US Patent:
20020167863, Nov 14, 2002
Inventors:
Wirth Davis - Shawnee KS, US
David McDonald - Camdenton MO, US
International Classification:
G04B047/00
Abstract:
In the preferred embodiment, the compact, hand-held food monitor can control the rate of food ingested on a bite to bite time interval basis, and secondly, warn the operator when total bite consumption or quantity of food has been attained at that eating session. The designated programmed settings are arbitrarily chosen by the operator and can be changed at their discretion. The device is activated to measure designated units of time between ingested bites of food by touching or placing an object, i.e. utensil, on the sensing platform. After a certain lapse of time has occurred, a signal is given which can be visual, audio, or vibrating, prompting the operator to resume with another bite or standard quantity of food. When the total number of bites or units of food, have been ingested, another signal is activated to tell the individual they have reached the limit, or quantity, of food for their setting. As progress with weight reduction occurs, the food monitor can be utilized for discipline or maintenance purposes at the operator's discretion.