Timing system and device and method for making the same

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.

1 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A timing device comprising:
 a. an electrochemical structure comprising a first electrode and a second electrode;   b. an indicator for visually indicating a period of time and coupled to the electrochemical structure; and   c. a driver circuit for actuating the timing device to visually indicate the period of time.   
     
     
         31 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer. 
     
     
         32 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time. 
     
     
         33 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the indicator switches from opaque to transparent to visually indicate the period of time. 
     
     
         34 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device. 
     
     
         35 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a timing circuit. 
     
     
         36 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit is programmable. 
     
     
         37 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the driver circuit acts as a switch that maintains a circuit that is open for a prescribed period of time. 
     
     
         38 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the timing device is divided into zones that collectively provide the visual indication of a range of times. 
     
     
         39 . The timing device of  claim 30 , wherein the timing device comprises a plurality of sub cells that collectively provide the visual indication of the range of times. 
     
     
         40 . A timing system comprising:
 a. first transparent layer,   b. a second transparent layer;   c. an indicator between the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer, wherein the indicator visually indicates a period of time;   d. a base structure viewable through the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer when the indicator is in a transparent state; and   e. a driver circuit for actuating the timing device to visually indicate the period of time.   
     
     
         41 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a voltage source. 
     
     
         42 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer. 
     
     
         43 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time. 
     
     
         44 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device. 
     
     
         45 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit comprises a timing circuit. 
     
     
         46 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit is programmable. 
     
     
         47 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the driver circuit acts as a switch that maintains a circuit that is open for a prescribed period of time. 
     
     
         48 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the timing device is divided into zones that collectively provide the visual indication of a range of times. 
     
     
         49 . The timing system of  claim 40 , wherein the timing device comprises a plurality of sub cells that collectively provide the visual indication of the range of times. 
     
     
         50 . A method of monitoring a period of time using a timing device:
 a. programming a driver circuit to a prescribed time within a range of times; and   b. activating the timing device, wherein after activation an indicator of the timing device visually indicates the period of time.   
     
     
         51 . The timing device of  claim 50 , wherein the indicator comprises an electrochromic layer. 
     
     
         52 . The timing device of  claim 50 , wherein the indicator switches from transparent to opaque to visually indicate the period of time. 
     
     
         53 . The timing device of  claim 50 , wherein the indicator switches from opaque to transparent to visually indicate the period of time. 
     
     
         54 . The timing device of  claim 50 , wherein the driver circuit applies an electrical potential across the timing device to actuate the timing device.