A method for simultaneously timing multiple entities uses a timekeeping device. During timing, each of the multiple entities runs through a process starting with a start time event in a start phase followed by at least one subsequent time event in a run phase. The method comprises the following steps. In the start phase, when a first start time event occurs, a first actuator is manually actuated and the manual actuation triggers the measuring and recording of a first start time by a time measuring means. In the run phase following the start phase, when a subsequent time event occurs, the first actuator is manually actuated and the manual actuation triggers the measuring and recording of a subsequent time by the time measuring means. The timekeeping device also includes an assignment means and a second actuator.

A hands-free visual timer enables a person to wash his or hands for the duration of time recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Upon activation, the timer displays an annular ring of thirty triangles and a first icon. After five seconds have passed, a second icon is displayed indicating the user should apply soap. After twenty-five seconds, a third icon is displayed indicating the user should rinse. After thirty seconds, the screen goes blank and all the triangles have disappeared. The central display of triangles is illuminated by a liquid crystal display. The icons are illuminated by light emitting diodes.

A system for tracking the time allotted to and the time spent by a first player and a second player playing a two-person game is provided. The system includes a first and second display for use by the first player and a third and fourth display for use by the second player. The first and fourth displays each display the amount of time remaining for the first player to make his/her moves during the duration of the game, and the second and third displays each display the amount of time remaining for the second player to make his/her moves during the duration of the game. In this way, each player has use of one display that displays his/her remaining time, and one display that displays his/her opponent's remaining time. The system also includes control mechanisms for each player to pause his/her time countdown after his/her turn and to subsequently begin his/her opponent's time countdown at the beginning of his/her opponent's next turn.

A hands-free visual timer enables a person to wash his or hands for the duration of time recommended by the Center for Disease Control. Upon activation, the timer displays an annular ring of thirty triangles and a first icon. After five seconds have passed, a second icon is displayed indicating the user should apply soap. After twenty-five seconds, a third icon is displayed indicating the user should rinse. After thirty seconds, the screen goes blank and all the triangles have disappeared. The central display of triangles is illuminated by a liquid crystal display. The icons are illuminated by light emitting diodes.

Methods, systems, and computer readable media for programming a timer are described. Some implementations can include a smartphone application to program a timer and/or display graphically a program that is active on the timer. Some implementations include a method for remotely programing a timer using a smartphone. In some implementations, a system to program a timer remotely includes a Bluetooth communications chip and an associated micro-controller to communicate with a smartphone application. In some implementations, a user can create a timer program sequence or timing schedule remotely and transfer the program sequence or the timing schedule to a timer from within the Bluetooth range of the timer or through a wireless network.

An ultralong time constant time measurement device includes elementary capacitive elements that are connected in series. Each elementary capacitive element is formed by a stack of a first conductive region, a dielectric layer having a thickness suited for allowing charge to flow by direct tunnelling effect, and a second conductive region. The first conductive region is housed in a trench extending from a front face of a semiconductor substrate down into the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer rests on the first face of the semiconductor substrate and in particular on a portion of the first conductive region in the trench. The second conductive region rests on the dielectric layer.

The present development includes a non-explosive, programmable electronic initiation system, whose objective is to initiate rock blasting in a controlled and safe manner. Its application is mainly in the area of Mining and Civil Works. This system solves a sensitive issue in the industry, such as the non-activation of the devices at the time of blasting (shots left behind) and reduces the risks of operation in the fragmentation work, providing continuity to field work. The above is based on the fact that this system allows precise operation times for vibration control, through previously defined delays, immediately identifying non-operational initiators due to line or connection failures; since there are no explosive components, they can be programmed remotely if so required by the user; finally, each initiator is programmed to be unique and unrepeatable.

An ultralong time constant time measurement device includes elementary capacitive elements that are connected in series. Each elementary capacitive element is formed by a stack of a first conductive region, a dielectric layer having a thickness suited for allowing charge to flow by direct tunneling effect, and a second conductive region. The first conductive region is housed in a trench extending from a front face of a semiconductor substrate down into the semiconductor substrate. The dielectric layer rests on the first face of the semiconductor substrate and in particular on a portion of the first conductive region in the trench. The second conductive region rests on the dielectric layer.

A timer includes a timing counter configured to generate a timing datum, a clock pulse signal generation circuit configured to generate a clock pulse signal used to operate the timing counter, and an interface circuit configured to receive an access signal, wherein the timing counter is an asynchronous counter, and the clock pulse signal generation circuit generates the clock pulse signal having a first pulse width when there is a possibility that the interface circuit receives the access signal, and generates the clock pulse signal having a second pulse width longer than the first pulse width when there is no possibility that the interface circuit receives the access signal.

In an example implementation according to aspects of the present disclosure, a method may receive a set of customizable display characteristics and a set of customizable non-display characteristics corresponding to an onscreen display timer. The onscreen display timer may be composed based on the set of customizable characteristics and the set of customizable non-display characteristics. The onscreen display timer may be stored in non-volatile memory. The onscreen display timer may be rendered on a display, wherein the rendering is independent of a video stream.