Timing device using electrodeposit growth
AssigneeArizona Board of Regents on behalf of Arizona State University
InventorMichael N. Kozicki
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Abstract
Systems and methods are presented for a timing device. The timing device includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrolyte. The electrolyte includes a material selected such that an electrodeposit forms on the first electrode when a current is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode. A measurable electrical characteristic of the timing device is indicative of a time-dependent degree of growth of the electrodeposit between the first electrode and the second electrode.
Claims20
A timing device comprising:
- a first electrode;
- a second electrode;
- and
- an electrolyte positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrolyte including a material selected such that an electrodeposit forms on the first electrode when a current is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode,
- wherein a measurable electrical characteristic of the timing device is indicative of a time-dependent degree of growth of the electrodeposit between the first electrode and the second electrode.
A method of operating a timing device, the method comprising:
- applying a current between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being coupled by an electrolyte including a material that causes an electrodeposit to form on the first electrode when the current is applied;
- monitoring an output signal indicative of growth of the electrodeposit between the first electrode and the second electrode;
- and
- generating an output timing signal indicative of expiration of a timer when the output signal indicative of growth of the electrodeposit passes a defined threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.