Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for a timing device. The timing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes a material selected such that an electrodeposit forms on the first electrode when a current is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. A measurable electrical characteristic of the timing device is indicative of a time-dependent degree of growth of the electrodeposit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A timing device comprises an electrochemical timing structure and a mechanism that enables the timing device to be manually programmed to expire at a plurality of different time periods. In some embodiments, the mechanism is used to adjust the timing device to add a duration of time to an expiration time of the timing device. Alternatively the mechanism is used in order to subtract a duration of time from an expiration time of the timing device.

Abstract: A device for controlling, detecting, and measuring a molecular complex is disclosed. The device comprises a common electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of measurement cells. Each measurement cell includes a cell electrode and an integrator electronically coupled to the cell electrode. The integrator measures the current flowing between the common electrode and the cell electrode. The device further comprises a plurality of analog-to-digital converters, wherein an integrator from the plurality of measurement cells is electrically coupled to one analog-to-digital converter of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A timing device comprises a sensing material and/or a component which is sensitive to the presence of an environmental attribute. The environmental attribute drives and speeds up or slows the timing device as the concentration of the attribute increases or decreases, respectively. Alternatively, the timing device is activated upon sensing the presence of the environmental attribute and indicates a total passage of time from exposure/activation of the timing device. Particularly, sensing materials of varying types are able to be used to indicate exposure to a variety of substances. For example, in some embodiments, the timing device comprises a sensing material which is sensitive to the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Alternatively, the sensing material is sensitive to other variables such as x-ray radiation and nuclear radiation. In further embodiments, the sensing material is sensitive to biological or physical contamination.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode trace structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode trace structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a temperature dependent resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode trace structures.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode trace structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode trace structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a temperature dependent resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode trace structures.

Abstract: A timing device that includes an anode layer, a cathode layer and an electrolyte attached to a base layer. The anode layer and the cathode layer are placed adjacent to one another along an axis of the timing device. Upon activation of the timing device the anode layer is depleted away from the cathode layer until the timing device is fully expired. Once the timing device is expired, a change is seen indicating that the timing device has expired. In some embodiments, a color change indicates that the timing device has expired. In some embodiments, as the timing device expires electronically readable information is uncovered.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating a passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention has a grid array architecture. The grid array architecture includes an electrode structure with an anode layer, a cathode layer and a thermistor layer. The anode layer and the thermistor layer are electrically coupled through a plurality of cathode line structures. In operation the timing device is actuated through a suitable mechanism to initiate depletion of the anode layer and, thereby, indicate a passage of a duration time. As the anode layer depletes, sequential cathode line structures are exposed and the thermistor layer acts as a variable resistor through a plurality of exposed cathode line structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical timer device (110) having a source (101) and a drain (102) contact. The device further comprises a switch channel (104) and a delay reservoir (103) that are electrochemically interconnected with a gate electrode (105). The switch channel (104) interconnects the source (101) and drain (102) contacts and is arranged to change electrical conductivity upon electrochemistry therein, and an electrochemical reaction is arranged to occur in the gate electrode (105) and delay reservoir (103) upon application of a drive voltage there between. The delay reservoir (103) is arranged such that the electrochemical reaction occurring therein gradually moves towards the switch channel (104) and eventually reaches the switch channel (104) after a delay time thereby changing the electrical conductivity of the switch channel (104).

Abstract: A method and apparatus of defining a time interval includes providing a source of ionizing radiation that radiates emissions thereof; placing a radiation sensitive display material responsive to ionizing radiation in a close proximity relationship to the source of ionizing radiation whereby the radiated emissions of the source strike the radiation sensitive display material, thereby commencing a time interval; and, measuring changes in characteristics of the radiation sensitive display material that are indicative of the elapsed time.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device in accordance with the embodiments of the invention comprises an electrochemical component that generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage a duration of time. The electrochemical component preferably comprises two or more electrode structures that sandwich a suitable solid-state electrolyte. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a timing device comprises an electrochemical component with an indicating electrolyte and an indicating layer that absorbs or reacts with the indicating electrolyte when an electrode material is depleted, providing a visual indication of the passage of a duration time.

Abstract: A time indicator assembly including a front part and a back part is disclosed that can easily pass through a printer. The time indicator assembly includes a base substrate forming at least part of the back part having a first surface and a second surface extending between edges. A migrating ink is applied over a portion of the first surface of the base substrate, and a release sheet overlies the migrating ink to prevent migration of the migrating ink toward the front part. In one embodiment, an adhesive is applied over the release sheet and onto the base substrate adjacent at least two of the base substrate edges. The adhesive joins a cover substrate forming at least part of the front part to the base substrate over at least a portion of the release sheet and along the at least two of the base substrate edges. Upon removal of the release sheet, the migrating ink migrates through the adhesive to form an image in the cover substrate.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a plurality of printed and activated time dependent labels. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a web having a plurality of inked substrates thereon. Each substrate has a migrating ink pattern printed on a surface of the substrate. A transfer printer is provided that has a first ribbon means for applying a timing layer through which the migrating ink bleeds after a predetermined period of time. A second ribbon means is provided for printing variable data. The web of inked substrates is continuously fed through the printer, each inked substrate passing sequentially under the first ribbon means and then the second ribbon means. The first ribbon means is activated to apply the timing layer to a portion of the printed surface of each inked substrate thereunder to produce a coated substrate.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for measuring a duration at or above a predetermined temperature, such as a solder reflow temperature, are disclosed. The instrument includes a capillary tube and an indicator material that is solid at temperatures below the predetermined temperature and a liquid that will move into and through the capillary tube at and above the predetermined temperature. In the method according to the invention, an instrument according to the invention is heated, then cooled. The amount of indicator material in the capillary tube indicates how much time the instrument spent at temperatures at or above the predetermined temperature. The instrument and method are useful, for instance, for indicating the length of time an integrated circuit package is at or above a solder reflow temperature during manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A process for producing or packing an item with a limited period of use or interest, e.g. a regularly issued periodical or foodstuffs to be consumed within a limited time, in which the consumer item or its packaging is fitted by adhesive means or other means of attachment with a timer having an indication which, close to the time of the production of the consumer item (2), especially at the time of securing to the consumer item or its packing, is set and/or otherwise configured to synchronize its indicator with the actual time, and consumer items produced by the process.

Abstract: A temperature indicating label includes a rectangular, insulative panel scribed on its faces with intersecting grooves in which electrodes of a galvanic reaction are bedded. One of the electrode sets is consumed in the course of electrolytic reaction and when consumed will expose the electrolyte admixed with a dye. A switching circuit selectively steps in sequence across the consummable electrodes while another portion of the circuit selects the other electrodes in accordance with temperature.

Abstract: An electrochemical time switching device comprising a hollow body (1). The hollow body (1) is filled with a liquid electrolyte (12), in which a disintegrable anode (11) and a cathode (8) are arranged, between which a charge flows through the electrolyte (12) when a voltage is applied between the anode connection (6) and the cathode connection (7). An elastic sleeve (9) is arranged in the hollow body (1) between the anode connection (6) and the anode (11) and this sleeve encloses an electrical lead-in wire (10) interconnecting the anode connection (6) and the anode (11). The cross-section of the lead-in wire (10) is smaller than the cross-section of the anode (11) and its length is smaller than the length of the relieved sleeve (9).

Abstract: A meter for integrating the operating time of a steam trap including an integrating instrument consisting of a transparent vessel containing an electrolyte between two columns of mercury across which a DC voltage may be applied and a thermocouple including a hot junction and a cold junction connected to said instrument, wherein temperatures sensed by the hot junction causes displacement of the mercury and movement of the electrolyte in order to provide an indication of changes in temperature in a steam trap assembly.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating when recalibration of an electrical sensor is necessary includes an analog driving circuit adapted to be coupled to the sensor, and an analog indicating device coupled to the analog driving circuit for indicating when the sensor should be recalibrated. The analog driving circuit provides a signal proportional to the current received from the electrical circuit. The indicating device is responsive to the output from the analog driving circuit and provides an output which is a function of both the sensor output and the elapsed time that the sensor has been operated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device which when connected to a storage battery of a type which is a prime power source, such as a lead acid storage battery, measures the open circuit voltage condition of the battery to give a reading in increments of time of the remaining useful life of the battery for a given use up to the point of full discharge of the battery.

Abstract: A time-lapse indicator in which a receptacle contains a fluid material having numerous discrete particles dispersed in a liquid carrier, and a layer of absorbent material in close proximity to the receptacle, the receptacle and absorbent material being separated from one another by a wall which is broken when the time period is to be determined by the indicator. The indicator normally has a pair of electrodes for measuring the resistance of the fluid material after a portion of the liquid carrier has been absorbed therefrom in the absorbent material. Mechanisms for both activating and reading the indicator may be used.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator is constructed to operate by electrophoresis wherein light colored particles suspended in an organic liquid are caused to move in a tube device by applied electric fields. The movement of the colored particles results in a visible color bar being indicative of the transit time of the particle, and providing an indication of elapsed time. Reversal of the polarity on the device results in its reuse.