An alarm timepiece is capable of providing an alarm sound twice, one time well before the announcement time and the other at sharply the alarm announcement time. The alarm time-piece includes a first register for storing preset points in time in which to actuate the main alarm; a second register for storing a given length of preparatory time a decision circuit for determining when provide a precautionary alarm as well as the subject alarm time through calculation on said preset points in time, updated time of day and the preparatory period. The calculation is executed through the use of an adder/subtractor and comparator.
Apparatuses and methods for starting a mobile communications device are disclosed. The mobile communications device is operated by a device user. The device includes an output device for emitting a sensible signal. An input device receives user input from the device user. An alarm application receives an input time and date through the input device and determines an adjusted time and date. The adjusted time and date comprises the input time and date minus a predicted boot time for the device. The alarm application also causes the output device to emit the sensible signal at the input time and date. A system timer component monitors a current time and date when the device is in a low-power or off state and initiates a boot process when the current time and date match the adjusted time and date. The boot process is completed prior to the input time and date to enable the alarm application to cause emission of the sensible signal at the input time and date.
A sobriety interlock of the type connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operating to disable the machine from starting unless a breath sobriety test is passed, is equipped with a service reminder timer operable to initiate an appropriate indication when the interlock is due to be serviced and optionally, to provide one or more advance indications prior thereto. In the event the interlock is not serviced when due or within an optional grace period thereafter, appropriate action is preferably initiated. In one alternative form, this action includes disabling the vehicle or other machine to which the interlock is connected, regardless of whether a sobriety test or other condition normally imposed by the interlock is satisfied, until timely service is obtained. In a second alternative form, the sobriety interlock of the invention does not disable the vehicle for failure to obtain timely service. Instead, the sobriety interlock itself is effectively disabled to the extent that it ceases to impose restrictions on the starting of the vehicle until service is obtained and the timer is reset. Also disclosed are remote service devices intended for use by authorized service personnel to inter-alia, effect reading and/or setting of the service reminder timer.
