, an upper plate and an inner plate. The upper plate has a displaying window. The upper plate is rotated with the setting keys to set the time and the inner plate is fixed. When the displaying window rotates with the upper plate, the numbers and the letters printed on inner plate are shown through the window to enable the user to easily read the time information shown on the timer.

Abstract: A circuit and method for protecting the run length in RLL (run length limited) code is proposed to correct the illegal run length in an EFM (eight to fourteen modulation) signal. The proposed circuit comprises a sampling unit for sampling a RF signal with a high frequency sampling clock, and generating a high frequency sampling signal. The frequency of the high frequency sampling clock is higher then the frequency of the EFM signal. A detector is employed to receive and to detect the high frequency sampling signal whether there is any illegal run length in the EFM signal, and to generate control signals. Two reference signal generators are employed to generate an ideal front reference signal and an ideal rear reference signal, respectively, corresponding to the control signals. A first difference generator and a second difference generator are employed to generate a first difference and a second difference according to the front and rear reference signals and the high frequency sampling signal, respectively.

Abstract: Electrical timer modules that interact with one another so as to effect random operation of a plurality of electrical devices, creating the appearance that the devices are not operated automatically. The timer modules include circuitry that allows them to wake up from a sleep state or mode within a random time interval. Upon waking from the sleep state or mode, each modular timer initially senses for the presence of a transmitted signal. Upon receipt of a transmitted signal each module returns to its sleep state or mode. If no transmitted signal is received, the first timer module that wakes up transmits a signal to the other modules and activates an electrical device connected thereto.

Abstract: A portable device helps a person control food consumption to eat in a more relaxed manner so time is provided for the “appestat” in the human brain to signal the person that he/she is full before overeating, and to provide time for conversation when eating with others. 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 period such as 30 seconds (which can be varied), to indicate that the person should not eat while the red light is on. After the predetermined period, the circuit energizes the green light (20), to indicate that the person can take one or two bites of food at his/her convenience. As soon as the person takes the one or two bites, the person depresses the push button to cause the red light to be energized for the predetermined period.

Abstract: A timer produces a signal on an output at lunar transit time and at one half daily lunar cycle past lunar transit time. The timer is connected to a feeder to distribute feed to wild or domestic animals such as mammals, fish or birds. The timer includes a crystal oscillator and means for counting the oscillations.

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 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: Electrical timer modules that interact with one another so as to effect random operation of a plurality of electrical devices, creating the appearance that the devices are not operated automatically. The time modules include circuitry that allows them to wake up from a sleep state or mode within a random time interval. Upon waking from the sleep state or mode, each modular timer initially senses for the presence of a transmitted signal. Upon receipt of a transmitted signal each module returns to its sleep state or mode. If no transmitted signal is received, the first timer module that wakes up transmits a signal to the other modules and activates an electrical device connected thereto.

Abstract: A time difference between a broadcast time included in a digital broadcast signal and a device time peculiar to an information processing device is calculated, and an estimated broadcast time is calculated according to the time difference and the device time. Therefore, the estimated broadcast time is calculated without adjusting the device time to the broadcast time. Accordingly, when the device requests a broadcast time, an operation base on the estimated broadcast time can be performed without exerting an influence of the broadcast time on constitutional elements or having a redundant configuration of a clock system.

Abstract: A setting structure of electronic timer, its constitution includes a main body and a reveal able faceplate, a LED display is provided on the faceplate, a recess is provided on the main body there under, several keys are provided in the recess; setting position is via faceplate displayed by means of controlling and operating the keys; a projection is further provided under the faceplate, and a key is provided on main body of a relative position with the projection, the key can be indirectly depressed by depressing faceplate in order to achieve a function ON/OFF therein; a structure of timer with larger displaying faceplate and wider interval between keys is achieved by above-mentioned structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a convenient, effective, and interactive system to aid children or others in managing and understanding the concept of time and in remembering scheduled events. The present event clock visually demonstrates the time during which at least one predetermined event is scheduled to occur. Generally, the event clock includes a timing mechanism, an indicator operatively connected to the timing mechanism, and at least one (and preferably several) event marker(s). Each event marker visually symbolizes (through pictures, words, or otherwise) a scheduled event and is disposed in relation to the indicator such that the indicator provides a signal during the time the event is scheduled to occur.

Abstract: A pair of numeral “8” display elements is operative to perform dual functions in a digital time display, one, to display the values of seconds and, the other, to display an AM or PM indicator which may be separately activated for setting the correct AM or PM cycle synchronized with the hour value in the time display.

Abstract: The present application is to provide a time period setting structure of timer, in which a rotary disk is provided on periphery of setting disk, a transparent fixing cover and several setting keys are provided in the setting disks a LCD is also provided in the transparent fixing cover, and a rotary ringed stand is provided under the rotary disk, several projecting teeth are provided on the outer edge of ringed body under the ringed stand, otherwise, a sliding device is provided on base, a projecting tooth is provided on the sliding device; when the rotary disk is clockwise/ counter clockwise rotated, to-and-fro movement between left/right and central position is formed by means of rotating the projecting teeth under the ringed stand with fitting the projecting tooth of the sliding device, with which to-and-fro movement triggers conductor area of pre-set circuit, the object of setting Hour/Minute can be therefore achieved by operating the rotary disk.

Abstract: A method to aid the treatment of sleeping disorders that are aggravated by an insomniac's underestimation of total sleep time and sleep efficiency, and overestimation of time necessary to fall asleep. The method includes an observation of the beginning of rest time and self-actuated measurement of the time necessary to fall asleep. The insomniac is made aware of the elapsed wake time and total sleep time upon wakening by further observing the time of awaking and the elapsed wake time as recorded on a wrist watch or other device. The apparatus can include a wrist mounted timer with a hand mounted actuator that stops timing when the insomniac falls asleep and disengages contact with the actuator.

Abstract: A children's timer device for assisting children in determining the difference between waking time and sleeping time is provided. The device comprises a housing having a viewing opening and a viewing cylinder rotatably mounted within the housing. The viewing cylinder has at least a first scenic image and a second scenic image with each scenic image alternatingly viewable through the viewing opening in the housing. A clock mechanism sets a predetermined time period for viewing at least the first scenic image wherein upon rotation of the viewing cylinder to display only the first scenic image through the viewing opening, the entire first scenic image remains viewable through the viewing opening for the duration of the predetermined time period such that upon expiration of the predetermined time period, the viewing cylinder begins rotation and rotates until only the second scenic image is viewable through the viewing opening.

Abstract: A multifunction electronic analog timepiece includes a face and a plurality of indicators positioned on the face for displaying at least two time keeping functions. At least two step motors are provided for driving the plurality of time keeping function indicators. The time keeping function indicators are arbitrarily disposed about the face dependent upon the number of step motors and position of step motors required to drive the indicators. A microcomputer is provided and includes a program memory for storing software instructions for controlling the step motors.