Systems and methods for use in pulse generation
First Claim
1. A method of recharging an implantable medical device after implantation within a patient, comprising:
- (a) transmitting a RF power signal;
(b) receiving the RF power signal in an antenna in the implantable medical device;
(c) rectifying a signal from the antenna;
(d) recharging a rechargeable battery of the implantable medical device using the rectified signal, wherein the recharging applies multiple current levels to the rechargeable battery in succession, and wherein the recharging switches from at least one of the current levels to another current level when a charging voltage of the rechargeable battery reaches a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is a programmable value;
(e) monitoring a voltage drop of the rechargeable battery when switching between a first current level and a second current level of the multiple current levels;
(f) modifying the threshold value, for use in a subsequent charging cycle, in response to the monitoring; and
(g) repeating (a)-(e) in the subsequent charging cycle including using the modified threshold value during repetition of (d).
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Accused Products
Abstract
In one embodiment, an implantable medical device comprises: a rechargeable battery for powering the implantable medical device; an antenna for receiving RF power; and circuitry for charging the rechargeable battery using power received via the antenna, wherein the circuitry for charging comprises control circuitry that causes the circuitry for charging to recharge the rechargeable battery using multiple current levels applied in succession, and wherein the circuitry for charging switches from at least one of the current levels to another current level when a charging voltage of the rechargeable battery reaches a threshold value that is varied by the control circuitry over a lifespan of the rechargeable battery.
166 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of recharging an implantable medical device after implantation within a patient, comprising:
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(a) transmitting a RF power signal; (b) receiving the RF power signal in an antenna in the implantable medical device; (c) rectifying a signal from the antenna; (d) recharging a rechargeable battery of the implantable medical device using the rectified signal, wherein the recharging applies multiple current levels to the rechargeable battery in succession, and wherein the recharging switches from at least one of the current levels to another current level when a charging voltage of the rechargeable battery reaches a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is a programmable value; (e) monitoring a voltage drop of the rechargeable battery when switching between a first current level and a second current level of the multiple current levels; (f) modifying the threshold value, for use in a subsequent charging cycle, in response to the monitoring; and (g) repeating (a)-(e) in the subsequent charging cycle including using the modified threshold value during repetition of (d). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A method of recharging an implantable medical device after implantation within a patient, comprising:
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(a) transmitting a RF power signal from a charging device external to the patient; (b) receiving the RF power signal in an antenna of the implantable medical device; (c) rectifying a signal from the antenna; (d) recharging a rechargeable battery of the implantable medical device using the rectified signal, wherein the recharging occurs in respective stages with a lower charging current applied in each successive charging stage, wherein the recharging switches between stages by measuring a charging voltage across the rechargeable battery and comparing the measured voltage against one or more voltage thresholds; (e) measuring a voltage drop of the rechargeable battery when switching between a first charging voltage during a first stage of the respective stages and a second charging voltage during a second stage of the respective stages; and (f) calculating a new threshold value for transitioning between the first stage and the second stage in response to the measuring and storing the calculated threshold value; and (g) repeating (a)-(e) in a subsequent charging cycle including using the stored calculated threshold value during repetition of (d). - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification