Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable illumination system having a locked state that minimizes unintended activation. The system includes a first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The first activated state generates a first optical output via the optical output device. The deactivated state deactivates the optical output device. The locked state also deactivates the optical output device. The system further includes a switching mechanism configured to receive a first and second physical user input and an algorithm of operation for each of the states. The algorithms of operation for the first activated state and the deactivated state correlate the first and second physical user inputs with a state change between the first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The algorithm of operation for the locked state is restricted in that it correlates only the second physical user input with a state change.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery system, including a housing, a negative terminal, a positive terminal, and a third terminal. The negative terminal is electrically coupled to the rechargeable electrical discharge member and may be electrically coupled to the housing. The positive terminal is electrically coupled to the rechargeable electrical discharge member and electrically isolated from the negative terminal. The third terminal is electrically coupled to the negative terminal. The third terminal is also physically isolated from both the positive and negative terminal. A non-conductive sleeve substantially encases the housing and the negative terminal around which the positive, negative, and third terminals are externally exposed.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a portable illumination system having a locked state that minimizes unintended activation. The system includes a first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The first activated state generates a first optical output via the optical output device. The deactivated state deactivates the optical output device. The locked state also deactivates the optical output device. The system further includes a switching mechanism configured to receive a first and second physical user input and an algorithm of operation for each of the states. The algorithms of operation for the first activated state and the deactivated state correlate the first and second physical user inputs with a state change between the first activated state, deactivated state, and locked state. The algorithm of operation for the locked state is restricted in that it correlates only the second physical user input with a state change.