United States Patent
`Bruwer
`
`
`
`Abstract
`
`The present invention, according to a preferred embodiment, is directed to portable
`electronic devices which operate on exhaustible power sources, for example, batteries.
`The electronic devices of the present invention comprise at least one signal switch and
`a microchip in communication with the switch wherein the switch is only capable of
`transmitting a signal to the microchip that the switch has been activated or
`deactivated. The microchip is in communication with the exhaustible power source of
`the electronic device and controls (i) the power on/off function of the device, (ii) at
`least one other function of the device in response to activation and deactivation
`signals from the switch, and (iii) an automatic shut off function in response to the
`receipt of an activation signal from the switch.
`
`
`
`An electronic circuit for use with an exhaustible power source and load such as a light
`bulb, a radio or motor, includes a microchip with an input that transmits a signal to the
`microchip when the load is activated or deactivated. The input does not form a serial
`link between the power source and the load. The power switch, by on/off switching,
`controls energy flow from the power source to the load. The electronic circuit has an
`automatic delayed shut-off function for the load and, a find-in-the-dark indicator and a
`power source level indicator which are active when the load is not energized and the
`power source is not being charged. The input to the microchip acts as an
`activation/deactivation user interface. The microchip allows the user to select specific
`functions based on the time duration of activation signals, the time duration between
`activation signals and the number of activation signals at the input.
`
`
`
`
`
`Description
`
`
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention relates to new intelligent electrical current switching devices and more
`
`Intelligent user interface including a Touch sensor deviceand location indicator
`circuits
`
`8,288,9527,329,970
`October 16, 2012February 12, 2008
`
`
`Ex. 1038-0001
`
`

`
`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
`
`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 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.
`
`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.
`
`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. A U-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.
`
`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."
`
`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
`
`Ex. 1038-0002
`
`

`
`therefore more likely that the child will actuate the slide switch to its permanently-on position,
`for this requires only a monetary finger motion.
`
`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. Pat. 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 to mechanically compress the bellows which after a pre-determined
`interval acts to turn off the switch.
`
` similar delayed action is obtained in a flashlight for children marketed by Playskool Company,
`this delayed action being realized by a resistance-capacitance timing network which applies a
`bias to a solid-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.
`
`It is also known, e.g. as disclosed in U.S. Pat. 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.
`
`U.S. Pat. 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.
`
`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, reliable, and affordable
`functionalities which today's consumers now demand and expect.
`
`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,
`
` A
`
`Ex. 1038-0003
`
`

`
`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.
`
`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.
`
`There is a need for inexpensive, reliable, and simple intelligent electronic devices which provide
`increased functionality and energy conservation.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`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 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.
`
`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
`(nonintelligentnon intelligent) product, for example a prior art flashlight.
`
`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.
`
`
`Ex. 1038-0004
`
`

`
`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 signals 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.
`
`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 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.
`
`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.
`
`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.
`
`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-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.
`
`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, the second terminal end being
`connected to the processor, and the processor being connected to the second terminal end and the
`energy storage section. The processor controls the connection of the second terminal end to the
`energy storage section.
`
`According to another embodiment, the present invention provides an electronic apparatus which
`
`Ex. 1038-0005
`
`

`
`includes an electrical device, comprising a power supply, an activating/deactivating means, and a
`processor. The activating/deactivating means is connected to the processor and the processor is
`connected to the power supply. The processor controls the on/off function of the device and at
`least one other function of the device in response to signals received from the
`activation/deactivation means.
`
`The present invention, according to a still further embodiment, provides a flashlight comprising a
`light source, an energy storage means, a switch means, and a processor means. The switch means
`being in communication with the processor means and the processor means being in
`communication with the energy storage means which is ultimately in communication with the
`light source. The processor controls the activation/deactivation of the light source and, in some
`embodiments, further functions of the flashlight, in response to signals received from the switch
`means.
`
`While the present invention is primarily described in this application with respect to either a
`flashlight or a battery therefore, the embodiments discussed herein should not be considered
`limitative of the invention, and many other variations of the use of the intelligent devices of the
`present invention will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled push button or sliding type input
`activation/deactivation switch according to one embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association with a push button or sliding
`input activation/deactivation switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
`
`FIG. 3 is a schematic of a second type of intelligent device having a microchip controlled push
`button or sliding type input activation/deactivation switch according to another embodiment of
`the invention;
`
`FIG. 4 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled touch pad or carbon coated
`membrane activation/deactivation switch according to a still further embodiment of the
`invention;
`
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a microchip for use in association with a touch pad or carbon coated
`membrane activation/deactivation switch according to one embodiment of the invention;
`
`FIG. 6 is a schematic of a second type of device having a microchip controlled touch pad or
`carbon coated membrane activation/deactivation switch according to one embodiment of the
`invention;
`
`FIG. 7 is a schematic of a battery having embedded therein a microchip according to a further
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`FIG. 8A is a block diagram of a microchip for use in a battery according to one embodiment of
`
`Ex. 1038-0006
`
`

`
`the present invention;
`
`FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a second type of microchip for use in a battery according to
`another embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 9 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switch according to one
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`FIG. 10 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switch according to one
`embodiment of the invention;
`
`FIG. 11 is a schematic of a device having a microchip controlled switch according to one
`embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 12 is a schematic of a flashlight having therein a microchip controlled switch according to
`one embodiment of the present invention;
`
`FIG. 13 illustrates a possible position, according to one embodiment of the present invention of a
`microchip in a battery;
`
`FIG. 14 is a schematic of one embodiment of the present invention of a low current switching
`device suitable for lighting systems in buildings;
`
`FIG. 15 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the present invention, i.e. microchip 1403 of
`FIG. 14;
`
`FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 for a delayed shut off
`function embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention; and
`
`FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8a for a delayed shut off
`function embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to one embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and referring to FIG. 1, a
`schematic depiction of main circuit 100 of an electronic device, for example, a flashlight, is
`provided, wherein the device has a microchip 103 and a microchip controlled input
`activator/deactivator 102, for example, a push button or sliding switch. Main circuit 100 of the
`device is powered by a current supplied by power source 101. Power source 101 may be any
`power source, e.g. a DC battery, as is well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the
`following discussion is limited to specific electronic devices, that is flashlights, it is to be
`understood that the following description is equally applicable to other electronic devices
`including portable radios, toys, for example but not limited to battery operated cars, boats,
`planes, and/or other electrically powered toys.
`
`Referring to FIG. 1, when an operator activates input push button or sliding command switch
`
`Ex. 1038-0007
`
`

`
`102 to the "on" position, the microchip 103 receives a signal. Switch 102 is a direct electrical
`input to microchip 103. Microchip 103 is grounded by grounding means 104. Microchip 103 is
`in series between power source 101 and load 105. Microchip 103 also transfers sufficient power
`through means of a current switch (not shown in FIG. 1) to load 105 which can be, for example,
`a resistor-type bulb in the case of a flashlight to provide illumination.
`
`The microchip 103, and other microchips of the present invention, can have its/their intelligence
`embedded in combinational or sequential logic, a PLA or ROM type structure feeding into a state
`machine or a true microcontroller type structure. The memory for the above will normally be
`non-volatile, but should there be a need for selectable options, EE or flash memory structures
`may be used.
`
`The structure and operational parameters of such a microchip 103 are explained in greater detail
`below with respect to FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 1, power is supplied to microchip 103 by power
`source 101. When an operator activates input switch 102 to the "on" position it represents a
`command which is communicated to microchip 103. Input means 102 requires very low current
`in preferred embodiments. In one embodiment of the invention, microchip control/reset means
`201 simply allows the current switch 202 to pass current provided from power source 101 to load
`105 in an unimpeded manner when the MMI switch 102 is activated, and, in the case of a
`flashlight, illumination is obtained. It is important to recognize, however, that it is control circuit
`201 which activates current switch 202 upon acting on an input from MMI switch 102. Unlike
`heretofore known prior art devices, activating switch 102 does not conduct current to load 105,
`but is only a command input mechanism which can, according to the invention, operate on very
`low current. For example, according to the invention, touch sensor input or carbon coated
`membrane type switch devices are preferred.
`
`If, for example, an emergency notification function is desired, the flashlight may be designed to
`alternately flash on and off every second. First, the operator activates input 102 into the
`appropriate position to indicate such a function is desired. During the "on" segment of the
`flashing routine, control/reset means 201 commands current switch 202 to close and let current
`flow through to load 105, thereby causing, in the case of a flashlight, the bulb to illuminate.
`Simultaneously, control/reset means 201 uses the timing means 203 as a clock for timing. After
`control/reset means 201 determines one second has elapsed, control/reset means 201 instructs
`current switch 202 to open and interrupt the current flow through to load 105, and bulb
`illumination is discontinued. It is important to note that both control/reset means 201 and current
`switch 202 are still active and fully powered; however, current delivery is now latent with
`respect to load 105. When another second has elapsed, a command is passed from control/reset
`means 201 which again allows current to be delivered through current switch 202 to load 105,
`and in the case of a flashlight, bulb illumination is immediately resumed. The device continues
`an alternating current delivery routine until either the operator switches the setting of the
`activating input switch 102 to the "off" position, or until the conditions pre-programmed into the
`microchip, e.g. into the control/reset means 201, are satisfied and current delivery is permanently
`discontinued.
`
`Similar operating routines can be employed to generate other conspicuous flashing functions
`such as the generation of the universal distress signal S.O.S. in Morse code. Again, such a
`
`Ex. 1038-0008
`
`

`
`function would require that the microchip, e.g. control/reset means 201, be pre-programmed with
`the appropriate code for creating such a signal, and to permit current transmission from switch
`202 to load 105 in accordance with the code with the assistance of timing means 203. For
`example, it may be desirable to have an S.O.S. sequence wherein flashes representing each
`individual letter are separated by time intervals ranging from one-half (1/2) second to one (1) full
`second, while the interval between each letter in the code comprises two (2) full seconds. After a
`certain number of repetitions of the routine, again determined by the operator or as pre-
`programmed within the microchip, e.g. within the control/reset means 201, the signal is
`discontinued.
`
`As shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to remove grounding means 104 from main circuit 100.
`However, it is then necessary to intermittently provide an alternative power source for microchip
`103 and to create a virtual ground reference level. A suitable microchip 103 for this
`configuration is described in greater detail below with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
`
`Referring now to FIG. 4, utilizing the circuits in the microchip of some embodiments of the
`present invention, carbon coated membrane or touch pad type switches are preferred. Carbon
`coated membrane switches and touch pad switches have many advantages over conventional
`high current switches, such as those currently used in flashlights. According to the present
`invention, carbon coated membrane type switches, low current type switches, and touch pad type
`switches can be used which may be smaller, less costly, easier to seal, and less vulnerable to
`corrosion and oxidation than conventional switches which also transfer energy or current to the
`load. Moreover, according to one embodiment of the present invention, carbon coated membrane
`type switches, touch pad switches, or low current type switches can be formed structurally
`integral with the product, for example, with the casing of a flashlight.
`
` block diagram showing microchip 103 for use, in accordance with one embodiment of the
`present invention, in association with a carbon coated membrane, a touch pad switch, or a low
`current type switch 106 is now explained in greater detail in respect to FIG. 5. According to this
`one embodiment of the present invention, current switch 202 is powered directly by grounded
`power source 101. However, output of current from current switch 202 to load 105 is dependent
`on control/reset means 201. When an operator depresses touch pad 106, carbon coated
`membrane switch 106 or low current type switch 106, control/reset means 201 allows current
`switch 202 to flow current through to load 105. However, in more intelligent applications
`according to certain embodiments of the present invention, control/reset means 201 will
`coordinate, based on clock and/or timing means 203, to execute timing routines similar to those
`described above such as, but not limited to, intermittent flashing, the flashing of a conspicuous
`pattern such as Morse code, dimming functions, battery maintenance, battery strength/level, etc.
`
`FIG. 16 is a flow diagram for a microchip 103 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and provides a delayed
`shutoff function. The flow sequence commences at START when the power source 101 is
`connected to the microchip 103, as shown in FIG. 4. The sequence of operation is substantially
`self-explanatory and is not further elaborated herein.
`
`As shown in FIG. 6, grounding means 104 can be removed from the system as a matter of design
`choice. A more detailed description of a suitable microchip 103 for this type of configuration is
`
` A
`
`Ex. 1038-0009
`
`

`
`provided below with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
`
`Referring to FIG. 7, certain embodiments of the present invention also provide for a battery
`having a microchip embedded for use in association with an electronic device. As shown, direct
`current is provided to microchip 103 by power source 101. When activating input switch 102 is
`closed, current is complete and power is transferred to load 105 at the direction of microchip
`103. Microchip 103 embedded in the battery can have any number of intelligent functions pre-
`programmed therein, such as, for example but not limited to, battery strength monitoring,
`recharging, adjustment of average current through a current switch, intermittent power delivery
`sequences, and so on. Examples of suitable microchips 103 for this type of application are
`discussed below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.
`
`FIGS. 8A and 8B are block diagrams of two different further embodiments of the present
`invention. Microchip 803 is especially suitable for applications wherein microchip 803 is not
`grounded through the body of the electrical device or where a ground cannot otherwise be
`established because of design considerations. This embodiment is useful to provide sufficient
`operating power to the microchip and can be achieved by periodically opening and closing
`current switch 202 when activation input switch 102 is closed. For example, referring to FIG.
`8A, when input switch 102 is closed but current switch 202 does not conduct (that is, the switch
`is open and does not allow current to flow to load 105), then voltage drop over load 105 is zero
`and in the case of a flashlight, no illumination is provided from the bulb. Instead, the full voltage
`drop is over current switch 202 and in parallel with the diode 204 and capacitor 205. Once
`capacitor 205 becomes fully charged, current switch 202 can close and circuit 103 will be
`powered by capacitor 205. When circuit 803 is adequately powered, it functions in a manner
`identical to the circuits described previously with respect to the functions provided by
`control/reset means 201 and timing means 203.
`
`When the charging capacitor 205 starts to become depleted, control/reset means 201 will
`recognize this state and reopen the current switch 203, thus briefly prohibiting the flow of current
`to load 105, in order to remove the voltage drop from load 105 and allow capacitor 205 to
`recharge and begin a new cycle. In a flashlight application, the time period wherein current flow
`from current switch 202 is discontinued can be such that the dead period of the light is not easily
`or not at all detectable by the human eye. In the case of a high current usage load, such as a
`flashlight, it means the ratio of the capacitance of the capacitor having to power the microchip
`and the current consumption of the microchip, must be such that the capacitor can power the
`microchip for a long time relative to the charging time (202 open). This will enable the
`flashlight's "off" time to be short and the "on" time to be long, thus not creating a detectable or
`intrusive switching of the flashlight to the user.
`
`FIG. 17 is a flow diagram for a microchip as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 which also provides a
`delayed shutoff function. The flow diagram is substantially self-explanatory and the flow
`sequence commences at START when closure of the switch 102 takes place from an open
`position.
`
`According to another embodiment of the present invention, e.g. in relation