US4550676A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Elapsed time indicator
Assignee: SC Johnson and Son Inc
•
Filing: 1983-08-25
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Granted: 1985-11-05
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Expires: 2003-08-25
Abstract
Abstract An elapsed time indicator in which an indicator, such as a flowable colorant, is releasably contained within an enclosure at least a portion of which is a volatilizable, preferably sublimable, substance.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan W. Francis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 11:44
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04F; G04F1/00; G04F1/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S252/00; Y10S252/962; Y10S252/963
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An indicator to signal the passage of a predetermined, approximate time, comprising: flowable colorant indicator means; and means enclosing said indicator means, at least a portion of said enclosure means consisting of a substance adapted to volatilize during passage of the predetermined approximate time to release said indicator means from said enclosure means thus providing an indication of the passage of the predetermined approximate time; said flowable colorant indicator means being intermixed with and held in a sublimable core substance to define a core, said core being disposed within said enclosure means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An indicator to signal the passage of a predetermined, approximate time, comprising: flowable colorant indicator means; and means enclosing said indicator means, at least a portion of said enclosure means consisting of a substance adapted to volatilize during passage of the predetermined approximate time to release said indicator means from said enclosure means thus providing an indication of the passage of the predetermined approximate time; said flowable colorant indicator means being intermixed with and held in a sublimable core substance to define a core, said core being disposed within said enclosure means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The indicator of claim 1 wherein said volatilizable substance is sublimable.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The indicator of claim 2 wherein said volatilizable substance is selected from a group consisting of para-dichlorobenzene, 2,4,6-triisopropyl-1,3,5-trioxane, camphor, and napthalene.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The indicator of claim 1 wherein said flowable colorant indicator means is a powdered dye.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The indicator of claim 1 wherein said sublimable core substance is selected from a group consisting of camphor, napthalene, and para-dichlorobenzene.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
The indicator of claim 5 wherein the volatilizable substance of said enclosure means is selected from a group consisting of para-dichlorobenzene, 2,4,6-triisopropyl-1,3,5-trioxane, camphor, and napthalene.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
The indicator of claim 2 further including a deposit surface adjacent to said enclosure means to receive said flowable colorant indicator means upon release thereof from said enclosure means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The indicator of claim 7 wherein said deposit surface includes a solvent for said flowable colorant indicator means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
The indicator of claim 2 wherein said enclosure means includes a container wall limiting exposure of said sublimable substance and thereby limiting its rate of volatilization.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
81 words
An indicator to signal the passage of a predetermined approximate time, comprising: indicator means; and means enclosing said indicator means, at least a portion of said enclosure means being a volatilizable substance whereby after substantially complete volatilization of said substance said indicator means is effective, said enclosure means including a container wall limiting the rate of volatilization of said volatilizable substance, said indicator means including a sublimable core substance to define a core, said core being disposed within said enclosure means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
81 words
An indicator to signal the passage of a predetermined approximate time, comprising: indicator means; and means enclosing said indicator means, at least a portion of said enclosure means being a volatilizable substance whereby after substantially complete volatilization of said substance said indicator means is effective, said enclosure means including a container wall limiting the rate of volatilization of said volatilizable substance, said indicator means including a sublimable core substance to define a core, said core being disposed within said enclosure means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The indicator of claim 10 wherein said indicator means is a flowable colorant.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
13 words
The indicator of claim 11 wherein said flowable colorant is a powdered dye.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The indicator of claim 10 wherein said colorant is in a core, intermixed with and held in a sublimable core substance, said core being within said enclosure means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
The indicator of claim 13 wherein said volatilizable substance of said enclosure means is selected from a group consisting of para-dichlorobenzene, 2,4,6-triisopropyl-1,3,5-trioxane, camphor, and napthalene.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The indicator of claim 14 wherein said sublimable core substance is selected from a group consisting of camphor, napthalene, and para-dichlorobenzene.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The indicator of claim 11 further including a deposit surface adjacent to said enclosure means to receive said indicator means upon release thereof from said enclosure means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The indicator of claim 16 wherein said deposit surface includes a solvent for said flowable colorant.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-11-04 | 1989-05-06 | 1989-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-11-04 | 1993-05-06 | 1993-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-11-04 | 1997-05-06 | 1997-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |