Indicator of terms

Abstract

 0 The invention relates to an indicator of terms which can be used in those cases where a predetermined period of time has to elapse between a certain relevant event and a point in time before, on or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted and on which indicator, among other things, is indicated a number of points in time whereat the period can expire, which has to pass after the relevant event and the length of which is determined by the character of said relevant event in combination with the character of the action which can or must be taken or omitted before, at or after the period has elapsed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an indicator of terms which can be used in those cases where a predetermined period of time has to elapse between a certain relevant event and a point in time before, on or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted and on which indicator, among other things, is indicated a number of points in time whereat the period can expire, which has to pass after the relevant event and the length of which is determined by the character of said relevant event in combination with the character of the action which can or must be taken or omitted before, at or after the period has elapsed.

[0002] There are many possibilities for indicating that certain actions can or must be taken before, at or after a certain point in time, or that on the contrary such actions can or must not be taken before, at or after that point in time. Examples for these are the indication of a certain date on foodstuffs which have to be sold or consumed before that date, stocks or cheques having a predetermined validity date noted on them, farm products carrying a label indicating a date prior to which they may not be consumed in connection with residues of crop-protection chemicals, pre-printed tickets which may be used during a certain period, for example a number of days, indicating the beginning and/or the end of this period, vouchers for bus, boat or train which have to be used on a certain date mentioned thereon, and cards which can be used to indicate the point in time at which any of a series of actions in building or construction have to take place, such as removing the shuttering of a concrete construction and the application of a surface treatment such as paint or primer on objects which already have such a surface layer or a similar surface layer or which have undergone a certain treatment. It will be appreciated that many other examples can be mentioned whereby acts can or must be done or omitted before, at or after a certain point in time and whereby this point in time is indicated in a certain manner.

[0003] It should be noted that in the examples mentioned above the character of the actions sometimes is positive (to do something) and sometimes negative (to omit doing something): The choice between the two possibilities can be arbitrary in certain cases. Thus, in the first example of the previous paragraph, it can be stated that the foodstuffs are allowed to be sold or consumed before or on the indicated date, but it can also be stated that the foodstuffs are not allowed to be sold or consumed after the indicated date.

[0004] The point in time before, at or after which the actions concerned are or are not to take place is in many cases determined by an earlier point in time at which an action, not necessarily the same action, has or has not taken place, and after which a certain period of time has to elapse ending at the above-mentioned point in time, which period is determined by the character of the first action and that of the second one. The first action is called the "relevant event" in this applicaton. In the examples mentioned above the relevant events are for instance the date of production of the foodstuffs, the date of sale of the stocks or cheques, the date of treatment of the crops etc.

[0005] The length of the period of time which has to elapse after the relevant event depends on the character of the relevant event in combination with that of the action which can or must be undertaken or omitted before, at or after the period has elapsed. In a number of cases this period can be determined at will, as for example the validity of an airline ticket. In other cases the period depends on the circumstances, as for example the keeping qualities of foodstuffs, the hardening time of concrete etc.

[0006] The present invention now relates to an indicator of terms which can be used in those cases where a predetermined period of time has to elapse between a certain relevant event and a point in time before, at or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted and on which indicator, among other things, is indicated a number of points in time whereat the period can expire, which has to pass after the relevant event and the length of which is determined by the character of said relevant event in combination with the character of the action which can or must be taken or omitted before, at or after the period has elapsed, characterised in that the points in time at which the period belonging to the relevant event can expire, together with the points in time at which the relevant event can happen, are indicated in such a way that each point in time of a relevant event and the corresponding point in time of the end of the period are entered as a clearly distinguishable entity. It is remarked hereby that the aforementioned expression "clearly distinguishable entity" particularly concerns the possibility of marking the point in time of the relevant event and the end of the corresponding period in such a way that in case only one of these two points in time is marked, then the corresponding point in time can immediately be read. In that case of course it will be possible also to mark both points in time at once. The aforementioned requirement will in most cases already be met when the markings of the corresponding points in time are placed close to each other, for example next to or under each other.

[0007] It will be clear that situations also exist whereby more then one period of time starts at the moment when the relevant event takes place, for example the situation in which an object has to receive sequential layers of paint at predetermined points in time. In that case all end-points can be indicated on the same indicator.

[0008] The indicators described above are particularly useful for marking the point in time of the relevant event immediately before or after its occurence, whereupon the point in time at which the connected period ends is immediately indicated. It is also possible to mark the point in time of the relevant event simultaneously with marking the point in time at which the connected period ends. Naturally, the end of the period can also be marked alone.

[0009] For the construction of the indicators as described above, various sorts of suitable material can be used, in arbitrary forms and dimensions. These forms and dimensions can be chosen to suit the aim of the particular indicator in question. The indicator will preferably be constructed from paper, cardboard, a synthetic material, more specifically a pliant synthetic, textile or similar materials, this in connection with the fact that by using these materials the points in time of the relevant events and of the termination of the predetermined period can easily be affixed, for example using a stamp, a printing machine or a stencil machine. If the indicator will be exposed to weather-influence, more durable materials can preferably be considered, such as metal, wood, stone, a synthetic material or similar materials. It will be clear that also combinations of the before mentioned materials can be used. It will also be possible to use strenghtering materials, such as glass fiber, in order to reinforce less strong materials such as paper. When the material allows for it, which is for example the case with paper, pliant synthetics and textile, the indicator can be provided with a sticky back, in order to facilitate attachment. It will be clear from the foregoing that the choice of material is not essential for carrying out the invention.

[0010] The form of the indicator will depend on the aim for which it will be used. Examples are round, oval, triangular, rectangular (square or oblong) plates, sheets, strips or three-dimensional objects. Preferably the indicator will have a flat rectangular form, such as the form of a plate, a sheet, a card or a long strip. The indicator can also be constructed in a functional form, such as a flower-pot whereupon a number of points in time for planting or sowing are indicated, together with the connected points in time at which actions such as manuring or spraying with pesticides have to be done. _Pre-printed packages also belong to this kind of examples. It will be clear that the choice of the form of the indicator is not of primary importance in carrying out the invention.

[0011] In order to make the presence of the indicator more visible, it can be provided with a conspicious signalling colour.

[0012] The aforementioned indicator is particularly intended to be attached to or placed in the vicinity of the product or object which is essential to the series of actions and events. Thus, the indicator aimed at indicating the terminal sale- or consumption date can be attached to the package and the indicator used for indicating the point in time at which a concrete shuttering should be removed can be attached to this shuttering or placed in the space from which the shuttering has to be removed. In other applications it will probably always be possible to attach the indicator to the product or object which is essential in the series of actions and event or to place it in the near vicinity of said product or object.

[0013] It is pointed out that the indicator is only applicable in those cases where a predetermined period has to elapse between the relevant event and the actions which must or can be taken or omitted before, at or after the fixed period of time. Only then is it possible to construct an indicator before the relevant event on which the points in time of the relevant event and the connected points in time of the end of the period are always indicated together as a clearly distinguishable entity.

[0014] The indicator can be distributed by, for example, the supplier of raw materials used for the relevant events, supplying the indicators simultaneously with the raw materials. Every time the raw materials, for example cement, are used in the relevant event, in this case the mixing and pouring of concrete, the indicator can be marked and attached, whereupon the end of the period of time after which in this case the shuttering has to be removed, can be read. The indicator is in this manner always used for individually marking the objects, or groups of objects which are to be used under similar circumstances.

[0015] The marking of the indicator can be done in many ways, such as for example with paint, ink, chalk etc. In the case of indicators which will be exposed to weather-influence a manner of marking which is weather-proof will have to be used. In case the indicator is constructed in the form of a long piece of paper or strip, the part on which irrelevant data are printed can be removed, whereby it is indicated that the last remaining points in time on the strip are relevant. Also a perforation can be brought into the strip. Depending on the manner of marking, one indicator can possibly be used several times, for example by applying removable markings. It will be clear that the manner of marking is not of primary importance in using the invention.

[0016] The sequence of listing the points in time on the indicator can in principle be arbitrary. The units indicated can for example be hours of the day, days of the week or month, weeks or months of the year.

[0017] The indicator is preferably constructed in such a way that the points in time, whereat the period consequent to the relevant event can elapse, are successive. Thus for example in case the period is three days an indicator can be made to indicate the first three days of the week in combination with the last three (Monday-Thursday, Tuesday-Friday etc.).

[0018] The indicator is also preferably constructed in such a way that the points in time, whereat the period consequent to the relevant event can elapse, form a cycle. Examples of such cycles are the hours of the day, the days of the month, the weeks of the year and the months of the year. It will be clear that when the points in time, whereat the period consequent to the relevant event can elapse, are successive or form a cycle, then the indicated points in time of the relevant event are also successive or form a cycle.

[0019] It is to be recommended that the nature of the relevant event be mentioned on the indicator, at least in one or a few words, in order to provide greater clarity. The same is true for mentioning the actions to be done or omitted, before, at or after the point in time whereat the period elapses.

[0020] The indicator according to the invention is particularly suitable for using in the veterinary field, for example for indicating the point in time whereat or whereafter the milk of a cow, after a treatment with an antibiotic, can be delivered again to the dairy together with milk from untreated cows. The indicator can also be used for marking the point in time whereat or whereafter pigs may be sloughtered after being treated with antibiotics or other medicines.

[0021] In the aforementioned example of the treatment of cows with antibiotics, the antibiotics can be, amongst others, preparations containing one or more compounds of the group of penicillins, more particularly semisynthetic penicillins, tetracyclines, cefalosporins, more particularly semisynthetic cephalosporines, and macrolide antibiotics.

[0022] It is remarked that the waiting-time depends on the antibiotic or mixture of antibiotics used. Often the waiting-time for the treated quarter of the udder is longer than that for the untreated quarters, although for practical reasons the same waiting-time will generally be observed for all quarters as for the treated one.

[0023] When, for example, a mixture is used of procaine- penicillin G, nafcillin and dihydrostreptomycin, in order to combat mastitis, then it is prohibited to deliver milk to the dairy together with the milk from untreated cows, within three days after the last treatment with this mixture of antibiotics. A suitable indicator for marking the point in time whereat the milk of a cow treated with such a mixture may again be delivered to the dairy factory with the milk of untreated cows, is one whereupon are marked the days of the week, always combined with the days indicating the end of the three-day period, whereby distinction can also be made between the parts of the day when the cow is milked, in the morning or in the evening. A suitable embodiment of this indicator is a long strip, made for example of a synthetic material, with a sticky back and a conspicuous colour.

[0024] Preferably the indicator, which is used for marking the point in time at which the milk can again be delivered to the dairy together with the milk of untreated cows, is attached to the hind leg of the cow, more particularly the right hind leg, this place being conspicuous when milking the cows.

[0025] It will be clear that the invention also relates to a method for marking the terminal point in time of a predetermined period, which has to elapse after a certain relevant event and before, at or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted, whereby the indicators described above are used in the manner as described before. In applying the aforementioned method the indicator will preferably be attached or placed in the vicinity of the product or object which is essential to the series of actions and events.

[0026] The invention also relates to the combination of the indicator of the invention and the product or object which is essential to the series of actions and events. More particularly this relates to a combination wherein the product or object, which is essential to the series of actions and events, is a cow, particularly a cow suffering from mastitis, which is treated with an antibiotic-preparation, for example an antibiotic-preparation containing one or more compounds of the group of penicillins, more particularly synthetic penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, more particularly semisynthetic cephalosporins, and macrolide antibiotics and more particularly an antibiotic preparation containing procaine penicillin G, nafcillin and dihydrostreptomycin, and an indicator is used to mark when the milk of the cow following the treatment with the antibiotic may again be delivered to the dairy together with .the milk of untreated cows.

[0027] The following examples illustrate the indicators according to the invention.

Example 1

[0028] This example concerns an indicator which can be used for marking the ultimate week wherein a product can still be sold. The figures marking the weeks correspond to weeks of the year, as often is the practice in calendars. The indicator can for example, be applied to the product as a sticky label. The marking of the indicator can be done by hand as well as mechanically, for example by applying a cross, as done in the following schematic reproduction of an indicator

Example 2

[0029] This example concerns an indicator which can be used in building activities, to mark the point in time at or after which the shuttering, used in pouring concrete, can be removed. In the example a hardening-time of 4 days is assumed. The indicator can for example be embodied as a card, to be hung on the shuttering.

Example 3

[0030] This example concerns an indicator which can be used in horticulture to mark the date on which a seed-bed, for example of carrots, has to be treated with a herbicide and an insecticide, e.g. against carrot flies. The indicator can be constructed from a wooden lathe which can be stuck into the seed-bed. The figures marked on the indicator are the days of the year.

[0031] (1982: day 70 = March llth).

[0032] 

Example 4

[0033] This example concerns an indicator which can be used to mark the date when milk from a cow which had undergone antibiotic treatment may be delivered again to the dairy together with milk from untreated cows. The indicator can be constructed as a long strip of paper or pliant synthetic, which can be applied to a leg of the cow. The part of the day when the cow is to be milked is indicated by Mo(rning) or Ev(ening).

Claims

1. An indicator of terms which can be used in those cases where a predetermined period of time has to elapse between a certain relevant event and a point in time before, at or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted, and on which indicator, among other things, is indicated a number of points in time whereat the period can expire, which has to pass after the relevant event and the length of which is determined by the character of said relevant event in combination with the character of said action which can or must be taken or omitted before, at or after the period has elapsed, characterised in that the points in time at which the period belonging to the relevant event can expire, together with the points in time at which the relevant event can happen, are indicated in such a way that each point in time of a relevant event and the corresponding point in time of the end of the period are entered as a clearly distinguishable entity.

2. Indicator according to claim 1, characterised in that it is constructed from paper, cardboard, a synthetic material, more specifically a pliant synthetic material, textile, metal, wood, stone or similar materials.

3. Indicator according to claims 1 and 2, characterised in that it is provided with a sticky back.

4. Indicator according to any of claims 1-3, characterised in that the points in time at which the period connected to the relevant event can expire, are sequential.

5. Indicator according to any of claims 1-4, characterised in that the points in time, whereat the period connected to the relevant event can expire, form a cycle.

6. Indicator according to claim 5, characterised in that the cycle is formed by the hours of the day, the days of the week, the days of the month, the weeks of the year or the months of the year.

7. Indicator according to any of claims 1-6, characterised in that the character of the relevant event is mentioned on it.

8. Indicator according to any of claims 1-7, characterised in that it contains directions concerning actions which can or must be taken or omitted before, at or after the point in time at which the period expires.

9. Indicator according to any of claims 1-8, characterised is that it is in the form of a plate, card, strip, or sheet.

10. Indicator according to any of claims 1-9, characterised in that it is used to indicate when the milk of a cow after treatment with an antibiotic or a mixture of antibiotics can again be delivered to the dairy together with the milk of untreated cows.

11. Indicator according to claim 10 characterised in that the antibiotic preparation contains one or more compounds of the group of penicillins, more particularly semisynthetic penicillins, tetracyclines, cephalosporins, more particularly semisynthetic cephalosporins, and macrolide antibiotics.

12. Indicator according to claims 10 and 11, characterised in that the antibiotic preparation contains procaine penicillin G, nafcillin and dihydrostreptomycin and the period of time is three days.

13. Method for indicating the point in time of a predetermined period, which has to pass after a certain relevant event, and before, at or after which a certain action can or must be taken or omitted, characterised by the use of an indicator according to any of claims 1-12.

14. Method according to claim 13, whereby the indicator is attached to or applied in the vicinity of the product or subject which is essential to the series of actions or events.

15. The combination of the indicator according to any of claims 1-12 and the product or subject which is essential to the series of actions and events.

16. The combination according to claim 15, characterised in that the product or subject which is essential in the series of actions and events is a cow which has been treated with an antibiotic preparation, and in that an indicator according to any of claims 1-12 is used.