Including Alarm Means Patents (Class 368/109)
  • Patent number: 8077552
    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: May 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Visilert, L.L.C.
    Inventors: James W. Pope, Richard T. Kessler
  • Patent number: 8072846
    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: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Patent number: 8059493
    Abstract: An alarm system and method for an electronic device that includes an alarm unit and a setting unit. The alarm system provides alarm management for the electronic device to prevent users from oversleeping. The setting unit is operable to set an alarm mode and an alarm time of the electronic device. The alarm mode includes a normal mode and a non-normal mode. If the electronic device is in the non-normal mode, the alarm unit is activated to ring for a default period at the alarm time and a stop option is disabled, where the stop option is operable to stop the alarm unit from ringing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignees: Shenzhen Futaihong Precision Industry Co., Ltd., Chi Mei Communication Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Jun Li
  • Patent number: 8045420
    Abstract: A medicine holder encloses one or more medicines which are in their original labeled containers, and emits an alarm signal when each dose is due. The alarm is automatically silenced when the holder is opened to retrieve the medicine. The timer is then automatically restarted when the holder is closed. The dose regimen is determined by an easily-operated selector switch, and is visibly displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: David Edward Newman
  • Publication number: 20110185982
    Abstract: A reminder apparatus and method are employed to by a dwelling occupant to provide a reminder concerning a pet's whereabouts. The apparatus features a carrier member that is adapted to hang from a door knob or handle, and a timer device is supported on the carrier member and operable to indicate expiration of an interval of time from a selected starting point. When the occupant lets the pet outside, they activate the countdown function of the timer and an alarm sounds when the countdown expires, providing a reminder to let the pet back inside the dwelling. Indications of an indoor and outdoor status are provided on opposing sides of the carrier member, so that reversing of the facing direction of the carrier member every time the pet transfers between the indoors and outdoors results in an ongoing accurate indication of whether the animal is inside or out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Slavomir Federkevic, Karen M. Kolbe
  • Patent number: 7978565
    Abstract: An alarm clock includes a nap timer. At least one button may be used to add a predetermined time interval to a total nap time, while the clock is in its normal timekeeping mode. No further actions are necessary in order to set a nap time. An alarm will sound upon the elapsing of the set nap time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: New Time Products, LLC
    Inventors: David Coffaro, Zhangneng Tu
  • Publication number: 20110158051
    Abstract: A presentation apparatus has an operating main body. The operating main body further includes a LED module and a control unit. The LED module is disposed on a surface of the operating main body. The control unit is electrically connected to the LED module, and controls the LED module to display a timing message in response to a timing signal, and then controls the LED module to display a warning message in response to a triggering signal when the timing signal exists, thereby achieving the objective that the presentation apparatus have multiple functions with low manufacturing cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: SILITEK ELECTRONIC (GUANGZHOU) CO., LTD., LITE-ON TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yi-Ping HSU
  • Patent number: 7948831
    Abstract: A sound device with a motion detector. The device is used to provide a diversion while user occupies the shower, at the same time keeping track of time and alarming the occupant when time has elapsed. For example: A minute after entering the shower, the timer automatically starts and a trivia question is posed to the occupant. The occupant then has a predefined amount of time to come up with the answer. Upon time lapse, the answer is provided with a gentle reminder that your time is over. Any other variations on this principle are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Inventors: Peter Allen Orcutt, Patricia Ann Orcutt, Justin Matthew Pascarelli, Melissa Ann Pascarelli
  • Patent number: 7907477
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Scott Puzia
  • Patent number: 7885146
    Abstract: A timer device includes a timer housing. An electronic countdown circuit is disposed within the timer housing. The electronic countdown circuit is programmed to include at least one mode of operation. A display device is attached to the timer housing and in electronic communication with the electronic countdown circuit. The display device includes an LCD display and at least one flashable LED light. A power source is in electrical communication with the electronic circuit. At least one switch is in electrical communication with the electronic countdown circuit. The switch is adapted to select the mode of countdown operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Potty Time, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Parkinson, Pamela Parkinson, Katie Cochran
  • Patent number: 7855936
    Abstract: A diet watch includes a housing with an adjustable wristband attached thereto, at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing, a microcontroller disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the accelerometer and a feedback device operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer provides a signal indicative of an orientation of a user's hand in space. The microcontroller uses the signal from the at least one accelerometer to determine that a bite was taken by the user and starting a timer to countdown a preset time interval. The feedback device provides an indication to the user that another bite of food may be taken after the preset time interval has elapsed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Czarnek & Orkin Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Czarnek, Sylvia D. Aruffo
  • Publication number: 20100309754
    Abstract: An alarm clock includes a nap timer. At least one button may be used to add a predetermined time interval to a total nap time, while the clock is in its normal timekeeping mode. No further actions are necessary in order to set a nap time. An alarm will sound upon the elapsing of the set nap time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: New Time Products, LLC
    Inventors: David Coffaro, Zhangneng Tu
  • Publication number: 20100302912
    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: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Patent number: 7843770
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a device and method of use for ensuring that persons who need to stay on a schedule can do so without constantly looking at a clock. The device is a programmable electronic device wherein the user can set a schedule time, an interval time and a sub-interval time and wherein the device alerts the user when one or more of these times are reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Orme
  • Patent number: 7835230
    Abstract: An infant feeding management system automatically advances a next feeding alert time to a time that is equal to a feeding time interval plus a time elapsed between the previous feeding alert time and the time at which feeding actually begun. In this way, the interval between successive feeding alert times is varied to reflect actual feeding of the infant and thereby maintain a constant interval between actual infant feeding start times and feeding alert times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Stephanie Chang
  • Publication number: 20100274527
    Abstract: A cooking timer having a microprocessor, a transistor, a display driver, a power source, plural user input buttons and alerts electrically interconnected with a visual display for selecting and displaying data for simultaneously cooking plural steaks with varying physical characteristics to differing doneness levels and ensuring all of the steaks finish cooking to the desired doneness levels at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventors: Greg Ruff, Jeff Bendio, Leon Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20100246337
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: JOHN COWGILL
  • Publication number: 20100220553
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for assisting a person in the correct administration of medicine and methods for beneficially using such a device. The apparatus comprises an electronic timing mechanism which executes a dosing schedule, the dosing schedule being comprised of at least one dosing time interval. One or more annunciators are activated at the end of at least one dosing interval thereby alerting a person that it is time to take a dose of medicine. Included are attachment means, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, for attachment to a medicine container. Construction is with materials and structures that confer to the device the flexibility required to physically conform to curved objects such as typically encountered in prescribed medications. Alerts from the device may be visible, audible, vibratory, or any combination thereof. No human readable time is displayed. At least one switch is provided for human interaction with the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Lloyd Cleveland Nurse, Darien Okinza Nurse
  • Patent number: 7755976
    Abstract: A time control system and a method for a projector. The time control system comprises an input module, a processor, a timer, and at least one output module. The input module is used to input at least one time parameter that is set by the processor into the timer. The timer is used to generate at least one trigger signal by counting the at least one time parameter. Meanwhile, the output module is used to output a reminder signal relating to the at least one trigger signal. The time control system is applied for reminding users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Acer Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei Lin, Ming-Li Lin, Yuan-Yuan Lin, Huei-Shiang Chien
  • Publication number: 20100149925
    Abstract: A holiday decoration with an electronic countdown feature, comprising: a decoration body (1) comprising a panel with a display area (2); and an electronic countdown device being attached to the decoration body and comprising: a processor (100) calculating and determining remaining time preceding a target holiday based on an input current time after a number of remaining days left till the target holiday is set; a display (300) connected to and correspondingly arranged with the processor in the display area of the panel for showing the remaining time preceding the target holiday; one or more adjustment control keys (200) connected with the processor and arranged on the display for provision of the current time to the processor; and a battery (400) for provision of power to the electronic countdown device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2007
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Hon Kwok Cheng
  • Patent number: 7729206
    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: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Learning Resources, Inc.
    Inventors: Gayle E. Gordon, Ng Kwok-ho Victor
  • Publication number: 20100118659
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a device and method of use for ensuring that persons who need to stay on a schedule can do so without constantly looking at a clock. The device is a programmable electronic device wherein the user can set a schedule time, an interval time and a sub-interval time and wherein the device alerts the user when one or more of these times are reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Orme
  • Publication number: 20100061191
    Abstract: A silent time reminding device including a soft elastic fastening band and a main body. The fastening band can be fitted on a suitable part of human body. A clipped section is disposed on an outer face of the fastening band to define a pocket with the fastening band. At least one setting key and a resilient clip are disposed on the main body. The resilient clip can be easily extended into the pocket to clip the clipped section so as to detachably associate the main body with the fastening band. A user can wear the fastening band with the main body contacting a surface of the user's body. The main body is at least inbuilt with a timer and a vibration module. At a specific time, the timer drives the vibration module to vibrate for shocking the surface of the user's body to achieve a reminding effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Mike Chen
  • Publication number: 20090320227
    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: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: Immersion Corporation
    Inventors: Robert F. Cohen, Walter E. Ratzat, Tianning Xu
  • Publication number: 20090246083
    Abstract: An invention is provided for encouraging routine testing for TDS levels in a liquid. The invention includes a conductivity sensor capable of sensing a conductivity level of a liquid, and a processor in electrical communication with the conductivity sensor. The processor has logic that calculates a TDS level for the liquid based on the conductivity level of the liquid. The calculated TDS level for the liquid is then displayed on a display in electrical communication with the processor. Also included is a speaker, which is electrical communication with the processor. To provide automatic reminders to the user, an integrated timing mechanism is included that is in communication with the processor. When a predetermined period of time has elapsed, such as the period of time between periodic TDS level testing, the integrated timing mechanism sends a signal to the processor to provide an alert to the user to test the TDS level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: HM DIGITAL, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Samborn, Charles F. Lee, Jin H. Lee, Yun-Ho Son
  • Publication number: 20090209896
    Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for measuring a pre-defined period as a method to alert medical personnel of the need for clinical intervention. Many invasive and non-invasive medical procedures require constant monitoring or intervention. Failure to properly observe or intervene may result in clinical harm. The devices and methods disclosed herein are useful in any field of medicine where periodic monitoring or procedures are required. The devices is designed to be familiar to medical personnel, and in its most common form will be packaged as a band aid, but may also be packaged as a coin sized device that adheres to or clips onto a patient's bandage, limb, or on a necklace. The timer provides an audible warning of timeout, a visual indication of timeout, a tactile indication or any combination of the three. The number of hours in the countdown sequence is variable and determined from a series of choices provided to the caregiver. The device can be used to monitor temperature and warn of an infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Selevan
  • Publication number: 20090175131
    Abstract: Described is an alarm clock for playing selected audio files according to a time-based schedule. More specifically, the alarm clock is adapted to maintain a calendar and a clock and to store a plurality of audio files. The alarm clock assigns each audio file a corresponding date and time, and when an assigned date and time occurs, the alarm clock plays the corresponding audio file such that file is perceivable by a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Michael J. Jackson
  • Patent number: 7502281
    Abstract: A timer includes a timing device that generates first and second time counts responsive to user input. A display is provided that displays the first time count in one of a first set of time units and a second set of time units. A user actuatable device is operatively connected to said display and causes the display to clear the first time count and display the second time count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Inventor: Richard Rund
  • Publication number: 20090040874
    Abstract: A medication reminder system has a carrier device which is carried or worn by a user and a medication alert assembly or module associated with the carrier device. The medication alert assembly has at least one alarm device which produces a first alarm signal to remind the user to take a medication, a controller which controls actuation of the first alarm device, a timer associated with the controller having a pre-set time interval corresponding to a standard dosage time in hours between doses of the medication, the controller activating the first alarm device to emit an alarm signal on expiry of the pre-set time interval, and a reset switch operable by the user which deactivates the first alarm device and restarts the timer after each alarm activation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: ROONEY WORLD CORP.
    Inventors: John Rooney, Michael Rooney
  • Patent number: 7465085
    Abstract: The activity timer for meditation is a timing device having a hollow, oval shaped housing similar in shape and scale to a chicken egg. The housing has a frustoconical base including a flat bottom provided for resting the timer on a flat surface. Translucent radial channels are disposed circumferentially in the housing at predetermined axial distances from each other. A rotary tone selection dial, a rotary time duration selection dial, and a rotary tone volume control are respectively disposed within the radial channels. Logic, control circuitry, audio amplifier and lighting are disposed within the housing. A loudspeaker is located at the top of the housing. The rotary dials are used to select a desired tone, tone volume and timer duration. The device transmits the selected tone signaling the end of a user activity. All rotary dials and selection indicators are illuminated and raised to the touch for ease of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Inventor: Michael P. McDonough
  • Patent number: 7463556
    Abstract: A programmable, microprocessor-based alarm clock apparatus provides seven independent alarms each one of which is specifically tied to one of the seven days of the week. Each alarm may be independently set in terms of appointed alarm-sounding time and active state (either on or off).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: American Innovative, LLC
    Inventor: Adam B. Hocherman
  • Publication number: 20080279051
    Abstract: A portable article includes a portable item having a primary function and adapted for being conveniently carried by a user, and an alert timer, which is built-in with the portable item, including a time setter setting a time interval at a starting time, a time processor counting the time interval starting from the starting time, and a signal generator automatically and timely generating an alert signal in a punctual time manner when said time processor is finished counting the time interval in responsive to the starting time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Marina Ling Chen, Christine Ching Yu Ko
  • Publication number: 20080279050
    Abstract: A timepiece includes a time provider providing a current time and an alert timer. The alert timer includes a time setter setting a time interval at the current time as a starting time, a time processor counting the time interval starting from the starting time, and a signal generator automatically and timely generating an alert signal in a punctual time manner when said time processor is finished counting the time interval in responsive to the starting time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Marina Ling Chen, Christine Ching-Yu Ko
  • Publication number: 20080239882
    Abstract: A novel timepiece that uses color and/or shape and/or symbols to provide a toddler, child or other individual who hasn't learned to tell time or the concept of time to determine if a specified time or time period has been reached. The timepiece can illuminate and/or display a color and/or symbol and/or shape upon reaching a specified time or after an elapsed period of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventor: Mark T. Fujii
  • Publication number: 20080232199
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Leslie Shafton
  • Publication number: 20080172787
    Abstract: A timer and alert module for an emergency eyewash station is disclosed. The module includes a housing; a control circuit having a timing cycle contained within the housing; a speaker electrically connected to the control circuit; a switch configured and arranged to disable the control circuit; and a sensor configured and arranged to trigger the control circuit to start the timing cycle. The control circuit selectively activates the speaker periodically during the timing cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: SPERIAN EYE & FACE PROTECTION, INC.
    Inventors: Deeyu Tao, Raymond A. Boissonneault, Michael C. Pereira
  • Publication number: 20080170475
    Abstract: A timing apparatus 10 for monitoring a sports event such as a lacrosse game, comprises a first timer 12 for counting a twenty-second time period and a second timer 14 for counting a one-hundred second time period, an alarm 16 connected to the first and second timers for producing a perceptible warning at the expiration of either of the twenty-second and one-hundred second time periods, and a toggle switch 20 movable between a first position 28 for activating the first timer 12 and a second position 30 for activating the second timer 14.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Gregory R. Simon
  • Publication number: 20080137486
    Abstract: A diet watch includes a housing with an adjustable wristband attached thereto, at least one accelerometer disposed within the housing, a microcontroller disposed within the housing and operatively coupled to the accelerometer and a feedback device operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The accelerometer provides a signal indicative of an orientation of a user's hand in space. The microcontroller uses the signal from the at least one accelerometer to determine that a bite was taken by the user and starting a timer to countdown a preset time interval. The feedback device provides an indication to the user that another bite of food may be taken after the preset time interval has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Czarnek & Orkin laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Czarenk, Sylvia D. Aruffo
  • Patent number: 7317664
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Jeff Klein
  • Patent number: 7277361
    Abstract: A timekeeping device enables easily knowing how much playing time has passed and can automatically keep track of time added to compensate for stoppage time. The timekeeping device 1 has a input unit 2, a display unit 3, an alarm unit 5, and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 has a timekeeping unit 41 including a first timer 41A and a second timer 41B, a input control unit 42, a timekeeping control unit 43, a display control unit 44, a alarm control unit 45, and memory 46. The alarm unit 5 outputs a first alarm when the second timer 41B is keeping time and the time kept by the first timer 41A reaches a preset time setting. When the second timer is not keeping time and the time kept by the first timer reaches the preset time, the alarm unit 5 outputs the second alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Norimitsu Baba
  • Patent number: 7236428
    Abstract: A multifunction timer device for providing a time/date stamp on objects includes a housing, a controller with a timer circuit contained in the housing, a display for displaying information from the timer circuit, and a multifunction input button. The input button is operable in predetermined sequences to select operating and display modes of the timer device. The input button can be operated to display an actual date or time, to display a current timer value, to select between count-up and count-down modes, and to increment a counter. An adhesive backing is provided for attaching the timer device to an object. A communications link is provided for interfacing the controller with an external programmer. A reset trigger is used to automatically reset the timer device when the object is moved in a particular way, such as when a lid is removed from a pill container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin Morse
  • Patent number: 7196619
    Abstract: A habit cessation aide includes a user-modifiable quitting schedule, a user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator, a display for displaying messages dependent upon the quitting schedule and the number of times the user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator is used, and an overall visual indication of the degree to which the user is maintaining the quitting schedule based upon the quitting schedule and the number of times the user-initiated habit-occurrence indicator is used. A widely held habit is smoking, to which the illustrated embodiment is directed. As shown, the device also functions as a standard watch and includes features such as calculating and displaying items including at least time, date, and elapsed time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Inventors: Neil Perlman, Daniel Mapes-Riordan
  • Patent number: 7190266
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Thomas B. Bennett, III, Yan Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 7085197
    Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a housing, a watch display contained within the housing and visible from the front of the housing, a vibrating mechanism contained within the housing and a vibration interval selection dial rotatably connected to the back of the housing. The vibration interval selection dial is electrically connected to the vibrating mechanism for selecting the time interval of the tactile reminder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Jacqueline Victoria Pehrson
  • Patent number: 7081807
    Abstract: This present invention is for new user-friendly electronic pill reminder devices that convert regular conventional pill bottles to automatic reminder pill bottles. The reminder device is compatible and can be retrofitted inside a regular conventional pill bottle cap. This reminder device is installed inside the conventional pill bottle between the bottle cap and the bottle container. When the user closes the pill bottle cap on the bottle container, the electronic timer, with factory predetermined time interval, is automatically activated. That activated timer will generate alert signals not only remind user last pill has taken but also to remind the user to take his/hers next dose at time-out. The reminder device and alert signals are automatically deactivated and reset when the user opens the pill bottle cap (to take contents from the bottle container). This present reminder device works with both conventional safety (child-resistant) and non-safety pill bottle caps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Inventor: Joseph Lai
  • Patent number: 7075447
    Abstract: An electronic circuit comprising a first counter clocked by a clock signal provided to have a first period and provided by an oscillator external to the circuit, and comprising a second counter clocked with a second period by an oscillator internal to the circuit, the second counter being reset each time the content of the first counter is a multiple of a first predetermined value, and a means for activating an alert signal when the second counter reaches a second predetermined value such that the product of the second predetermined value by the second period is greater than the product of the first predetermined value by the first period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.A.
    Inventors: William Orlando, Jean Nicolai
  • Patent number: 7031225
    Abstract: The described invention combines wireless transmission and reception technologies with athletic event timers to remove and reduce human and environmental factors that interfere with the athletic event timekeeping process for improvement of the process. The system controls and communicates the timing of a single athletic event between the timekeeping mechanism and the referee using at least one timing communicator with a transmitter and a channel selector. The transmitter is adapted to transmit a wireless electromagnetic radiation signal from outside the field of play to the field of play to a mobile field communicator having a receiver and channel selector also responsive to the channel selector. The mobile field communicator is adapted to be carried by the umpire or referee on the field of play and to receive the wireless signal from outside the field of play and emit an actuation signal in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventor: William J. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7027358
    Abstract: A system for pressure ulcer prophylaxis and treatment includes an annunciator which is attached to the outer face of the door or to the doorway of a patient's room and a bedside patient position sequence indicator. The annunciator includes a timing device with settable cycle duration and provides both visual and audible signals to indicate that a prescribed patient turning regimen cycle now requires repositioning of the patient. The annunciator generates a first signal when the cycle duration enters an expiry window and generates a different, intensified signal after the cycle has ended without being reset by a caregiver. The patient position sequence indicator includes a visual display which advises a caregiver of the position in which the patient was last placed and the next sequential position to which the patient is to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Prevention Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Esposito, Steven Antokal
  • Patent number: 6975563
    Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece for assisting a person to take a multiple question timed examination. The number of questions and test time are entered into the timepiece along with selected alert points. A test timer mode then displays time remaining in the examination along with the corresponding question number, and a silent vibrating alarm alerts the person at the preselected alert points, and displays appropriate informative and encouraging messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Dirk de Brito
  • Patent number: 6967902
    Abstract: A portable timer with an alarm, wherein the timed period is limited to multiples of certain discrete periods of time (i.e. fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, one hour, two hours, etc.) without reference to the actual time of the day or to any specific minute or hour of the day. Thus, users need never convert to actual time the length of a period to be timed nor set the device to local time prior to use. The alarm may be set and the timing function initiated with the push of a single button. The device is further operable to provide audible feedback in the form of human speech regarding its operation and operative mode. Additionally, the device allows for the recording of a short message to be played in lieu of an alarm tone at the end of the timed period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: WC Man Productions
    Inventor: Wade C. Klosterman