EP1391794A1 — Device with time indicating means

USPTO Abstract

The present invention relates to an indicator device capable of displaying information representative of time lapsed since a user initiated action or for indicating when it took place. More specifically, a timer device is provided comprising contact means (35) which can be operated between a first condition and a second condition, time means (31), means for storing a first time stamp, a second time stamp, and a first time-period value. The timer device further comprises control means (31) adapted for setting a first time in response to the contact means being operated between the first condition and the second condition, setting a second time stamp in response to the contact means being operated between the second condition and the first condition. The control means is further adapted for calculating the time elapsed between the first and second time stamp, comparing the elapsed time with the first time-period value, and performing a first control action if the elapsed time is greater than the first time-period value. The control action may be any desirable action, such as resetting and starting a stop watch or setting a time stamp. In a preferred embodiment a device for use by a patient for medical self tretment is provided, comprising a first device portion (10) for performing an operation, and a second device portion (20) comprising a timer device in accordance with the invention.