Patent ID: 7084531
Filing Date: 2006-08-01
Classification: H01H,H05B,Y02B

Abstract:
1. A flashlight for use with an exhaustible power source, comprising: a light source; a first circuit for conducting power from said power source to activate the light source; a switch, wherein the switch is not a serial element of the first circuit, and wherein the switch is a user interface; a microchip having a first input coupled to the switch; wherein the microchip is capable of controlling the activation and the deactivation of the light source in response to a first signal from the switch received through said first input, such that in a first operating mode the microchip causes the light source to turn off after a predetermined time interval passes following receipt of an activation signal from the switch; and wherein the microchip, in response to at least a second signal from the switch through said first input, is capable of causing the light source to operate in at least a second operating mode, in which a different level of power is supplied to the light source, than in the first operating mode, such that the light is illuminated in the second operating mode with a brightness level that is different than when illuminated in the first operating mode.