985 results about "Stopwatch" patented technology

A field programmable or configurable thermostat for an HVAC system is provided. The configurable thermostat allows field programmability of service contact information, including name and contact telephone number information for the installer or service person. The system reminders and service intervals may be provided based upon calendar time or run time, and may be adjusted to particular periods by the service person in the field. Soft keys whose function is described on various changing menus allow service person to navigate through the various display and information entry screens. Scrolling or selection keys are used in one embodiment to vary the information on appropriate screens. Alternate embodiments utilize touch screens, alphanumeric keypads, etc., for the entry and editing of such information.

The present invention relates to a ‘smart parking system’ comprising of 1) ‘smart parking meter’ containing a radiofrequency reader (RF reader); 2) radiofrequency tag (RF tag) containing vehicle identification information, that is mounted on vehicles; 3) a central control station communicating with a multitude of ‘smart parking meters’ to form a network; 4) the said central control station having a central computer system programmed with parking enforcement instructions. RF reader is provided with means to interrogate the RF tag of a vehicle parked in the corresponding parking stall; and transmit information obtained thereby to a central control station. The central control station has means to identify the said vehicle and determine whether or not the said vehicle is legally parked. If a parking violation is detected, the central computer system remotely instructs the corresponding ‘smart parking meter’ to issue a parking ticket. Means are also provided in the ‘smart parking system’ to determine if a vehicle parked in a parking stall has previous unpaid parking tickets. The ‘smart parking system’ also has means to determine if a vehicle wanted by law enforcement personnel is present in a parking stall within its network. According to yet another aspect, the ‘smart parking system’ has means to determine if a parking stall in its network is vacant and to reserve the said vacant stall for an authorized driver. Further, means are provided in the ‘smart parking meter’ to accept multiple forms of payment.

A field programmable or configurable thermostat for an HVAC system is provided. The configurable thermostat allows field programmability of service contact information, including name and contact telephone number information for the installer or service person. The system reminders and service intervals may be provided based upon calendar time or run time, and may be adjusted to particular periods by the service person in the field. Soft keys whose function is described on various changing menus allow service person to navigate through the various display and information entry screens. Scrolling or selection keys are used in one embodiment to vary the information on appropriate screens. Alternate embodiments utilize touch screens, alphanumeric keypads, etc., for the entry and editing of such information.

When a wind velocity sensor detects a wind velocity higher than a predetermined level, a timer device starts a waiting timer function during an operation timer period shorter than the waiting timer period. After the waiting timer period is over, the waiting timer function is switched to an operation timer function, and a switching relay switches a generator to a motor only during an operation timer period. Then, a driving circuit performs a start assisting rotation. After the operation timer period is over, the waiting timer period re-starts. This process is repeated. When during this period, the number of rotations of a rotor monitored by a rotation number measuring device, based on the output voltage Vm of a three-phase conduction coil exceeds a predetermined number of rotations, the charging of a battery by a three-phase generator is started.

In a GPS-equipped device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer with a compatible operating system, a useful dynamic display of directional and timing information is provided based on GPS data obtained through conventional means processed according to computational modules or applications stored on the device. These displays include a solar timer, a compass dial and other date, time and location-based information. Underlying the displayable information is a database of information that is processed with input from an accurate compass employing a calculated reference line based on two time-separated GPS readings and a direction parameter.

A method for avoiding unnecessary excessive stay of short cycle in discontinuous reception mechanism begins by using the short cycle while the short cycle timer is running. Then, it determines whether the inactivity timer expires or not and whether the short cycle timer expires or not. If the inactivity timer expires but the short cycle timer does not expire, the short cycle is used. If the short cycle timer expires but the inactivity timer does not expire, the long cycle is used. If the inactivity timer and the short cycle timer expire at the same time, either the short cycle or the long cycle is selected for use.

An electronic device may display a first lap time representation, and may move the first lap time representation in accordance with a first amount of elapsed time. While moving the first lap time representation, the electronic device may detect a lap input. In response to the lap input, the electronic device may cease movement of the first lap time representation, display a second lap time representation, and move the second lap time representation in accordance with a second amount of elapsed time. A relative positioning of the first lap time representation and the second lap time representation may correspond to a difference between a first lap time and a second lap time. In some embodiments, the electronic device may update the timescales of lap time representation(s) in accordance with a rotational input. In some embodiments, the electronic device may update a timer duration setting in accordance with a rotational input.

A device for controlling an HVAC system in which opening a door or window for more than a shutdown delay period causes the fan and compressor to be deactivated, but opening and closing the door or window for less than the shutdown delay period does not affect the fan and compressor. Reactivation of the compressor is delayed for a startup delay, in order to avoid overcycling of the compressor and the additional wear and tear and maintenance that would be caused thereby. Preferably, the door / window sensors are wireless for ease of installation and maintenance. Optionally, an occupancy sensor and occupancy timer are provided to turn off the system if the room is unoccupied for an unoccupied delay time. Optionally, a secondary thermostat with energy saving settings is provided so that if the room is unoccupied for the occupancy delay, then instead of being shut off, the HVAC system will be operated at energy saving settings.

A timer indicator or chronograph is described. The chronograph functions according to chromatographic principles to develop a perceptible visual image or pattern on an indicator panel or display area, which serves as a means to monitor the relative amount of time that elapses. The chronograph includes a self-contained reservoir for an activating agent, which once activated creates a mobile front that traverses the indicator panel substrate from the reservoir to a distal end at a predetermined rate. The chronograph may be used as a stand-alone device or may be incorporated as part of various articles or products, for instance, as either a training aid or as a dryness indicator. Methods for using and making the chronograph are also described.

A toothbrush for setting and communicating brushing time and for providing instructional and encouragement messages during brushing includes a handle with a hollow interior, a controller capable, upon activation, of generating such messages, a power source electrically connected to the controller, a speaker for emitting such messages and a switch for activating the controller and enabling the speaker to emit the messages. A timer is provided to terminate operation of the speaker after a predetermined amount of time. A digital or a conventional clock is disposed on the surface of the handle and cooperates with the timer for visual communication of the elapsed brushing time.

A programable timer that simultaneously operates cooking stages made of a modulated power level and time interval to multiple cooking devices. The timer may be operated in a manual or automatic mode. The automatic mode cycles through a set of cooking stages set by a recipe stored in memory. When in the automatic mode, the timer may be put into override and the recipe's cooking stages adjusted to conform with the chef's desires. Pre generated recipes may be input from media transfer devices or programmed into the timer via an input interface device. An algorithm stored in memory adjusts the cooking stages of the various devices such that all foods are finished cooking at the same time if desired.

An automatic pet feeder is provided for feeding pets predetermined quantity of food or medication at predetermined times while the owner is absent or otherwise engaged. The pet feeder comprises a base, a feeding bowl with pie shaped divisions, a timer module, a bowl cover, handle to bowl cover and locking mechanism to hold the entire unit in place. A timer is provided with voice recording facility and also initiates programmed feeding schedules. The programming of the timer determines when the feeder cover is indexed so that the pet may have access to the food provided in it. This programming can be done through the timer interface RF or IR remotes and or through an USB port interface to a computer.

An improved remote vehicle starting apparatus with timer which allows for the remote starting of a motor vehicle to allow for the preheating or pre-cooking of the passenger compartment of said motor vehicle under extreme temperature conditions is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a transmitting unit, located with the driver, and a receiver unit that is located in the driver's vehicle. The transmitting unit allows the user to set predetermined times at which to start the vehicle, before work for example, and includes an LCD display that indicates both the time of day and the time(s) at which the vehicle will be started. The transmitter also includes a manual switch, by which the user may start the vehicle, regardless of the time settings. The receiver installs in the vehicle and is wired into the vehicle ignition circuitry, allowing the engine to be started by key in a conventional manner, or by the remote transmitter. Depending on the weather conditions, the user simply either leaves the cooling or heating system activated when leaving the vehicle before use of the present invention. In this manner, when the apparatus starts the motor vehicle, the passenger compartment will begin to warm or cool prior to the driver returning.

A hand washing timer with a sensor for assisting a user in washing his or her hands for a proper amount of time, for example in accordance with one or more health code regulations. The timer can also include a display, a solenoid valve, a pressure sensor, and / or a float valve.

A parking meter receives data indicative of a remote payment being completed and displays an amount of time purchased by the remote payment for a parking session. The parking meter determines an amount of time remaining in the parking session and powers down at least a portion of a meter communication subsystem subsequent to receiving the data indicative of the remote payment being completed. The parking meter wakes up the powered down portion of the communication subsystem upon determining that the amount of time remaining is below a threshold time, and can receive an indication of additional time being paid for remotely, and can update the displayed time remaining to reflect the additional time.

A method and system for monitoring the proximity of a user to an appliance is provided. A motion detector is activated. The motion detector detects when a user is within a predetermined proximity of an appliance. A timer is initiated when the motion detector does not detect that the user is within the predetermined proximity to the appliance. It is determined from the timer whether a first predetermined period of time has elapsed since the motion detector determined that the user was not within the predetermined proximity of said appliance. A warning alert is sent to the user indicating that the first predetermined period of time has been exceeded since the motion detector determined that the user was not within the predetermined proximity of the appliance.

A method automatically answers a phone call by counting ring duration. When an incoming call is detected, an elapsed time counter is disabled if it is previously activated. The phone call is automatically detected if a timer counts out a predetermined ring duration and a counter counts out a predetermined calling number. After answering the phone call, the counter is reset to an initial state.

The invention discloses a method and mobile terminal for active protection of eyesight. The method comprises the steps of (1) starting an active eyesight protecting function; (2) presetting a controlled application and backlight brightness and using time corresponding to the controlled application; (3) starting a timer and adjusting the backlight brightness of a display screen to be the backlight brightness corresponding the current application actively to enable the brightness of the display screen to be as soft as possible when the fact that the controlled application is started is detected; (4) suspending the controlled application and displaying a prompt message in a pop-up mode to remind a user of eyesight protection actively when the timer is used for timekeeping for as long as the preset using time of the current controlled application; (5) judging whether the user continues to use the current controlled application, if so, the controlled application continues to run and the timer is used for timekeeping again. The method and mobile terminal achieve active protection of the eyesight, so that the problem that visual impairment is caused by long-time unconscious concentration on a high-brightness display screen is solved.

The present invention relates to a timing device for cooking, namely grilling, baking, convection, and other methods known to one skill in the art. Specifically, the present invention relates to a timing device that, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, provides the amount of time food has been cooking and the amount of time since the last time the food was checked. Specifically, the present invention preferably resets a timer when a cooking device, such as a grill or an oven, is opened and / or closed. More specifically, the present invention provides one timer that resets when a cooking device is opened and / or closed and optionally at least one other timer that remains running. The timers can be stopped, started, turned on and off, and reset manually.

An apparatus (10) and method for allowing a moving user to automatically determine and store locations (11) over an extended period of time, to display the series of such locations (11), and to actively assist in returning to an earlier location. The apparatus (10) includes an antenna (16) for facilitating satellite lock, a fastening mechanism (18) for positioning the antenna (10) for best reception, and a satellite lock indicator (20) for communicating loss of satellite lock. The apparatus (10) also includes a timer (26) for measuring an interval during which the apparatus (10) is in a power-conserving sleep mode, and after which the user's current location is automatically determined. Active assistance in returning to an earlier location, either by traveling back along the path earlier traveled or by traveling along a more direct route, is accomplished by warning the user whenever the user's course deviates from the path or route.

The invention relates to a method for controlling a dust removal device of a heat exchanger of an outdoor machine of an air conditioner. The dust removal device comprises a fan and control equipment, wherein the control equipment comprises a timer, a receiver, a judger and an actuator; and the control equipment controls the fan to reversely rotate for dust removal. The method is characterized by comprising the following steps that: when the air conditioner normally operates, the receiver continuously receives operating parameter information which is fed back by the air conditioner and transmits the operating parameter information to the judger; the judger judges the operating parameter information; when the judger determines that the operating parameter information meets a preset dust removal mode operating condition, the air conditioner operates for dust removal; the actuator controls a compressor of the air conditioner to stop operating; the timer clears the accumulated operating time of the air conditioner and the continuous operating time of the compressor; the actuator controls the fan to stop, the timer starts timing, and when time is equal to first time T1, the judger determines that the fan is in a static state; the actuator controls the fan to start and rotate in the opposite direction relative to the normal operation direction; the timer re-starts timing, and when the time is equal to second time T2, the actuator controls the fan to stop; the timer re-starts timing, and when the time is equal to third time T3, the judger determines that the fan is in the static state; and the air conditioner quits a dust removal mode, starts to normally operate or is directly powered off. By the method, the normal operation of the air conditioner is not influenced, the air conditioner can automatically remove dust, and the service life of the air conditioner can be prolonged.

A warning and signal interrupt device for preventing a child from sitting to close to a TV includes a pressure mat for defining an area and sending a signal when an individual is within that area. The device also includes a timer for timing a period when the individual remains in the area. When the timer exceeds a first pre-selected increment of time, the device sounds an alarm which continues until the individual vacates the area. Then when the period of time exceeds a second pre-selected time interval, the device turns off the picture and mutes the TV sound. The device also restarts the TV when the individual moves outside of the area. A method for automatically training a child to sit at a proper distance from a TV screen is also disclosed.

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.

The invention is a telephone answering device that permits the number of rings before the call is answered, and the speaker volume, to be programmed to vary depending on the time of day and day of the week, or to be set at desired levels for specific lengths of time. The device contains a timer 19 and a microcomputer 10, said microcomputer 10 having a programmable ring register 23 and a programmable speaker register 24. A program ring button 25, a program speaker button 26, a time ring button 27, a time speaker button 28, a plus button 29, and a minus button 30 located on a control module 14 enable the user to access programmable ring register 23 and programmable speaker register 24, to set the number of rings before answering and the speaker volume. Incoming telephone calls are handled by a ring detector circuit 13 and microcomputer 10. When the number of cumulative ring signals matches the appropriate programmed setting, the incoming call is sent to an answering apparatus 18. Microcomputer 10 then sets the volume of a speaker 16 to the appropriate programmed setting, via a volume control circuit 17.

A programmable key for use in a security system for protecting items of merchandise has a housing, a power supply mounted in the housing, a logic control circuit which includes a controller, a wireless communication circuit and a security disarm code (SDC) memory. The key has visual indicators such as an LED which is operatively connected to the logic control circuit and pulsed to indicate the state of the SDC. The control circuit includes a timer which has a preset time limit programmed therein, which invalidates the stored SDC if not refreshed by a remote programming source within a certain time period. The logic circuit further includes a counter which counts the number of activations of a control switch, and which permanently deactivates the control circuit upon reaching a certain count value to ensure that the internal battery has sufficient power to maintain the key operational. The wireless communication circuit preferably is infrared (IR) or radio frequency (RF) controlled.

A method providing persons in a group information about the whereabouts of others in the group, including whether persons in the group have moved away from an associated vehicle. The method includes receiving information into a computer system derived from measured rf signal strength sent in digital form from one or more portable devices. The information indicates whether any of the persons has moved from a first relatively close position with respect to an associated vehicle and farther away from the associated vehicle than the first position. A timer function may be initiated if the received information indicates that a first person has moved farther away from the associated vehicle than the first position. Updated information may be received, indicating whether the first person remains farther away from, or has moved to a position at least as close as the first relatively close position is to, the associated vehicle.

A gun locking and unlocking device, which may be configured to be disposed adjacent the trigger of a gun to alternatively prevent or enable firing, includes a data receiver, a data memory and a logic device for determining whether data received by the receiver is the same, or substantially the same, as data stored in the data memory. One or more separate electronic gun keys are provided to transmit gun lock / unlock data to the data receiver of the gun lock device. The logic device responds to a gun control signal transmitted by one of the gun key devices with priority over a gun control signal transmitted by another gun key device. The logic device automatically locks the gun when it is located in a proscribed area, such as within a school zone or outside a prescribed protected area. The logic device also locks the gun when the gun user is intoxicated or acting in an irrational manner. Once locked, the user must set a timer which allows the gun to be unlocked only after a specified “wait” time. In case of emergency, when the gun must be available for immediate use, the user can override the safety features and unlock the gun by speaking a “secret word” or phrase.

The embodiment of the invention discloses a synchronization method of a double 2-vote-2 system, the system has two same systems, two CPUs with same actions in each system are both provided with an internal timer as a timing clock when performing a task, and the two CPUs communicate through a communication unit in the systems, execute a reset instruction through the connected timers respectively and control the synchronization of the two CPUs in the systems in combination with a common clock source which can generate high-frequency pulse signals; and simultaneously, the two systems communicate with each other, CPU synchronization data of a main system is transmitted to a subordinate system, thus carrying out synchronization control between the main system and the subordinate system. The invention also discloses a device corresponding to the method. As each CPU in the system has the independent internal timers and each system has an external timer, through the coordination, a common-mode error caused by sharing a clock in the prior art is effectively avoided, and the two CPUs in the systems can realize the diversity of the hardware with the same function by adopting different software.

A method and apparatus for brightening and dimming a brake light of automotive vehicle for enhanced display indication of braking includes a pulse width modulation unit to be electrically connected to a brake lamp for sequentially modulating the supply energy to the lamp to generate a brightening and dimming of the lamp. A time extent of the modulation is detected so that the modulation can be stopped after a preselected time period and the light will be continually on as in a conventional braking operation. After the brake is released by the operator, a second preselected time period for locking out the sequential interrupting is timed down, for avoiding repetitive flashing during stop-and-go traffic. A sensor detects a hard-braking occurrence and disables the lockout timer to enable the sequential modulating.