..
`
`-....
`"->
`~r
`~
`~
`c:,
`
`. _ ..
`
`0
`1-CX)
`~c:o
`CI)CX)
`·o
`PTOISB/OS (62CJ90
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMS 06510CI033"
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMu~
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no oersons are reouired to resQond to a collection of information unless it disolavs a valid OMS control nu
`.
`..,.....~
`..,.....
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only tor new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`-
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`P21065/WAB
`
`First Inventor
`
`Frederick Johannes Bruwer
`
`Title
`
`See I in Addendum
`
`Express Mail Label No.
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`
`2.00
`
`1.l.XJ Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`[Total Pages26
`Specification
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`(For information on the preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`(Total Sheets 6
`4.[X] Drawing(s) (35 U.S. C. 113)
`
`3.00
`
`5. Oath or Declaration
`
`(Total Sheets
`
`3
`
`a. til Newly executed (original or copy)
`
`b.
`
`i.
`
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`c5or continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`DELETION OF INVENTOR{S)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application. see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`7.0 CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`~puler Program (Appendix)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, items a. - c are required)
`a. Computer Readable Form {CRF)
`i.
`0
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`0
`Transfer Request (37 CFR 1.821 (e))
`ii.
`
`I
`
`l
`I
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`Name of Assignee
`
`10. 0
`
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`[X] Power of
`Attorney
`
`11.0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`
`12.0 lnfoEftion Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/08 or PT0-1449)
`Copies of foreign patent documents,
`publications. & other information
`
`13. 0
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`14. [X] Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15. O Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`16. 0 Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B){i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`b. SpecE:Jtion Sequence Listing on:
`i.
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`ii. 0
`Paper
`
`17. 0 Other:
`
`Statements verifying identity of above copies
`C. 0
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`!XJ Continuation
`0
`Prior application information: Examiner
`
`Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`0
`Divisional
`R. Deberadinis
`
`Art Unit:
`
`of prior application No.: 10/873,190
`2836
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`I OR D Correspondence address below
`
`[X] The address associated with Customer Number: I
`
`23294
`
`Name
`
`Address
`
`City
`
`Country
`I Signature
`1 Name
`(Prini!Tvoe)
`
`I State
`I Telephone
`..,
`....
`f/tM)J .L/ _, _,_ .f-/ I v Y~Jt-.>VV
`William A. Blake
`
`I
`I Zip Code
`I Email Address I
`-
`1 Date
`Registration No. I _., 0548
`
`(Attomev/Aaenl)
`
`-'
`
`07/06/2006
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing. and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce. P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`ff you need assistance in completing the form, caii1·BOO-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`MICROSOFT EXHIBIT 1002
`
`Page 1 of 107
`
`

`

`Addendum
`
`I. TOUCH SENSOR AND LOCATION INDICATOR CIRCUITS
`
`Page 2 of 107
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 (01-06)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displ~ys a valid OMB control number
`~
`Complete if Known
`
`r
`~es pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (HR. 4818).
`~FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`For FY 2006
`c=:.
`~Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`~AL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($)
`
`Application Number
`
`July 6, 2006
`First Named Inventor Frederick Johannes Bruwer
`Examiner Name
`
`1,300.00
`
`Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No. P21065/WAB
`
`.J
`
`-
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`0 Check D Credit Card D Money Order 0None Oother (please identifY):
`[E) Deposit Account Deposit Account Number:
`Jones. Tullar & CooQer2 PC
`Deposit Account Name:
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`0 Charge fee(s) indicated below
`0 Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`lliJ Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments offee(s)
`[g) Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PT0-2038.
`FEE CALCULATION (All the fees below are due upon filing or may be subject to a surcharge.)
`
`10-1213
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`Small Entity
`Small Enti~
`Small Enti~
`~l!lication T)me ~ ~ ~ Fee(~) ~ Fee($)
`300
`Utility
`200
`150
`500
`250
`100
`
`Fees Paid (~l
`
`500.00
`
`Design
`
`Plant
`
`Reissue
`
`200
`
`200
`
`300
`
`100
`
`100
`
`150
`
`100
`
`300
`
`500
`
`50
`
`150
`
`250
`
`130
`
`160
`
`600
`
`65
`
`80
`
`300
`
`200
`
`100
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`Small Entity
`~ ~
`50
`25
`200
`100
`360
`180
`Multi(!le De(!endent Claims
`~ Fee Paid(~)
`
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Fee Descri(!tion
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`Multiple dependent claims
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid {~l
`25.00 =
`-20 or HP =
`52
`800.00
`32
`X
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20.
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid ($l
`lnde(!. Claims
`=
`-3 orHP =
`0.00
`2
`0
`X
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for, if greater than 3.
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed l 00 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR L52(e)), the application size tee due is $250 ($125 for small entity) tor each additional 50
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 4l(a)(l)(G) and 37 CFR Ll6(s).
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof ~ Fee Paid l~l
`125.00 =
`- 100 =
`(round up to a whole number) X
`32
`/50=
`0.00
`-68
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 tee (no small entity discount)
`
`Fees Paid (~)
`
`Other (e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Signature
`
`f.il I iLl j{JA :-A , ~£.AWl Registration No.
`703-415-1 500
`Name (PrinVType) William A. Blake
`July 6, 2006
`This collection of information is requ~red by 37 CFR 1.136. The mformat1on IS requ1red to oblam or retam a benefit by the public wh1ch is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of lime you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`~ /')
`
`(Attornev/AQentl
`
`30548
`
`Telephone
`
`Date
`
`Page 3 of 107
`
`

`

`..
`
`-....
`"->
`~r
`~
`~
`c:,
`
`. _ ..
`
`0
`1-CX)
`~c:o
`CI)CX)
`·o
`PTOISB/OS (62CJ90
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMS 06510CI033"
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMu~
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no oersons are reouired to resQond to a collection of information unless it disolavs a valid OMS control nu
`.
`..,.....~
`..,.....
`UTILITY
`PATENT APPLICATION
`TRANSMITTAL
`(Only tor new nonprovisional applications under 37 CFR 1.53(b))
`
`-
`
`Attorney Docket No.
`
`P21065/WAB
`
`First Inventor
`
`Frederick Johannes Bruwer
`
`Title
`
`See I in Addendum
`
`Express Mail Label No.
`
`APPLICATION ELEMENTS
`See MPEP chapter 600 concerning utility patent application contents.
`
`ADDRESS TO:
`
`Commissioner for Patents
`P.O. Box 1450
`Alexandria VA 22313-1450
`
`2.00
`
`1.l.XJ Fee Transmittal Form (e.g., PTO/SB/17)
`(Submit an original and a duplicate for fee processing)
`Applicant claims small entity status.
`See 37 CFR 1.27.
`[Total Pages26
`Specification
`Both the claims and abstract must start on a new page
`(For information on the preferred arrangement. see MPEP 608.01(a))
`(Total Sheets 6
`4.[X] Drawing(s) (35 U.S. C. 113)
`
`3.00
`
`5. Oath or Declaration
`
`(Total Sheets
`
`3
`
`a. til Newly executed (original or copy)
`
`b.
`
`i.
`
`A copy from a prior application (37 CFR 1.63(d))
`c5or continuation/divisional with Box 18 completed)
`DELETION OF INVENTOR{S)
`Signed statement attached deleting inventor(s)
`name in the prior application. see 37 CFR
`1.63(d)(2) and 1.33(b).
`
`6.0 Application Data Sheet. See 37 CFR 1.76
`
`7.0 CD-ROM or CD-R in duplicate, large table or
`~puler Program (Appendix)
`Landscape Table on CD
`
`8. Nucleotide and/or Amino Acid Sequence Submission
`(if applicable, items a. - c are required)
`a. Computer Readable Form {CRF)
`i.
`0
`Computer Readable Form (CRF)
`0
`Transfer Request (37 CFR 1.821 (e))
`ii.
`
`I
`
`l
`I
`
`ACCOMPANYING APPLICATION PARTS
`
`9. 0
`
`Assignment Papers (cover sheet & document(s))
`
`Name of Assignee
`
`10. 0
`
`37 CFR 3.73(b) Statement
`(when there is an assignee)
`
`[X] Power of
`Attorney
`
`11.0 English Translation Document (if applicable)
`
`12.0 lnfoEftion Disclosure Statement (PTO/SB/08 or PT0-1449)
`Copies of foreign patent documents,
`publications. & other information
`
`13. 0
`
`Preliminary Amendment
`
`14. [X] Return Receipt Postcard (MPEP 503)
`(Should be specifically itemized)
`15. O Certified Copy of Priority Document(s)
`(if foreign priority is claimed)
`
`16. 0 Nonpublication Request under 35 U.S.C. 122(b)(2)(B){i).
`Applicant must attach form PTO/SB/35 or equivalent.
`
`b. SpecE:Jtion Sequence Listing on:
`i.
`CD-ROM or CD-R (2 copies); or
`ii. 0
`Paper
`
`17. 0 Other:
`
`Statements verifying identity of above copies
`C. 0
`18. If a CONTINUING APPLICATION, check appropriate box, and supply the requisite information below and in the first sentence of the
`specification following the title, or in an Application Data Sheet under 37 CFR 1. 76:
`!XJ Continuation
`0
`Prior application information: Examiner
`
`Continuation-in-part (CIP)
`0
`Divisional
`R. Deberadinis
`
`Art Unit:
`
`of prior application No.: 10/873,190
`2836
`
`19. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
`
`I OR D Correspondence address below
`
`[X] The address associated with Customer Number: I
`
`23294
`
`Name
`
`Address
`
`City
`
`Country
`I Signature
`1 Name
`(Prini!Tvoe)
`
`I State
`I Telephone
`..,
`....
`f/tM)J .L/ _, _,_ .f-/ I v Y~Jt-.>VV
`William A. Blake
`
`I
`I Zip Code
`I Email Address I
`-
`1 Date
`Registration No. I _., 0548
`
`(Attomev/Aaenl)
`
`-'
`
`07/06/2006
`
`This collection of information is required by 37 CFR 1.53(b). The information is required to obtain or retain a benefit by the public which is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.11 and 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 12 minutes to
`complete, including gathering, preparing. and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any
`comments on the amount of time you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer.
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Department of Commerce. P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria. VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED
`FORMS TO THIS ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`ff you need assistance in completing the form, caii1·BOO-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`Page 4 of 107
`
`

`

`Addendum
`
`I. TOUCH SENSOR AND LOCATION INDICATOR CIRCUITS
`
`Page 5 of 107
`
`

`

`PTO/SB/17 (01-06)
`Approved for use through 07/31/2006. OMB 0651-0032
`U.S. Patent and Trademark Office; U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
`Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 no persons are required to respond to a collection of information unless it displ~ys a valid OMB control number
`~
`Complete if Known
`
`r
`~es pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (HR. 4818).
`~FEE TRANSMITTAL Filing Date
`For FY 2006
`c=:.
`~Applicant claims small entity status. See 37 CFR 1.27
`~AL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT I ($)
`
`Application Number
`
`July 6, 2006
`First Named Inventor Frederick Johannes Bruwer
`Examiner Name
`
`1,300.00
`
`Art Unit
`Attorney Docket No. P21065/WAB
`
`.J
`
`-
`
`METHOD OF PAYMENT (check all that apply)
`
`0 Check D Credit Card D Money Order 0None Oother (please identifY):
`[E) Deposit Account Deposit Account Number:
`Jones. Tullar & CooQer2 PC
`Deposit Account Name:
`For the above-identified deposit account, the Director is hereby authorized to: (check all that apply)
`0 Charge fee(s) indicated below
`0 Charge fee(s) indicated below, except for the filing fee
`lliJ Charge any additional fee(s) or underpayments offee(s)
`[g) Credit any overpayments
`under 37 CFR 1.16 and 1.17
`WARNING: Information on this form may become public. Credit card information should not be included on this form. Provide credit card
`information and authorization on PT0-2038.
`FEE CALCULATION (All the fees below are due upon filing or may be subject to a surcharge.)
`
`10-1213
`
`1. BASIC FILING, SEARCH, AND EXAMINATION FEES
`FILING FEES
`EXAMINATION FEES
`SEARCH FEES
`Small Entity
`Small Enti~
`Small Enti~
`~l!lication T)me ~ ~ ~ Fee(~) ~ Fee($)
`300
`Utility
`200
`150
`500
`250
`100
`
`Fees Paid (~l
`
`500.00
`
`Design
`
`Plant
`
`Reissue
`
`200
`
`200
`
`300
`
`100
`
`100
`
`150
`
`100
`
`300
`
`500
`
`50
`
`150
`
`250
`
`130
`
`160
`
`600
`
`65
`
`80
`
`300
`
`200
`
`100
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`0
`
`Small Entity
`~ ~
`50
`25
`200
`100
`360
`180
`Multi(!le De(!endent Claims
`~ Fee Paid(~)
`
`Provisional
`2. EXCESS CLAIM FEES
`Fee Descri(!tion
`Each claim over 20 (including Reissues)
`Each independent claim over 3 (including Reissues)
`Multiple dependent claims
`Total Claims
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid {~l
`25.00 =
`-20 or HP =
`52
`800.00
`32
`X
`HP = highest number of total claims paid for, if greater than 20.
`Extra Claims ~ Fee Paid ($l
`lnde(!. Claims
`=
`-3 orHP =
`0.00
`2
`0
`X
`HP = highest number of independent claims paid for, if greater than 3.
`3. APPLICATION SIZE FEE
`If the specification and drawings exceed l 00 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer
`listings under 37 CFR L52(e)), the application size tee due is $250 ($125 for small entity) tor each additional 50
`sheets or fraction thereof. See 35 U.S.C. 4l(a)(l)(G) and 37 CFR Ll6(s).
`Total Sheets
`Extra Sheets
`Number of each additional 50 or fraction thereof ~ Fee Paid l~l
`125.00 =
`- 100 =
`(round up to a whole number) X
`32
`/50=
`0.00
`-68
`4. OTHER FEE(S)
`Non-English Specification, $130 tee (no small entity discount)
`
`Fees Paid (~)
`
`Other (e.g., late filing surcharge):
`
`SUBMITTED BY
`
`Signature
`
`f.il I iLl j{JA :-A , ~£.AWl Registration No.
`703-415-1 500
`Name (PrinVType) William A. Blake
`July 6, 2006
`This collection of information is requ~red by 37 CFR 1.136. The mformat1on IS requ1red to oblam or retam a benefit by the public wh1ch is to file (and by the
`USPTO to process) an application. Confidentiality is governed by 35 U.S.C. 122 and 37 CFR 1.14. This collection is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete,
`including gathering, preparing, and submitting the completed application form to the USPTO. Time will vary depending upon the individual case. Any comments
`on the amount of lime you require to complete this form and/or suggestions for reducing this burden, should be sent to the Chief Information Officer, U.S. Patent
`and Trademark Office, U.S. Department of Commerce, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450. DO NOT SEND FEES OR COMPLETED FORMS TO THIS
`ADDRESS. SEND TO: Commissioner for Patents, P.O. Box 1450, Alexandria, VA 22313-1450.
`If you need assistance in completing the form, call 1-800-PT0-9199 and select option 2.
`
`~ /')
`
`(Attornev/AQentl
`
`30548
`
`Telephone
`
`Date
`
`Page 6 of 107
`
`

`

`TOUCH SENSOR AND LOCATON INDICATOR CIRCUITS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`
`[0001]
`
`This application is a Continuation of U.S. Application No. 10/873,190,
`
`filed June 23, 2004, which is a Continuation of U.S. Application No. 09/806,860, filed
`
`July 2, 2001, now U.S. Patent No. 6,984,900, which is a U.S. National Stage of
`
`International Application No. PCT/ZA99/00107, filed October 8, 1999, which is a
`
`Continuation-in-Part of US Application No. 09/169,395, filed October 9, 1998, now
`
`U.S. Patent No. 6,249,089.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`[0002]
`
`The present invention relates to new intelligent electrical current
`
`switching devices and more particularly, to microchip controlled electrical current
`
`switching devices. The invention further relates, in one embodiment, to intelligent
`
`batteries having embedded therein a microchip for use with a variety of electrical
`
`devices to add heretofore unknown functionality to existing electrical devices. The
`
`invention also relates, according to another embodiment, to intelligent hand-held
`
`electronic devices, and in a preferred embodiment to hand-held light sources, and
`
`more particularly, to flashlights. According to one embodiment of the present
`
`invention, the invention relates to intelligent hand-held flashlights having microchip
`
`controlled switches wherein said switches can be programmed to perform a variety
`
`of functions including, for example, turning the flashlight off after a pre-determined
`
`time interval, blinking, or dimming, etc. According to a still further embodiment, the
`
`invention relates to low current switches controlled by microchips of the present
`
`invention for use in building lighting systems.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`[0003]
`
`In conventional flashlights, manually-operated mechanical switches
`
`function to turn the flashlight "on" and "off." When turned "on," battery power is
`
`applied through the closed switch to a light bulb; the amount of power then
`
`consumed depends on how long the switch is closed. In the typical flashlight, the
`
`effective life of the battery is only a few hours at most. Should the operator, after
`
`using the flashlight to find his/her way in the dark or for any other purpose, then fail
`
`to turn it off, the batteries will, in a very short time, become exhausted. Should the
`
`Page 7 of 107
`
`

`

`flashlight be left in a turned-on and exhausted condition for a prolonged period, the
`
`batteries may then leak and exude corrosive electrolyte that is damaging to the
`
`contact which engages the battery terminal as well as the casing of the flashlight.
`[0004]
`
`When the flashlight is designed for use by a young child the likelihood
`
`is greater that the flashlight will be mishandled, because a young child is prone to be
`
`careless and forgets to turn the flashlight "off' after it has served its purpose.
`
`Because of this, a flashlight may be left "on" for days, if not weeks, and as a result of
`
`internal corrosion may no longer be in working order when the exhausted batteries
`
`are replaced.
`[0005]
`
`Flashlights designed for young children are sometimes in a lantern
`
`format, with a casing made of strong plastic material that is virtually unbreakable, the
`
`light bulb being mounted within a reflector at the front end of the casing and being
`
`covered by a lens from which a light beam is projected. AU-shaped handle is
`
`attached to the upper end of the casing, with mechanical on-off slide switch being
`
`mounted on the handle, so that a child grasping the handle can readily manipulate
`
`the slide actuator with his/her thumb.
`[0006]
`
`With a switch of this type on top of a flashlight handle, when the slide
`
`actuator is pushed forward by the thumb, the switch "mechanically" closes the circuit
`
`and the flashlight is turned "on" and remains "on" until the slide actuator is pulled
`
`back to the "off' position and the circuit is opened. It is this type of switch in the
`
`hands of a child that is most likely to be inadvertently left "on."
`[0007]
`
`To avoid this problem, many flashlights include, in addition to a slide
`
`switch, a push button switch which keeps the flashlight turned on only when finger
`
`pressure is applied to the push button. It is difficult for a young child who wishes, say
`
`to illuminate a dark corner in the basement of his home for about 30 seconds, to
`
`keep a push button depressed for this period. It is therefore more likely that the child
`
`will actuate the slide switch to its permanently-on position, for this requires only a
`
`monetary finger motion.
`[0008]
`
`It is known to provide a flashlight with a delayed action switch which
`
`automatically turns off after a pre-determined interval. The Mallory U.S. Patent No.
`
`3,535,282 discloses a flashlight that is automatically turned off by a delayed action
`
`mechanical switch assembly that includes a compression spring housed in a bellows
`
`having a leaky valve, so that when a switch is turned on manually, this action serves
`I
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`"
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`to mechanically compress the bellows which after a pre-determined interval acts to
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`turn off the switch.
`A similar delayed action is obtained in a flashlight for children marketed
`
`[0009]
`by Playskool Company, this delayed action being realized by a resistance(cid:173)
`
`capacitance timing network which applies a bias to a solic~-state transistor switch
`
`after 30 seconds or so to cut off the transistor and shut off the flashlight. Also
`
`included in the prior art, is a flashlight previously sold by Fisher-Price using an
`
`electronic timing circuit to simply turn off the flashlight after about 20 minutes.
`
`[0010]
`
`It is also known, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,875, 147, to
`
`provide a mechanical switch assembly for a flashlight which includes a suction cup
`
`as a delayed action element whereby the flashlight, when momentarily actuated by
`
`an operator, functions to connect a battery power supply to a light bulb, and which
`
`maintains this connection for a pre-determined interval determined by the memory
`
`characteristics of the suction cup, after which the connection is automatically broken.
`[0011]
`
`U.S. Patent No. 5,138,538 discloses a flashlight having the usual
`
`components of a battery, and on-off mechanical switch, a bulb, and a hand-held
`
`housing, to which there is added a timing means and a circuit-breaking means
`
`responsive to the timing means for cutting off the flow of current to the bulb, which
`
`further has a by-pass means, preferably child-proof, to direct electric current to the
`
`light bulb regardless of the state of the timing means. The patent also provides for
`
`the operation of the device may be further enhanced by making the by-pass means a
`
`mechanical switch connected so as to leave it in series with the mechanical on-off
`
`switch. Furthermore, the patent discloses a lock or other "child-proofing" mechanism
`
`may be provided to ensure that the by-pass is disabled when the flashlight is
`
`switched off.
`[0012]
`
`Most conventional flashlights, like those described above, are actuated
`
`by mechanical push or slide button-type switches requiring, of course, mechanical
`
`implementation by an operator. Over time, the switch suffers "wear and tear" which
`
`impairs operation of the flashlight as a result of, for example, repeated activations by
`
`the operator and/or due to the fact that the switch has been left "on" for a prolonged
`
`period of time. In addition, such mechanical switches are vulnerable to the effects of
`
`corrosion and oxidation and can cause said switches to deteriorate and to become
`
`non-functioning. In addition, these prior art devices having these mechanical
`
`switches are generally "dumb," i.e. they do not provide the user with convenient,
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`reliable, and affordable functionalities which today's consumers now demand and
`
`expect.
`[0013]
`
`The prior art switches typically provide two basic functions in prior art
`
`flashlights. First, the mechanical switches act as actual conductors for completing
`
`power circuits and providing current during operation of the devices. Depending
`
`upon the type of bulb and wiring employed, the intensity of electrical current which
`
`must be conducted by the switch is generally quite high leading to, after prolonged
`
`use, failure. Second, these mechanical switches must function as an interface
`
`between the device and its operator, i.e. the man-machine-interface ("MMI") and
`
`necessarily requires repeated mechanical activations of the switch which over time
`
`mechanically deteriorate.
`[0014]
`
`Also, currently the electrical switches used in buildings/houses for
`
`control of lighting systems are of the conventional type of switches which must
`
`conduct, i.e. close the circuit, upon command, thus also providing the MMI. These
`
`prior art switches suffer from the same disadvantages as the switches described
`
`above in relation to portable electronic devices, like flashlights. Moreover, the
`
`switches are relatively dumb in most cases and do not provide the user with a variety
`
`of functions, e.g. but not limited to timing means to enable a user, for example, a
`
`shop owner or home owner to designate a predetermined shut off or turn on point in
`
`time.
`
`[0015]
`
`There is a need for inexpensive, reliable, and simple intelligent
`
`electronic devices which provide increased functionality and energy conservation.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0016]
`
`According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is
`
`provided a microchip controlled switch to manage both the current conducting
`
`functions and the MMI functions in an electronic device, such as a flashlight, on a
`
`low current basis i.e. without the MMI device having to conduct or switch high
`
`current. According to one aspect of the invention, the MMI functions are controlled by
`
`very low current signals, using touch pads, or carbon coated membrane type
`
`switches. These low current signal switches of the present invention can be smaller,
`
`more reliable, less costly, easier to seal and less vulnerable to the effects of
`
`corrosion and oxidation. Moreover, since the switch is a solid state component, it is,
`
`according to the present invention, possible to control the functions of the device in
`
`4
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`an intelligent manner by the same microchip which provides the MMI functions.
`
`Thus, by practicing the teachings of the present invention, more reliable, intelligent,
`
`and efficient electrical devices can be obtained which are cheaper and easier to
`
`manufacture than prior art devices.
`[0017]
`
`According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
`
`microchip which can be embedded in a battery that will lend intelligence to the
`
`battery and thus, the device it is inserted into, so that many functions, including but
`
`not limited to, delayed switching, dimming, automatic shut off, and intermittent
`
`activation may be inexpensively realized in an existing (non intelligent) product, for
`
`example a prior art flashlight.
`[0018]
`
`According to a further embodiment, the invention provides a power
`
`saving microchip which, when operatively associated with an electronic device, will
`
`adjust the average electric current through a current switch, provide an on and off
`
`sequence which, for example, but not limited to, in the case of a flashlight, can be
`
`determined by an operator and may represent either a flash code sequence or a
`
`simple on/off oscillation, provide an indication of battery strength, and/or provide a
`
`gradual oscillating current flow to lengthen the life of the operating switch and the
`
`power source.
`[0019]
`
`According to one embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight,
`
`having a microchip controlled switch is provided comprising a microchip for
`
`controlling the on/off function and at least one other function of the flashlight.
`
`According to a further embodiment of the invention, an intelligent flashlight having a
`
`microchip controlled switch is provided comprising an input means for sending
`
`activating/deactivating signa'ls to the microchip, and a microchip for controlling the
`
`on/off function and at least one other function of the flashlight. According to a further
`
`embodiment of the invention, there is provided an intelligent flashlight having a
`
`microchip controlled switch comprising an input means for selecting one function of
`
`the flashlight, a microchip for controlling at least the on/off function and one other
`
`function of the flashlight, wherein the microchip control circuit may further comprise a
`
`control-reset means, a clock means, a current switch, and/or any one or combination
`
`of the same.
`[0020]
`
`According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
`
`battery for use with an electrical device comprising a microchip embedded in the
`
`battery. According to still a further embodiment of the invention, a battery for use with
`
`5
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`an electronic device is provided comprising a microchip embedded in the battery
`
`wherein said microchip is adapted such that an input means external to the
`
`microchip can select the on/off function and at least one other function of the
`
`electronic device.
`
`[0021]
`
`According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is
`
`provided an intelligent battery for use with an electronic device, the battery having
`
`positive and negative terminal ends and comprising a microchip embedded in the
`
`battery, preferably in the positive terminal end, for controlling on/off functions and at
`
`least one other function of the electronic device.
`
`[0022]
`
`According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
`
`portable microchip device for use in serial connection with a power source, e.g. an
`
`exhaustible power source, and an electronic device powered by said source wherein
`
`said electronic device has an input means for activating and deactivating said power
`
`source, and said microchip comprising a means for controlling the on/off function and
`
`at least one other function of the electronic device upon receipt of a signal from said
`
`input means through said power source.
`
`[0023]
`
`According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is
`
`provided a microchip adapted to control lighting in buildings. According to this
`
`embodiment, the normal switch on the wall that currently functions as both a power(cid:173)
`
`switch, i.e. conduction of electricity, and MMI can be eliminated, thus eliminating the
`
`normal high voltage and high current dangerous wiring to the switch and from the
`
`switch to the load or light. Utilizing the present invention, these switches can be
`
`replaced with connecting means suitable for low current DC requirements.
`
`[0024]
`
`According to another embodiment, the present invention is directed to
`
`a battery comprising an energy storage section, a processor, e.g. a microchip and
`
`first and second terminal ends. The first terminal end being connected to the energy
`
`storage section, th