Abstract: A method for displaying a charge level of a battery includes the steps of (1) displaying the charge level of the battery in a first manner during battery charging, and (2) displaying the charge level of the battery in a second manner which is different than the first manner during battery discharging. The first manner displaying step includes the step of operating a battery charge level indicator in a first mode, and the second manner displaying step includes the step of operating the battery charge level indicator in a second mode which is different than the first mode. In addition, a battery charge level indicator is disclosed and includes a display for indicating a charge level of a battery, and a mechanism for operating the display so as to indicate whether the battery is in a charge state of operation or a discharge state of operation.

Abstract: A portable computer is positionable between an open condition in which an input device and an output device thereof is exposed to a user of the portable computer, and a closed condition in which the input device and the output device is protectively stowed within the portable computer, and further with the portable computer having an "on" state of operation and an "off" state of operation. The portable computer includes a battery, and a display for indicating charge levels of the battery, wherein the display is visible to the user in the open condition and in the closed condition. The portable computer further includes a mechanism for operating the display when the portable computer is in the "on" state of operation and in the "off" state of operation. Moreover, the display is operated to continuously indicate charge levels during the entire "on" state of operation as well as during the entire "off" state of operation.

Abstract: A method for displaying a charge level of a battery includes the steps of (1) displaying the charge level of the battery in a first manner during battery charging, and (2) displaying the charge level of the battery in a second manner which is different than the first manner during battery discharging. The first manner displaying step includes the step of operating a battery charge level indicator in a first mode, and the second manner displaying step includes the step of operating the battery charge level indicator in a second mode which is different than the first mode. In addition, a battery charge level indicator is disclosed and includes a display for indicating a charge level of a battery, and a mechanism for operating the display so as to indicate whether the battery is in a charge state of operation or a discharge state of operation.

Abstract: An automatic message waiting alerting arrangement in a telephone switching system. Messages for parties served by the system are automatically and manually generated and stored in a database. A message waiting indicator associated with a station is automatically activated only when the database contains an unaccessed message for the station, even though other accessed messages may be retained in the database for the convenience of the station owner. An "accessed" indicator included with each stored message is set to an "unaccessed" state when the message is initially stored. The indicator is set to an "accessed" state when the corresponding message is accessed by an authorized party. At the termination of an access session, the data base is searched for unaccessed messages for the station and the message waiting indicator is activated only if at least one unaccessed message for the station is found.