Abstract:
A battery assembly includes a battery, an outer layer, and a power indicator apparatus. The battery includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The power indicator apparatus comprises an electrical conductor and a mechanical switch. The electrical conductor is configured to be in continuous electrical communication with the first terminal. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated by an application of pressure at a single location, and upon actuation, to place the electrical conductor in electrical communication with the second terminal such that the power indicator apparatus can facilitate a reading of a potential energy stored in the battery. Methods of assembly and methods of determining a potential energy stored in the battery are also provided herein.
Abstract:
A multi-layer control device or one-way valve (100) includes: a first layer (10) having at least one first opening (12) formed therein; and a second layer (20). The first and second layers are joined together such that at least one channel (24) is defined therebetween, which channel selectively permits gas flow from the first opening out of the device/valve. In operation, the valve selectively opens to permit gas flow through the channel in response to a pressure differential on opposing sides of the valve, wherein the pressure differential sufficient to open the valve (ΔPo) dynamically varies over time. Suitably, a material is arranged in the channel which experiences a change that precipitates the dynamic variation of ΔPo.