| (19) |
 |
|
(11) |
EP 0 480 208 A3 |
| (12) |
EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
| (88) |
Date of publication A3: |
|
15.06.1994 Bulletin 1994/24 |
| (43) |
Date of publication A2: |
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15.04.1992 Bulletin 1992/16 |
| (22) |
Date of filing: 16.09.1991 |
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|
| (84) |
Designated Contracting States: |
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CH DE FR GB LI SE |
| (30) |
Priority: |
11.10.1990 US 595893
|
| (71) |
Applicant: DENTSPLY VENTURE CAPITAL ASSOCIATES L.P. |
|
York,
Pennsylvania 17405 (US) |
|
| (72) |
Inventors: |
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- Chadwick, David E.
York, PA 17402 (US)
- Grim, Carlton L.
Red Lion, PA 17356 (US)
|
| (74) |
Representative: Wächtershäuser, Günter, Prof. Dr. |
|
Patentanwalt,
Tal 29
80331 München
80331 München (DE) |
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| |
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(57) A test system timer has been designed for measuring multiple time phases or sequences
of each of multiple test samples or points simultaneously. The timer contains multiple
internal clocks and a countdown time display area. Upon activation of the timer, an
entire sequence of multiple phases for the test sample is initiated. The timer has
visuals to permit the user to know how many test samples have been collected, which
phase of a timing cycle the test sample is in, the amount of time remaining in any
given phase, and alarms to alert the operator to action as needed. In addition, the
timer base has a retainer plate to securely hold a test sample carrier or associated
equipment.