Horology: time measuring systems or devices – Time interval – With predetermined mechanical timing means
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-12
2001-12-04
Roskoski, Bernard (Department: 2859)
Horology: time measuring systems or devices
Time interval
With predetermined mechanical timing means
C368S107000, C368S010000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325534
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates in general to timers and alarms. In particular, the invention relates to alarms for warning people when is time to take medicine.
2. Description of Related Art
Many people take prescription drugs that must be taken on a prescribed schedule. It is sometimes difficult to remember that schedule, especially if the person is taking several different medicines that are on different schedules. Therefore, several devices have been designed to remind people when it is time to take their medicine.
Of course, the ordinary alarm clock can be used for this purpose. That involves setting the alarm clock to go off when it is time for the next dose. However, when the alarm is shut off, the clock must then be reset to go off when it is time for the next dose.
Some medication devices have been designed using digital technology. However, such devices are sometimes difficult to use, especially for older people. Unfortunately, older people are the people who most often need medication devices. Therefore, there was still a need for a simple, easy to use medication reminder.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The general object of the invention is to remind a person when it is time to take a dose of medicine. In general, this object is accomplished by a medication reminder having an audible alarm device mounted in a body. A pair of contact leads are connected to the alarm device, and a contact plate is connected to one of the leads.
A dial, mounted on the body of the device, is rotated by a timing device. A plurality of time selector pins are mounted on the dial, and can be selectively positioned inward or outward. When a particular selector pin is in the inward position, the pin will push the contact plate into contact with the second contact lead and activate the alarm device. If the particular pin is in the outward position, the pin will bypass the plate and not activate the alarm.
The alarm can be manually reset by pressing a deactivating piston. As the piston is pressed down, it will push a rod downward with it. The rod will pull downward on a rocker arm, causing the rocker arm to pivot. A second rod is connected to the rocker arm, and will move upward when the rocker arm pivots. The second rod is connected to the contact plate, and will pull the contact plate upward over the selector pin. When the plate is pulled above the pin, the plate will fall back into a vertical position, thus breaking the contact with the second contact lead. When the piston is released, a spring returns it to its upward position, ready for the next selector pin to activate the alarm.
If the piston is not manually pressed, the dial will continue to rotate, and the selector pin will eventually pass the contact plate. When the pin passes, the plate will automatically fall back into place, thus resetting itself for the next selector pin.
The above, as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the following detailed description.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 362644 (1995-09-01), Chen
patent: D. 380403 (1997-07-01), Svarnias et al.
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patent: 4432652 (1984-02-01), Munekata et al.
patent: 4483626 (1984-11-01), Noble
patent: 4905213 (1990-02-01), Masse et al.
patent: 5400301 (1995-03-01), Rackley
patent: 5715214 (1998-02-01), Svarnias
Hawley Tarwa L.
Kirk, Jr. Jon H.
Hawley Tarwa L.
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
Roskoski Bernard
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