Borg-warner Automotive Gmbh

Wahl Clipper Corporation

Curtis William Fisher

Darrell E Ankney

Joel F Klein

Einar Trygstad

Apparatus indicates a charge on a battery that has a predetermined operating range. The apparatus includes a thermochromatic material for displaying the charge level of the battery, and a resistive heating device, which is in thermal contact with the thermochromatic material, for generating heat for activating the thermochromatic material. A controlling device which is connected to the resistive heating device is also included for controlling the heat generated by the heating device so that the thermochromatic material has sufficient resolution to indicate the charge on the battery over a substantial portion of the thermochromatic material.

Battery charge indicator having improved resolution

A magnetic latching solenoid assembly comprises a bobbin having a central aperture formed therethrough along a central axis and having a solenoid coil wrapped therearound, and a metal polepiece secured at least partially within the bobbin. An at least partially metal armature is slidably movable within the central aperture. The polepiece includes a depression formed therein with a first flat formed at the bottom of the depression. The depression has a first wall formed at a first angle with respect to the central axis. The armature has a protruding portion for cooperation with the depression, the protruding portion having a second flat formed thereon for metal-to-metal engagement with the first flat, and having a second wall formed at a second angle greater than the first angle so that the first and second walls do not contact each other when the first and second flats are in contact.

Growing community of inventors

Sterling, IL, United States of America

Curtis William Fisher