Microprocessor controlled electronic stimulating device having a battery management system and method therefor
First Claim
1. A method for battery management in a battery powered unit, said method comprising:
- monitoring the voltage level of a battery used to power an electrical unit the power output of which is battery voltage dependent; and
repeatedly detecting a predetermined first low voltage level of said battery and, responsive to each detection of said predetermined first low voltage level, decrementing the power output of said electrical unit by a small amount relative to the power output then being provided to cause, so long as within the capability of said battery, aid battery voltage to be maintained substantially at said predetermined first low voltage level.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device and method are disclosed for effecting battery management in a battery powered electronic stimulating device, with the stimulating device particularly illustrated being a transcutaneous nerve stimulating (TENS) device for effecting suppression of pain by nerve fiber stimulation. The output power is in the form of biphasic constant current output pulses generated at one or more biphasic output stages. Each output stage receives high voltage, derived from the battery, along with microprocessor generated control pulses. Battery management is effected by detecting predetermined voltage levels and responsive thereto decrementing the output power to maintain the battery voltage at a selected lower level with termination of operation occurring when such decrementing can no longer maintain the lower battery voltage. A battery warning indicator is also provided for advising of battery condition.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method for battery management in a battery powered unit, said method comprising:
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monitoring the voltage level of a battery used to power an electrical unit the power output of which is battery voltage dependent; and repeatedly detecting a predetermined first low voltage level of said battery and, responsive to each detection of said predetermined first low voltage level, decrementing the power output of said electrical unit by a small amount relative to the power output then being provided to cause, so long as within the capability of said battery, aid battery voltage to be maintained substantially at said predetermined first low voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for battery management in a battery powered unit, said method comprising:
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monitoring the voltage level of a battery used to power an electrical unit the power output of which is battery voltage dependent; detecting a predetermined first low battery voltage and, responsive thereto, causing a warning indication to be made thereof; and repeatedly detecting a voltage lower than a predetermined second low battery voltage level and, responsive to each detection of said voltage lower than said predetermined second low battery voltage level, decrementing the power output of said electrical unit by a small amount relative to the power output then being provided to cause, so long as within the capability of the battery, said battery voltage to be maintained substantially at said second low voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A battery powered electronic stimulating device, comprising:
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a battery supplying an output voltage; generating means for receiving said output voltage and generation a power output for stimulation purposes that is at least partially dependent upon said output voltage received from the battery; and control means connected with said battery for monitoring the voltage level of said battery and connected with said greeting means for controlling the power output thereof, said control means repeatedly detecting a first predetermined voltage level of said battery and, upon each detection of said first low voltage level of said battery, decrementing the power output of said electrical unit to cause said battery voltage to be maintained substantially at, so long as within the capability of said battery, said first low voltage level. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification