Abstract: A defrost or thaw measuring device has a dumbbell or hourglass-shaped rotatable compartment with a cavity, the cavity being partly filled with at least two phase change materials having different melting points. The measuring device may determine the time period of thawing at two or more temperature intervals in the refrigeration space.

Abstract: A combined toothpaste tube and additional item (e.g., a medicine package) holder includes a body having a base and first and second walls extending upwards, in parallel, from the base forming a slot in communication with a channel. Top edges of the walls flare outwards away from each other to form resilient, convex tube compression members that face each other within the slot. A key having a handle and a shaft is provided within the channel to wind a bottom end of a collapsible tube of toothpaste disposed between the compression members within the slot. As the handle of the key is rotated, the bottom end of the tube is wound onto the shaft allowing the compression members to engage the outer surface of the tube to dispense toothpaste from the top opening of the tube. At least one spring clip is attached to the base of the holder for retaining and displaying an item, such as a medicine package.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for dispensing a measured quantity of liquid product from a container. The apparatus includes a pour chamber and a density timer. The density timer is engaged with the pour chamber. The density timer includes a reservoir containing a timing liquid and a timing element. The timing element is visible from outside the reservoir. One or more dosing indicia are on or adjacent the reservoir.

Abstract: An electronic interval timer in a regular dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by orienting the timer so that the face with the time desired is uppermost. The timer is free of buttons, switches, and electronic displays. It is sealed for ruggedness and water-resistance, and free of a battery door. Detection of motion, taps, and orientation is via an accelerometer and a processor; it is free of mechanical motion and orientation switches. The timer indicates start and end of set time intervals with speech announcements or tones. Two time intervals may run concurrently by orienting the timer to a second time. The timer may be programmed via an orientation sequence. Taps may be used to request a time remaining announcement or to set volume. Functions include a stopwatch. Shells have seam lines on polyhedral edges and pin-and-socket connections for strength. A molded air-gap provides for pressure equalization while maintaining water resistance.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.

Abstract: A timing device for indicating the passage of a duration of time is disclosed. The timing device and system, in accordance with the embodiments of the invention, comprise an electrochemical component which generates a visual and/or audio indication of the passage of time. The timing device further comprises a compensating element, such as a varistor, a thermistor and/or combinations thereof. The compensating element regulates the response of the device with respect to changes in temperature. The timing device is configured to indicate the passage of a single duration of time or comprises zones that are activated in a range of prescribed times and individually or collectively indicate the passage of time or the passage of a range of times.

Abstract: An electronic interval timer in a dodecahedron case is described. The timer is set by turning uppermost one of 11 faces; and reset by turning uppermost the 12th face. In one embodiment, the timer is free of buttons, knobs, springs, time displays, electronic visual indicators and openings in the case. Time interval completion is announced via audible tones or speech. An aggregate time interval may be set equal to the sum of legends on more than one face. The timer detects carrying such that a running time interval is not modified. The timer may be programmed via a sequence of uppermost sides. Modes may be selected via shaking or tapping. Time remaining may be announced, an interval cleared, or an interval restarted responsive to detected motion. Other polyhedral shapes may be used. Claims include a method of setting a time interval; and specific ordering of face legends.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hourglass timer devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to novelty hourglass timer devices featuring continuous replenishment and variable timing capabilities.

Abstract: A fillable hourglass having a glass component with opening permitting access to the inside of the glass component, a base with a least one opening in communication with the opening of the glass component, and a stopper for selectively opening and closing access to the glass component. The base is preferably formed from two planar members supported in spaced relation by decorative pillars. The stoppers may include decorative enhancements, such as being shaped in the design of a nautical steering wheel. The hourglass may be used as part of wedding sand ceremonies or to hold particular matter related to the wedding ceremony, or as an urn for storing crematory remains of a human or animal.

Abstract: A portable self contained light generating device which is powered by a flow of granular material falling under the influence of gravity to impinge upon and cause a paddle wheel to rotate thereby turning a small generator producing electricity to power one or more light emitting diodes for illumination. The device equipped with a multi-position power/illumination control switch and in some embodiments also provided with a battery providing supplemental power.

Abstract: A clock 1000 of the invention includes a dead-weight body, dead-weight body lifting means 100 for lifting the dead-weight body supplied to a lower position to an upper position, a rotation wheel 210 having, at its periphery, plural reception parts 212 which can hold the dead-weight body, and an escapement mechanism which actuates the rotation wheel intermittently. The dead-weight lifting means includes a drive body 110 provided with a spiral drive surface having a horizontal or inclined axis, and a rotation drive source which rotation-drives the drive body around the axis. The dead-weight lifting means is constructed such that the dead-weight body is driven on the drive surface by rotation of the drive body thereby to be translated from the lower position to the upper position. The dead-weight body lifted by the dead-weight lifting means to the upper position is supplied to the upper reception part, whereby the rotation wheel rotates by the predetermined angle.

Abstract: A mechanical clock has a driving element and a braking element. The braking action of the braking element is based on a hydrostatic gradient of at least one flowable medium. The driving element exerts a first torque on a first shaft extending along a first axis, and the braking element exerts a second torque on the first shaft, with the second torque being opposed to the first torque. The braking element has at least one drum which is rotatable around a second axis and in which the flowable medium is located.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a visual lightning effect includes a first chamber and a second chamber, where a passageway connects the first chamber and the second chamber. An inert gas is provided within the first chamber, the second chamber, and the passageway. A first contact is located external to the first chamber; and a second contact is located external to the second chamber, wherein an electrode provides a charge to the second contact, wherein the charge causes an electrical discharge between the second contact and the first contact via channels provided by fill material located within the second chamber that traverses the passageway to the first chamber, thereby resulting in the brilliant visual lightning effect.

Abstract: An hourglass package includes an hourglass having two ends. An elastic structure is mounted on the two sides of the hourglass, respectively, wherein the elastic structure has a first part at an end surface of the hourglass and second part along a side outer peripheral surface of the hourglass. An outer case is used to adapt the hourglass with the elastic structure.

Abstract: The method of dramatically speeding up the time it takes for sand, mercury, or water, or other like substances to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment of an hour-glass, usually in an hour but not specifically required in this method, entails the use of a premolded clear flexible polymer or any component similar, with the same flexibility properties, molded in the basic shape of an hour-glass, in which one can open the flow canal, which is a hole located in the center of the hour-glass, through the application of applying pressure directly to the above said flexible premolded polymer shape. The process of flexing this premolded form will permit the sand or other like substance to run between the upper and lower compartments of the hour-glass, allowing the above said substances to run through a wider and larger flow canal, from the upper compartment to the lower compartment. Thus, making the hour-glass work more efficiently.

Abstract: An hourglass timepiece that is filled with a plurality of precious or semi-precious stones, such as small uncut diamonds, which are suspended in a silicone compound, such as silicone oil, to prevent scratching of the interior surface of the hourglass as the stones move by gravity from an upper compartment to a lower compartment of the hourglass. The hourglass has similar ends, either of which can be supported by a decorative base that reflects light into the stones to highlight them and compensate for the reflective loss due to the silicone.

Abstract: A flexible state-of-the-art plastic bottle fitted with a sealed tube becomes a dynamic system for dispensing water or other fluid in nearly-uniform quantum amounts, in such a way that the apparatus may be used as (1) a timer, such as for cooking a three-minute egg; (2) a toy for enjoyment or learning how to count, etc.; or (3) a model for teaching differential equations or physics. The device is very simple, on the order of a paper clip.

Abstract: The method of dramatically speeding up the time it takes for sand, mercury, or water, or other like substances to flow from the upper compartment to the lower compartment of an hour-glass, usually in an hour, but not specifically required in this method, entails the use of a premolded flexible clear polymer, or any component similar, with the same flexibility properties, molded in the basic shape of an hour-glass, in which one can open the flow canal, which is a small hole located in the center of the hour-glass, through the application of pressure directly to the the above said flexible premolded polymer shape. The process of flexing this premolded form will permit the sand to run between the upper and lower compartments of the hour-glass, allowing the above said components to run through a wider and larger area, from the upper compartment to the lower compartment. Thus, making the hour-glass work more efficiently.

Abstract: An hourglass timepiece that is filled with a plurality of precious or semi-precious stones, such as small uncut diamonds, which are suspended in a silicone compound, such as silicone oil, to prevent scratching of the interior surface of the hourglass as the stones move by gravity from an upper compartment to a lower compartment of the hourglass. The hourglass has similar ends, either of which can be supported by a decorative base that reflects light into the stones to highlight them and compensate for the reflective loss due to the silicone.

Abstract: An hourglass that includes a mechanism for varying the amount of time measured with the hourglass. The hourglass includes a pair of reservoirs connected a constriction in a conventional manner, and includes a bypass duct that provides fluid communication between the reservoirs.

Abstract: Tooth brushing timer device for presenting an amusing visual representation of the time required for a child to brush his or her teeth. The timer device comprises a housing, a static character face disposed at the front of the housing, and a visual indicator disposed behind the face. The face includes an aperture at the mouth region of the face so that a teeth portion of the visual indicator is visible through the aperture. The teeth portion of the visual indicator is capable of showing a white color for representing clean teeth and a non-white color, such as off-white or yellow, for representing non-clean teeth. Preferably, the visual indicator includes an hour glass timer, a liquid crystal display or a rotary timer. When the timer device is activated, the teeth portion animates a gradual transition from a non-white color to a white color for a predetermined period of time. In addition, the timer device may stand alone or include one or more compartments for bathroom amenities.

Abstract: A color-changing, position-reversible hourglass assembly having two transparent bulbs one above the other and a storage compartment adjacent each bulb, the bulbs and compartments being joined together by a neck. Intercoupling the bulbs and the compartments is a crossover network which passes through the neck to couple each bulb to the compartment adjacent the other bulb. In operation, when one bulb and its adjacent compartment are in an up position and are respectively loaded with sand of different color, then sand of one color appears to trickle from the up bulb into the compartment in the down position while sand of another color appears to trickle from the up compartment into the down bulb. The resultant apparent flow of sand from a higher to a lower level creates the illusion that sand flowing out of the up bulb is undergoing a color transformation as it flows into the down bulb.

Abstract: An elapsed time indicator can easily indicate time periods of over a month, and is extremely versatile, for example being utilizable in a cap of a water bottle. The indicator includes a substantially transparent and substantially straight tube having first and second ends, an interior and an exterior, with a viscous liquid substantially filling the interior of the tube. A visible indicator, such as a polypropylene spherical bead, a magnetite/wax bead, or a fluid immiscible in the viscous liquid, is immersed in the viscous liquid and dimensioned and positioned with respect to the tube so that it can travel from the first to the second end in a known predetermined period of time when the tube is generally vertical. The time it takes for travel may be precisely calculated. The indicator may be held in a stationary position at one end of the tube, e.g. by clamping a flexible tube end, or using a magnet, prior to initial use.

Abstract: A new and improved water saving apparatus having a timing device which may be visually observed by a person for the purpose of timing the length of a shower. The water saving apparatus is adapted to be mounted to the wall of a shower stall and includes finger gripping projection for allowing the timing device to be restarted after a predetermined period of time such as a three minute period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for enhanced viewing of an hour glass structure, wherein an annular table top mounts a transparent plate overlying an hour glass structure. The hour glass structure is pivotally mounted axially of the transparent plate, wherein the plate affords protection to the hour glass structure from debris, dirt, and the like. A digital clock is positioned on the table framework for providing comparative timing relative to the hour glass structure. The organization further includes in a modified configuration, a florescent illumination member mounted to the framework overlying the hour glass member, with the hour glass member further provided with a magnification lens formed in each base portion of each chamber.

Abstract: A one-piece, quickly resettable gravity-flow timer consisting of a sealed container which integrally houses a base at one end and a reset reservoir at the other and, intermediate these, a receptacle, having a loading orifice nearest the reservoir and a metering orifice nearest the base. The receptacle is partially defined by indentations fo the container in such a way that all flowable medium in the base is instantly directed around the sides of the receptacle, through return channels between the two side walls of the container and the receptacle, and into the reset reservoir upon any manner of inversion of the timer. Partial definition of the receptacle by such indentations makes the timer manufacturable in two-part molds. Baffles between the reservoir and the body of the timer define an aperture positioned above and many times smaller than the loading orifice of the receptacle and direct and flowable medium into the receptacle when the timer is returned from an inverted to an upright position.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring time which comprises a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber is bigger than the first chamber. The structure includes apparatus for mounting the first and second chambers in generally aligned relationship and for coupling the first and second chambers to allow passage of a fluent particulate material between the first and second chambers. A quantity of fluent particulate matter having a volume substantially equal to the second chamber is disposed within the volume of the first chamber, the second chamber and the apparatus for coupling.

Abstract: A sandglass-type timing device which can be reset to commence a new timing operation without first completing a pre-existing timing function. The timing device is formed from a transparent plastics material and it comprises a first chamber (18), a second chamber (19) and a narrow neck (20) interconnecting the two chambers. A particular material (21) is located within the device and it is flowable, under the influence of gravity, to pass from the first to the second chamber and vice versa by way of the neck (20). A passageway (24) interconnects the first and second chambers (18 and 19) and provides an unimpeded passage through which the material (21) can be directed, by appropriately orientating the device, as an alternative to trickling it through the neck (20).

Abstract: A decorative clock with sand picture having the function of showing flowing picture and correct time mainly consists of a gear set housing, a sand picture, and a set of hour hand and minute hand assembled together to be positioned on a support seat in such a manner that the sand picture may freely rotate to form a flowing picture without affecting the correct indication of time by the hour hand and the minute hand.

Abstract: A gravity timer of the hour-glass type having a pair of chambers which communicate through an intermediate portion in which a restrictor valve is normally seated in order to regulate the rate of flow of a granular material therethrough and which valve may be selectively opened so that the granular material contained within one chamber may freely pass to the other chamber.

Abstract: A game timing apparatus to be used to limit a player's turn in the playing of a game. The game timing apparatus includes an hourglass with movement of sand within the hourglass defining the length of time of the player's turn. Connected to the hourglass and movable therewith is a card. The card includes word indicia in the form of a tongue-twister which is to be read by the player, memorized, and then repeated to the remaining players within the established time period.

Abstract: A water filtration system, and a filter and timer therefor. The system includes a primary container defining a holding chamber and a secondary chamber defining a filtering chamber at least partially within the holding chamber but spaced above the bottom wall of the holding chamber. The filter assembly is removably connected to the secondary container and comprises a cannister containing a filter disposed generally below the lower end of the filtering chamber, the cannister having inlet means communicating with the filtering chamber and outlet means disposed below the inlet means and communicating with the holding chamber. The timer is connected to the filter and includes a tube with an indicator movable longitudinally therein through a non-gaseous fluid having a specific gravity different than that of the indicator.

Abstract: This invention relates to a regenerating power unit employing a flowable medium to drive a rotatable wheel and attached axle with various attachments being utilized on the rotating axle for educational and/or amusement purposes. The power unit 10 is provided with a front and back wall 17,18 either or both of which may be transparent, and a pair of flowable medium reservoirs in fluid communication with a chambered wheel 22. A suitable adjustment valve 48 (FIG. 7) and 50 (FIG. 8) controls the rate of flow of flowable medium 39. When one medium reservoir is emptied, the power unit is rotated 180.degree. and the power unit may resume operation. A support stand 34 (FIGS. 2, 5 and 6) is employed when it is desired to permit rotation of power unit 10 without lifting thereof. Various educational and/or amusement accessories for power unit 10 are illustrated in FIGS. 9-18.

Abstract: A dietary control eating utensil is disclosed for indicating when food can be eaten therewith. The handle of the utensil includes a gravity-powered timing device. The device includes an elongated transparent material chamber for containing immiscible fluids having different densities such as air and mineral oil. The lighter density fluid forms a visible signal within the chamber that is moveable between the distal and proximal ends. The period associated with the movement of the visible signal depends on the different elevations of the chamber ends. The shape of the chamber along with the density of the two fluids also contributes to the time period the visible signal takes to move between the two ends of the chamber. When the air bubble moves to a predetermined position within the chamber, this indicates when the utensil may be used for consuming food.

Abstract: A timing device of the flowing medium type that allows for multiple timing periods and for instant resetting capabilities whether the timer is in a timing sequence or is at rest. The timer is so constructed that specified 90.degree. or 180.degree. revolutions of the unit instantly combine all the timing medium, divide the timing medium by causing it to fall onto dividing baffles and then into separate reservoirs, activate the selected timing mode, or interrupt the timing process. The timing sequence of the timer may be interrupted at any time and be immediately reset to begin the same sequence again or to start a sequence of a different time duration by making the proper revolution of the timing device.

Abstract: A timing mechanism for use with a board game to indicate by sound and movement the time period allotted for answering a question or performing a turn or function. It includes a sphere such as a marble which rolls on a circular saucer having an upwardly facing conical plastic surface with a central depression. The central depression is sized to receive and hold the marble. An inclined ramp is formed at the periphery of the circular saucer and it has a width and incline sufficient to permit the marble to roll from the ramp onto the upwardly facing concave surface. A starting pad is located at the top of the inclined ramp on which to place the sphere to begin its downwardly roll. The starting pad is inclined so that the sphere and marble will not rest on the starting pad, but will immediately start its downwardly inclination when released.

Abstract: A quickly resettable timer is claimed which comprises a container having a base end and a reset end; a quantity of a flowing, particulate solid medium; a funnel-like receptacle having a loading orifice nearest the reset end and a metered orifice nearest the base end, the receptacle being mounted to and spaced from the interior wall sections of the container such that the particulate medium in the base end will flow over and around the receptacle and into the reset end upon inversion of the timer by rotation in any direction; and a ring fitted snugly against each interior wall section of the container intermediate the receptacle and the reset end, the ring having an aperture positioned above and sized smaller than the loading orifice of the receptacle. Preferably, the ring has inwardly protruding sides which taper toward each other to define the aperture. Most preferably, the receptacle and at least a portion of the container are made from a substantially transparent material.

Abstract: A timer of the hourglass sand type which includes a plurality of chambers that are interconnected by conduit means. The conduit means are cooperate so that after one chamber empties a second chamber empties.

Abstract: A preselected lapsed time indicating granule flow timer. The timer includes in combination first and second enclosed chambers integrally connected by a neck with an opening therethrough to thereby provide communication of an electrically conductive granular material between the first and second chambers dependent upon the physical position of the first and second chambers in respect of each other. The first and second chambers each have an electrically conductive plate integral with an end of each chamber at an end of the chamber remote from the neck that separates the chambers.Each of the chambers have positioned on a wall of the respective chamber at a point between the electrically conductive plates at least one electrical contact element.

Abstract: A game timer for selectively timing the action time of two or more game players includes a timing unit for each player with the timing unit consisting of a reservoir containing a measured quantity of granular medium with a metered orifice for controlling the flow of the granular medium from the reservoir upon selected specific orientations for each separate reservoir. Each reservoir is oriented for a separate active and deactive orientation such that when one reservoir is actively timing, the other reservoir is inactive.

Abstract: A multiple selectable timer of the flowing medium type includes a housing including a medium reservoir and a catch chamber with a timing orifice for controlling the flow of the medium from the medium reservoir to the catch chamber and a metering passage for communicating between the catch chamber and the timing reservoir with the passage adapted to selectively meter predetermined portions of the flowing medium to define selected time intervals. The timer is arranged such that selective rotation of the housing in one direction loads the timing reservoir with selected intervals of timing medium and rotation of the housing in the opposite direction selectively removes predetermined portions of the timing medium.

Abstract: An ageing indicator compares a closed sachet of one or more closed tubes of a material which is slightly permeable to a fluid contained in the sachet or tube. The rate of permeation of the fluid through the sachet-like assembly tube wall depends upon temperature and time of exposure to that temperature so the quantity of fluid loss is indicative of temperature and time; the ageing capable of then being detected either by measuring a column of the liquid in a tube or by observing the appearance or disappearance of printed indicia in the sachet.

Abstract: A liquid operated clock employs buckets pivoted to arms of a carrier rotating at constant speed. The buckets are sequentially moved below the surface of a liquid reservoir to fill the buckets, elevate them and cause them to discharge into a receiver. After a predetermined number of buckets of liquid have accumulated within the receiver, it is suddenly drained by a siphon tube back into the liquid reservoir. The change in weight of the receiver between full and empty conditions operates through a ratchet mechanism to drive the input shaft of a clock mechanism in an intermittent fashion. Cam and follower means control filling and dumping of the buckets.

Abstract: A counting device with ball actuated, aligned, rotatable indicating elements is disclosed that is particularly useful as a clock. The device includes a plurality of indicating elements rotatable around parallel axes, arranged side by side in three columns. Each indicating element includes a display portion and a ball actuated flange, mounted on a common axle with the flanges of adjacent elements in each column forming a ball conveying track. The elements are successively rotated to the upward display position by a ball whose continued presence atop an element's flange causes an appropriate rotation of that element. The balls are continuously recycled by a synchronous motor elevator which collects the balls at their lowest position and returns them to their highest position in communication with the ball conveying tracks. After all of the indicating elements in a column have been raised to their display position, the ball resets the first rotated element causing it to reset the adjacent elements.

Abstract: The dual timing apparatus invented comprises an enclosure having a fluid-filled cavity, a body free to move within the fluid, and a rotatable means to measure and control playing times between opponents in concentration games such as Scrabble, chess, checkers, and the like.

Abstract: A gravity flow display device which is usable for selectively and alternatingly exhibiting two different but conceptually related displays. The device has two thin transparent walled half-hourglass compartments through which displays at their rears are visible. The device further contains non-transparent particulate matter which is capable of flowing from compartment to compartment in response to gravitational force and which is of a sufficient quantity to almost completely fill only whichever of said compartments contains it. When said non-transparent particulate matter is contained within one of the two transparent compartments, the display attached to said compartment is blocked from view.

Abstract: An hourglass construction comprising a pair of containers arranged with their mouths together and provided with a through passageway for fluent material.

Abstract: The timing device is one in which two float-type timers, a frame, and an angular base are adapted to measure and control playing time in games such as Scrabble, chess, checkers, and the like.

Abstract: A timing device comprises a container of a transparent material, a channel in said container, and a flotation liquid and a float in said channel, said float having a density different from that of said flotation liquid. Flotation liquid compositions are disclosed which provide a transit time of said float through said channel which is essentially independent of temperature over the normal ambient room temperature range. A number of the embodiments provide for adjustment of the transit times over a substantial range of times.