Timer apparatus with radio frequency card reader

Abstract

Described are timer apparatus comprising: a timer configured to measure a predetermined time period associated with a physical location; a display screen for displaying information pertaining to the predetermined time period; a radio frequency (RF) electronic card reader; and a metal housing comprising: a housing cover comprising a display aperture through which the display screen is visible, the housing cover interfacing with an existing housing base to enclose and protect the timer, the display screen, and the RF electronic card reader from an environment of the physical location.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A timer apparatus comprising:
 a) a timer configured to measure a predetermined time period associated with a physical location;   b) a display screen for displaying information pertaining to the predetermined time period;   c) a radio frequency (RF) electronic card reader; and   d) a metal housing comprising: a housing cover comprising a display aperture through which the display screen is visible, the housing cover interfacing with an existing housing base to enclose and protect the timer, the display screen, and the RF electronic card reader from an environment of the physical location.   
     
     
         2 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the RF card reader is configured to communicate with wireless RF electronic purses. 
     
     
         3 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the display screen comprises a LCD display. 
     
     
         4 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the information pertaining to the predetermined time period comprises a duration. 
     
     
         5 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the information pertaining to the predetermined time period comprises an expiration. 
     
     
         6 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a global positioning system (GPS) element configured to identify the physical location. 
     
     
         7 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to communicate information pertaining to an RF electronic card or information pertaining to the time period. 
     
     
         8 . The timer apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the wireless transceiver communicates via a cellular network or a Wi-Fi network. 
     
     
         9 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a solar panel and a solar power charging arrangement. 
     
     
         10 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an electronic sensor configured to detect a status of the physical location. 
     
     
         11 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism to secure the housing cover to the existing housing base. 
     
     
         12 . The timer apparatus of  claim 1 , configured to upgrade the existing housing base by retrofit.