Patent ID: 8518569

Claim:
A portable computing device comprising: a display; a processor; a memory; two or more portable power sources for providing power to the display, the processor and the memory, wherein each of the two or more portable power sources comprises: an electrode assembly including an anode and a cathode; an electrolyte; power conditioning circuitry for changing a voltage output level of the portable power source; a containment structure for enclosing the electrode and the electrolyte, the containment structure configured to prevent leakage of the electrolyte or gasses generated during operation of the portable power source; the containment structure comprising: a rigid frame; a metal foil bonded to the rigid frame wherein the metal foil encloses a portion of the rigid frame, the electrode assembly and the electrolyte; and a vent configured to evacuate the containment structure which places the containment structure in a low pressure condition under vacuum; an electrical connector pad coupled to the rigid frame for drawing power from the portable power source; and safety circuitry coupled to the rigid frame; the safety circuitry electrically coupled to the electrical connector pad and the anode and the cathode of the electrode assembly; and power control circuitry separate from the two or more portable power sources, wherein the power control circuitry is configured to command each of the two or more portable power sources to change their voltage output level using the power conditioning circuitry.