Including Alarm Means Patents (Class 368/109)
  • Patent number: 6898155
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Can-Tron
    Inventor: Cary A. Norman
  • Patent number: 6839305
    Abstract: A habit cessation aide includes a timer to determine the interval between starting a habitual act, a display for displaying messages in operative connection to the timer, and a strap for securing to a user's body. A widely held habit is smoking, for which the illustrated embodiment is directed towards. The habit cessation device also includes an alarm, which may be auditory, vibratory, or a combination. As shown, the device is in the form of a wristwatch and also functions as a standard wristwatch and includes features such as calculating and displaying items including at least time, date, and elapsed time. Depending upon the frequency of cigarette smoking, signaled by the push of a specialized button, different messages are displayed, such as encouraging, statistical or informational, to help the user quit the habit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: Neil Perlman, Daniel Mapes-Riordan
  • Patent number: 6831878
    Abstract: An electronic device capable of counting down to an integral time point has an integral time point selector for setting an integral time point. A timer serves for recording the current time. A synchronous calculating unit serves for reading the integral time point from the integral time point selector and reading the current time from the timer. The time interval from the current time to the integral time point is calculated as a counting down time period. A counter serves for reading the counting down time interval from the synchronous calculating unit and starting to count down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Kinpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Chen, Chuan Wang Chang
  • Patent number: 6817192
    Abstract: A food storage monitoring system device comprising a battery powered digital timer device having an LCD digital readout describing the elapsed days and hours per day, and a reset button to reset the timer. A magnet is permanently attached to the timer device, and removably attached to a ferromagnetic catch having a double sided adhesive tape attached to one face for attaching the catch to a food storage container. A set of devices can be stored on a refrigerator or freezer door. The catch is adhesively attached to a food storage container, and the timer device is magnetically attached to the catch with the timer device started. Upon retrieving the food container and emptying its contents, the timer device and the first magnet portion is returned to the refrigerator or freezer door, and the empty container and the attached catch can be washed in a dishwasher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventors: Ralph A. Ector, Jr., Lisa Ector
  • Patent number: 6816442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Stephen M. Heiman, Martin J. Dowling
  • Patent number: 6795375
    Abstract: A programmable electronic timer for measuring time based on linear or non-linear programmable functions comprising a display, a button keyboard pad, an electronic memory that contains the function definition and function parameters for each section of time, an electronic clock that generates equally spaced impulses, an arithmetric logical computation unit that converts equally spaced time impulses from the clock to linearly or non-linearly spaced time impulses, based on functions stored in memory, that are feed to the logical unit for transformation, and a start/stop button that switches modes from input mode to running mode and back. A preferred embodiment includes a watch-like or a calculator-like body which can be programmed to help pace student efforts during a exams such as the SAT by displaying the current section number, the time within sections, and the question number that the student should be concentrating on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Dan Streja
  • Patent number: 6795376
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas B. Quine
  • Publication number: 20040156271
    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: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Dirk de Brito
  • Publication number: 20030227827
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent time-metering card for the charging of public street parking, which consists mainly of a real-time clock controlled by a microcontroller, and a memory for storing the time control data, a display that can be luminous to report credit time to the user and inspectors by means of encoded lights. The device can sense violations to its components and includes an expiry time control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Inventors: Luis E. Elizalde, Jorge C. Pichardo, Jaime G. Morton
  • Patent number: 6603711
    Abstract: A timekeeping system comprising one or more portable timekeeping devices, each portable timekeeping device being configured to start, stop and otherwise control a remote timer adapted to maintain an official time and optionally at least one other time, such as a game clock. Each portable timekeeping device includes a wireless transmitter and a triggering member, activation of the triggering member actuates a wireless signal which is sent to the remote timer in order to stop the official time. The timekeeping system also can include two-way communication between the remote timer and each portable timekeeping device. The two-way communication enables the official time and any other times being maintained by the remote timer to be displayed on each portable device. The portable timekeeping device and system is designed primarily for use with sporting events, particularly, but not limited to, hockey, football and basketball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Calace
  • Publication number: 20030123330
    Abstract: An event timer having an adaptable interval for potty training for children is presented, comprising an adaptable timer for cumulatively adapting timing intervals to the needs of a particular child in response to input of potty training events. The event timer includes an input with buttons for providing user input to the adaptable timer indicating the occurrence of a potty training event. An output is connected with the adaptable timer for signaling the expiration of a timing interval, whereby the user input is used by the timer to adjust timing intervals based on the frequency of the occurrence of the event to more closely approximate the frequency of the occurrence of the event. The event timer is preferably in the form of a watch. A time period is divided into partitions, which serve as bins for cumulatively averaging the occurrence of timing events to develop timing intervals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Susie L. Carter, Dwayne S. Carter
  • Patent number: 6545592
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventor: Steven L. Weiner
  • Publication number: 20030058744
    Abstract: A timekeeping system comprising one or more portable timekeeping devices, each portable timekeeping device being configured to start, stop and otherwise control a remote timer adapted to maintain an official time and optionally at least one other time, such as a game clock. Each portable timekeeping device includes a wireless transmitter and a triggering member, activation of the triggering member actuates a wireless signal which is sent to the remote timer in order to stop the official time. The timekeeping system also can include two-way communication between the remote timer and each portable timekeeping device. The two-way communication enables the official time and any other times being maintained by the remote timer to be displayed on each portable device. The portable timekeeping device and system is designed primarily for use with sporting events, particularly, but not limited to, hockey, football and basketball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Calace
  • Publication number: 20030043026
    Abstract: A construction for holding medication includes a container with at least one compartment having a storage interior and a control device held by the container. The control device includes a timer and an alarm construction. The time activates the alarm construction at a select time interval. The timer includes a rotatable dial, in which the rotatable dial is selectively movable to indicate the selected time interval. The container includes a surrounding side wall and a base. The wall is secured to the base that is spaced no more than a few millimeters from the base to define a storage groove therebetween. The storage groove may contain a sheet of paper with medication identification and instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: Terrance O. Noble, Robert N. Priebe
  • Publication number: 20020181336
    Abstract: In accordance the embodiments of the present invention there is provided an alarm apparatus for transmitting an alarm tone to a user at a predetermined time so as not to disturb other persons in the nearby vicinity. The timer alarm apparatus comprises a timer set assembly and an alarm assembly configured to be disposable in the user's auditory passage. The alarm assembly includes a timing circuit, a power source, and an alarm tone generation assembly. The alarm assembly may be configured to form an earplug, an ear clip, or be incorporated into various types of hearing assist devices. The alarm assembly may be provided with an alarm set indicator and volume adjusting structure. The timer set assembly may include a time of day readout, set controls for hour, minute, time set, and optionally volume. The timer set assembly may resemble a small portable device capable of being carried by the user in a purse or pocket. The timer set assembly may also take the form of an alarm clock or alarm clock radio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Donald Michael Shields
  • Patent number: 6483782
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for automatically playing a recorded message, from a uniquely formatted encrypted CD, correlated to a specific date and a time of day as an option on a CD clock radio or the like. Disclosed are means for distinguishing the unique CD format and thereafter following a prescribed process for decrypting and playing. Otherwise all device functions and options operate in their conventional modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Bowman Steinbach
  • Patent number: 6441722
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Steven L. Weiner
  • Publication number: 20020114223
    Abstract: A habit cessation aide includes a timer to determine the interval between starting a habitual act, a display for displaying messages in operative connection to the timer, and a strap for securing to a user's body. A widely held habit is smoking, for which the illustrated embodiment is directed towards. The habit cessation device also includes an alarm, which may be auditory, vibratory, or a combination. As shown, the device is in the form of a wristwatch and also functions as a standard wristwatch and includes features such as calculating and displaying items including at least time, date, and elapsed time. Depending upon the frequency of cigarette smoking, signaled by the push of a specialized button, different messages are displayed, such as encouraging, statistical or informational, to help the user quit the habit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Neil Perlman, Daniel Mapes-Riordan
  • Patent number: 6426702
    Abstract: A device is provided for alerting a driver of an automotive vehicle as to the onset of fatigue, characterized by eyelid droop, head droop and a like condition wherein the eyes of the driver are not directed straight ahead onto the road. The device includes a unit adapted to be affixed to the sun visor of the automotive vehicle so as to be located at the upper periphery of the field of vision of the driver. The unit includes a light element, preferably a red light emitting diode (LED), viewable by the driver in the periphery of the field of vision of the driver. A control circuit controls the LED so as to provide illumination thereof after a predetermined time interval. A driver controlled pushbutton controller connected to the control circuit provides initial energization of the LED while a reset pushbutton provides resetting of the time interval upon depression thereof by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas W. Young, Frazier R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6324123
    Abstract: A medication timer for tracking when medication is to be taken. The medication timer includes a bottle for housing the medication. The bottle has an open end which has a lip. The lip has threads formed thereon. A first cap for removably closing the bottle has a first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are generally annular. The first and second portions each has an interior threaded surface. A timer for tracking medication use has a top wall, a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall extending therebetween. The peripheral side wall has threads thereon. The peripheral side wall has a plurality of bores therein. Control circuitry is fixedly mounted in an interior of the timer. The control circuitry is adapted for tracking elapsing time, and adapted for activation of an alarm. A display for displaying information from the control circuitry is mounted on the control circuitry. The display is operationally coupled to the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Inventor: Chris M. Durso
  • Patent number: 6317390
    Abstract: A timed medication container for sounding an alarm when medication needs to be taken. The timed medication container includes a bottle for housing medication. A cap for removably closing the bottle has a top wall. The top wall has a top surface. Control circuitry is fixedly mounted in the top wall of the cap. The control circuitry is adapted for tracking elapsing time, subtraction, and activation of an alarm. The control circuitry comprises a microprocessor. A display displays information from the control circuitry. The display is mounted on the control circuitry. A surface of the display is generally flush with the top surface of the top wall. The display is operationally coupled to the control circuitry. A plurality of bores is in the top wall of the cap. A button for programming the control circuitry is in each of the bores in the cap. Each of the buttons is fixedly coupled to the control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew Cardoza
  • Patent number: 6314384
    Abstract: A portable system for reminding a patient and keeping track of the prescription and use of medications. The system comprises a portable unit and a software application program loaded in a PC-type computer. The portable unit consists mainly of a compact portable housing which contains an LCD display; audible alerts; pushbutton controls; battery power; and electronic circuitry to receive, store and display data. The portable unit can be programmed with dosage information regarding the particular medication, track when a particular medication has been taken, and sound an alarm when time to take another dose. The portable unit also checks for contraindications and warns of adverse reactions the patient would have with a particular drug or if a particular drug cannot be mixed with another drug presently being taken by the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gerald E. Goetz
  • Publication number: 20010036129
    Abstract: An expiration timer device designed to provide information regarding the passage of time with respect to foodstuffs within an attached container. The device is a timing and display system which, when activated, monitors the passage of time and presents this information to the user to enhance their ability to determine the quality of foodstuffs within the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond Alan Carr
  • Publication number: 20010022758
    Abstract: An apparatus for storing, dispensing and alerting a patient when to take a prescribed medication is provided having a housing in the form of a pager for enclosing a plurality of medication compartments stored therein. Each of the compartments houses a plurality of different medications usually in pill or tablet form. Each modular compartment is separated by one or more removable dividers that allow the user to alter the size and orientation of each compartment. The apparatus further contains an information screen for giving the patient vital information about what medication to take, how to access the appropriate compartment, and when to take it. Special alarms prevent the patient from taking the wrong medication at un-prescribed times. Programming buttons allow the apparatus to be programmed to that patient's specific medicinal needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: David H. Howard
  • Patent number: 6229431
    Abstract: A medication reminder device having a cap unit with a timer dial for selecting a period between alarm signals and a central start and reset button with a light, the cap unit having internal electronics with a power supply to generate an alarm signal that is preferably visible, using the button light, audio, using a sound generating circuit, and physical, using a vibrator mechanism, the cap unit being connected to a compact container with a compartment for storage of pills, the compact container having an adaptor cap for connecting the assembled device to a standard prescription container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Steven L. Weiner
  • Patent number: 6212135
    Abstract: A device for assisting an individual participating in a focused breathing session consisting of at least one respiration cycle. The device produces a first sensory cue which corresponds to the exhalation phase of the respiratory cycle and a second sensory cue which corresponds to the inhalation phase of the respiratory cycle. The first and second sensory cues are repeatedly produced by the device at a specific rate over the duration of the focused breathing session as selected by the individual or in accordance with a predetermined program. In one embodiment of the device, the sensory cues are visually produced by a light projecting sphere. In another embodiment, the sensory cues are audible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Inventor: Simeon B. Schreiber
  • Patent number: 6144620
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an athletic activity and, more particularly, to an apparatus for facilitating the refereeing of an American football game is configured to be worn on either hand of the user and to be operated thereby, and is advantageously constructed to not interfere with movement of the hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Thomas dePoortere
  • Patent number: 6122227
    Abstract: A timer is made up of a base unit and an operation unit. The base unit is composed of a support body, a disk, and a core located between the support body and the disk. The disk is provided with a retaining ring having an indentation, and a timing scale. The core has a rotary shaft extending toward the disk. The operation unit consists of a lower housing, an upper housing, an action member, and an elastic member. The upper housing has a cylindrical portion provided with a sliding portion and a shaft fastening portion. The shaft fastening portion is provided with an axial hole in which the rotary shaft of the core of the base unit is retained. The upper housing is disposed on the lower housing and provided with a pointer corresponding in location to the scale of the disk of the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Chu-Rong Kuo
  • Patent number: 6114960
    Abstract: In electronic devices containing microprocessors, including data processing systems, logic is loaded to storage registers within a microprocessor or other suitable non-volatile storage medium during the manufacturing process. The logic provides for detecting the presence of a battery employed to power an interval timer. Also, the logic provides pre-set time intervals that operate in conjunction with the interval timer and existing or installed device state sensing devices. One time interval provides a warning to a user that the protected device will be deactivated within a specified period of time if a preset authorization code is not entered into the device. Another interval is provided to carry out deactivation if the preset code is not entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Richard Joseph Gilmour
  • Patent number: 6107911
    Abstract: A self-contained programmable time interval alarm device that has a plurality of switches or buttons to set the alarm interval. Depending on the mode of the device, each button corresponds either to a day of the week or a numeral representing a particular time digit or number of dosages for a given time interval. In this manner, the alarm is simply programmable by actuating a sequence of buttons corresponding to the desired interval. The alarm device has a housing to which is attached a clamp supplied with jaws, into which containers of different dimensions can be clamped and held. The jaws move from a relaxed position to an expanded position and finally to a biased position as the medication container is pushed between free ends of the jaws and then pushed to enter a grasping space between the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Stephen C. Perrone
  • Patent number: 6104674
    Abstract: A timer has as at least two timing intervals, at least one of which is switchable between different preset intervals by the user, between which tasks are to be performed by a user. Upon the expiration of each timing interval, the user is alerted that a task is to be performed. A display panel indicates the number of days remaining in one of the timing cycles and may temporarily be switched to indicate the number of days remaining in the other timing interval. A particular use for the timer of this invention is to remind a user to service a humidifier. Another particular use is to remind a user of chores to be performed to maintain indoor or outdoor plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventors: Michael J. Emoff, Thomas L. Emoff
  • Patent number: 6072751
    Abstract: An athletic training device includes a main control unit coupled to one or more finish line units via a communication link. The main control unit arranged to provide a pre-race start signal and a race start signal simulating an actual race event starting condition. The main control unit further arranged to time the race events, to determine reaction times and to measure weather and/or atmospheric conditions and to store all these as training statistics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventors: Allan M. Kirson, Gerald M. Crimmins
  • Patent number: 6060980
    Abstract: A thin appointment timer that can be easily incorporated with the user's organizer ensemble. It includes a housing, a keypad assembly, an indicator assembly, an electronic assembly, and an alarm system. The housing supports the keypad assembly. The keypad assembly includes a touch sensitive membrane with a plurality of depressible keys, each key representing a pre-programmed particular time that may be selected by pressing it's associated key. The indicator assembly is supported by the housing and includes at least one circular portion having a plurality of illuminatable regions which are presented thereon as spaced clock positions. Each position corresponds to a pre-programmed time and is illuminatable in response to the depression of a depressible key. The electronics assembly is contained within the housing and is in electrical communication with the keypad assembly and the indicator assembly. The alarm system is also supported by the housing and is a portion of the electronics assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: Mark A. Bedol
  • Patent number: 5990782
    Abstract: An electronic pillbox includes a plurality of compartments for storing different medications, an LCD-based user interface for interacting with a user, and a software-programmable electronic computer for controlling the administration functions of the pillbox. The pillbox may also include a battery and one or more types of alarms. Using the user interface, a user can schedule a multiple drug therapy by inputting sleeping pattern data and a dosage amount for a particular compartment. The computer automatically calculates the dosage schedule based on this information, and automatically recalculates the schedule if this information is altered by the user. A visual indicator on the user interface is illuminated when a particular medication is to be taken, and at the same time an audible and/or mechanical alarm may be activated. The combination of the visual and audible or mechanical alarms ensures that the correct medication is administered according to the programmed schedule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Hago Limited
    Inventor: Simon Lee
  • Patent number: 5929747
    Abstract: Devices and methods to simply prompt and record medical events provide improved medical treatment devices and methods. A hand-held electronic device can prompt patients regarding and train patients in a medical event. Physicians or other health care workers can program pre-determined time intervals for scheduled medical events into the device. An alarm can prompt the patients regarding the scheduled medical events at the pre-determined time intervals. Patients can enter scheduled and non-scheduled medical events into the device. The health care workers can access this information from the device directly or the information can be downloaded to an office personal computer for permanent recording in the patient's chart. In another embodiment, the device can determine a compliance rate based upon the occurrence of the medical events. This compliance rate can be compared with a pre-determined target rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: UroSurge, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Rosenblatt, Michael J. Magliochetti
  • Patent number: 5894271
    Abstract: A wafer-like alert unit is disclosed which is affixed to a body surface in a private and discrete manner and provides a private or silent stimulus such as a vibrational signal to the user at selected time intervals to remind the user to flex adjacent muscle groups or to perform isometric exercise. The alert unit is designed to be worn imperceptibly to the public and provide a private and discrete way to maintain an exercise regimen without any wires or bulky control boxes. The alert unit is mounted directly to the body using adhesive or alternatively fitted in a self-adhesive pouch or pocket which is then secured to the body. The alert unit may also be inserted into a fabric pouch that is sewn into an undergarment which is then worn in the normal manner. The alert unit includes a power source such as a battery, a motor which creates a vibrational signal, a power switch, a timer, and means for inputting variable interval settings to allow the user to tailor his or her exercise regimen as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Lee Namisniak
  • Patent number: 5861818
    Abstract: A radio paging selective receiver determines that a received message is unread based on the time difference between the message reception time and the current time being larger that some predetermined value of time, and the paging selective receiver provides an indication of the unread message by displaying the reception time of the unread message in a second fashion which is visibly different from a first fashion normally used to display the current time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Michihito Ohtsuki
  • Patent number: 5740548
    Abstract: A driver safety parameter display apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a housing assembly and a timer assembly for recording time data for time of operation of the motor vehicle. A computer processor assembly is electrically connected to the timer assembly for receiving time data signals from the timer assembly. An array of individual illumination assemblies is supported by the housing assembly and is visible from outside the housing assembly. The illumination assemblies are electrically connected to the computer processor assembly for indicating sequentially and cumulatively an accumulation of time of operation of the motor vehicle. A connector assembly is provided for mechanically connecting the housing assembly to an outside surface of the motor vehicle. The array of illumination assemblies includes nine illumination assemblies arranged in a matrix of three rows and three columns and includes a tenth illumination assembly placed aside the matrix of illumination assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Larry Mabry Hudgens
  • Patent number: 5559495
    Abstract: A sleep-preventing alarm including timer circuitry for selectively transmitting a periodic indicator signal upon completion of a characteristic time interval in one of a number of modes of operation; a lamp for transmitting a visual alert upon receipt of a lamp indication signal; a speaker for transmitting an audible alert upon receipt of a speaker activation signal; indicator circuitry coupled to the timer circuitry, the speaker, and the lamp and with the indicator circuitry generating both a periodic lamp indication signal for a pre-determined amount of time and a periodic speaker activation signal for a pre-determined amount of time upon receipt of the indicator signal from the timer circuitry; keypad circuitry for placing the timing circuitry in one of the modes of operation; and a power cable for providing electrical energy to the circuitry for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventor: Danny M. Cochran
  • Patent number: 5442600
    Abstract: A timer device utilized both as an individual snooze-timer and in a conventional alarm clock having a snooze mode which allows for the selection of an uninterrupted snooze time period. The length of the snooze time period is selected by the user and is preferably up to 90 minutes. The individual snooze-timer device includes a housing having a display unit and a button-type switch, a central processing unit, a clock, and a memory. Preferably, the central processing unit, clock and memory are contained in a single microprocessor chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: Thomas H. Kutosky
  • Patent number: 5365496
    Abstract: A device for time conditioning children. The device comprises an alarm circuit for producing an alarm signal, an alarm timer for timing an alarm interval and activating the alarm circuit, and an alarm pre-set for providing a user with means to adjust the alarm interval. Additionally, the device comprises an offset timer for timing a delay interval and activating the alarm circuit and a delay pre-set for providing a user with means to adjust the alarm interval. An event switch switches between the alarm timer and the off-set timer and is operated by an event switch control. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises animation circuitry having a central processor unit (CPU), a library of children's stories in memory, and a speech circuit for broadcasting a children's story. This embodiment may also comprise a housing designed to resemble a playful children's character.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Inventor: Kathleen R. Tolan-Samilow
  • Patent number: 5313439
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive, preferably disposable, medication package which is capable of reminding a user when it is time to take the medication. In one embodiment the package is an ordinary medicine bottle with the cap modified so as to include a timer, a battery, a buzzer or display light and a means for closing a circuit. When the cap is closed, the circuit is automatically closed through contact with a conducting material on the upper edge of the bottle. In another embodiment, the container is of the foil pack variety. A receptacle is provided. When the foil pack is inserted into the receptacle, the circuit is closed energizing the timer and related mechanisms. In a third embodiment, the container is again of the foil pack variety where the foil has a suitable resistivity. No receptacle is included. Rather, the timer mechanism is activated through the sensing of a resistance change as the foil is ruptures whenever each of the pills is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Dan Albeck
  • Patent number: 5289157
    Abstract: A portable electronic alarm device containing a plurality of compartments for storing a limited supply of medications and indicating when a medicine should be taken according to a predetermined schedule. The device also records the times that alarms sound and the times that they were acknowledged. The user can review the recorded times to determine compliance with the schedule. Additionally, a base station is provided to support the device, store larger supplies of medicine, and provide amplified alarms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Vitafit International, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur G. Rudick, Michael Mahle
  • Patent number: 5276660
    Abstract: A timing system for providing consistent tow times in waterskiing competition by determining the position of the tow vehicle on the course relative a reference time and method of use are disclosed. The timing system includes timing means for indicating intermediate elapsed reference times that a tow vehicle would have if it was completing the course within the required time and speed tolerences, acutating means, electrically connected to the timer, for synchronizing the start of the timer with the entry of the vehicle on the course, and a communicator, electrically connected to the timer, to provides cues to the operator for comparison with the tow vehicle's actual position on the course. Methods for determining the position of the tow vehicle are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Richard D. Lee
  • Patent number: 5216641
    Abstract: An indicating device having an indicator and a face which depicts an activity path such as the representation of a golf course. The indicator and path move relative to one another at a prescribed rate. By referring to the device, the user can determine the proper prescribed location after an elapsed time. The device will assist golfers and others in maintaining a desired rate of progress. The device may have an auxiliary timer. The activity path may be arranged in a circular or linear fashion. In an alternate embodiment, the device has a digital display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Inventor: Richard K. Hoel
  • Patent number: 5119346
    Abstract: A portable timing and alarm apparatus for alerting a child that a pre-set interval of time for playing or for observing a pre-arranged response has expired. An audible alarm signals the wearer of the apparatus that the time interval has expired. The length of the time interval is adjustable by use of a key to prevent tampering by the child. In one embodiment, the key is engaged by inserting the apparatus into a module which simultaneously allows two spaced enabling pins to engage mating switches on the apparatus that, when triggered, allow time setting adjustment thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Assignee: Deborah J. Henderson
    Inventors: Deborah J. Henderson, Donald L. Rohrs
  • Patent number: 5107469
    Abstract: A low-power programmable alarm clock system is provided for use with microprocessor-based reflectance photometer systems for generating an alarm control signal at pre-programmed alarm activation times. The system utilizes an alarm clock circuit which includes means for storing a count value corresponding to the number of predefined time periods existing between a given instantaneous time and a pre-programmed alarm activation time, means for generating a signal corresponding to the passage of each of said predefined time periods and using the generator signal to increment the stored count value each time the predefined time period has elapsed, and means for generating an alarm activation signal when the stored count value has been incremented to a predefined activation value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Miles Inc.
    Inventor: Neil A. Dodson
  • Patent number: 5058086
    Abstract: A timing apparatus for giving an indication of the passage of a preselected time interval, which timing apparatus consists of a body to be supported on a surface, a timer mechanism on the body including a trigger that is movable between a) a set position and b) a return position, structure on the timing mechanism for moving the trigger from its set position to its return position within a preselected time interval, and structure for repositioning the body relative to a support surface for the body as an incident of the trigger moving from its set position into its return position, with the body in an operative position on a support surface for the body, to give a visual indication of the passage of the preselected time interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Rapid Mounting and Finishing Company, Cadaco Division
    Inventor: Gordon A. Barlow
  • Patent number: 5050141
    Abstract: A multimode electronic timepiece has an electroptic display, an alarm, several pushbuttons and an integrated circuit programmed to keep time. Several timepiece operating modes include a pace mode, wherein audible periodic beeping sounds are produced by the alarm which correspond to the value of a preselected pace of an operator. A first manual actuation of a pushbutton commences a timing event, and second manual actuation of the pushbutton terminates the timing event. An internal program alters the preselected pace and stores an altered pace in response to the time elapsed between first and second actuation of the pushbutton. The program displays the altered pace and causes the alarm to beep at a rate equivalent to the altered pace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Timex Corporation
    Inventor: Tom Thinesen
  • Patent number: 5008839
    Abstract: A sports training apparatus for injecting actual game timing into team practice includes a portable housing having an on/off switch, a skill level selection switch, an area selector switch for selecting position areas for practice, and two time sequence initiator switches. A light and a horn are attached to the housing for signaling a running of a time sequence, and the end of the time sequence, respectively. A programmable controller is mounted in the housing and connected to the above mentioned switches and light and horn. For baseball, the programmable controller is programmed with up to 29 speed time sequences including those for infielder, outfielder, and steal position areas for pre-high school, high school, college, and professional skill levels. For the infielders and outfielders each are provided two time sequences for practicing plays as follows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1991
    Inventors: John D. Goodwin, Samuel D. Goodwin, Wilford House, James Farrar