BATTERY WITH A VOLTAGE REGULATION DEVICE

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery (100) that works by regulating the power source (112) to provide a suitable voltage output so that the user's devices/products using the battery will have a high performance among several other advantages. The battery (100) comprises a positive terminal (102); a negative terminal (112); a power source (114); and a voltage regulation device (110). The voltage regulation device (110) is operatively connected to the positive terminal (102), the negative terminal (112) and the power source (114). The voltage regulation device (110) includes electronic components that are operatively connected to each other in order to regulate an output voltage in a programmed variable level.

Claims

1-42. (canceled)

43. A rechargeable battery comprising: an external surface of the battery which is substantially defined by: a housing; a positive terminal; and a negative terminal; wherein the housing contains: a rechargeable power source; a programmable controller; and a voltage regulation device that is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source; wherein the voltage regulation device comprises: a voltage boost regulator; and at least one voltage sensor configured to detect an input voltage applied between the positive and negative terminals, and configured to relay information on the input voltage to the programmable controller; wherein the programmable controller is configured to selectively activate the voltage boost regulator to regulate the input voltage for charging the power source.

44. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 43, further comprising a pass-through circuit operatively connected to the programmable controller.

45. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 44, wherein the programmable controller is configured to selectively activate the pass-through circuit when the programmable controller determines that the input voltage is appropriate for charging the internal power source.

46. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 43, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises a current sensor which is operatively connected to the programmable controller.

47. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 46, wherein the current sensor is configured to detect a connection to a battery charger.

48. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 47, wherein the current sensor is configured to detect two or more of the following: i) a current being drained from the battery during use of the battery in a product/device; ii) a current being drained from the power source during discharge of the battery; and iii) a current being charged to the power source.

49. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 43, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises at least one regulator configured to regulate an output voltage of the battery to a programmed variable level when the input voltage is not applied to the terminals of the battery.

50. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 49, wherein the at least one regulator is a buck or linear regulator.

51. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 49, wherein the programmed variable level is between 1.2V and 1.5V.

52. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 49, wherein the controller is configured to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage drops to a pre-determined level.

53. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 43, further comprising a voltage level indicator configured to provide an indication of the voltage level or capacity of the power source.

54. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 43, wherein the power source is a Li-ion cell.

55. A voltage regulation device configured to be housed within a housing of a battery, the battery having an external surface which is substantially defined by a housing, a positive terminal, and a negative terminal, the battery having a rechargeable power source, and a programmable controller, wherein the voltage regulation device is configured to operatively connect to the positive terminal, the negative terminal and the power source, the voltage regulation device comprising: a voltage boost regulator; and at least one voltage sensor configured to detect an input voltage applied between the terminals of the battery, and configured to relay information on the input voltage to the programmable controller; wherein the programmable controller is configured to selectively activate the voltage boost regulator to regulate the input voltage for charging the power source.

56. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 55, further comprising a pass-through circuit operatively connected to the programmable controller in use.

57. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 56, wherein the programmable controller is configured to selectively activate the pass-through circuit when the programmable controller determines that the input voltage is appropriate for charging the internal power source.

58. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 55, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises a current sensor which is operatively connected to the programmable controller and is configured to detect a connection to a battery charger.

59. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 58, wherein the current sensor is configured to detect two or more of the following: i) a current being drained from the battery during use of the battery in a product/device; ii) a current being drained from the power source during discharge of the battery; and iii) a current being charged to the power source.

60. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 55, wherein the voltage regulation device further comprises at least one regulator configured to regulate an output voltage of the battery to a programmed variable level when the input voltage is not applied to the terminals of the battery.

61. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the at least one regulator is a buck or linear regulator.

62. The voltage regulation device as claimed in claim 60, wherein the programmed variable level is between 1.2V and 1.5V and the controller is configured to provide a lower output voltage if the power source voltage drops to a pre-determined level.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0154] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, by reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0155] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a rechargeable battery according to the present invention and some internal components of the battery are also shown.

[0156] FIG. 2 is a cut away view of the first embodiment of the battery of FIG. 1.

[0157] FIGS. 3(a)-(c) together show a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a voltage regulation circuit to be used in the battery of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0158] FIGS. 4(a)-(i) together show a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a voltage regulation circuit to be used in the battery of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0159] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage for a battery using a voltage regulation circuit of an embodiment of the invention.

[0160] FIG. 6 is the schematic diagram of an exemplary output current sensor circuit that may be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0161] FIG. 7 is the schematic diagram of an exemplary Low Drop-out Linear (LDO) regulator circuit that may be used in an embodiment of the invention.

[0162] FIG. 8 is the schematic diagram of a Synchronous Buck Regulator circuit that may be used in an embodiment of the invention.

[0163] FIG. 9 is the schematic diagram of an alternative form of an output current sensor circuit that may be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0164] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process for intelligent battery charging using a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0165] FIG. 11 is an example of a comparator circuit for detecting a battery charger that is suitable to be used together with the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit.

[0166] FIG. 12 is an example of a Dual Slope ADC circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0167] FIG. 13 is an example of a transformer based circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0168] FIG. 14 is an example of a Single-Ended Primary Inductor Convertor circuit for charging the internal cell that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0169] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an exemplary process for monitoring the internal power source/internal cell and for reducing the voltage as the power source approaches the end of discharge using a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0170] FIG. 16 is an example of a current limiting circuit for determining a battery voltage level that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0171] FIG. 17 is an example of a circuit for determining a battery voltage level to show voltage level that is suitable to be used in a voltage regulation circuit of the invention.

[0172] FIG. 18 is a bar graph showing data for several types of AA batteries when tested in a digital compact camera.

[0173] FIG. 19 is an exemplary graph showing actual for several types of AAA batteries when tested in a CREE LED flashlight.

[0174] FIG. 20 is a graph showing expected results for several types of batteries when used over time to recharge external camera flash with continuous use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0175] The following description will describe the invention in relation to preferred examples. The invention is in no way limited to the example(s) and/or drawings as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0176] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show one embodiment of a battery (100) of the present invention comprising electronic components being operatively connected to each other. In one form, the battery (100) is an AA or AAA sized rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) battery of a predetermined voltage, preferably 3.2 volts (V) to 3.8 V, such as 3.7 V. The battery (100) includes a positive terminal (102) operatively connected by a voltage carrying means, such as a first wire (104) to a voltage regulation device (110) comprising a circuitry at least for voltage regulation. The voltage regulation device (110) will hereinafter be referred to as a voltage regulation circuit (110). Therefore, the first wire (104) electrically connects the positive terminal (102) of the battery to the voltage regulation circuit (110).

[0177] The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises electronic components in a suitable electrically connected arrangement. A circuit diagrams depicting two of the exemplary arrangements of the electronic components in the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be discussed later with reference to FIG. 3 (a)-(c) and FIGS. 4 (a)-(i).

[0178] Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the voltage regulation circuit (110) is further connected by another voltage carrying means, preferably a second wire (106) to a negative terminal (112). The voltage regulation circuit (110) is also connected by one or more wires (108) to an internal cell (114), which in this example is a 2.6 V to 4.6 V Li-ion cell such as a 3.7 V Li-ion cell. The battery (100) further comprises housing or a shell (116) made out of any suitable material shaped and constructed to house the electronic components of the battery. The shell (116) surrounds, protects and encapsulates the electronic components of the battery (100). Preferably, the shell (116) is made of a very thin (approximately 1 mm thick) metal. The shell in this one example is shaped as an enclosed tube with a first (e.g. bottom) section and a second (e.g. top) section whereby the second section of the shell is attached after the assembly.

[0179] The voltage regulation circuit (110) is at least adapted to regulate the output voltage in a programmed variable level and/or to sense and regulate the input voltage that charges the internal cell (114). The internal cell (114) is adapted to provide power to the voltage regulation circuit (110) via the one or more wires (108). These one or more wires (108) are adapted to be used for both the charge and discharge of the internal cell (114). The internal cell (114) is preferably any power source, however the examples describe use of a Li-ion cell. A person skilled in the art will understand that a similar system may be developed for an alternative power source, particularly rechargeable power source.

[0180] The voltage regulation circuit (110) may comprise at least one voltage sensor that configured to determine an input voltage that charges the power source, the power source being the internal cell (114). The voltage sensors(s) are operatively connected to the programmable controller. The programmable controller is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one voltage sensor to regulate the input voltage.

[0181] The voltage sensor may be configured to determine a voltage level information of the power source and feed the voltage level information to the programmable controller. The programmable controller is programmed to provide a lower output voltage of the power source.

[0182] Exemplary embodiment(s) of a voltage sensor circuit will be described later in more detail.

[0183] Similarly, the voltage regulation circuit (110) may comprise at least current sensor that is configured to determine an output current in the internal cell (114). The at least one current sensor is also operatively connected to a programmable controller that is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the at least one current sensor and regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

[0184] The current sensor(s) may be adapted to detect a connection to a battery charger when operatively connected to the programmable controller.

[0185] The current sensor (s) may also be adapted to detect two or more of the following: i) a current being drained by a user's product/device during use; ii) a current being used in the internal cell (110) during discharge; iii) a current being drained from the internal cell (110); and iv) a current being used to recharge the internal cell (110), if the internal cell (110) is rechargable.

[0186] Exemplary embodiment(s) of a current sensor circuit will be described later in more detail.

[0187] The voltage regulation circuit (110) will be described with reference to two exemplary embodiments. Although, the circuit has been referred to as voltage regulation circuits (110), it is to be understood that voltage regulation is not necessarily the sole purpose of the voltage regulation circuit (100). Some of the other functions of the voltage regulation circuit (110) have been described later.

First Embodiment of the Voltage Regulation Circuit (FIGS. 3 (a)-(c))

[0188] FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) together show the circuit diagram of one form of a voltage regulation circuit (110) that may be used in the battery (100) of the present invention. As it can be seen from FIGS. 3(a)-(c), the voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises several electronic components that are electronically and operatively connected to each other. The values and units of most of those electronic components are also shown. To a person skilled in the art, arrangement and the functionality of the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be self-explanatory upon consideration of the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 3 (a)-(c) and therefore need not be discussed in detail.

[0189] Nevertheless, the schematic diagram of the voltage regulation circuit (110) as shown in FIGS. 3(a)-(c) will now be discussed briefly.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 3(b), the voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises an electronic controller which can be a programmable controller, for example a microcontroller (U1), such as a PIC16F616 microcontroller, that is adapted to send and receive several input and output signals from the circuit of FIGS. 3(a) and (c). The microcontroller (U1) is operatively connected to the positive terminal, the negative terminal, the power source and to one or more of the other electronic components of the voltage regulation device in order to send and receive input and output signals and thereby to sense and regulate the output voltage in the programmed variable level.

[0191] In FIG. 3(a), a first component (P1) on the left represents the terminals (102 and 112) of the battery (100) that are adapted to connect a user's product/device (not shown) in order to supply power to the user's product/device. The first component (P1) is also adapted to connect to a battery charger (not shown) in order to charge a power source/internal cell (114) such as a Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100). There is a second component (P2) on the right that connects to the power source/internal cell (114) such as the Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100).

[0192] Capacitors (C1, C2, C3 and C4) and inductor (L1) are preferably positioned in the circuit as shown in the FIG. 2 (a). These components form a noise suppression circuit that is operatively connected to the microcontroller (U1) so that the microcontroller (U1) can receive at least one input signal from the noise suppression circuit. The noise suppression circuit provide for noise suppression, particularly spurious noise suppression. The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises at least one regulator. The regulator(s) being operatively connected to the programmable controller (U1) and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller (U1) at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage. This will now be described in more detail.

[0193] A voltage boost regulator is formed by an N-channel MOSFET (Q2), resistors (R12, R4, R3, R14), diode (D2) and capacitor (C6). The voltage boost regulator is operatively connected to microcontroller (U1) and the microcontroller (U1) is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage boost regulator to allow the voltage boost regulator to increase a voltage supplied from a battery charger to a higher voltage to charge the internal cell (114). The voltage boost regulator is adapted to increase the voltage from a first level supplied from an external battery charger (for example approximately 1.6V DC) to a second higher voltage that is needed for charging the internal cell (>3.5V DC). The voltage boost regulator is controlled by the first control signal (PWM1), which is a Pulse Width Modulation signal and provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a first current signal (CUR1).

[0194] Resistors (R6 and R15) and capacitor (C8) together define a first current sensing circuit configured to determine or sense: i) the current being drained by the user's product/device; and ii) the current being used by the internal cell (114) of the battery (100) during discharge. The first current sensing circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a second current signal (CUR2).

[0195] A voltage buck regulator is formed by a P-channel MOSFET (Q1), diode (D1) and resistors (R2 and R16). The voltage buck regulator that is operatively connected to the microcontroller (U1) and the microcontroller (U1) is adapted to receive at least one input signal from the voltage buck regulator to allow the voltage buck regulator to convert a voltage supplied by the internal cell (110) to the output voltage of the battery (100). The voltage buck regulator is adapted to convert the voltage supplied by the Li-ion cell (3.7V DC) to the regulator battery output (up to 1.5V DC). A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery output voltage may vary depending on the current being used by the user's product/devices. Such variable regulation is controlled by the micro-controller (U1) via a second control signal, which is a Pulse Width Modulation signal (described in more detail below).

[0196] Resistors (R13 and R5) and capacitor (C7) together define a second current sensing circuit adapted to sense/detect: i) the current being drained from the Li-ion cell; and ii) the current being charged to the Li-ion cell and this circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a third current signal (CUR3).

[0197] A circuit for regulating a voltage of the microcontroller (U1) is shown in the FIG. 3(c). This microcontroller voltage regulation circuit comprises resistor (R8) and diode (D4) and this circuit provides its status to the micro-controller (U1) via a voltage signal (V.sub.REF).

[0198] As can be seen from FIG. 3(b), the micro-controller (U1) comprises resistor (R7) and capacitor (C5). FIG. 3(b), shows how the microcontroller (U1) receive several input signals from the circuits of FIGS. 3(a) and (c). As shown in FIG. 3(b), the microcontroller (U1) gets feedback from the current signals (CUR1, CUR2 and CUR 3) and first and second control signals (PWM1 and PWM2) of FIG. 3(a) to ensure correct output voltage of the battery (100) when in use and also to ensure correct charging of the internal cell (114) when the battery (100) is connected to the charger (not shown). When there is a predetermined current drain from the user's product/device that is sensed from the second current signal (CUR2), the output voltage of the battery is set via the second control signal (PWM2) at a programmed level between 1.2 V DC and 1.5V DC to ensure the best possible usability. This ability to control/regulate voltage at a programmed level between 1.2V and 1.5V DC is a highly advantageous feature of the present invention. This is because if the output voltage was set to a fixed 1.5V DC, it may burn out some electronics. Similarly, if the output voltage is set at a lower voltage, the battery may not provide enough voltage for some electronics.

[0199] Therefore, by the use of advanced micro-electronics, a battery (100) with a regulated output voltage is achieved. The battery (100) using the voltage regulation circuit (110) as discussed above is able to output a high amount of power until it is fully discharged (or ‘flat’). This is advantageous over previously known non rechargeable/single use batteries as well as all other NiMH/NiCD rechargeable batteries which slowly reduce the output voltage as they discharge (or ‘go flat’) thereby affecting how the user's product/device might work.

[0200] Also, the battery (100) using the voltage regulation circuit (110) as discussed above can provide a regulated voltage input which means that the battery (100) can be charged with all commercially available NiMH/NiCD battery chargers. This can be an additional advantage over previously known circuit regulated batteries that require special chargers. Alternatively, special chargers can be developed for the batteries if desired.

Second Preferred Embodiment of the Voltage Regulation Circuit (FIGS. 4 (a)-(i))

[0201] FIGS. 4 (a)-(i) together show a circuit diagram of an alternative form of the voltage regulation circuit (110) that is used in the battery (100) of the present invention. As it can be seen from FIGS. 4(a)-(i), the voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises several electronic components that are electronically and operatively connected to each other. The values and units of most of those electronic components are also shown in those figures. To a person skilled in the art, the arrangement and functionality of the voltage regulation circuit (110) will be self-explanatory upon consideration of the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 4(a)-(i) and therefore need not be discussed in detail.

[0202] Nevertheless, the schematic diagram of the voltage regulation circuit (110) as shown in FIGS. 4 (a)-(i) will now be discussed briefly.

[0203] As shown in FIG. 4 (i), the voltage regulation circuit (110) of this second preferred embodiment comprises a microcontroller (U5) that is adapted to send and receive several input and output signals from the circuits of FIGS. 4(a) to (h).

[0204] In FIG. 4(a), a first component (P1) represents the terminals (102 and 112) of the battery (100) that is adapted to be connected to a user's product/device (not shown) in order to supply power to the user's product/device. The first component (P1) is also adapted to connect to a battery charger (not shown) in order to charge the power source i.e., internal cell (114) such as Li-ion cell that is internal to the battery (100).

[0205] FIG. 4(a) comprises Output Current Sensor, Low Dropout Linear Regulator (i.e. LDO Regulator) and Synchronous Buck Regulator/Voltage Boost and Pass through. These components will be discussed later in more detail.

[0206] FIG. 4 (b) contains a second component (P2) that connects to the internal cell (114) that is internal to the battery (110). The circuit of FIG. 4(b) is adapted to provide voltage references that are required by other circuit sections. In this example, a fixed voltage regulator outputs a 2.048 volts DC to VREF 2. This voltage is divided using resistors (R21, R12, R18 and R15) to provide voltage references of 1.55 vDC and 1.4 vDC. These voltage references are used by at least one or more of the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4(i), the current sensor of FIG. 6 and the synchronous buck regulator/voltage booster of FIG. 8.

[0207] FIGS. 4 (c)-(e) show the power connections for integrated circuits U3, U7 and U14 respectively. They are powered directly from the second component (P2) via the power source V CELL.

[0208] FIG. 4 (f) is an example circuit for sensing the battery output voltage and is used as the Charger Sensor Circuit to detect an external charger. This circuit and its applications will be discussed later in more detail.

[0209] FIG. 4 (g) is an example circuit for sensing the voltage of the internal cell (114) and is used as the Internal Cell Voltage Sensor. This circuit and its applications will be discussed later in more detail.

[0210] FIG. 4 (h) is a fixed 3.3 V DC regulator to power the microcontroller (U5). 4 (i) shows how a programmable microcontroller (U5) receives several inputs from the circuits of FIGS. 4 (a) to 4 (h).

[0211] The voltage regulation circuit of this second embodiment can provide several key features including intelligent battery output; intelligent battery charging; voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge and battery level indication. These key features and how they are achieved will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the drawings.

Intelligent Battery Output

[0212] Intelligent battery output is one of the features of the battery (100) that may be achieved through the voltage regulation circuit (110) of the second embodiment.

[0213] With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5 V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and MiMH 1.2 V rechargeable), under load the voltage drops slightly even when the batteries are new and fully charged. Some electronics is designed with this in mind such as many flashlights where bulbs are not rated at 1.5 V but are rated at a slightly lower voltage than 1.5V, mostly in the 1.2V to 1.4V range.

[0214] A fixed 1.5 V output will in some cases damage the electronics. Some flashlights will burn out the bulbs with a fixed 1.5 V battery/batteries.

[0215] In the present invention, the battery (100) is adapted to sense the output current and adjust the output voltage according to the output current. An example of a possible voltage drop for an AA battery is as per below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Output Output Current mA Voltage vDC 0 1.50 50 1.49 100 1.48 150 1.47 200 1.46 250 1.45 300 1.44 400 1.43 600 1.42 800 1.41 1000 1.40 1100 1.39 1200 1.38 1300 1.37 1400 1.36 1500 or more 1.35

[0216] The battery output current can be monitored by a number of methods. One method is to use a very low ohms value resistor on either the positive or the negative output, and measure the voltage across the resistor. As the current increases, the voltage across the resistor will increase. The feedback can then be used to adjust the voltage regulator and lower the output voltage.

[0217] An example of a circuit that will do this will now be discussed.

[0218] The voltage regulation circuit (110) comprises at least one regulator that is operatively connected to the programmable controller (U5) and is adapted to be activated by the programmable controller (U5) at a preset battery output level in order to regulate the output voltage. This will now be described in more detail.

[0219] The block diagram of FIG. 5 corresponds to the circuit of FIG. 4(a) that has both a LDO regulator (510) and a Voltage Buck Regulator, i.e. a Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). The LDO regulator (510) is included in this embodiment for battery efficiency at low currents. It is possible to have only one regulator or more than two regulators.

[0220] Referring to the block diagram of FIG. 5, when there is no current drain or a pre-determined low current drain—the programmable controller (520) which is same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4(i), activates the LDO regulator (510) to regulate the output voltage and disables the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). The LDO Regulator (510) output is sensed for the current flow and provided as the battery output (550). An Output Current Sensor (540) is fed back to the programmable controller (520). If the output current exceeds a pre-determined current drain, the programmable controller (520) activates the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) and disables the LDO regulator (510). In this example, for low current outputs, the LDO regulator (510) is more efficient and for medium to high current outputs, the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) is more efficient.

[0221] The circuit of FIG. 6 is an example of the Output Current Sensor (540) of FIG. 5 having the battery output (550) as P1. This circuit of the Output Current Sensor (540) of FIG. 6 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). As it can be seen in FIG. 4(i), the signals “1 EN”, “LOAD 1” and “VREF 2” all connect to the microcontroller (U5).

[0222] The current is measured by measuring the voltage drop across resistor (R1) using an operational amplifier (U3A) with the resulting voltage being provided to microcontroller (U5) where programming determines the actual current value. The higher the current flow through resistor (R1), the higher the voltage difference across resistor (R1) (as per Ohm's Law Voltage (V)=Current (I)×Resistance (R)). In the circuit of FIG. 6, the operational amplifier (U3A) amplifies the voltage difference measured across resistor (R1) to provide greater measurement accuracy.

[0223] The circuit of FIG. 7 is an example of a circuit for the LDO Regulator (U15) which is the same as the LDO regulator (510) in the block diagram of FIG. 5. This circuit of FIG. 7 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). The “V Cell” signal is connected to the internal cell (114), the “LDO EN” is connected to the microcontroller (U5) and P1 is the battery output (550).

[0224] For low current drains, the LDO Regulator (U15) will act as a fixed voltage regulator to ensure maximum efficiency at low loads. The LDO regulator (U15) is enabled or disabled by the programmable controller (520), i.e. the microcontroller (U5). In the circuit of FIG. 7, the LDO regulator (U15) will be enabled, when the battery (100) has a low current drain and will be disabled when the battery (100) has a high current drain. During the high current drain, the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) will take over. The LDO regulator (U15) in this example of FIG. 7 is a fixed voltage regulator. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention will also work if the LDO regulator was a variable voltage regulator set for 1.5 V DC output.

[0225] The circuit of FIG. 8 is an example of a Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) of FIG. 5. This circuit of FIG. 8 can also be seen in FIG. 4(a). The Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) will be activated by the microcontroller (U5) at a preset battery output current level. The “V Cell” signal is connected to the internal cell (114). The signals “PWM HI”, “SHNT REG EN” and “PWM LOW” signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5) as shown in FIG. 4(i). The battery output is shown as P1. The signal “V1V55” is connected to a fixed 1.55 V DC reference.

[0226] For high current drains, the programming of the microcontroller (U5) will turn off the LDO Regulator (U15) and regulate the output using the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530). This is done by turning off the operational amplifier (U3B) and the microcontroller (U5) will control the output voltage via the operational amplifier (U1), N channel MOSFET (Q1), P channel MOSFET (Q2) and inductor (L1).

[0227] The output voltage is the input voltage times the duty cycle and hence lowering the duty cycle allows the reduction of the output voltage. Programming of the microcontroller controls the duty cycle.

V_Out=V_in*Duty

Duty=Q1(On Time)/Q1(Off Time)+Q1(On Time))

e.g. V_In=3.5V, On time=420 ns, Off time=580 ns

Duty=420e−9/420e−9+580e−9)=0.42

V_Out=3.5*0.42=1.47 V

[0228] Although the embodiment discussed above uses two regulators for efficiency purpose, it is possible to have only one regulator or more than two regulators.

[0229] FIG. 9 shows an alternative form of the output current sensor (540) to measure the battery output current. The circuit of FIG. 9 uses a Hall Effect Sensor (represented by X in FIG. 9) to measure the magnetic field through a conductor that carries a current which eliminates the need for the resistor (R1). The magnetic field strength around the conductor is proportional to the current flow through it. As the current increases, the magnetic field strength increases. The current flows from IP+ to IP−.

Intelligent Battery Charging

[0230] Intelligent battery charging is another feature that can be achieved from the second preferred embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

[0231] Existing Hybrid (power source and electronics) batteries in the AAA, AA, C and D format require special chargers or are charged by non-standard methods such as USB. The battery (100) of the present invention uses electronic circuitry to sense a voltage from the battery charger, such as a standard NiMH or Li-ion battery charger and regulates this voltage to charge the internal cell (114).

[0232] An example of a circuit that will do this will now be described.

[0233] Turning now to the block diagram of FIG. 10, the voltage regulation circuit comprises at least one charger sensor (1020) that is operatively connected to the programmable controller (1030) which is same as the microcontroller (U5) and is adapted to determine a connection to an external battery charger (1010) by detecting a voltage from the external battery charger (1010).

[0234] The charger sensor(s) (1020) may be adapted to detect a voltage of the external battery charger (1010) as a voltage level information and feed that voltage level information to the microcontroller (U5) in order to regulate the detected voltage of the battery charger (1010) for charging the internal cell (1070) (which is same as internal cell (114)).

[0235] The charger sensor(s) (1020) may also be adapted to detect a voltage level information from an external battery charger (1010) and feed the voltage level information to the microcontroller (U5) in order to regulate the output voltage according to the output current at the programmed variable level.

[0236] Referring again to FIG. 10, when the battery (100) is connected to the external battery charger (1010), the charger sensor (1020) detects the voltage from the external battery charger (1010) and sends a signal to a programmable controller (1030) which is the same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4 (i). The signal provides information to the programmable controller (1030) regarding the type of external battery charger (1010) that is connected. If the connected external battery charger (1010) is a first power source type of battery charger (e.g. a Li-ion charger) and the internal cell (1070) (which is same as internal cell (114) of FIGS. 1 and 2) is also of the same first power source type (e.g. a Li-ion cell), the programmable controller/microcontroller (1030, U5) will activate a pass through to effectively directly connect the charger to the internal cell (1070). If the connected external battery charger (1010) is a second power source type of battery charger (e.g. a NiMH battery charger) and the internal cell of the battery is of a different power source type (e.g. Li-ion cell), the programmable controller/microcontroller (1030, U5) will activate a Voltage Boost or Pass through circuit (1060) to adjust the charge voltage to enable charging of the different power source (e.g. increase the lower NiMH charge voltage up to the higher Li-ion charge voltage).

[0237] The circuit of FIG. 4(f) is an example of the Charge Sensor (1020). The “VOUT” signal connects to the external battery charger (1010) and as shown in FIG. 4(i), the “V OUT ADC” signal connects to the microcontroller (U5).

[0238] The Voltage Boost or Pass through Circuit (1060) of this embodiment is the same circuit as the Synchronous Buck Regulator (530) as described above with reference to FIG. 8, which also appears in FIG. 4 (a). The “V CELL” signal is connected to the internal cell (1070). The “PWM HI”, SHNT REG EN″ and PWM LOW″ signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5). P1 is the battery output. The “V1V55” is connected to fixed 1.55V DC reference. The “VOUT” signal is connected to the external battery charger (1010).

[0239] For example, a Li-ion charger will output a higher voltage than a NiMH charger and the programming of the microcontroller (U5) determines which type of external battery charger (1010) is connected. The microcontroller (U5) may then determine if the voltage needs to be adjusted to allow charging of the specific type of power source being used by the battery and controls the voltage regulation circuit to provide the required voltage level for charging the specific power source.

[0240] Turning again to FIGS. 4(a) and (i), if the microcontroller (U5) determines that a Li-ion charger is connected and the internal cell (114) is Li-ion, an output if the microcontroller (U5) will fully switch on P Channel MOSFET (Q2) and switch off N Channel MOSFET (Q1). The Li-ion charger is then connected to the internal cell (1070 via inductor (L1) and P Channel MOSFET (Q2) which are both effectively short circuit. The battery charger will act/charge like a Li-ion battery has been inserted.

[0241] If the microcontroller (U5) determines that a NiMH charger is connected and the internal cell (1170) is Li-ion, N Channel MOSFET is used to create a voltage booster from the signal “VOUT” (battery terminals and battery charger) side to the “VCELL” signal (internal cell (1170)). The inductor (L1) is used as a boost indicator so when the N Channel MOSFET (Q1) is on, current flows into inductor (L1) from the charge source. When N Channel MOSFET (Q1) is off the current flows through P Channel MOSFET (Q2) into “VCELL” and the input capacitors (C18, C34 and C35) hold the source end of the inductor at a constant voltage while it is discharging through P Channel MOSFET (Q2).

[0242] The circuit for the Output Current Sensor (1050) here is the same circuit as the Output Current Sensor (540) described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, which also appears in FIG. 4(a). Battery output and connection to the external battery charger (1010) is shown as P1 in FIG. 6. The signals “I EN”, LOAD1″ and VREF 2″ all connect to the microcontroller (U5) as shown in FIG. 4(i).

[0243] The current is measured by measuring the voltage drop across resistor (R1) using an operational amplifier (U3A) with the resulting voltage being provided to microcontroller U5 where programming determines the actual current value. The higher the current flow through R1, the higher the voltage difference across resistor (R1) (as per Ohm's Law Voltage (V)=Current (I)×Resistance (R)). In the circuit of FIG. 6, the operational amplifier (U3A) amplifies the voltage difference measured across resistor (R1) to provide greater measurement accuracy.

[0244] When the internal cell (1070) is fully charged the controller is able to sense the lower current being drawn by the internal cell (1070) via the resistor (R1) and operational amplifier (U3A) and at this point the microcontroller (U5) turns on P Channel MOSFET (Q2) (the P Channel MOSFET (Q2) acts as a shunt regulator) to bypass the charge source or to indicate to the charge source that the internal cell (1070) is fully charged.

[0245] The circuit of FIG. 4(g) is an example of the voltage sensor, i.e., an Internal Cell Voltage Sensor (1040). The signal “V-CELL” connects to the internal cell (1070) and the signal “VOUT ADC” connects to the programmable controller (1030), i.e. the microcontroller (U5).

[0246] The voltage level of the internal power source, i.e. the internal cell (1070) is sensed via resistors (R17 and R20) and that voltage is fed to the microcontroller (U5).

[0247] Although, this description of the preferred embodiment above refers to NiMH or Li-ion battery charger, a skilled person will appreciate that any type of battery charger could be used by modifying the Charge Sensor and Voltage Boost or pass through circuits. The external battery charger can also be detected using other type of comparators such as a flash convertor or multi comparators (see FIG. 11) or Dual Slope ADC (see FIG. 12).

[0248] The internal cell (1070) can also be charged from an external battery charger (such as a NiMH charger) using other circuit designs such as via a transformer based converter such as a fly-back transformer.

[0249] An example of a transformer based circuit is shown in FIG. 13.

[0250] The internal cell can also be charged from an external battery charger using other circuit designs such as Single-Ended Primary Inductor Convertor (SEPIC) or a 'CUK convertor. These convertors will boost the battery charger voltage to enable an internal cell with a higher or same voltage as the charger to be charged. An example of a SEPIC and/or 'CUK circuit is shown in FIG. 14.

Voltage Drop when the Power Source Approaches the End of Discharge

[0251] This is another feature provided by the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

[0252] With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and NiMH 1.2 V rechargeable), as they go flat (discharge) the voltage slowly drops. This can be seen in flashlights when they go dim with use or with motorized devices such as toys and electric toothbrushes when they slow down. Existing hybrid (power source and electronic) batteries have a fixed voltage output and when the internal power goes flat, the battery output simply turns off. This is not always desirable. For example, a user may find it undesirable if he/she is using a flashlight that is fully bright but then all of a sudden it turns off without warning.

[0253] The battery of this form of the present invention can monitor the internal power source and when it approaches the end of the discharge (i.e. it is almost flat), the battery voltage will be reduced to indicate to the user that it requires a recharge.

[0254] The battery of this form of the present invention can reduce the output voltage regardless of the output current. This means that if the output current is high and if the battery output is reduced, a further reduction is still applied. An example of a possible voltage drop for an AA battery according to the present invention is as per below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Power Output Voltage source % used drop (vDC) 85 0.05 86 0.06 87 0.07 88 0.08 89 0.09 90 0.1 91 0.15 92 0.2 93 0.25 94 0.3 95 0.35 96 0.4 97 0.45 98 0.5 99 Output reduced to zero

[0255] An example of a circuit that will do this will now be described.

[0256] Turning now to the block diagram of FIG. 15, the voltage of the internal cell (1510) (which is same as internal cell (114) of FIGS. 1 and 2) is sensed by the voltage sensor (1520) and this information (the internal cell voltage) is fed to the programmable controller (1530), which is same as the microcontroller (U5) of FIG. 4 (i). If the voltage of the internal cell (1510) has dropped to a pre-determined level that is pre-programmed into the microcontroller (U5), the microcontroller (U5) will lower the output of the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) which will provide a lower battery output voltage.

[0257] If used with an output current sense/output current sensor (1540) that lowers the Battery output (1550) voltage when under load, the voltage drop programmed for the low internal cell (1510) could be added to the voltage drop programmed as part of the “Intelligent Output”.

[0258] Although, FIG. 15 shows use of the output current sensor (1540), that is optional. The circuit of FIG. 4(g) is an example of the voltage sensor (an Internal Cell Voltage Sensor). The “VCELL” signal connects to the internal cell (1510) and the “V OUT ADC” signal connects to the microcontroller (U5).

[0259] The internal power source or the internal cell (1510) voltage level is sensed via resistors (R17 and R20) and this voltage is fed to the microcontroller (U5) in the same way as described above in the Intelligent Battery Output section.

[0260] The circuit for the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) here is the same circuit as the circuit of FIG. 8 that also appears in FIG. 4(a).

[0261] Turning hack to FIG. 8, the “V CELL” signal is connected to the internal cell. The “PWM HT”, SHNT REG EN″ and “PWM LOW” signals all connect to the microcontroller (U5). P1 is the Battery Output. The “V1V55” signal is connected to a fixed 1.55V DC reference. The “VOUT” signal is connected to the battery output terminals.

[0262] The circuit of FIG. 4(a) will more effectively reduce the output voltage while the battery is under load and the Synchronous Buck Regulator (1560) circuit is being used rather than the LDO regulator (U15). To enable a voltage drop with a low current drain, the LDO regulator (U15) can be replaced with a variable LDO regulator rather than a fixed output regulator that is shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 4(a).

[0263] The programming of the microcontroller (U5) would lower the output voltage as it regulates the output using a synchronous buck regulator (1560).

[0264] The voltage is dropped (regulated) by turning the operational amplifier (U3B) off and the microcontroller (U5) would control the voltage via operational amplifier (U1), N Channel MOSFET (Q1), P Channel MOSFET (Q2) and inductor (L1).

[0265] The output voltage is the input voltage times the duty cycle and hence lowering the duty cycle allows the reduction of the output voltage. Programming of the microcontroller controls the duty cycle.

V_Out=V_in*Duty

Duty=Q1(On Time)/Q1(Off Time)+Q1(On Time))

e.g. V_In=3.5V, On time=420 ns, Off time=580 ns

Duty=420e−9/420e−9+580e−9)=0.42

V_Out=3.5*0.42=1.47 V

[0266] The internal cell voltage can also be measured using other type of comparators such as a flash convertor or multi comparators (see FIG. 11) or Dual Slope ADC (see FIG. 12).

[0267] The above explained feature(s) of Voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge may equally be applied to the battery (100) that uses the voltage regulation circuit (110) as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

Battery Level Indication

[0268] This is another feature provided by the second embodiment of the voltage regulation circuit (110).

[0269] The battery (100) of the present invention can include on a battery surface any form of indicators that is adapted to indicate or show the charge or power level of the battery. A voltage level indicator such as a voltage level meter showing the user how much power is left in the battery may be used.

[0270] With regular batteries (Alkaline 1.5V disposable, Lithium 1.5V primary and NiMH 1.2 v rechargeable) as they go flat the voltage slowly drops. The battery user can measure the voltage with a multi-meter to see how much power if left in the battery. Some disposable batteries have voltage level indicator on the side of the battery. Existing rechargeable batteries however do not have any voltage level indicator.

[0271] Existing Hybrid (power source and electronic) batteries do not have any voltage indicators and the output is always 1.5 V regardless of the power left in the power source, i.e. internal cell (114).

[0272] If this internal cell (114) is Li-ion, an example if the battery voltage to measure is as follows:

Fully charged=over 4V
25% discharged=3.9V
50% discharged=3.8V
75% discharged=3.7V
Flat=3V or lower

[0273] The internal cell (114) voltage can be measured by various methods. One way through the circuit of FIG. 4(g). The voltage of the internal cell (114) such as a Li-ion cell is directly measured via resistors (R17 and R20) and fed to microcontroller (U5) where the level of power left can be calculated by the programming of the microcontroller (U5). In order to indicate the internal cell (114) voltage, a thermochromic ink covered conductive strip can be installed on the surface if the battery (100) under a clear film or clear section of the label and when one or both ends are pressed, a circuit is completed and the voltage applied to each end of the conductive film. The thermochromic ink would change colour as it indicates the temperature of the conductive film that would be proportional to the current flowing through the film. A single thermochromic ink or multiple inks could be used.

[0274] By using a current limit circuit that is programmed based on the voltage measured of the internal cell (114), a significant current range would be achieved thereby making the indication more accurate.

[0275] For example,

Fully charged=over 4V=50 mA
25% discharged=3.9V=40 mA
50% discharged=3.8V=30 mA
75% discharged=3.7V=20 mA
Flat=3V or lower=0 mA

[0276] An example of a current limit circuit is shown in FIG. 16.

[0277] Constant current circuit-current=50 mA. The load is driven with a constant current. Other ways of measuring include using comparators such as a single or multi slope comparators or a flash convertor.

[0278] The level of power left in the internal cell (114) can be shown using various methods. Another way is to use small LED's built in to the battery case that are programmed by the microcontroller (U5) to show the voltage level. The LED's could be ultra-low current and remain on at all times or they could be activated on a section of the battery to complete a circuit. This could be done using a conductive film under the battery label. An example of a circuit to show voltage level is shown in FIG. 17.

[0279] The above explained feature(s) of Battery level indication may equally be applied to the battery (100) that uses the voltage regulation circuit (110) as described in the first embodiment of the invention.

[0280] Although the embodiments for the intelligent battery output and the voltage drop when the power source approaches the end of discharge are described in relation to a rechargeable battery, it would be clear to a person skilled in the art that these voltage regulation circuits may equally be used to control the voltage output in a non-rechargeable battery. Similarly, the battery level indication may also be used for a non-rechargeable battery.

Comparison with Other Batteries

[0281] Table 3 below shows how the battery of the present invention compares with previously known batteries when applied in different products:

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Present Product Alkaline Lithium NiMH invention Bluetooth Satisfactory Excellent Satisfactory Excellent speaker Torch Poor Excellent Satisfactory Excellent (incandescent) Torch (LED) Poor Excellent Satisfactory Excellent Remote Poor Excellent Satisfactory Excellent control car Walkie talkie Poor Excellent Satisfactory Excellent Wii game Satisfactory Excellent Satisfactory Excellent controller TV remote Excellent Excellent Satisfactory Satisfactory control Wall clock Excellent Excellent Satisfactory Satisfactory Wireless Satisfactory Good Satisfactory Excellent mouse/keyboard Camera Poor Poor to Satisfactory Excellent flash unit Good Stored Excellent Excellent Good Excellent 3 months Stored Excellent Excellent Good Good 6 months Stored Excellent Excellent Good/ Satisfactory 12 months Satisfactory

[0282] FIG. 18 is a graph showing actual data for several types of AA batteries when tested in a digital compact camera. The results in the graph are from tests carried out with 2×AA batteries in a digital compact camera until the camera would no longer take photos with the flash turned on.

[0283] The dark section of the bar graph shows the number of photos with the flash that were taken prior to the low battery being displayed. When the low battery level was reached, the camera went into a power saving mode and the display turned off between photos when the flash was recharging. The recharge time was also longer. The lighter section of the bar graph shows the number of photos taken when the low battery level was on.

[0284] The battery of the present invention (referred to as ‘BOOST FP’) was ready to take photos quickly for all photos. BOOST FP tested to be long lasting, fast flash recharge time and capable of taking more photos between recharges than any other rechargeable battery.

[0285] FIG. 19 is the graph showing data for several types of AAA batteries when tested in a CREE LED flashlight. Specifically, the results in the graph are from tests carried out with 3×AAA batteries in a CREE LED flashlight.

[0286] The brightness was measured by a Lux meter and the battery of the present invention (referred to as ‘BOOST FP’) brightness was taken as the 100% baseline. Subsequent readings were taken as a percentage of this baseline.

[0287] The left side of the graph shows the brightness when first turned on. As time progressed, the brightness of the flashlight reduced while the batteries slowly started discharging (or ‘got flatter’).

[0288] The other batteries dropped their output very quickly resulting in a much dimmer flashlight output after a very short time (e.g. within a few minutes, such as 1-15, or 2-10 minutes). The graph of FIG. 19 shows the relative brightness overtime for a CREE LED flashlight with AAA batteries, clearly showing that no other battery tested provided full brightness as long as the BOOST FP.

[0289] FIG. 20 is a graph showing expected results for several types of batteries when used over time to recharge external camera flash with continuous use. The lower the line in the graph, the faster the camera charges the flash. The battery of the present invention is referred to a ‘Revolt Pro’ in that graph. As it can be seen from FIG. 20, with use of the battery of the present invention, it is no longer necessary for the user to wait longer and longer for their camera flash to recharge and the user's camera flash will recharge at the same fast rate until the battery is flat.

Advantages of the Invention

[0290] Some of the advantages or benefits of the inventions are as follows: [0291] The battery may be rechargeable which means it can be used again and again so is cost effective after multiple uses. [0292] Environmentally friendly as compared to all previously known non rechargeable/single use batteries as the battery according to some embodiments of the present invention is rechargeable and re-useable. [0293] Excellent performance in high current devices [0294] Suitable for all types of devices [0295] Intelligent regulated output resulting in the best possible performance [0296] Intelligent electronics to sense the type of battery charger or voltage supplied by a battery charger (such as from existing battery chargers, for example: NiMH/NiCD/Li-ion chargers) and to adjust the voltage to charge the internal cell or rechargeable power source such as a Li-ion cell [0297] The battery provides continuous high power until it is flat [0298] In one option, no special battery charger is required and the battery may be charged with all commercially available NiMH/NiCD/Li-ion battery chargers. For example, the advanced electronics inside the battery of the present invention boost the voltage supplied by a NiMH battery charger to provide a regulated safe charge for a Li-ion cell.

[0299] Other advantages include: [0300] The power source such as a Li-ion cell inside the battery of the present invention can be recharged up to 1000 times without a significant loss of capacity. This means that if you recharge the battery every week, it will still have 80% of the original capacity after about 20 years. It will then last many more years, just with a lower power capacity. [0301] A 2100 mAh AA NiMH battery is rated at 2520 mWh (1.2 v×2100 mAh) whereas the AA version of the battery of the present invention is rated at 2900 mWh. Therefore, the present battery of the present invention contains more power than a 2100 mAh NiMH battery. The useable capacity will depend on minimum voltage required by the user's electronic device. It will also vary slightly depending on the discharge rate. If the user's electronic device/product requires at least 1.1V to operate, the battery of the present invention is equivalent to around a 2400 mAh NiMH battery. If the user's electronics require at least 1.15V to operate, the battery of the present invention is equivalent to around a 2600 mAH to 2700 mAH NiMH battery. [0302] The electronics inside the battery of the present invention are intended to be always turned on. The quiescent current drain of the electronics is a relatively tiny 30 μA which drains less power than the self-discharge rate.

30 μA=0.03 mA

12 months=365 days×24 hrs/day=8760 hours

mAh drain over one year=8760×0.03=262.8 mAh [0303] The self-discharge for power source such as a Li-ion cell over one year is about 20%. So the total power left after 12 months will still be over 1000 mAh for the AA battery of the present invention. [0304] The power source in the battery of the present invention does not run fully flat. When it gets to a safe low voltage the electronics in the battery turns off the output, thereby protecting the power source such as the Li-ion cell.

Variations

[0305] It will of course be realized that while the foregoing has been given by way of illustrative example of this invention, all such and other modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.

[0306] Even though the invention has been described with reference to AA/AAA batteries the battery of the present invention can be of any type or size such as but not limited to AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, lantern batteries etc.

[0307] The voltage regulation circuits as described hereinbefore with reference to the drawings are only examples of several possible voltage regulation circuits that a person skilled in the art would consider to be used for the same or substantially similar purpose.

[0308] Similarly, several components of the voltage regulation circuits as described hereinbefore with reference to the drawings need not necessarily resemble the arrangement as depicted in the drawings and each of these components may be replaced with any suitable equivalent component(s) that a person skilled would envisage as being suitable for providing the same or substantially similar purpose.

[0309] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that several other alternative form of electronic controller(s) such as programmed microprocessor; Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC); Programmable Logic Array (PLA); Field Programming Gate Array (FPGA); or any other form of electronic or a logic circuit or a programmable logic device suitable for the purpose may be implemented in the voltage regulation circuit. Such electronic controller(s) may be operatively connected to one or more of the other electronic components of the voltage regulation device to send and receive input and output signals and thereby to sense and regulate the output voltage in the programmed variable level.

[0310] The internal power source need not be limited to Li-ion cell and may be a power source that is suitable for the purpose. The basic electronic design would remain the same with different power source and changes can be made to suit the particular power source output voltage and charging requirements. Although Li-ion is preferable as a power source, other possible power sources that can be used are NiMH or NiCD. Emerging high technology rechargeable cells can also be used such as thin film lithium.

[0311] It is to be understood that the batteries of the present invention can be charged using existing chargers and do not require special chargers. However, special chargers can be developed for the batteries of the present invention.

[0312] It will also be understood that where a product, method or process as herein described or claimed and that is sold incomplete, as individual components, or as “kit of parts”, that such exploitation will fall within the ambit of the invention.

[0313] For the purposes of the description above, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, left“, vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, “side”, “front”, “rear” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawings/figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.