Abstract: A portable rechargeable lighting device uses software in a microcontroller to turn on a charger protection circuit when a charging circuit is activated, to monitor at least one electrical characteristic relative to a rechargeable battery, to control at least one charging parameter of the charging circuit, and to alert a user of a low battery condition before light emitted from the device terminates.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable lighting device uses software in a microcontroller to turn on a charger protection circuit when a charging circuit is activated, to monitor at least one electrical characteristic relative to a rechargeable battery, to control at least one charging parameter of the charging circuit, and to alert a user of a low battery condition before light emitted from the device terminates.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable lighting device uses software in a microcontroller to turn on a charger protection circuit when a charging circuit is activated, to monitor at least one electrical characteristic relative to a rechargeable battery, to control at least one charging parameter of the charging circuit, and to alert a user of a low battery condition before light emitted from the device terminates.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable lighting device uses software in a microcontroller to turn on a charger protection circuit when a charging circuit is activated, to monitor at least one electrical characteristic relative to a rechargeable battery, to control at least one charging parameter of the charging circuit, and to alert a user of a low battery condition before light emitted from the device terminates.

Abstract: A portable rechargeable lighting device uses software in a microcontroller to turn on a charger protection circuit when a charging circuit is activated, to monitor at least one electrical characteristic relative to a rechargeable battery, to control at least one charging parameter of the charging circuit, and to alert a user of a low battery condition before light emitted from the device terminates.

Abstract: A charging process of a rechargeable lighting device is controlled by a software algorithm and a microcontroller configured within the rechargeable lighting device which has first and the second charging contacts located on its exterior and the charging circuit is turned on when a cradle detection circuit detects that at least one of the charging contacts engages an electrical contact when the rechargeable lighting device is inserted into a charging cradle. The charging process begins with a charge-current which is constant and a battery charge-voltage which rises up to a nominal battery charge-voltage. The rechargeable lighting device recovers to a preselected condition through use of a power interruption avoidance algorithm configured within the microcontroller when there is a loss of power to the microcontroller of less than a preselected amount of time.

Abstract: A charging process of a rechargeable lighting device is controlled by a software algorithm and a microcontroller configured within the rechargeable lighting device which has first and the second charging contacts located on its exterior and the charging circuit is turned on when a cradle detection circuit detects that at least one of the charging contacts engages an electrical contact when the rechargeable lighting device is inserted into a charging cradle. The charging process begins with a charge-current which is constant and a battery charge-voltage which rises up to a nominal battery charge-voltage. The rechargeable lighting device recovers to a preselected condition through use of a power interruption avoidance algorithm configured within the microcontroller when there is a loss of power to the microcontroller of less than a preselected amount of time.

Abstract: A rechargeable lighting device has a rechargeable power source with a positive electrode located at its rear end, a main power circuit that powers a light source and includes the positive electrode, a charging circuit configured to be enabled when the lighting device engages a charging device, and at least one charging contact located on the exterior of the lighting device at or near its tail end. A microcontroller and switch are located at the rear end and the microcontroller wakes up to either turn on the main power circuit and isolate the charging contract from a charging ground path or turn on the charging circuit in which case the charging contact acts as part of the charging ground path.

Abstract: A rechargeable lighting device has a rechargeable power source with a positive electrode located at its rear end, a main power circuit that powers a light source and includes the positive electrode, a charging circuit configured to be enabled when the lighting device engages a charging device, and at least one charging contact located on the exterior of the lighting device at or near its tail end. A microcontroller and switch are located at the rear end and the microcontroller wakes up to either turn on the main power circuit and isolate the charging contract from a charging ground path or turn on the charging circuit in which case the charging contact acts as part of the charging ground path.

Abstract: A user electronically interacts with a flashlight via a computer and application software once the flashlight has been inserted into, and engages, a smart cradle configured with a printed circuit board (“PCB”) that can communicate electronically with both the flashlight and the computer. Application software allows the user to access a mode control circuit for changing operational modes available on the flashlight without having to manipulate a manual control of the flashlight, monitor battery life, access data files relating to the flashlight, and load information into memory of the PCB.

Abstract: A rechargeable lighting device has a rechargeable power source with a positive electrode located at its rear end, a main power circuit that powers a light source and includes the positive electrode, a charging circuit configured to be enabled when the lighting device engages a charging device, and at least one charging contact located on the exterior of the lighting device at or near its tail end. A microcontroller and switch are located at the rear end and the microcontroller wakes up to either turn on the main power circuit and isolate the charging contract from a charging ground path or turn on the charging circuit in which case the charging contact acts as part of the charging ground path.

Abstract: A process for recharging a rechargeable flashlight in a motor vehicle places a recharging cradle into a cup holder, connects the recharging cradle to a cigarette lighter port in the motor vehicle and inserts a bottom end of the rechargeable flashlight into an opening in the cradle configured to snugly receive and support the rechargeable flashlight in an upright position within the recharging cradle so that a pair of contact leads of the recharging cradle make electrical contact with a pair of electrical contacts of the rechargeable flashlight configured for recharging the rechargeable flashlight.

Abstract: A smart charger cradle including a PCB that may provide various functions such as monitoring the recharging of a flashlight, as well as providing various information about the flashlight and its operation.

Abstract: Improved rechargeable lighting devices, including a battery pack having a positive electrode on its rear end, and negative electrodes on both ends. The circuitry in the lighting device efficiently transfers between operating and charging modes.