Patent ID: 8371022

Claim:
A method for assembling a portable device configured with an energy storage device, comprising: providing a portable device with a controller configured to control the operations of the portable device, the portable device being a wireless communication device adapted for use in a network; configuring the portable device with a multi-mode switch including a temporary active mode configured for simplified testing, a temporarily inactive mode configured for minimizing power drain, and a permanent active mode for normal user operation; providing an energy storage device including at least one of a battery, a fuel cell, a fuel container and an electrochemical capacitor; controlling the multi-mode switch from outside the portable device; constructing the multi-mode switch with a nonconductive base, a conductive top contact and conductive bottom contact substantially aligned such that a portion of the conductive top and the conductive bottom contacts are biased to be in contact and a pull tab with a via; and adjusting the pull tab to be in a first position corresponding to the temporary active mode, a second position corresponding to the temporary inactive mode and a removed position corresponding to the permanent active mode for normal user operation, wherein when the pull tab is in the first position corresponding to the temporary active mode, the via is aligned with a portion of the top and the bottom conductive contacts to allow current to flow between the top and the bottom conductive contacts through the via, defining a temporary closed switch position, and wherein when the pull tab is in the second position corresponding to the temporary inactive mode, the via is misaligned with a portion of the top and the bottom conductive contacts and current is prohibited from flowing between the top and the bottom conductive contacts through the via due to the misalignment, defining a temporary open switch position.