Indicating charge status

A recharging device comprising:

• a charging cradle configured to support a handheld electronic device during a charging stage, the charging cradle being configured to supply electric power to the handheld electronic device during the charging stage to recharge a supercapacitor of the handheld electronic device;
• a charge status indicator comprises first and second light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a control circuit;
• and
• a sensor configured to continuously sense a charge of the supercapacitor to determine one of a plurality of capacity ranges of the supercapacitor;
• wherein the control circuit of the charge status indicator is configured to switch the first and second LEDs on and off using a plurality of predefined illumination patterns to indicate a capacity range of the supercapacitor determined by the sensor, and wherein at least one of the predefined illumination patterns indicate a ready to use status corresponding to a capacity range that indicates availability of charge for performing a function by the handheld electronic device before the supercapacitor needs to be recharged further.

A charge status indicator comprising:

• a charge sensing device configured to sense a charge of a rechargeable power supply;
• a detection device configured to compare the sensed charge with a plurality of predetermined levels in order to determine one of a plurality of capacity ranges of the rechargeable power supply;
• a first light emitting diode (LED);
• a second LED;
• and
• a switching circuit configured to switch the first and second LEDs on and off using a plurality of predefined illumination patterns to indicate a capacity range of the rechargeable power supply, wherein at least one of the predefined illumination patterns indicate a ready to use status corresponding to a capacity range that indicates availability of charge for performing a function by a handheld electronic device before the rechargeable power supply needs to be recharged further.