Including Alarm Means Patents (Class 368/109)
  • Patent number: 11495123
    Abstract: A method for pedestrian crossing alert, the method may include receiving, by a vehicle computerized system, pedestrian crossing indicators; obtaining sensed information regarding an environment of the vehicle; processing the sensed information, wherein the processing comprises searching for at least one of the pedestrian crossing indicators; autonomously determining, when finding the at least one of the pedestrian crossing identifiers, that the vehicle is approaching a pedestrian crossing; and generating an alert when determining that the vehicle is approaching the pedestrian crossing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: AUTOBRAINS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventors: Boaz Mell, Adam Harel, Igal Raichelgauz, Omer Jackobson
  • Patent number: 11388933
    Abstract: An electronic cigarette with a memory and ability to record the amount and duration of inhalation of nicotine vapor. The electronic cigarette may be integrated with a smart phone application or other software to record usage and provide feedback to the smoker. The application may include an algorithm for the development of a withdrawal schedule for the user to quit smoking or vaping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: SMOKEWATCHERS SAS
    Inventors: Benjamin Choukroun, Thomas Serval
  • Patent number: 11276296
    Abstract: A safe-wash device to assist in washing hands at a handwashing station. The safe-wash device includes a housing, a sensor, a speaker, a display unit and a controller. The housing is mounted to a wall near or at the handwashing station. The sensor is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to detect movement of a user at the handwashing station. The speaker is disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to play music. The display unit is disposed at least partially within the housing and is configured to display a handwashing time period. The controller is in communication with the sensor, the speaker and the display unit. The controller is configured to activate the display unit and the speaker once the sensor detects movement of the user at the handwashing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Inventor: Robert A. Hover
  • Patent number: 10915068
    Abstract: A timer movement includes a shell; a quartz movement body, a sound component and a central output wheel assembly driven by the quartz movement body are disposed in the shell, a printed circuit board and a traveling wheel driven by the central output wheel assembly are disposed at the top of the shell, and a battery compartment is disposed at the bottom of the shell. A leaf spring and a switch pillar are disposed on the printed circuit board, and a toggle rod forcing the leaf spring to bend so as to touch the switch pillar is disposed on the traveling wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: HANGZHOU JINGCHENG SANHE TIMER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hanjun Chi
  • Patent number: 10565031
    Abstract: An event notification apparatus is provided. The event notification apparatus may include a controller configured to set a condition for an event based on a command received from a terminal through communication circuitry, and to provide guide information corresponding to the event based on whether the condition set for the event is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-ung Yi, Young-Jin Kim, Hyun-jae Shin, Joon-seop Oh, Young-min Won, Seung-ho Jung
  • Patent number: 10352553
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus that combines a light source, a speaker, and other electrical components in a single unit to produce lighting and sound effects. The apparatus may be sized and configured for use in a number of applications. Further, the apparatus may have a number of operating states that may include light and sound effects that correspond with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Hallmark Cards, Incorporated
    Inventors: Jason B. Penrod, Douglas L. Krivanek, Ivan B. Helmirch, Christopher J. Shields
  • Patent number: 10117464
    Abstract: The invention is related to a voice control method for an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette, used for performing vocal praising when a one-time smoking duration exceeds a longest one-time smoking duration. The method executes the following steps when a smoking signal is received: S1, an electronic cigarette starts an atomization operation, and times a current one-time smoking duration; S2, determine whether the current one-time smoking duration is greater than a longest one-time smoking duration recorded in the electronic cigarette, and if yes, proceed to step S3, otherwise, proceed to step S4; S3, a voice praising a user is played, and the longest one-time smoking duration is updated using the current one-time smoking duration, and the method enters step S4; S4, the method waits for the smoking signal to be received once again, and when the smoking signal is received, proceeds to step S1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: SHENZHEN KIMSEN TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventor: Qiuming Liu
  • Patent number: 9808563
    Abstract: There is a breastfeeding device having a microprocessor having a memory embedded therein that can be pre-programmed to have a plurality of different sucking cycles interspersed with periodic pauses. These different cycles and pauses allow for an accurate modeling of a woman breastfeeding a child. In addition, this system and process can also result in a pre-programmable breastfeeding pump, which creates a preset time for initialization and a preset schedule of a series of events for breastfeeding over a period of time such as over a 24 hour or 30 hour period of time so that the user can automatically use the breast pump without having to use any of the keys on the keyboard of the device. In at least one embodiment, the device including any software which can be programmed thereon, is configured to mimic or model itself towards a suction pattern of a child.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: GENADYNE BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Shahzad Saad Pirzada, Chien Ming Goh, Maria Elizabeth Lynch
  • Patent number: 9579480
    Abstract: A breathing assistance unit for providing pressurized heated humidified air to a user increases user compliance. The breathing assistance unit generates positive emotional and cognitive states of a user about the therapy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
    Inventors: Venkata Subbarao Potharaju, Christie Jayne Stanton, Andrew Paul Maxwell Simon, Yi-Cheng Sun, Hayden Owen Briscoe, Samuel Frew, Steven John Worthington, Philip John Dickinson, Cameron Jon Haxton, Robin Lynn Randolph
  • Patent number: 9405560
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method and apparatus for controlling an alarm operation in a terminal, by which a plurality of alarms are terminated in the terminal. The method includes setting at least one of multiple alarm groups, each alarm group including multiple alarms, in which the setting of the at least one alarm groups includes automatically setting termination of the plurality of alarms associated with the alarm group to correspond to termination of the alarm group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kyung-Chun Moon, Joon-Woo Kim, Dae-Hyun Ji
  • Patent number: 9335742
    Abstract: A method of controlling an alarm with a more improved alarm function and an electronic device supporting the same are provided. The method of controlling an alarm includes determining sleep start time information and alarm start time information, calculating a sleep time based on the sleep start time information and the alarm start time information, and outputting an alarm having a different characteristic according to a length of the calculated sleep time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seoghee Jeong
  • Patent number: 9329693
    Abstract: Disclosed are a display device and a method of setting group information by displaying additional information to be added to base information via first and second gesture inputs. The display device includes a display unit configured to display visual information, a sensor unit configured to detect an input signal and transmit a detected result to a processor, and the processor configured to control the display unit and the sensor unit. The processor is configured to display base information, detect a first gesture input to the displayed base information, determine an interval of additional information based on a position of the detected first gesture input, detect a second gesture input, determine the number of additional information based on a position of the detected second gesture input, and display at least one additional information according to the determined interval and the determined number of the additional information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jihwan Kim, Sihwa Park
  • Patent number: 9257057
    Abstract: A mattress age indicating device (10) includes an enclosure (20) and an indicating assembly (30) contained within the enclosure (20). The age indicating device (10) may be configured to present an indication related to the mattress's age and may be coupled to the mattress (2) or other bedding or seating product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: L&P Property Management Company
    Inventors: Terrance L. Myers, John A. Garrett
  • Publication number: 20150085624
    Abstract: A method of dosing medication includes loading via a computerized system one or more user characteristics for a first user from a user profile for the first user, where the user characteristics include a weight of the first user. A dosing schedule is derived for a first medication from at least one of a type of the first medication and the one or more user characteristics for the first user, and a dosing amount is derived for the first medication from the one or more characteristics for the first user and the derived dosing schedule for the first user. A plurality of timer alerts are set corresponding to the derived dosing schedule, each of the timer alerts indicating the medication and derived dosing amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: David Boyd Zamjahn, John C. Weinberger, James David Zamjahn, John Dahl
  • Patent number: 8963707
    Abstract: System for an event alert signal and verifying the completion of event is disclosed. The system may include at least one alert device for generating alert for certain events. The system may also include at least one destination device that may be configured to be communicating with the alert device and may be associated with the event. The system may verify completion of the event when the alert device may be deactivated upon the user's completion of the event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Douglas Bevel
  • Patent number: 8963894
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes an improved alarm clock function and a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The alarm clock function enables an alarm to be edited very easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Kalu Onuka Kalu
  • Patent number: 8897100
    Abstract: A portable device that alerts a user when she should reapply her sunscreen product. The device is activated by a start/stop button and a count down timer counts down from a fixed amount of time to zero. Once the timer has counted down to zero, an indicator such as an alarm is activated to notify the user it is time for her to reapply her sunscreen product. Preferably the fixed amount of time can range from about one to about four hours and, most preferably, the fixed amount of time is about two hours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Triple Threat Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Shirley S. Joo, Stacey Tull, Saadia Raza
  • Publication number: 20140340999
    Abstract: A medication reminder method and system are provided. A carrier device acquires medication information of a medication from a medication information server via a network. The medication information includes a pre-determined time interval prescribed for the medication. The carrier device activates an alarm device to emit an alarm signal to remind a user to take the medication on expiry of the pre-determined time interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YA-BEI ZHANG, WEN-YI WU
  • Patent number: 8891336
    Abstract: A child bathroom reminder device that includes a programmable voice memo function to encourage the child is disclosed. The bathroom reminder device generally includes a speaker, a display, and a memory configured and arranged to store a voice recording therein. A timing circuit is further provided to count to a settable time parameter. A function button to allow setting the time parameter, an increment button to increment the time parameter and a decrement button to decrease the time parameter are provided. A display circuit is further provided to display the time parameter on the display. An audio circuit is provided to play the voice recording stored in the memory through the speaker when the time parameter is reached. The timing circuit is reset and begins counting to the time parameter again once the time parameter is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Husni Khalil
  • Patent number: 8873343
    Abstract: Devices having symbols or messages that are illuminated and darkened in accordance with a care-taking schedule for a pet, and methods for using the devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Inventor: Edward Jay Higgins
  • Patent number: 8867319
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an interval timing device and methods of utilizing the same. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for timing customized interval exercises, having set workout periods and rest periods, over a predetermined number of intervals and methods of utilizing the same. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an interval timing device comprises a housing, a means for starting the interval timing device, at least one graphical user interface for displaying multimedia content, wherein the at least one graphical user interface comprises an exercise hold timer, a rest timer, and a repetition counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Inventor: Cody Keith
  • Patent number: 8848493
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an alarm function of an electronic device, an alarm time, an alarm mode, a plurality of control modes of the alarm function and a shaking frequency and an audio file corresponding to each of the control modes are set. If a current time matches the alarm time, the alarm function is started by activating the alarm mode and a monitor unit is enabled to monitor acceleration values of the electronic device. A first shaking frequency in a first predetermined time limit is recorded according to the acceleration values. The control mode corresponding to the first shaking frequency is confirmed, and the audio file corresponding to the confirmed control mode is output. The method further controls the alarm function according to the confirmed control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communications Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Cheng-Ping Dai
  • Patent number: 8842501
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking dosage periods are disclosed. The systems and methods may include setting a timer (140) to a predetermined value corresponding to a dosage period in response to the engagement of a cover (110) to a container (120). An indication may be provided that corresponds to a remaining period in the dosage period set by the engagement of the cover (110) and container (120). The indication may also indicate a remaining time period in the dosage period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Ziemba, Vernon D. Ortenzi
  • Patent number: 8717852
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring motion parameters of an object are described in the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a sensor, coupled to a housing, senses motion associated with the housing and provides a sensor output based on the sensed motion. A processing device receives the sensor output, accumulates counts associated with the sensor output, and provides an output once a threshold associated with the accumulated counts is reached. A vibrotactile device, that receives the output from the processing device, provides a haptic output in response to the output from the processing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. Cohen, Walter E. Ratzat, Tianning Xu
  • Patent number: 8717856
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a touch-screen display, a processor, a memory, and one or more modules stored in the memory. The one or more modules are adapted to be executed by the processor to enter into a user-interface alarm state from a user-interface non-alarm state in responds to an alarm trigger condition. The one or more modules are adapted to display one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display in the user-interface alarm state. The one or more modules are adapted to change locations of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to detect one or more contact actions on each of the one or more contact areas on the touch-screen display. The one or more modules are adapted to change the electronic device to the user-interface non-alarm state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tay-Yang Lin, Chin-Feng Chen, Shu-Ming Liu, Chi-Tse Shih, Ni-Chun Hou, Hsin-Chih Hsu, Cheng-Hsiu Du
  • Patent number: 8654616
    Abstract: A visual alert device includes a keypad for a user to enter a primary follow-up time period for which a user desires to be visually reminded of its progressive expiration. Based on the entered primary follow-up time period, the visual alert device computes a preliminary and a final follow-up time value, which are associated with a level of response priority that is visually represented by the illumination of corresponding illuminable color segments. Thus, when a timer of the visual alert device reaches each of the preliminary follow-up time value, the primary follow-up time period, and the final follow-up time value, the corresponding color segments are illuminated to indicate the current response priority level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Visilert, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James W. Pope, Richard T. Kessler
  • Publication number: 20140016442
    Abstract: Timer systems and methods of monitoring a period of time with respect to an article are described. In one aspect, a timer system includes a timing device comprising circuitry configured to monitor a period of time, an attachment system coupled with the timing device and configured to attach the timing device to as associated article for which the period of time is to be monitored, and wherein the circuitry of the timing device is further configured to generate a human perceptible signal to convey information regarding the period of time being monitored with respect to the associated article.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Hoover
  • Publication number: 20130273869
    Abstract: A table music system includes an enclosure having a top surface and a front surface free of manually mechanically actuable controls for controlling functions of the table music system. A radio receiver and powered speakers system are located within the enclosure. A display is located on the front surface of the enclosure for displaying at least time. An alarm in the enclosure is configured to be set by a user to produce an alarm signal at a user-selectable time. A touch-sensitive area on the enclosure allows the user to control a function of the take music system. A wireless remote control permits the user to control functions of the table music system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Bose Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Preston Parker, Todd Charter Brown, Edgardo Alicea, Alex Bradshaw, Edmundo Garcia
  • Patent number: 8553502
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode comprises a number of features that are conducive to sleep by performing operations that minimize distractions to a user, and all such operations are initiated by execution of the BEDTIME mode routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: BlackBerry Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Neil Patrick Adams
  • Patent number: 8547801
    Abstract: A timer device to induce and encourage a young child to manage time when engaged in daily activities, the timer device comprising visually comprehensible changes in time through the use of red and green lights for the start and end of activity period, respectively. The timer device can further include an audible alarm to signal the end of the activity. Further operational switches and buttons include a power button or switch, start/pause button to start time or pause time, engage buttons, hours buttons (+, ?) and minutes buttons (+, ?) to adjust time on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The timer device can be powered by AC power or battery power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventors: Courtney Anne Zorn, Whitney Kay Burkhardt
  • Patent number: 8526273
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of two or more time intervals is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a base portion with a user interface and a light portion. The light portion includes three lights of different colors that are disposed in a vertical arrangement above the base portion. The user interface includes a display and a keypad for programming the device with one or more time durations, and for associating one or more of the lights with each time interval. A controller is in communication with the user interface and operatively coupled with the lights to illuminate and turn off each light during its associated interval. The device may include an audio section linked to the controller for further indicating the intervals or transitions therebetween by outputting one or more sounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Patent number: 8477566
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode comprises a number of features that are conducive to sleep by performing operations that minimize distractions to a user, and all such operations are initiated by execution of the BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode can be triggered in a variety of fashions, such as by setting an alarm or by docking the device with a predetermined other device such as a docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Neil Patrick Adams, Haejung Lisa Koh, David Paul Yach, Rohit Rocky Jain, Michael Thomas Hardy
  • Publication number: 20130155818
    Abstract: In a method for controlling an alarm function of an electronic device, an alarm time, an alarm mode, a plurality of control modes of the alarm function and a shaking frequency and an audio file corresponding to each of the control modes are set. If a current time matches the alarm time, the alarm function is started by activating the alarm mode and a monitor unit is enabled to monitor acceleration values of the electronic device. A first shaking frequency in a first predetermined time limit is recorded according to the acceleration values. The control mode corresponding to the first shaking frequency is confirmed, and the audio file corresponding to the confirmed control mode is output. The method further controls the alarm function according to the confirmed control mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicants: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC., SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Cheng-Ping DAI
  • Publication number: 20130148478
    Abstract: In an electronic device provided with a resume function, a timer outputs a predetermined signal if a measured time value becomes a set time. Upon receiving the predetermined signal from the timer, a state control unit executes a resume process. A time information receiving unit receives time information that specifies a time interval, at which an application executes a predetermined process. A time interval retaining unit retains a time interval T for restoring the application to an executable state. A defining unit registers a set time with the timer on the basis of the received time information and the time interval T.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.
    Inventor: Wataru Kaneko
  • Publication number: 20130142017
    Abstract: A reminding method and device for playing a tone according to control or according to spending amount in real time. The method comprises: receiving, from a charging system, an interval duration of playing a tone which is related to having spent the fixed amount; setting an interval duration of playing a tone for reminding of the spending of the fixed amount according to the interval duration of playing a tone which is related to having spent the fixed amount; and when a call duration of a user reaches the interval duration of playing a tone for reminding of the spending of the fixed amount, playing the tone which is for reminding of having spent the fixed amount to the user. The present invention solves the problem in the prior art that real-time sound play reminding cannot be performed on the user based on spending amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
  • Publication number: 20130128704
    Abstract: A child bathroom reminder device that includes a programmable voice memo function to encourage the child is disclosed. The bathroom reminder device generally includes a speaker, a display, and a memory configured and arranged to store a voice recording therein. A timing circuit is further provided to count to a settable time parameter. A function button to allow setting the time parameter, an increment button to increment the time parameter and a decrement button to decrease the time parameter are provided. A display circuit is further provided to display the time parameter on the display. An audio circuit is provided to play the voice recording stored in the memory through the speaker when the time parameter is reached. The timing circuit is reset and begins counting to the time parameter again once the time parameter is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventor: Husni Khalil
  • Patent number: 8369187
    Abstract: The invention relates to a warning device, provided with an electronic warning unit, capable of generating warning signals at pre-programmed constant time intervals, embedded inside a body formed by a single piece of mouldable synthetic material, such as a plastic or silicone, which is provided with starting means for staring the warning device, which means can be actuated by means of the application of a pressure on a part of the outer surface of the mentioned body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cadama Technology, S.L.
    Inventor: Manuel Artola Godoy
  • Patent number: 8358203
    Abstract: A toothbrush alarm consists of an alarm box located in the bedroom. It has an alarm such as a noisemaker, radio, light and/or voice chip saying “please brush your teeth.” In intermittent periods it is controlled ON and OFF by a battery powered alarm clock circuit built into a toothbrush. A wireless transmitter in the toothbrush sends the ON or OFF command to the alarm box. The alarm box will repeatedly remind the child to brush their teeth until it is turned off from the toothbrush. Thus, a child sets his alarm time on his toothbrush in the bathroom and leaves the toothbrush there. At wakeup time (or brushing time) the child must go to the bathroom, pick up the toothbrush, turn off the alarm, and (hopefully) brush his/her teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Inventor: Shannon M. Perry
  • Patent number: 8351299
    Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring motion parameters of an object are described in the present disclosure. In one embodiment among many, a sensor, coupled to a housing, senses motion associated with the housing and provides a sensor output based on the sensed motion. A processing device receives the sensor output, accumulates counts associated with the sensor output, and provides an output once a threshold associated with the accumulated counts is reached. A vibrotactile device, that receives the output from the processing device, provides a haptic output in response to the output from the processing device. In one embodiment among many, a toothbrush is described as a monitoring mechanism for monitoring a plurality of brush strokes that a user executes with the toothbrush. The monitoring mechanism is incorporated in the handle of the toothbrush. The monitoring mechanism may be used to provide an alert once a sufficient number of brush strokes is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. Cohen, Walter E. Ratzat, Tianning Xu
  • Patent number: 8344882
    Abstract: A display device includes a dial, an alarm setting member, and a warning unit. The alarm setting member includes an A/D converter, a recognition module, a storage module, and an analysis module. With rotation of the dial, a variation voltage is generated. The A/D converter converts variable voltage from analog to digital form. In contrast, the alarm time is decreased. The storage module stores the adjusted alarm time. The analysis module compares the current time with the preset alarm time and outputs a driving signal to the warning unit in the event of a match.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Feng Xu, Yong-Qian Deng
  • Publication number: 20120307600
    Abstract: A portable device that alerts a user when she should reapply her sunscreen product. The device is activated by a start/stop button and a count down timer counts down from a fixed amount of time to zero. Once the timer has counted down to zero, an indicator such as an alarm is activated to notify the user it is time for her to reapply her sunscreen product. Preferably the fixed amount of time can range from about one to about four hours and, most preferably, the fixed amount of time is about two hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TRIPLE THREAT ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventors: Shirley S. Joo, Stacey Tull, Saadia Raza
  • Patent number: 8326574
    Abstract: A method for issuing alert signals as a reminder to perform a recurring act. The method comprises providing a device with a programmable electronic circuit, an electrical power source, a control switch, and an alert body controlled by the electronic circuit, programming the device with a signaling pattern, determining a first alert time based at least in part on the signaling pattern, issuing a first signal from the alert body, issuing a second signal from the alert body at the first alert time, the second signal being different from the first signal, and determining a next alert time upon activation of the control switch, wherein the next alert time is based at least in part on the signaling pattern and the time elapsed between the first alert time and activation of the control switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: IniVention B.V.
    Inventor: Bart Theodoor Hogebrink
  • Publication number: 20120287761
    Abstract: Devices having symbols or messages that are illuminated and darkened in accordance with a care-taking schedule for a pet, and methods for using the devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Edward Jay Higgins
  • Patent number: 8310368
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device that can be used in individual weight control protocols that is capable of detecting in real time information with regard to number of bites taken, time between bites, and so forth. The weight control device can detect bites through motion detection via a sensor worn on the wrist or hand of a user. The device can include notification capabilities that can alert a user as to excessive eating speed, excessive amounts of food intake, and the like so as to provide immediate feedback for purposes of weight control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Clemson University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Adam Hoover, Eric Muth, Yujie Dong
  • Patent number: 8284633
    Abstract: An improved electronic device and method provide an improved clock feature that includes a BEDTIME mode that is initiated by execution of a BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode comprises a number of features that are conducive to sleep by performing operations that minimize distractions to a user, and all such operations are initiated by execution of the BEDTIME mode routine. The BEDTIME mode can be triggered in a variety of fashions, such as by setting an alarm or by docking the device with a predetermined other device such as a docking station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventors: Mihal Lazaridis, Gerhard Dietrich Klassen, Neil Patrick Adams, Haejung Lisa Koh, David Paul Yach, Rohit Rocky Jain, Michael Thomas Hardy
  • Patent number: 8233355
    Abstract: An alarm device includes a first portion housing an alarm component for producing an audible sound upon actuation in response to an alarm event and a second portion housing a vibration-inducing component for producing shaking movement in the device upon actuation in response to an alarm event. The first and second portions are pivotably engaged with one another to permit swiveling movement of one of either the first or second portion relative to the other portion. The first and second portions are pivotable between a first position, wherein opposing surfaces of each of the first and second portions are substantially fully aligned with one another, and a second position, wherein opposing surfaces of each of the first and second portions are substantially exposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Edison Nation, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Lee Bizzell, Kevin J. Dahlquist, Ian Kovacevich, Carole Ruffin
  • Publication number: 20120188851
    Abstract: Provided is a timepiece device that includes a time measurement portion which measures a time, wherein, when a measured time passes a predetermined target time, and when information indicating that there is an input from a user is input, the time measurement portion sets the time to zero and restarts the measurement of the time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Keisuke Tsubata
  • Publication number: 20120033532
    Abstract: A device for indicating the passage of two or more time intervals is provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a base portion with a user interface and a light portion. The light portion includes three lights of different colors that are disposed in a vertical arrangement above the base portion. The user interface includes a display and a keypad for programming the device with one or more time durations, and for associating one or more of the lights with each time interval. A controller is in communication with the user interface and operatively coupled with the lights to illuminate and turn off each light during its associated interval. The device may include an audio section linked to the controller for further indicating the intervals or transitions therebetween by outputting one or more sounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Publication number: 20120026844
    Abstract: A timer device to induce and encourage a young child to manage time when engaged in daily activities, the timer device comprising visually comprehensible changes in time through the use of red and green lights for the start and end of activity period, respectively. The timer device can further include an audible alarm to signal the end of the activity. Further operational switches and buttons include a power button or switch, start/pause button to start time or pause time, engage buttons, hours buttons (+, ?) and minutes buttons (+, ?) to adjust time on a liquid crystal display (LCD). The timer device can be powered by AC power or battery power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Whitney Kay Burkhardt, Courtney Anne Zorn
  • Publication number: 20120002510
    Abstract: A method for automatically measuring elapsed time sufficient for complete hand washing, including actuating flowing of water, actuating a timer device, initiating washing hands, measuring a predetermined length of time, sounding an alarm when the predetermined length of time has elapsed, and ceasing washing hands after the alarm has sounded. The timer device further includes a housing portion, a timer portion positioned in the housing portion, a display portion positioned in the housing portion and operationally connected to the timer portion, and an alarm portion positioned in the housing portion and operationally connected to the timer portion. The timer portion is programmed to measure a predetermined length of time recommended for complete hand washing and actuates the alarm portion once the predetermined amount of time has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Carl R. Berman, JR.